1 Chronicles 8 "Saul's Family Tree"

"Ner begot Kish, Kish begot Saul, and Saul begot Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal. The son of Jonathan was Merib-Baal, and Merib-Baal begot Micah.” (v.33-34)

In tracing the names of Saul’s sons, we can see his decline and movement away from God. In the earlier part of his reign he was perfect in his allegiance to Jehovah evidenced by the early name of his son Jonathan, meaning “Gift of Jehovah.” But as time went by he became proud and self-sufficient naming his next two sons Malchishua “the king is salvation”, and  Abinadab “the king is generous.” Finally, his movement away from God was completed when he named his last son Esh-Baal “the man of Baal”. Baal was the idol-god of Zidon and of many surrounding nations. This idol, represented the sun and its productive force, was worshipped with impure and scandalous rites.

However, praise God for Jonathan, the gift of Jehovah, who named his son Merib-Baal, “one who opposes Baal”. In this choice of his child’s name we see the deep-seated devotion of his soul, whose heart was true to God amid the darkening shadows of his father’s reign. It was this that probably drew David and him so closely together as friends.

The encouraging point found in this list of names is that no matter how far a family has strayed away from God, hope for peace in a household is only one devoted soul away. You can break the chain of generational sin and be a light in the darkness to your family. Become like Merib-Baal and do battle against the dark side. “May the force (the Spirit) be with you.”

The Truth: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

1 Chronicles 7 “Anna, The Prayer Warrior”

“All these were descendants of Asher—heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders.” (v.40)

Although the sons of Asher were mighty men of valor, choice men, and outstanding leaders, there was a woman (Anna) from this tribe who is singularly mentioned in Luke’s gospel as a prophetess (v.36). Anna, served God day and night with prayer and fasting, and departed not from the temple (v.37). She was present when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to Simeon in the temple, and gave thanks to God praising Him for sending the promised Messiah and Savior (v.38).

While many from the tribe of Asher were brave warriors, valiant men – Anna was a prophetess whom the Spirit of the Lord revealed Himself too. Just as Jesus would reveal Himself to a woman, Mary, upon His resurrection, so the Spirit would confirm the words of Simeon, “My eyes have seen your salvation” (v.30), to a woman, Anna. From that day, she spoke of the Messiah, Jesus, to all that looked for redemption in Israel (v.38).

Great vision! Spirit lead, prayerfully serving in the temple, telling others. What a warrior! Another great lesson for us all. If God has revealed Himself to us, we should serve Him, give thanks to Him, praise Him, and speak of Him to others.

The Truth: “Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.’ (Psalm 66:16)

1 Chronicles 6 "Service To God"

"The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (v.1)

Here in chapter 6 the author describes the descendants of Levi (vv.1-30) and of Aaron (vv.49-53). The entire tribe of Levi had a special place in Israel, given over to the service of God generally. Within the tribe of Levi was a special priestly family descended from Aaron. All priests were therefore Levites, but not all Levites were priests. 

Adam Clark states, “It has been well remarked that the genealogy of Levi is given here more ample and correct than that of any of the others. And this is perhaps an additional proof that the author was a priest, felt much for the priesthood, and took care to give the genealogy of the Levitical and [priestly] families, from the most correct tables; for with such tables we may presume he was intimately acquainted.” (Clarke)

But Aaron and his sons offered sacrifices on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the Most Holy Place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. And they were the only ones authorized to offer sacrifices on the altar. 

What if each one of us had a specific assignment in service to God every day? We can you know. Just prayerfully ask the LORD to show you how you can be of service to Him. Then you will find your position and place in the body of Christ.

The Truth:“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10) 

1 Chronicles 5 “Go All In”

 Here in chapter 5 we find that Ruben, Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh did not go all the way into the promised land. They liked it on the east bank of the Jordan, it seemed good to them. It did not matter that God had wanted them to go all the way into the land, they stopped short and remained on the edge of His will.

Whenever we are on the edge, half in and half out, or not “all in”, as the modern vinacular describes commitment, we have a tendency to be influenced, compromised, even completely carried away by others. Which is presisley what happened to these tribes.

“They were unfaithful to the God of their fathers, and played the harlot after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria. He carried the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into captivity” (vv.25-26)

Being in the center of God’s will is where we want to be, not on the outer edges where we become vulnerable to attack. I encourage you, “go all in”. 

The Truth:

“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)

1 Chronicles 4 “The Prayer of Jabez”

 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested. (v.10)

Chapter 4 traces the family lines of Judah and Simeon. The one name that sticks out above all the names listed is Jabez. He was a special man, blessed of God. His success was due to the fact that he sough God through prayer, and made his request known to Him. We see in the prayer of Jabez a good model for us to follow, a request for God’s blessing, God’s provision, and His protection. And we also see, that his request was granted.

James tells us,"we have not because we ask not "(4:2). And our LORD says, ”Ask, Seek, Knock" – “Call upon Me and I will show you great and mighty things” (Jer.33:3). Prayer is vital in our Christain life and God wants to bless his children through it. 

Therefore, let your requests be made known to Him, and if they are in His will, like that of Jabez, they will be granted.

The Truth

“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)

1 Chronicles 3 “The Sons Of David”

“These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite.” (v.1)

The third chapter of Chronicles presents a long list of names of the sons and descendants of David. It seemingly has nothing theological or practical to offer. But there is something special about it, and it's all contained in one word: “David.”

David, who becomes the second king of Israel right after Saul, was one of the most iconic and respected public figures in his time by the people of Israel. Not only that, all kings would come from his bloodline as well. How cool it must have been to be called, the “Son of David!”

Our heavenly Father, like David, is a king - who has made us His children through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Therefore we, who have accepted Jesus, have our names written on a list saying: “These are the names of the sons of God!”

If your name is not on His list simply accept Him as your Father and become a son of God.

The Truth

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

1 Chronicles 2 "The Line Of Judah"

These are the sons of Israel: Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. (vv.1-2)

Here in chapter 2 Ezra begins with a list of the twelve patriarchs of Israel (vv.1-2). Next in verse 3 he traces the line of Judah, which leads to Boaz (v.11), the “Kinsman Redeemer” (Ruth 4:8-10), a picture of Jesus Christ, our great redeemer. From there the line of Judah leads us to Jesse who had eight sons (vv.12-15), the most famous of which was David, the man after God’s own heart. 

The account of the tribe of Judah, which has been given such high priority by the chronicler here in chapter 2, was not so much for the sake of David as it was for the Son of David, our LORD, who came (sprang) out of Judah (Hebrews 7:14). The family of Jesse however is recorded for both David, and the Son of David, of which the rod out of the stem of Jesse will come forth (Isa. 11:1). 

The rest of chapter 2, list the remaining side-line descendants of the tribe of Judah, separate from the line that culminated in David.

The Truth: The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1-15)

1 Chronicles 1 “God’s Selection”

From Adam to the Sons of Noah”

Adam, Seth, Enosh, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (vv1-4)

The opening verse of the Books of Chronicles indicates something of its focus, a selective genealogy inspired by God for a specific purpose. 

How do we know this? Well we know from Genesis 4 that Adam and Eve had 3 sons (Cain, Abel, and Seth). Yet in this first verse of the family of Adam, only Seth is recorded. This indicates that the Chronicler was inspired by God to make a selective genealogy for a specific purpose.

The genealogical record then lists Noah and his three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth) all survivors of the flood, who became the basis for the nations in the post-flood world and that genealogy is listed in verses 5-27.  

The Chronicler next lists the sons of Abraham (Isaac and Ishmael ) and their descendants to David (which will be explained in more detail for us in chapter 2. 

As unpromising as these chapters appear, much may be learned from them. It tells the story of a great king and points forward to an even greater King and kingdom. 

Perhaps the chief lesson to be learned form this chapter is that of God's selection.

The Truth

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:31-33