The verse stands within the long genealogical lists that occupy the first eight chapters of Chronicles. It is part of the carefully preserved genealogy and list of the descendants of Judah, the tribe through which Christ came. Those genealogical records established hereditary descent, which was needed after the exile to assign land to its hereditary owners and to restore temple service to those whose families had that duty.
Its presence shows that parts of the Bible may not be equally interesting or immediately useful to every reader, while still belonging to an inspired book that contains material for different interests and capacities. Although the lives and fortunes of Azariah, Helez, and Eleasah and others named here are now unknown, the list gives comfort because people forgotten by others are still remembered and known by God, each by name. His unchanging nature gives assurance that their names are safe with him.
The verse stands within the long genealogical lists that occupy the first eight chapters of Chronicles. It is part of the carefully preserved genealogy and list of the descendants of Judah, the tribe through which Christ came. Those genealogical records established hereditary descent, which was needed after the exile to assign land to its hereditary owners and to restore temple service to those whose families had that duty.
Its presence shows that parts of the Bible may not be equally interesting or immediately useful to every reader, while still belonging to an inspired book that contains material for different interests and capacities. Although the lives and fortunes of Azariah, Helez, and Eleasah and others named here are now unknown, the list gives comfort because people forgotten by others are still remembered and known by God, each by name. His unchanging nature gives assurance that their names are safe with him.