1 Chronicles 1-3
Reset
Today we begin our study in the books of Chronicles. The books of Chronicles were written to the exiles in Babylon. From the exiles God is going to raise up a remnant of people who will return to the Promised Land, rebuild the Temple, and the city of Jerusalem. For now, however, it looks like all is lost and the people are scattered, but this is not the case. In spite of all the people are going through, resulting from their rebellion, God is in control. He is allowing them to go through what they need to go through so they will turn to Him and listen.
These two books were written to the people to remind them of their history and the covenant they made with God. While in “time out” they will be reminded that they are God’s children and that God has a plan for them.
Unlike the books of Kings which focused more on the nation of Israel, Chronicles will focus more on Judah and omit much of Israel’s history. Both nations will be reunited in the future.
As we go through the family tree of names in the beginning of the book, I like to look up the meaning of the names in a Bible dictionary. Often the meaning of a name gives a little more insight to what was going on at the time. It is important that we follow the family tree of Abraham. He will be the father of many nations. His son Isaac is the child of the promise given to Abraham. The promise that Abraham would be the father of a great nation will be passed on to Isaac’s son Jacob who will bear twelve sons which will become the twelve tribes of Israel. Judah was one of those tribes. God has a specific plan for each tribe and each person. God will, and is, accomplishing His plan. The same is true of us. Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6
Believers in Christ Jesus are included in this family because we become Christians by faith in Jesus. Abraham is the father of faith. Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 9:6-13
In Romans 11 we read that gentile believers are grafted into the family tree of the father of faith. Therefore Chronicles has application to us as well.
May we hear God speaking to us as we study Chronicles.
Pastor Dave