“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
During my Bible time, it came time for 1st Chronicles, and I had to stand up and drink extra coffee while reading the first nine chapters. Just being honest here, I did not understand the need for endless genealogies!
I do trust God’s Word, and if all scripture is inspired and is useful and prepares us, then even the first nine chapters of genealogy in 1st Chronicles must have something for us!
All means all, right?
The question I needed to ask was, why? Why did God feel it necessary to include these chapters, and what was I missing?
As I began to study the importance of these chapters, I actually got excited and looked forward to reading them. It became a treasure hunt – what names did I recognize from where? Oh, those two were related? Wow, look at the plans God has for so many people!
I am going to share a few reasons I was able to turn my dread into excitement, and I hope they will encourage you if you have the same struggles that I did!
- First Chronicles is compatible with the secular History books. It proves the reality of the stories we read and how they fit into real life. This is not a myth; it is real History.
- It reminds those who returned to rebuild after the exile that they, too, had God’s promises. God had told them judgment would come, and it did. It was to encourage them to acknowledge God as YAWHEH. It shows them, and us, that God is faithful to His promises.
- As we see the past acknowledged, we can see the thread from David to our Savior. It is a reminder of God’s ultimate redemption plan. It is all about His-Story!
- It is a reminder that even though evil kings and kingdoms seemed as if they were winning at times, God is the ultimate victor. His will and His plan will prevail!
- It reminded them, and ultimately us now, that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives and that we fit into His big story.
First Chronicles, and other genealogies, are so much more than just names. They are woven together to demonstrate the fabric of humanity. From Adam, God had a plan. He had a perfect plan, and when, by free will, sin entered it, God continued to offer a redemptive plan.
Why? He loves us. He created us to reflect Who He is, and to have a relationship with Him.
Isaiah 43:7 says, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”
Next time you come to a genealogical series in scripture, I hope this will help you not only get through it but see the purpose and God’s hand through it.
“Father, help us to remember it is You who created us and have a plan for us. Help us to give you our all.”
For His Glory
Terrie Tollerson (www.TerrieTollerson.com)
TRBC Women’s Life









