And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.
The verse stands within the long genealogical record in Chronicles that names Samuel's sons in their place among the descendants of Levi. The long record of names preserves the account of God's children and maintains the integrity of the tribes. The careful keeping of such genealogies shows that God is particular, and that a faithful record of every person is kept in heaven. The lists show that God remembers people by name, even those whose lives and names have been forgotten by others.
The verse illustrates that the Bible includes long lists of names whose value may not be immediately clear to every reader. Such material belongs to a Bible that serves people of different interests and abilities. Its details engage scholars such as those studying the origins and distribution of peoples, while spiritual truths are found along the way.
The verse stands within the long genealogical record in Chronicles that names Samuel's sons in their place among the descendants of Levi. The long record of names preserves the account of God's children and maintains the integrity of the tribes. The careful keeping of such genealogies shows that God is particular, and that a faithful record of every person is kept in heaven. The lists show that God remembers people by name, even those whose lives and names have been forgotten by others.
The verse illustrates that the Bible includes long lists of names whose value may not be immediately clear to every reader. Such material belongs to a Bible that serves people of different interests and abilities. Its details engage scholars such as those studying the origins and distribution of peoples, while spiritual truths are found along the way.