I am reading genealogies in my Bible -- reading, yesterday
and today. 1 Chronicles was probably written after the Exile and probably
written by Ezra. “Although they do not make particularly exciting reading,
their importance to the nation at this time cannot be overstated.” [1]
This lists, although seemingly irrelevant are important for
several reasons:
1. They identify the people of God. “Throughout his history the writer identifies
the people who should be counted as heirs of God’s covenant promises.”[2]
2. “Chronicles
presents the people of God as organized around two central institutions, the
Davidic throne and the Jerusalem temple.”[3]
3. This
book also shows the means of Divine blessing. “The king and the temple could
not in themselves secure God’s blessing for Israel; there had to be obedience
to the Mosaic law and to prophetic and priestly instruction.” [4]
The New
Testament is the eschatological climax to these themes. We see ultimately who emerges as the
fulfilled people of God, namely the Church of Jesus Christ. We note that the Christ Himself fulfills the
shadow of the throne and the Temple. And
it is Christ Himself who obeys the Law to the fullest so that I who believe in
Him will enjoy eternal blessing.
[1] Smith,
F. LaGard (2013-12-30). The Daily Bible® -- in Chronological Order (NIV®)
(Kindle Locations 45640-45641). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
[2]
Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: bringing the
light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (1 Ch 1:1).
Nashville: T. Nelson.
[3] Ibid,
[4] I
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