Chronicles: God’s Kingdom of Priests Up to Jerusalem (2 Chron 36:23)

Part 2 – 1 Chr 1-9 Genealogies Heritage: Israel’s Family Tree

Literary Structure of Chronicles God’s OT Promise Plan Beginning: Adam to David, Exile and Return (1 Chr 1-9) B. Promise of David’s Kingdom (1 Chr 10:1-22:1) United Israel prepares to build temple (1 Chr 22:2-29:30) D. Center: God’s Temple, Glory of God (2 Chr 1-9) C’. Divided Israel, disintegration and strife (2 Chr 10-20) B’. Promise of David’s Kingdom Upheld (2 Chr 21-28) A’. End: Hezekiah to Zedekiah, Exile and Return (2 Chr 28-36) Conclusion: God’s charge to build Him a house at Jerusalem Call for exiles to “go up” (2 Chr 36:23)

Chronicles Major Themes Israel’s Election as God’s Sovereign Choice. Divine Kingship – “the Lord gave the victory”. Royal and Priestly Families. Hope – God’s Gracious Promise of Messianic Line. Holy Temple – God’s Presence among “All Israel”. Israel’s Covenant Responsibilities: Law -- wholehearted devotion to God Worship -- wholehearted adoration, music Prayer, Seeking God Humility, Repentance Divine Blessings and Judgments.

Functions of Biblical Genealogies Proof of Creator God’s existence and Sovereign Governance. Proof that God has a Redemptive Plan that is unfolding in real history, with real events, real people, and real families. Proof that God is faithful to fulfill His covenant promises. Informs exiles of their heritage. Provides assurance for exiles that God’s promises for the future are reliable. Connects all components of God’s plan from Genesis to Revelation. Serves to highlight the central role of Jesus Christ as promised deliverer.

Israel’s Family Tree 1 Chronicles 1-9

Genealogies Outline 1 Chr 1 - 9 Israel’s Past: registry of ancestors from Adam to Israel (1 Chr 1:1-54) B. Royal Tribe: Judah, King David’s family (1 Chr 2:2-4:23) Surrounding Tribes: Simeon and eastern tribes (1 Chr 4:24-5:26) D. Center: Tribe of Levi, priests and Levites (1 Chr 6:1-81) C’. Surrounding Tribes: tribes west of Jordan (1 Chr 7:1-40) B’. Royal Tribe: Benjamin, King Saul’s family (1 Chr 8:1-40) A’. Israel’s Present: registry of families returning from exile (1 Chr 9:1-34) Addendum: genealogy of King Saul repeated to set stage for next narrative unit (1 Chr 9:35-44)

Our Heritage Connects us to the People of God. Connects us to the life-giving Promises of God. Provides a birthright, an inheritance that give us -- Hope.

Tree of Life Our Heritage -- Bought for a Price

God’s Kingdom of Priests “Whoever is among you of all His people, may the Lord his God be with you. Let him go up.” (1 Chr 36:23) Lord Self or Lord God? Is God asking too much of me? God, as the author of all things, has a right to govern and dispose of them at his pleasure. Will I live for Him and His glory? Or will I fight for my “happiness” and “freedom”? Will I flail away in the river of grace, or die to self and swim with the current of my Lord? A communion life will help us know and do His will. But it’s the communion itself that God desires above all else. The Holy Spirit is not just the means to helping us be effective. The Father, Son and Spirit, our One Triune God, is the “end” in and of Himself. Almighty God doesn’t need our help to achieve His purposes. When we are blessed to see good fruit, what credit can we take? But it’s such an honor that He has chosen to use us as vessels of His grace. God wants me to grasp for holiness and a sold-out life, even though He knows I will fall short. Whatever feeble effort I offer, He can use it for His glory. Even if its only a few loaves and fishes, He can multiply it. So, will I try? Will I humbly submit? Will I ask? Will I be resolved? Will I follow in the footsteps of the One who gave so much as a living and dying sacrifice. When God raised Jesus Christ to life, He rendered the judgment that this offering was sufficient and good. What will He say about my offering? And what will He say about yours? Kelly Minter.