I Chronicles 1: Unveiling God's Grand Narrative
Adam, Sheth, Enosh,
Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered,
Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,
Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.
And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.
And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth.
And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,
And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim.
And Canaan begat Zidon his firstborn, and Heth,
The Jebusite also, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite,
And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite.
The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.
And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber.
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother’s name was Joktan.
And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,
And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,
And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah,
Eber, Peleg, Reu,
Serug, Nahor, Terah,
Abram; the same is Abraham.
The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.
These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,
Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.
Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.
And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.
The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.
The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.
And the sons of Lotan; Hori, and Homam: and Timna was Lotan’s sister.
The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.
The sons of Anah; Dishon. And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, and Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran.
Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel; Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
And when Shaul was dead, Baal–hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.
And when Baal–hanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were; duke Timnah, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth,
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,
Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom.
I Chronicles 1 serves as a foundational cornerstone, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam to Abraham. More than a mere list of names, this chapter unveils the unfolding of God's grand narrative, connecting the history of Israel to the very dawn of creation and highlighting the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. This extensive genealogy, the most comprehensive in Scripture, underscores the development of Israel's theocracy, particularly focusing on the Messianic line of David from the tribe of Judah and the priestly line of Levi, both crucial to God's promises and the temple ministry. I Chronicles 1-9, in this sense, provides a compressed yet profound history of Israel.
From Adam to Noah: The Cultural Mandate
The chapter commences with Adam (1_Chronicles 1:1), anchoring Israel's story within the broader context of God's creative work. This initial connection is crucial, as it establishes the divine origin and purpose behind the nation's existence. The lineage then progresses through the generations to Noah (1_Chronicles 1:4), bringing to the forefront the vital concept of the cultural mandate.
God's command to Adam in Genesis 1:28, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it," was reiterated to Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:1). This repeated mandate is significant. When God repeats Himself, it is a call for our focused attention. Just as Jesus prefaced important statements with "Truly, I tell you," God's repetition underscores the weight and enduring relevance of His command.
The Tower of Babel: Disobedience and Division
I Chronicles 1:19 mentions that "the earth was divided" in the days of Peleg. This phrase alludes to the events at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where humanity, in defiance of God's command to spread out and fill the earth, attempted to build a towering structure that would unite them. God's response was to confuse their languages, scattering them across the globe. The people of Babel paid the price for their disobedience, as Genesis 11:9 states, "the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth." This serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of ignoring God's directives and pursuing self-centered ambitions.
Shem's Line: The Seed of Promise
The genealogy continues with the sons of Noah: Japheth, Ham, and Shem. Notably, Shem's descendants are listed after those of his brothers (1_Chronicles 1:17). This strategic placement is deliberate. Shem's lineage held particular significance, as it was through his line that the Messiah would eventually come. By positioning Shem's genealogy last, the author paves the way for the introduction of Abram (Abraham) in 1_Chronicles 1:27, the patriarch through whom God's covenant promises would be realized.
Ishmael and Esau: Setting the Stage
Similar to the placement of Shem, the descendants of Ishmael (Abraham's son through Hagar) and the sons of Keturah (Abraham's concubine) are presented before the lineage of Isaac (1_Chronicles 1:28-34). This narrative technique allows the author to set the stage for the genealogies of Isaac and his descendants, particularly focusing on Jacob (Israel) and the unfolding of God's covenant with him.
The chapter also includes the descendants of Esau (1_Chronicles 1:35-54), Jacob's brother. While Esau's line does not feature prominently in the Messianic or Levitical history, his inclusion acknowledges his connection to Abraham and Jacob, emphasizing the complex and intertwined relationship between the two brothers and their descendants. Despite not being central to the Messianic line, Esau's inclusion acknowledges his place within the broader family of faith.
I Chronicles 1, therefore, is more than a mere recitation of names. It is a carefully constructed narrative that connects the history of Israel to the creation of humanity, highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, and traces the lineage through which God's promises would be fulfilled. This chapter serves as a vital introduction to the historical and theological themes that will be further developed throughout the book of Chronicles.
Adam, Sheth, Enosh,
Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered,
Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,
Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.
And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.
And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth.
And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,
And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim.
And Canaan begat Zidon his firstborn, and Heth,
The Jebusite also, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite,
And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite.
The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.
And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber.
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother’s name was Joktan.
And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,
And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,
And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah,
Eber, Peleg, Reu,
Serug, Nahor, Terah,
Abram; the same is Abraham.
The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.
These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,
Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.
Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.
And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.
The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.
The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.
And the sons of Lotan; Hori, and Homam: and Timna was Lotan’s sister.
The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.
The sons of Anah; Dishon. And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.
The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, and Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran.
Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel; Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
And when Shaul was dead, Baal–hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.
And when Baal–hanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were; duke Timnah, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth,
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,
Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom.
I Chronicles 1 serves as a foundational cornerstone, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam to Abraham. More than a mere list of names, this chapter unveils the unfolding of God's grand narrative, connecting the history of Israel to the very dawn of creation and highlighting the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. This extensive genealogy, the most comprehensive in Scripture, underscores the development of Israel's theocracy, particularly focusing on the Messianic line of David from the tribe of Judah and the priestly line of Levi, both crucial to God's promises and the temple ministry. I Chronicles 1-9, in this sense, provides a compressed yet profound history of Israel.
From Adam to Noah: The Cultural Mandate
The chapter commences with Adam (1_Chronicles 1:1), anchoring Israel's story within the broader context of God's creative work. This initial connection is crucial, as it establishes the divine origin and purpose behind the nation's existence. The lineage then progresses through the generations to Noah (1_Chronicles 1:4), bringing to the forefront the vital concept of the cultural mandate.
God's command to Adam in Genesis 1:28, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it," was reiterated to Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:1). This repeated mandate is significant. When God repeats Himself, it is a call for our focused attention. Just as Jesus prefaced important statements with "Truly, I tell you," God's repetition underscores the weight and enduring relevance of His command.
The Tower of Babel: Disobedience and Division
I Chronicles 1:19 mentions that "the earth was divided" in the days of Peleg. This phrase alludes to the events at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where humanity, in defiance of God's command to spread out and fill the earth, attempted to build a towering structure that would unite them. God's response was to confuse their languages, scattering them across the globe. The people of Babel paid the price for their disobedience, as Genesis 11:9 states, "the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth." This serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of ignoring God's directives and pursuing self-centered ambitions.
Shem's Line: The Seed of Promise
The genealogy continues with the sons of Noah: Japheth, Ham, and Shem. Notably, Shem's descendants are listed after those of his brothers (1_Chronicles 1:17). This strategic placement is deliberate. Shem's lineage held particular significance, as it was through his line that the Messiah would eventually come. By positioning Shem's genealogy last, the author paves the way for the introduction of Abram (Abraham) in 1_Chronicles 1:27, the patriarch through whom God's covenant promises would be realized.
Ishmael and Esau: Setting the Stage
Similar to the placement of Shem, the descendants of Ishmael (Abraham's son through Hagar) and the sons of Keturah (Abraham's concubine) are presented before the lineage of Isaac (1_Chronicles 1:28-34). This narrative technique allows the author to set the stage for the genealogies of Isaac and his descendants, particularly focusing on Jacob (Israel) and the unfolding of God's covenant with him.
The chapter also includes the descendants of Esau (1_Chronicles 1:35-54), Jacob's brother. While Esau's line does not feature prominently in the Messianic or Levitical history, his inclusion acknowledges his connection to Abraham and Jacob, emphasizing the complex and intertwined relationship between the two brothers and their descendants. Despite not being central to the Messianic line, Esau's inclusion acknowledges his place within the broader family of faith.
I Chronicles 1, therefore, is more than a mere recitation of names. It is a carefully constructed narrative that connects the history of Israel to the creation of humanity, highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, and traces the lineage through which God's promises would be fulfilled. This chapter serves as a vital introduction to the historical and theological themes that will be further developed throughout the book of Chronicles.