Tuesday, June 25 – 1 Chronicles 1, 2

1. What genealogical line does 1 Chronicles 1:1 establish?

2. Which of Judah’s sons was evil in the sight of Jehovah? (See 1 Chronicles 2:3)

3. In what way does one person’s sin affect everyone? (See 1 Chronicles 2:7)

Commentary and Reflection

Originally one book, 1st and 2nd Chronicles were later divided by Greek Bible translators. “The books of Chronicles open with a genealogical outline of ancient history from Adam to the time of David.”  SDABC, 1 Chronicles’ theme. These two books are closely linked with Ezra and Nehemiah, all authored by Ezra.

“The book of Chronicles begins abruptly with a list of names, starting with the first man, Adam. No purpose for the giving of this list is stated, but the object was evidently to trace the history of the people of God from the beginning to the downfall of Israel and Judah and the restoration after the Babylonian exile.” SDABC, 1 Chronicles 1:1.

Today’s reading, often perceived as dry due to its focus on genealogies, provides historians and scholars with a valuable historical record to outline and identify connections in the history of God’s people. Genealogy also serves to demonstrate direct lines from Adam to Abraham, to David, to Jesus. After the captivity, this record enabled Israelites to connect their families to Israel and identify their tribes.

Biblical genealogies allow us to trace the origins of humanity back to the Creator. They highlight that while human life is transient, the Lord remains the God of generations and families. His faithfulness to His Covenant is eternal; He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, yours, your children’s, and your grandchildren’s, “For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Exodus 20:5, 6.

In summary, the Adventist Bible Commentary says about the theme of the book, ”Israel is treated in Chronicles as an apostate nation, walking in the ways of wickedness and death. Judah is treated as a nation that prospers under reigns of righteousness and suffers the penalties of transgression under kings who forsake the Lord.” SDABC, 1 Chronicles’ theme.

May the God of Abraham bless you abundantly today.