I Chronicles 1:17 The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram. And the sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech. 18 Arpachshad fathered Shelah, and Shelah fathered Eber. 19 To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg (for in his days the earth was divided), and his brother's name was Joktan. 20 Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 21 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 22 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 23 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan. 24 Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah; 25 Eber, Peleg, Reu; 26 Serug, Nahor, Terah; 27 Abram, that is, Abraham.
Often when we get to these lists of genealogies, we cringe, wondering what to do with them all, let alone know how to pronounce them. We wonder why they are there. First, the serve to give us historical perspective, knowing how certain situations - in this, the kings of Jerusalem - fit into the overall plan of God for man. Secondly, we do find some special details pertinent to history which we might miss in the full story, such as the comment about Peleg, Joktan, and Abraham. With so many names, it is important to keep them straight (sort of like reading The Lord of the Rings trilogy.) Also, here we find names of kings of surrounding nations not elsewhere in scripture, which become important details for the kingdom years. With all this as background we will be able to comprehend what God was doing and through whom. So don't be intimidated by any part of scripture. We need it.
No comments:
Post a Comment