How long since you read 1st Chronicles? What makes those first nine chapters worth putting in the Holy Bible? Those chapters are not full of sermon texts to say the least! I had a friend who told me she loved to read the OT names, that she pronounced each one because it was fun. Bless her. To each his (her) own. This certified reading teacher (me) suggests it is a good place to practice your scanning skills. But you might miss a few gems if you don’t slow down once in a while.
First I will note that this chronicle of names is very important to the Hebrew people. It is important to us Christians to see the lineage of Jesus. It also holds a lesson for me of the importance of family structure.
Here are some “human interest” items I’d like to point out.
- That fellow discussed in 4:8-10 is right interesting. I spent most of my life not knowing him, but he is worth thinking about. If you haven’t all ready, you might like researching some of the commentaries. (Don’t pay attention to the bullet. I was trying to find out how to use them. Couldn’t use, neither could I “un-use.”) 😀
1:19 “one was named Peleg because in his time the earth was divided.” Advocates of a young earth see this as quite important. I wonder why it was inserted in this chronicled account of Israel’s linage if it was not important. Interesting to me
Why does 2:21 point out that Hezron was 60 years old when he married his wife? Does it mean he was an old bachelor? If he was, why would that be that rare? Don’t know, but I’m curious.
2:35 Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha. Did that break down some “caste” system? Is it in the Bible because it is right or because it is wrong? Any ideas?
Interesting jobs – scribes (2:54), gatekeepers (8:22) and musicians in chap 9—okay with me; those sounds pretty “churchy.” And of course “bakers” in Chap 9—eating, that’s churchy. But why craftsmen (4:14), linen workers (4:21) and potters (4:23)? Why do they rate Bible mention?
Hey, the scripture sure gives sexism a kick with 7:24. Curious? Have a look. OK, I’ll give it to you: “His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth Horon as well as Uzzen Sheerah.” How do you like that? I guess God is not as sexist as He is accused of being. This woman built two towns. She probably ordered some men around, don’t you think? And I love that one of the towns was named for her.
Then there is the following scripture jewel to carry with you as I am doing right now. When anxiety tries to creep in, I say, “the battle is the Lords. I’ve placed it at the cross. He is well able to handle my battles. And He will because I trust in Him.”
5:20-22 …because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him…because the battle was God’s.”
You got answers for my questions, please comment; you got questions for my answers, please comment>
Sweet aroma 
Good observation about Peleg: “Advocates of a young earth see this as quite important.”
Of special note to me because I believe in a young earth also as opposed to those who talk in terms of millions, billions of years.
Chronicles when approached as a study from GENESIs through OT to NT. begins to resonate with Divine TRUTH. with understanding from GOD the HOLY Spirit I am again looking at the first two books of Genisis for instance and slowly and carefully looking at the creation texts, As I believe absolutely that our GOD is DIVINE creator perhaps the difference between a world created from a void of nothing and the account of creation being formed as if from an existing structure is of tremendous interest to CHRISTIAN scientists in Australia where there is indisputable proof that the land structure is millions of years or even more old. Aboriginal Christians of great faith in Christ as Saviour of all humanity are researching the possibility of a GAP between C1 and 2 of Genesis. This would then to the GLORY OF God prove dianasaurs from their fossils
oops it took off. I did not get time to change spelling mistakes. simply asking for any other thoughts on creation before recorded biblical history. . Nothing takes away from our Glorious Creator but footprints and bones of dinosaurs are a fact in OZ. ALL the angels cast out of Heaven when? What evil could wipe away existence?, Then creation of humans destined to live eternally with God. A Creator so DIVINE! A Sacrifice to destroy evil FOREVER. WOW!
If you would be interested in why I think the gap theory as well as other man reasoned theories do not pan out, read the Genesis Record, by Henry M. Morris. The way the BiBle tell it is the closer way to things science has confirmed IF you realize that science is based upon presupposed assumptions such as that artifacts began with zero carbon count. We do not know that. Perhaps God created things as if they had already “lived” so many million years. We know he created man in his complete state. At least the Bible indicates so. To big a subject for here, isn’t it? Thankful we don’t have to know all that as a condition for our salvation. We just need to know and depend on the fact that Jesus Saves.
Oneta, I just read 1 Chronicles (again), part of Through The Word’s (TTW) reading plans. That’s at least the 26th time I’ve read it. Like your friend I used to like trying to pronounce the names until I realized how often I actually used that information. =>. I have asked almost the exact same questions over the years, found good answers, forgotten them and started that cycle all over again more times than I want to remember. This year Sandy Adams used this book in excellent form, I simply can’t find those notes (out-organized myself). I still struggle to get my teeth into 1 Chron untill David decides to move the Ark in Ch. 13. Sight a passage and I’ll likely remember reading it, but calling Book, Chapter & Verse is no longer my forte. These days I’m happy I can follow the discussion! ;-/. Great post at any rate!
There are some interesting points made in these seemingly unimportant chapters of the Bible. God doesn’t waste words so he must have seen the need to include those portions in his Word. Thanks. I identify with your “ask the questions, find the answers, forgotten the and start over again.” 😀