Read 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The first section in 1st Chronicles will deal with many genealogies. How fascinating that we have such detail about people who lived so long ago. We often rush past such lists, but this time take time to cherish the information that has forever been recorded. How far back can you trace your own family?
As we get deeper into 1st Chronicles, we’ll begin to see a parallel history to what we see in other books of the bible (1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2nd Kings). Because the author of Chronicles did not write those other books, we can’t expect the two histories to be the same. Look instead for the meaning of each passage letting the Holy Spirit guide you.
The author or “Chronicler” is thought to be Ezra, so it is written from a “priestly” perspective. He’s also a fan of King David! While not the most popular books, they have a place in Holy Scriptures, and we are going to walk through them together. We’ll discover the “Chronicler’s” slant or favoritism in Israel’s story which takes us from creation to post-exile.
I am amazed at how the verbal tradition of family relations kept these records available. There were no spreadsheets or computer files to store such particulars. Just think, we all share the same familial line through at least Noah. Isn’t that something? All other branches of the family tree would have perished in the flood. Have you ever wondered which of Noah’s sons you descended from, Shem, Ham, and Japheth?
What did you notice in this first genealogy? Did it surprise you that we went all the way back to Adam? Because I’m a huge genealogy nerd, having traced my own ancestors back to the 1500’s on one side, imagining these family trees is very meaningful.
You may have noticed that Edom is brought into this genealogy without explanation. The nation of Edom began because of Esau’s pagan marriages. Being one of Isaac’s sons, it is only fitting that Abraham’s grandson would be included. Yet the Edomites, though family, became an enemy nation to Israel.
Other Arab nations were also born out of Israel’s family tree. It seems like it would be helpful if people today understood more of the history of Israel as a chosen people and that present day rivals are merely descendants of the people we read about in this genealogy. They used to be “one big happy family.”
Even though we may not see God in this reading, he is there. Afterall, Chronicles begins with a proclamation of the ancestral timeline of God’s people. God was most certainly present in every generation, watching over his people, hoping for their devotion.
You’ll note we stop here before we get to Isaac’s other son, Jacob, also known as Israel. These genealogies will span the next several chapters. Join with me in being amazed that such information is available to us. We can cherish this history and the sources the Chronicler must have referenced.
Focus today on your place in God’s story. Your name may not appear in any of these genealogies, but that doesn’t make you any less important in the history God is writing among his people. What would you want the “Chronicler” to write about your life?
Let’s pray. Father, it is humbling to see all these names and know this is just the beginning of time. Thank you for the life you have given me to explore your world. Help me to shine for you so that people will see your love shining through. Use me to draw others to yourself. Empower me with the right words and opportunities. It is such an honor to be part of your unfolding story. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
