The detailed genealogies that are found in the first eight chapters of 1 Chronicles have come to completion and in 1 Chronicles 9 we are given a preview to the post exilic return of people of Israel from Babylon to Jerusalem. There are only scarce details given about the return from exile but the books of Ezra and Nehemiah will give greater details about the return to Jerusalem. Why are the names of the people who returned from exile given at this point in 1 Chronicles? Why are the names and lineage of the people returning from exile important?
In 1 Chronicles 10 the death of King Saul during the battle with the Philistines and the faithfulness of Jabesh-gilead is retold. What does it mean when the most noted detail of your life is your death and unfaithfulness to God? The reminder of Saul’s life and death makes me thankful for Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for me. Because of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross I will not die for my transgressions. We are so easily drawn away from God and it will only be by His grace alone that we can live and have hope.
