1 Chronicles 1
-Introduction: This book was written Jewish tradition tells
us by Ezra to unify God’s people in the post exile period of the Southern
Kingdom of Israel in approximately 430 BC. Therefore, it is a general summary
of the history of Israel primarily concerned with tracing the Davidic line of
authority in an attempt to unify the people of God by emphasizing true and
genuine worship of the LORD for individual and national life. 1 Chronicles
parallels 2 Samuel in many respects, but it serves as more of a commentary from
a priestly point of view emphasizing the religious history of Judah with some
involvement with the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It is general in terms and
gives an overarching picture of the LORD’s work in the nation of Israel for our
knowledge and understanding. It, along with 2 Chronicles, could possibly be the
last work chronologically in the Old Testament, which increases its value and
importance. Themes include, but are not limited to: Israel’s history as God’s
people, David as the appointed leader of God in the Messianic line, True
worship of the LORD through the work of His priests.
-Chapter 1: The book begins with a detailed genealogy of
mankind and eventually traces through to the Davidic line. Adam is recorded and
the line of Seth is followed up through Noah and his sons Shem, Ham, and
Japheth. From here we note that Canaan comes from the cursed line of Ham
(Genesis 9:20-27). We also can note from where the Philistines came out of this
line, along with the Jebusites, Amorities, and others of biblical significance.
Next, the line of Shem are delineated, from which Abraham came with his sons
being Isaac and Ishmael. From here we get a recounting of Isaac’s sons Esau and
Israel with the focus at the end of chapter one being on Esau’s side of the
lineage, and some history of Edom.
-*Application* It is important to get a sense from where we
came from. This helps define who we are, but it is not the determining factor
in our destiny. God can turn any lineage into a positive one by the act of our
faith and obedience to His commands. If we may have had a checkered past, break
any generational strongholds and conform to the image of Christ. His desire it
to bless us and our future generations (Exodus 20:3-6).
Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 1:28
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