Why are all of these names given in 1 Chronicles 1 and 2? What is the point? It seems redundant to repeat these names that are all given throughout the first twelve books of the Old testament. Does difficulty in understanding the importance of the genealogy come from your own perspective? Many of us live in urbanized cities where we go about our daily activities as anonymously as we can taking refuge in our secluded homes. We do not have the understanding of a culture where genealogy is critically valued.
You can make the argument that the genealogies are given to trace the lineage of Jesus Christ but what other reason would compel the Israelites to want such a detailed genealogy? The people of Israel are in exile and they have little recollection of who they are. Would a detailed list of descendants bring encouragement during and after exile? The names given in 1 Chronicles 1 and 2 will help give the people an identity and a place in God’s story. When we look at a post exilic recount given in Nehemiah chapters 11 and 12 the people of Israel are rebuilding their nation and their relationship with God. Having the ability to know the lineage of men allowed for the determination of who was able to serve in the temple as a priest or a Levite.
Did having the lineage from Adam through David bring encouragement to the people of Israel while they were reflecting upon their exile and seeking to know who they were? Would you feel like you had a purpose if you were tied to Davidic line? It would have been easy to just skip considering 1 Chronicles 1 and 2 because only genealogies are given but taking time to consider them helps to get a better understanding of the story given throughout the Bible.
