I. THE GENEALOGIES (Chaps. 19) The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles contain genealogical tables, or "family trees," as we like to call them. Genealogies were very important to the Jews in seeking to maintain their tribal distinctions. After the confusion of the captivity, it was also important to establish the kingly and priestly lines once more. There are several instances in these chapters where names differ from the names given in other parts of the Bible. There are different reasons for these apparent inconsistencies. Sometimes a man had more than one name. It should not surprise us that some names changed in spelling over the centuries. After all, there is a whole millennium between some of the genealogies in Genesis and their counterparts here in Chronicles (1400400 B.C.). Many cases are copyists' errors. A look at the Hebrew language will show just how easily this could have happened. These "discrepancies" do not stumble the serious student, since most did not exist in the original documents and in no way affect any major doctrine of the faith. A. From Adam to Abraham (1:1-27)The Book of Genesis appears to have been the source of these genealogies. Verses 1-4 go back to Genesis 5 (Adam to Noah). Verses 5-23 give the descendants of Noah, as recorded in Genesis 10. From Genesis 11 comes the genealogy of Abraham (vv. 24-27). B. From Abraham to Israel (1:28-54)Abraham's natural descendants, listed in Genesis 25, are given in verses 28-33. The descendants of Isaac, the son of promise, are dealt with next. Esau, from Genesis 36, is mentioned in verses 35-54, thus clearing the way for the descendants of Jacob (Israel). Chapters 2 through 9 trace the posterity of Israel. Here in the first chapter the chronicler is narrowing the focus from Adam, the father of the human race, to Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. He quickly clears the stage of all but the chosen nation. Here we also have the beginning of the messianic line (cf. Luk_3:34-38). ADAM |NOAH |JAPHETHSHEM |HAMABRAHAM |ISHMAELISAAC |ESAUJACOB 1. Judah (2:14:23)Judah was the head of the largest tribe and the foremost in blessing and promise, and thus his genealogy is the first and the longest to be taken up (2:34:23). The genealogies of two descendants of Judah are developed more fullyCaleb: 2:18-20, 42-55 (this is not the Caleb of Num. 13; see 1Ch_4:15), and David: 1Ch_3:1-24. Several historical notes are sprinkled throughout the genealogies. These are things to which the Holy Spirit would draw our attention, points of interest in this panoramic sweep of the history of Israel. In the genealogies of Judah, God's dealings with two wicked men and His blessing of one righteous man are brought to our attention. "Er, the firstborn of Judah, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He killed him" (2:3). He was the offspring of Judah's marriage to Shua, a Canaanite woman (Gen_38:1-10). We are not told what he did, but only that he was evil in the sight of the LORD. His wickedness cost him his privileges as the firstborn, his place in the messianic line, and his life. His name became a blot on the family record for all generations to view. Men would do well to ponder the consequences of evil before it is too late. "For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth" (Psa_37:9). The story of Achar (Achan) (2:7) is found in Joshua 7. He "saw," "cov-eted," and "took" (Jos_7:21) the things under the ban in Jericho. He troubled Israel in that, because of his sin, thirty-six men died in the unsuccessful attack on Ai. He was singled out by the Lord, and he and his family were executed. "Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers" (4:9). Here was a man who had a large concept of God and honored Him by seeking His blessing. Jabez was a man of faith, and the Lord took note of it. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb_11:6). Ironside comments: His prayer is fourfold. "Bless me indeed." That is, "Give me true happiness." This is only found as one prevails and walks with God. "Enlarge my coast." He was not content to go on only with what he had. He would enter into and enjoy more of the inheritance of the Lord. "That Thine hand may be with me!" He counted on God's protecting care. And lastly, he prayed, "Keep me from evil that it may not make me sorrowful." Sin is the only thing that can rob a child of God of his joy in the Lord. Jabez sought and was rewarded. May God strengthen us to follow his example! Bithia (4:18) is one of the few women mentioned in these genealogies. She was a daughter of Pharaoh but was now living with the chosen people. Her name means daughter of Jehovah. One apparent discrepancy should be mentioned before we move on. In 2:15 David is called the seventh son of Jesse while in 1Sa_16:10-11 and 1Sa_17:12 he is the eighth son. One of Jesse's sons probably died childless or before he married and so is not included by the chronicler. 1. Judah (2:14:23)Judah was the head of the largest tribe and the foremost in blessing and promise, and thus his genealogy is the first and the longest to be taken up (2:34:23). The genealogies of two descendants of Judah are developed more fullyCaleb: 1Ch_2:18-20, 1Ch_2:42-55 (this is not the Caleb of Num. 13; see 1Ch_4:15), and David: 3:1-24. Several historical notes are sprinkled throughout the genealogies. These are things to which the Holy Spirit would draw our attention, points of interest in this panoramic sweep of the history of Israel. In the genealogies of Judah, God's dealings with two wicked men and His blessing of one righteous man are brought to our attention. "Er, the firstborn of Judah, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He killed him" (1Ch_2:3). He was the offspring of Judah's marriage to Shua, a Canaanite woman (Gen_38:1-10). We are not told what he did, but only that he was evil in the sight of the LORD. His wickedness cost him his privileges as the firstborn, his place in the messianic line, and his life. His name became a blot on the family record for all generations to view. Men would do well to ponder the consequences of evil before it is too late. "For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth" (Psa_37:9). The story of Achar (Achan) (1Ch_2:7) is found in Joshua 7. He "saw," "cov-eted," and "took" (Jos_7:21) the things under the ban in Jericho. He troubled Israel in that, because of his sin, thirty-six men died in the unsuccessful attack on Ai. He was singled out by the Lord, and he and his family were executed. "Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers" (4:9). Here was a man who had a large concept of God and honored Him by seeking His blessing. Jabez was a man of faith, and the Lord took note of it. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb_11:6). Ironside comments: His prayer is fourfold. "Bless me indeed." That is, "Give me true happiness." This is only found as one prevails and walks with God. "Enlarge my coast." He was not content to go on only with what he had. He would enter into and enjoy more of the inheritance of the Lord. "That Thine hand may be with me!" He counted on God's protecting care. And lastly, he prayed, "Keep me from evil that it may not make me sorrowful." Sin is the only thing that can rob a child of God of his joy in the Lord. Jabez sought and was rewarded. May God strengthen us to follow his example! Bithia (1Ch_4:18) is one of the few women mentioned in these genealogies. She was a daughter of Pharaoh but was now living with the chosen people. Her name means daughter of Jehovah. One apparent discrepancy should be mentioned before we move on. In 1Ch_2:15 David is called the seventh son of Jesse while in 1Sa_16:10-11 and 1Sa_17:12 he is the eighth son. One of Jesse's sons probably died childless or before he married and so is not included by the chronicler. 1. Judah (2:14:23)Judah was the head of the largest tribe and the foremost in blessing and promise, and thus his genealogy is the first and the longest to be taken up (2:34:23). The genealogies of two descendants of Judah are developed more fullyCaleb: 1Ch_2:18-20, 1Ch_2:42-55 (this is not the Caleb of Num. 13; see 4:15), and David: 1Ch_3:1-24. Several historical notes are sprinkled throughout the genealogies. These are things to which the Holy Spirit would draw our attention, points of interest in this panoramic sweep of the history of Israel. In the genealogies of Judah, God's dealings with two wicked men and His blessing of one righteous man are brought to our attention. "Er, the firstborn of Judah, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He killed him" (1Ch_2:3). He was the offspring of Judah's marriage to Shua, a Canaanite woman (Gen_38:1-10). We are not told what he did, but only that he was evil in the sight of the LORD. His wickedness cost him his privileges as the firstborn, his place in the messianic line, and his life. His name became a blot on the family record for all generations to view. Men would do well to ponder the consequences of evil before it is too late. "For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth" (Psa_37:9). The story of Achar (Achan) (1Ch_2:7) is found in Joshua 7. He "saw," "cov-eted," and "took" (Jos_7:21) the things under the ban in Jericho. He troubled Israel in that, because of his sin, thirty-six men died in the unsuccessful attack on Ai. He was singled out by the Lord, and he and his family were executed. "Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers" (4:9). Here was a man who had a large concept of God and honored Him by seeking His blessing. Jabez was a man of faith, and the Lord took note of it. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb_11:6). Ironside comments: His prayer is fourfold. "Bless me indeed." That is, "Give me true happiness." This is only found as one prevails and walks with God. "Enlarge my coast." He was not content to go on only with what he had. He would enter into and enjoy more of the inheritance of the Lord. "That Thine hand may be with me!" He counted on God's protecting care. And lastly, he prayed, "Keep me from evil that it may not make me sorrowful." Sin is the only thing that can rob a child of God of his joy in the Lord. Jabez sought and was rewarded. May God strengthen us to follow his example! Bithia (4:18) is one of the few women mentioned in these genealogies. She was a daughter of Pharaoh but was now living with the chosen people. Her name means daughter of Jehovah. One apparent discrepancy should be mentioned before we move on. In 1Ch_2:15 David is called the seventh son of Jesse while in 1Sa_16:10-11 and 1Sa_17:12 he is the eighth son. One of Jesse's sons probably died childless or before he married and so is not included by the chronicler. 2. Simeon (4:24-43)4:24-43 Simeon, Jacob's second born, is taken up next, probably because of the close association of his tribe with Judah. Simeon's portion in the Promised Land was within the territory of Judah (Jos_19:9). The cities listed in 4:28-33 were their inheritance. However, later in history they acquired additional land through conquest. 3. Reuben, Gad, and the Half-tribe of Manasseh East of the Jordan (Chap. 5)Chapter 5 deals with the transjordanian tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Very little space is devoted to these tribes. They were among the first to go into captivity (5:26). Verses 1 and 2 explain why the blessing of the birthright was given to other tribes instead of to the Reubenites. When Jacob blessed his children before his death (Gen. 49), he took note of Reuben's wickedness (Gen_35:22) and removed him from having pre-eminence. The double portion of land due the firstborn went to Joseph (through Ephraim and Manasseh), and the double portion as far as leadership was concerned went to Judah. The Gadites are listed in verses 11-17, and the leaders of the half-tribe of Manasseh are given in verses 23 and 24. The rest of chapter 5 gives a brief account of the fate of these tribes. Together they had fought successfully against the Hagrites (Ishmaelites) (vv. 10, 19-22). With a small army of 44,760 men, they defeated a much bigger enemy force. They had trusted in their God (v. 20), and He gave them victory and abundant spoils (v. 21). Being constantly exposed to the idolatrous nations around them, they soon played the harlot after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them (v. 25). They turned to the gods who could not save the Ishmaelites and forsook the one true God in whose strength they had conquered. So God gave them into the hand of the Assyrian king and they were carried away into captivity. 4. Levi (Chap. 6)6:1-53 This chapter takes up the sons of Levi, descendants of Jacob's third-born son. Verses 1-15 and 49-53 deal with the most famous family of this tribe, that of Aaron. The high priesthood had been given to Aaron and his sons, and thus the importance of an accurate genealogy from Aaron to the captivity. Samuel (v. 28) the son of Elkanah (v. 27) was a great prophet and the last judge in Israel before Saul became king. His ministry is described in 1 Samuel. Levi had three sons: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Their genealogies are given in verses 16-30. Verses 31-48 contain three genealogies: Heman, a Kohathite (vv. 33-38); Asaph, a Gershomite (vv. 39-43); and Ethan, a Merarite (vv. 44-47). These were the "songmasters" whom David appointed to minister before the LORD (vv. 31, 32). Heman was probably the author of Psalm 88. He was a descendant of the Prophet Samuel. There are psalms which bear Asaph's namee.g., Psalms 50 and Psalms 73-83. Ethan may be the author of Psalm 89. 6:54-81 The rest of the chapter is a listing of the cities and common-lands given to the Levites by the other tribes. This was in accordance with the Lord's command through Moses (Num_35:1-8). The command was carried out under the supervision of Joshua (Josh. 21). 5. Issachar (7:1-5)Six tribes are mentioned in chapter 7: Issachar (vv. 1-5) Benjamin (vv. 6-12) Naphtali (v. 13) Half-tribe of Manasseh (west of the Jordan) (vv. 14-19) Ephraim (vv. 20-29) Asher (vv. 30-40) These genealogies are not nearly as complete as those of Judah or Levi, perhaps because neither the throne nor the priesthood is involved. 6. Benjamin (7:6-12)Although the tribe of Benjamin had at one time been reduced to 600 men because of their folly (Judg. 20), they seem to have regained their strength and size. Benjamin's descendants are listed again in chapter 8. Here in chapter 7 the emphasis is on Benjamin in relation to the people, whereas in the next chapter it is on Benjamin in relation to Saul and Jerusalem. 8. Half-tribe of Manasseh West of the Jordan (7:14-19)Manasseh's descendants living east of the Jordan in Gilead and Bashan were recorded in 1Ch_5:23-24. This passage deals with the half of the tribe that settled in Canaan, west of the Jordan. A descendant of Manasseh who stands out in the genealogy is Zelophehad, who had all daughters. They are named in Jos_17:3 and remembered because they spoke up for the inheritance that the Lord had promised women in such cases (see Num_27:1-11). Jewish women had rights at a time when most pagan women had few. 9. Ephraim (7:20-29)The writer goes into greater depth with the tribe of Ephraim in order to trace the lineage of Joshua, the most famous Ephraimite of ancient history. Men who do exploits for God are a glory to their families and are lovingly remembered and held forth as examples to succeeding generations. 10. Asher (7:30-40)The four sons of Asher and their sister Serah coincide with the listing in Gen_46:17. Their descendants were choice men, mighty men of valor, chief leaders.