More than a list of names...

1 Chronicles 3English Standard Version (ESV)

Descendants of David

3 These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite, 2 the third, Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith; 3 the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah; 4 six were born to him in Hebron, where he reigned for seven years and six months. And he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 5 These were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, four by Bath-shua, the daughter of Ammiel; 6 then Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet,7 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 8 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine. 9 All these were David's sons, besides the sons of the concubines, and Tamar was their sister.

Whenever one undertakes a serious reading through the Bible, at some point you will hit this long list of hard-to-prounounce names.  The temptation is to just skip over them and move on, lest you lose your passion for reading, or end up forgetting how to speak your native tongue.  But don't just glaze over: look for the special.  First of all, remember that each one of us is important to God. We all have a part in His story, and a purpose to influence others for Him. But more specifically, look for those who are elaborated upon or stick out. Like this last name mentioned here: Tamar.  This womam is mentioned along side those of her brothers and half-brothers for a reason.  There is a story, a sad story from which are are to learn something, involving this person.  It's one of those "Everyone's heard about Tamar" kind of things. And if you haven't, you find out. (and if you'll be worshipping here today, you will...)  These persons play some significant role in the historical development of the plan and purposes of God. They were written for our education, edification, and not our exhaustion!  Read on!