1 Chronicles 1-9

In the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles (1-9) we are given selective genealogies from Adam (the first man) to people who returned from the Babylonian exile. At first read, this may appear to be pointless information, however careful study we yield insight into the purposes and ways of God among individuals. In several places details are given concerning a person or some significant event that God wanted recorded in His Word. While a read through does not permit time for in depth study, let me suggest a few purposes and applications for these chapters. Here are a few suggestions...

1. The Lord who is all-knowing, knows the details of every person's life, though we  may know very little or nothing about a person. (He knows you and me by name)
2. God keeps perfect records that are not destroyed or lost over time. (His books will be the basis for the judgment to come - Revelation 20:11-15)
3. These genealogies show God's purposes from the beginning and show how they continue to the coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-37) and beyond.
4. God works through real people, who really lived. (The Bible is not myth or mere stories).
5. Both godly and ungodly are part of the same families and tribes. (There are no perfect families, nor perfect people. We are all sinners descended from Adam - Romans 5:12)
6. Every word of God is written and recorded under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is good for our instruction in the ways of the Lord - 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
7. Refer back to these chapters when you encounter some of these people elsewhere in Scripture. You may find background that is helpful in understanding actions and events.
8. There are other purposes as well...

1 Chronicles 1
Starting with Adam 1-3, Noah and his sons and their descendants are listed 4-27. Abraham's descendants are listed 28-33. Esau and Israel are noted 35-42. Edom has rulers 43-54. Note: There are connections to these nations (descended from these individuals) in relation to Israel. This is because God was accomplishing His purpose in the world through His chosen people.

1 Chronicles 2
The sons of Israel are noted and Judah is highlighted 1-17. This is not only the tribe from which David, the king arose, but the Lord Jesus also (Matthew 1:1). Caleb, the man of faith has his descendants noted 18-50.

1 Chronicles 3
The focus of Chronicles is primarily on David and the kings of Judah (David's descendants). David had 20 children 1-9. All the kings of Judah from Solomon to the exile are listed 10-16. During and after the exile the genealogies continued to be recorded 17-24. This is important because the records show that Jesus Christ is the rightful and legal heir to David's throne as King.

1 Chronicles 4
There were other descendants of Judah who were not of the royal line 1-21. Jabez is highlighted in 9-10. Many lessons can be gleaned from this brief word. However, what is said of him does not necessarily apply to every person who reads these words. How the Lord worked in his life (and in ours) must be taken in light of the totality of the Scriptures, so that we will not be drawing wrong conclusions. Note: Saying his prayer is not a 'formula' for success or the blessing of God.
We see that some intermarried, even with pagan nations 17-18, some were rulers 21-22, and some were potters 23.  Simeon and his descendants are noted 24-37. They increased and were shepherds 38-43.

1 Chronicles 5
Reuben's judgment is noted at the outset of his genealogy 1-2. There were leaders among his descendants who were known for where they lived 3-10. Gad 11-17, Reuben 18-22 both interacted and had victory which came from the Lord in response to prayer 20,22. Half the tribe of Manasseh had brave warriors and famous men but were unfaithful to the Lord and thus went into exile 23-26

1 Chronicles 6
The sons of Levi are listed in 1-30. Those that David put in charge of the temple music and worship are noted 31-46. Note: We all need helpers, assistants, and those who work alone side us in the work and ministry of the Lord 39,44.48. Aaron's sons are noted 49-53. The lands given to the Levites is also recorded 54-81. Note: I wonder if in the millennial kingdom the Levites (God's knows who is from what tribe) will be given back these lands alloted to them by the Lord ?

1 Chronicles 7
Issachar's descendants are listed 1-5. Note: The number of fighting men are indicated. The same is true for the men of Benjamin 6-12. There were great numbers before the exile, but afterwards there were few. Reading Manasseh's record is like going to a family reunion and hearing all the little details that were true of certain family members 20-26. Some were killed 20, others had misfortune  23b, and yet an industrious daughter 24. Where they lived was also well known 28-29. Asher's tribe is also listed 30-39. There were choice, brave men that came from this family 40.

1 Chronicles 8
Benjamin's descendants are listed 1-28 and Saul (Israel's first king) is noted with his family and descendants 29-38. Some were skilled with the bow 40 and had many children 40b.

1 Chronicles 9
The genealogies pick up here in chapter 9 with those who returned from Babylonian exile to resettle the land. The numbers are few (in contrast to the previous chapters which noted the fighting men). Some Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants return 1-2. The various people were assigned various duties in connection with the temple of the Lord: gate keepers 17-25, guarding the temple treasuries 26-27, some looked after the articles used in the temple 28, others the furnishings 29, some even had the sole duty of baking bread 30-32, while others were musicians for temple worship 33. Note: This was in the rebuilding and resettlement of the land after the exile which indicates that a return to the Lord and His ways is possible. In the Christian life repentance and confession and a return to serving the Lord can be a reality by the mercy and grace of God. Also, do you and I do our 'assigned duties' as unto the Lord ? Saul's lineage is again the focus 34-44 as background to what unfolds in Chronicles from this point onward. The emphasis being the kings of Judah, the temple worship, and hope in God's continuing plan for the Jewish people returning from exile. Note: Praise the Lord that His plan is will be realized, even in our lives though we may experience detours from time to time. (Philippians 1:6).