return from exile – Be Still…

1 Chronicles 9:1-44 – Connecting the Dots

Read 1 Chronicles 9:1-44

This is the final chapter of the genealogies compiled by the Chronicler. While we see some repetition in the data, this chapter connects the dots between the families before and after the exile. We’re told what happened to these families in the first verse. “The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the Lord.”

The decline in faithfulness took years, but it was the descendants we’ve just read about in the first part of this book who ended up in exile. The rest of 1 Chronicles will tell the story of King David’s reign, and we’ll see how God was moving at that point in history.

1 Chronicles 3:1-24 – David’s Family

Read 1 Chronicles 3:1-24

Our last reading identified that King David descended from Judah, one of Jacob’s twelve sons. Today’s reading gives us a snapshot of David’s family. He was quite the fruitful one, bearing 19 children. But only seven of the moms are listed here, and this number doesn’t even account for sons born to concubines! And only one daughter, Tamar, is named. That was quite a household!

The Chronicler doesn’t follow every offshoot of David’s family line here. That would be exhausting. The names he did include were meaningful, displaying the Davidic line. The Chronicler spends more time on David’s family because this was the royal dynasty that will never end.

Nehemiah 12:27-43 – Joy of Jerusalem

Read Nehemiah 12:27-43

Who doesn’t like a good party? The opening scenes to this reading are filled with the anticipation of what is to come. The day has arrived when the completed wall will be recognized and celebrated. When parties have a purpose, they are even more enjoyable. When that purpose is to celebrate God’s faithfulness and love, imagine the great expectation!

The celebration appears to circle the city wall with songs of thanksgiving being sung and instruments being played. That sounds a lot like worship to me. How fitting the people would use the worship element to further honor God in this moment. What God had done among them already, and promised to do forever, was so generous. If only they could stay true to God alone. People continue to struggle with keeping God first in their lives today.

Ezra 7:1-10 – Meet Ezra

Read Ezra 7:1-10

We finally meet the reformer, Ezra, and we’re seven chapters into his book. Isn’t it something that Ezra can track his lineage all the way back to Aaron! This new section will take place roughly 60 years after what we’ve just read. Fun fact: the story from the Book of Esther would have taken place during the 60-year gap.

I’m going to insert a bit of caution here to not get caught up on the dates and timelines. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are more theologically focused and less intended as historical references.

Ezra 2 – Logistics and Details

Read Ezra 2:1-70

I’m marveling at the details we are given here. When you move thousands of people, animals, and treasures, the need for a good plan is crucial. I found myself skimming over the names, looking for someone I recognized. I’m glad I didn’t have to recite this passage out loud. Nobody likes it when their names are mispronounced!

Why do you think God included this exhaustive list as part of his holy word? Think of it as our way to stay connected with the community of God’s people. We have a better visual of who people were who were called to lead the charge of Israel’s restoration period. Each of these individuals are heroes in my opinion.