These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,
These are the sons of Israel — Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun — and with them begins the genealogical record naming the sons and tribes whose family records make up the genealogies of Chronicles. The chapter is nearly all personal names rather than an expressed promise. The genealogies preserve proof of hereditary descent and the identity and integrity of the tribes. That proof was needed after the exile for assigning land and for maintaining the temple service and its hereditary duties. The careful preservation of Judah's genealogy is especially significant because Christ came through that tribe. Long lists of names like this one may not interest every reader, but they record the origin and distribution of races and provide material for scholarly study.
The list names ordinary people who lived their lives and passed away, some prosperous and some failures. They were forgotten thousands of years ago and are unknown to anyone now. Yet their inclusion shows that God is particular about keeping a faithful record of each person. He remembers them all, every one of them, knowing each by name and never forgetting. Because God does not change, the same remembrance holds now. It gives comfort when downhearted, with the assurance that even an obscure, failing person's name is kept safe and sure in God's lists.
These are the sons of Israel — Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun — and with them begins the genealogical record naming the sons and tribes whose family records make up the genealogies of Chronicles. The chapter is nearly all personal names rather than an expressed promise. The genealogies preserve proof of hereditary descent and the identity and integrity of the tribes. That proof was needed after the exile for assigning land and for maintaining the temple service and its hereditary duties. The careful preservation of Judah's genealogy is especially significant because Christ came through that tribe. Long lists of names like this one may not interest every reader, but they record the origin and distribution of races and provide material for scholarly study.
The list names ordinary people who lived their lives and passed away, some prosperous and some failures. They were forgotten thousands of years ago and are unknown to anyone now. Yet their inclusion shows that God is particular about keeping a faithful record of each person. He remembers them all, every one of them, knowing each by name and never forgetting. Because God does not change, the same remembrance holds now. It gives comfort when downhearted, with the assurance that even an obscure, failing person's name is kept safe and sure in God's lists.