Today we come to the book of 1 Chronicles which contains information quite similar to 1st and 2nd Kings. Most of 1st and 2nd Kings were probably written before the exile of Israel and Judah, and they were written from a historical and prophetic perspective. 1st and 2nd Chronicles were likely written after the exile, and they were written from a priestly perspective that focuses more on God’s thoughts and reflections about the nation and kings of Judah. In fact, other than what is necessary for the narrative, little information is provided about any of the kings of Israel or about the northern kingdom at all. The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles represent a rather “dry” portion of Scripture – containing mostly genealogical information that is consistent with Genesis (cf., Genesis 5, 10-11, and 25), and it serves the primary purpose to show how 1st and 2nd Chronicles is concerned with the true people of God, the Israelites – as descendants of Abraham – and the line through which the Messiah and Savior of the human race would come. In chapter 1:1-2:17, we see the historical record from Adam to Abraham through Noah and his sons – Japheth, Ham, and Shem – with Abraham descending from the line of Shem. The writer mentions Isaac and Ishmael and then addresses the other children of Hagar and Keturah. Details about Esau and his family line are presented. Then, in Chapter 2, verses 1-17, the writer treats the sons of Israel leading through Judah down to David’s generation. This portion of Scripture covers few individuals about whom we know anything, and it is not the most exciting reading, but we should remind ourselves that all these names represent people who mattered to God.
Part 3 (verses 14-18) of Psalm 89 reminds us that “righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne” (verse 14). This means that everything that God does in creation rests on these two footings. Moreover, we also read that we are “blessed” if we “walk in the light of God’s presence,” and that He “is [also] our glory, strength, and shield” (verses 15-18). For these reasons, we [should] “rejoice in His name all day long” (verse 16), not only because God saves us, but also because He “favors” us (verse 17) – He pours out all His blessings on us!
As Gentile believers, we have much in common with Israel, its people, its history, and its background, so even when we read a “dry” section like 1st Chronicles 1-9, we should still be thankful for God’s eternal plan to include us in His provision of salvation. Our names – though not recorded in Scripture – are equally important to God. In Romans 9:22-10:4, we read Paul’s explanation of God’s eternal plan to make salvation available to all men – both to Jew and Gentile alike. This section emphasizes God’s right - as our sovereign Creator - to determine His own will in election - to have mercy on those for whom He will have mercy. He extends His mercy to all, but not all will receive it. I am eternally grateful that God has shown me His mercy and called me His “loved one,” even before I loved Him (verse 25). I also share Paul’s concern for the salvation of Israel - I rejoice greatly to think about Jewish people who come to accept Jesus as their Messiah and become Christians, and I pray for this result daily. May we “rejoice in His name all day long” (cf., Psalm 89:16).
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