The Family Tree

by Ben

I read 1 Chronicles 1-4.

Oh my...the long lists of genealogy have returned! But this time, they have a purpose beyond just recording who begot whom. According to the introduction in the Student Life Application Bible, "1 Chronicles is more than a history lesson. It is a recounting of the spiritual strength of the nation." "First Chronicles can be considered a written pep rally. Writing for the Jews who had returned to their homeland, the author attempts to form a sense of national conscience and awaken a sense of national pride and unity."

By recording the Davidic line, 1 Chronicles shows how God has focused on the individuals since Adam. It also shows that we, as part of our spiritual heritage, are obligated to pass on the religious tradition. That years from now, even if we are just a name on a page, we have helped to grow God's kingdom by adding generation upon generation.