30 April

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1 Chronicles 1-2

1 Chronicles 1

The two Books of Chronicles cover the period of history already studied the books of 1st and 2nd Kings. They record this history, however, from an entirely different standpoint. The outlook is almost exclusively confined to Judah, the chronicler never referring to Israel save in cases of absolute necessity.

Moreover, the history of the tribe of Judah is the history of the house of David, all other matters being referred to only as they affect, or are affected by, the Davidic line. Moreover, the story of these two Books centers around the Temple. The chief matter in David's reign is his interest in preparing for it, while in Solomon's the chief interest is in the building thereof.

The whole period included in these genealogical tables is that from Adam to the restoration under Nehemiah. They are not exhaustive, but serve a clearly dehed purpose in that they indicate the divine choice of channels in the accomplishment of the purposes of God. Side issues are traced in certain directions, but only as they touch on the divine progress. This is indicated very clearly in the opening verse. The only son of Adam mentioned is Seth. From him the line is traced through Enoch to Noah. At this point the genealogies of Japheth and Ham are given because of the relation of their descendants to the chosen people of God. The direct line of the divine movement is taken up through Shem, and Ends a new departure in Abram. Again there is a digression from Abram in tracing the descent through Ishmael, and of that also through the sons of Keturah. The direct procession continues through Isaac. A third and somewhat elaborate excursion is made for the purpose of tracing the descendants of Esau, who came into such intimate relation to the procedure of God. Israel, however, is the son of Isaac through whom is carried forward the great program. A careful consideration of all this will show that the choice of God was ever based on character.

1 Chronicles 2

Still the same method is manifest. The twelve sons of Israel are mentioned. All of them are subsequently referred to, with the exception of Dan and Zebulun, of whose descendants this chronicler gives no account. The direct line of interest in tracing the divine method passes through Judah. The process of exclusion still goes forward on the principles of character. Er, the firstborn, is slain because of his evil, and Achar likewise.

Some lines of descent excluded are again traced, and for the same reason as before, that of their relation to the history of the chosen people. From Judah the movement passes through Perez and Hezron to Ram, somewhat indirectly. Then directly through Jesse to David. In the case of Jesse another crisis and a new departure are observed. He had seven sons, but of them the youngest was chosen. David is the one through whom the royal line is to be preserved until it culminates in God's one and only King.