How would you summarize the story of God at work in the Old Testament? There are many ways you can talk about how God has interacted with mankind. The book of 1 Chronicles uses the genealogies of men from Adam through David to portray the story. Emphasis was given to the people who were present at key events throughout the history of the descendants of Israel. What is the importance of the history of Israel given through the genealogy of men? What is gained when you know your history?
The relationship between God and Israel can be summarized by His faithfulness and the peoples collective inability to follow Him. The foremost command that the people were given was to love God with all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength as they clung to God from day to day. As the sons of Israel inherited the promised land they slowly drew away from following God wholeheartedly which lead to the Babylonian exile of 2 Kings. The book of 1 Chronicles was written by post exilic Israelites who returned to Jerusalem. What would encourage people returning from exile? Would it be vitally important for the people to know their national history and family heritage? The genealogies of 1 Chronicles gives context, perspective, and history to the Israelites within the story of God.
