Day 90 – 1 Chronicles: Introduction

“And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had greatly blessed his kingdom from the sake of his people Israel.” 1 Chronicles 14:2 NLT

First Chronicles parallels 2 Samuel and serves as a commentary, like a family reunion. Reunions are important. They are times for connecting with those from different branches of the family tree, tracing your personal history back through time and culture, seeing physical reminders of family identity (her eyes, his nose), and recalling warm traditions and history.

With this same high purpose, the writer of Chronicles (according to Jewish tradition the author was Ezra) begins his unifying work with an extensive genealogy. He traces the roots of the nation in a literary family reunion from Adam onward, recounting its royal line and the loving plan of a personal God. We read 1 Chronicles and gain a glimpse of God at work through his people for generations. And we, as believers, can accept them as our ancestors too. As you approach this part of God’s Word, read their names with awe and respect, and gain new security and identity in your relationship with God.

Prayer: Father, thank You that no detail was left from the important history from where You created the world to the point of Israel the nation. Their highs and lows. Sins and repentance. Victories and defeats. Through a different point of view, Your Word confirms itself repeatedly. May this journey through 1 Chronicles be a blessing. Amen.