Friday, July 5 – 1 Chronicles 7, 8
1. What is the book of 1 Chronicles about?
2. What is the purpose of the genealogies?
3. Why was Jonathan’s son given a name related to Baal?
Commentary and Reflection:
Do you enjoy reading the genealogies in the Bible? These sections present the family trees of multiple generations, recording who married whom and who bore children, continuing for several generations. Bible readers enjoy the sacred text, but many struggle to find meaning in the genealogies.
Genealogies have profound significance when we analyze their beginning and end. In 1 Chronicles 1:1, the first name mentioned is Adam, and in Matthew 1:16, the last name mentioned is Jesus. Do we understand now? The purpose of genealogies is to lead us to Jesus. Believers need to know that Jesus (who is 100% God) had 100% human genetics flowing through His veins. With this in mind, genealogies take on enormous meaning.
The book of 1 Chronicles narrates part of Israel’s family lineage from Adam to David. Chapters 7 and 8 specifically show the lineage of seven of the ten northern tribes of Israel, but it does so within a framework that looks more like a list of an army than a family (see 7:4, 11, 40, 8:40).
Among the extensive family list, it is notable that the names given to a son and grandson of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin were associated with the pagan god Baal. These were Es-baal and Merib-baal. However, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states that “The employment of the name “Baal” in Esh-baal and in Merib-baal, the son of Jonathan (v. 34), does not necessarily indicate that Saul was devoted to the worship of the god Baal. The Heb. ba‘al simply means “owner,” “husband,” “lord.” However, after the word came to be definitely connected with the god Baal it appears no longer to have been used by Hebrews who were faithful to Jehovah in the naming of their children.” (SDA Bible Commentary, 1 Chronicles 8:33)
1 Chronicles 7 and 8, along with their context, give the impression that every child born in Israel was a future combatant, a member of God’s army.
Of the descendants of Benjamin, it is said that they were “mighty men of valor, archers. They had many sons and grandsons, one hundred and fifty in all.” (1 Chr. 8:40). This passage and the entire text of the chapters above show us a strong and determined people, formed and ready for battle. Israel could have done much good for God if they had remained obedient. Such human strength can become nothing if not placed in God’s hands. Unfortunately, the Assyrian Empire absorbed that vast army in 722 BC.
Human strength comes only from God. Our downfall is swift when we trust in ourselves.
May God help us to continue being part of God’s family and to remain obedient to His Word. May God help all our generations, including faithful children, grandchildren, etc., to persevere in His ways.
May God grant us a blessed day today.