Day 106

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1 Chronicles Introduction

The two books of Chronicles are priestly recollections and interpretations of the historical facts surrounding the life of God's people from the reign of David to the Babylonian exile. 1 Chronicles recounts the righteous reign of David. Chapters 1-9 catalog David's ancestry dating back to Adam, and chapters 10-29 focus on the details of David's administration. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on proper worship of the one true God—a worship which David's life consistently exemplifies.

Scripture

April 15—1 Chronicles 1-9: David's Family Tree

Observation

Chronicles is more than merely a repetition of the books of 2 Samuel through 2 Kings. Though it covers the same period of history. Chronicles approaches the task from an entirely different perspective. It focuses on religious (not political) history, giving special attention to events surrounding the temple (not the palace) and the southern kingdom of Judah (the continuing kingly line of David). Down through the centuries God has been providing a witness for himself and protecting a people from which would ultimately come the Messiah of Israel—a fact clearly seen in the table of genealogies.

Application

Before you write off today's section as a lost cause in your pursuit of excitement in daily Bible reading, look beyond the monotonous repetition of "these are the sons of" to see the personalities and events involved. For example:
  • How many of the names do you recognize?
  • For how many of the characters can you recall at least one fact or story from the Old Testament?
  • Who would you say are the five most important people mentioned in these lists? Why did you select those five?
  • How many reasons can you think of why God might want to include these chapters in his Word?
The opening chapters of 1 Chronicles give not only the historical roots of God's people, but also the spiritual roots. Can you trace yours? Who are the important people in your spiritual heritage? Which of them are still alive today? Is there a tangible way you could say "thank you" for their role in your spiritual development? You might want to begin a page of "spiritual roots" in the back of your Bible and add to it  as your research continues.

Prayer

Yes Lord, thank you for the elderlies that took us to church and Bible Study at a young age to learn of you and what you did to save us all. We are so blessed and thankful that we have you in our life at such a time as now in this broken world we live in. See, we know that to live according to your will, our life will be a joyful experience pleasing in your sight. In your son's Jesus name, amen!

Children of the  Faith



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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