03 May

Bible In 365 Days                                                       

1 Chronicles 7-8

1 Chronicles 7

In this chapter we have the genealogies of six of the tribes, and again the bias of the chronicler is evident in his treatment. Those tribes more directly associated with Judah have fuller treatment than others. In referring to Issachar, Benjamin, and Asher, both genealogies and the number of fighting men are given. These numbers refer to the time of David, around whose reign all the interest of the Book centers. Of the sons of Issachar it is said that they were mighty men of valor, and among them were the chief men of the nation. Much the same is declared of the sons of Asher, that they were choice and mighty men of valor and chief among the princes. Naphtali is dismissed in a verse. Concerning Manasseh some few names are given and the possessions enumerated. The descendants of the three sons of Benjamin are declared to be mighty men of valor, while Ephraim is distinguished principally by the one name of Joshua, which appears in the course of the record.

1 Chronicles 8

This whole chapter constitutes a fuller account of the house of Benjamin. It seems to be a collection of names and very little more. Among them, however, after the name of the founder, Benjamin, two stand out conspicuously, Saul and Jonathan. They are almost buried among the rest, and yet most probably constitute the reason of this comparatively large section devoted to the genealogy of the house of Benjamin.

As we have said more than once, the chief interest of the Book centers around David, and everything is made to lead up to him. The friendship of Benjamin for Judah was marked, and here are the two names which touch most intimately the early life of the king. Saul was his implacable foe, Jonathan his choicest friend. The love of the latter very largely compensated for the cruelty of the former.