1 Chronicles 1 – The Patriarchs
1 Chronicles 2:1–2 – The 12 Sons Of Jacob/Israel
1 Chronicles 2:3–4:23 – The Family Of Judah
1 Chronicles 4:24–43 – The Sons Of Simeon
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
My prayer is for you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to this blog below to get an email when a new post is available.
Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
The books of 1 & 2 Chronicles were probably written by Ezra who drew upon a wide array of resources to present a selective narrative history of Israel from Adam to David to Solomon (2 Chronicles). The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are primarily concerned with genealogy with some events tossed in. Reading through these after jumping through Joshua and Judges is quite interesting. The character of the 12 tribes is fresh in my mind as I look at these events….interesting indeed. A word of advice: Make sure to have a grasp of the events of Exodus, especially the dividing of the promised land, its occupation in Joshua and the failures of Judges before reading 1 & 2 Chronicles. The bulk of these books parallels and supplements the narratives written in 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings, so reading all these together helps paint the history of our forefathers. The selective historical narrative seeks to honor David and Solomon, so we’ll notice the events chosen will cast them in a rather positive light.
The NIV Study Bible introduction provides some compelling insight into the purpose behind the Chronicles: “Is God still interested in us?” (p. 623). It’s significant to look at the past, to study history and know completely that the answer is a resounding YES! We see God’s providence throughout scripture, but only by studying his word can we see the story fully. Thank you Lord for these details and help us all to understand their relevance to our lives today.
In my revisionist approach, Adam to Abraham (Abram) includes: Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahallelel, Jared, Enoch (who was taken up by God), Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Arphaxad, Eber, Joktan, Abram (Abraham).
Two side notes in chapter 1: “Cush was the father of Nimrod, who became a mighty warrior on earth” (1 Chronicles 1:10) and “from whom the Philistines came” (1:12) in reference to one of the sons of Ham (a son of Noah not listed in the genealogy above).
Chapter 2 includes Israel’s (aka Jacob) sons, the twelve tribes: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. Recall it was this Joseph who was sold by his older brothers after being left for dead and through whom God prevailed to keep the inheritance alive in Egypt.
The lineage of David is traced through Judah and another interesting side note is included here: “The sons of Judah…born to him by a Canaanite woman. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death. Judah’s daughter-in-law Tamar bore Perez” (2:3-4) and through Perez we find Boaz (see Ruth), Obed, Jesse and ultimately David.
Chapter 3 provides the sons of David, The Kings of Judah and the Royal line after the exile. A reminder: Solomon was David’s son with Bathsheba (3:5). Solomon’s sons are listed as the kings of Judah in 3:10-16) then further in 3:17-24.
Chapter 4 provides other descendants of Judah including the infamous Jabez:
There, in the middle of genealogies is the prayer of Jabez…interesting and a bit confusing since Jabez is not specifically tied to Judah. It is apparent that he is from Judah’s tribe by being listed here. Perhaps the town of Jabez (1 Chronicles 2:55) is from this Jabez and his widening territory.
Such rich history filled with names that are difficult to appreciate because they simply fly by as we read through them. Each has a place in history and each would be interesting to know more about, but alas, this is what we have.
Lord help us to have the faith of Jabez, to honor you by relying on you and walking with the confidence you will do your good work through those who choose to honor Jesus Christ!