Daily Bread for Apr 30, 1 Chr 1-2

Today's readings are 1 Chr 1-2.

1 & 2 Chronicles were originally one volume. 1 Chr focuses on the history of Judah, the Southern Kingdom, and the reign of David & Solomon (roughly from 1000 BC to about 930 BC). It stresses David's heart of worship and gives us the plans for the temple which will be built by Solomon.

While most of the events and people depicted in the two volumes of Chronicles are also covered in the Samuel/Kings four-volume series, the Chronicler puts a heavy emphasis on interpreting the history of Israel from a theological perspective. The Chronicler has the benefit of time. As he looks back on historical events, he can be more analytical as to how they impacted Israel’s relationship with God. As such, much time is spent on the temple as a place of covenant worship, the covenant itself, the results of breaking it, prayers, and speeches. In other words, the Chronicler is able to look back and interpret the meaning of the event of history rather than merely record them.

The genealogies documented in the first three chapters of 1 Chr show us Israel's place in history and the continuity of God's plan of redemption, starting in the Garden, weaving its way through the first settlers, then Noah, then Abram. God's blessing would come through Abram, then eventually through David. We see not only how God ordered the birth of those He would use but where they would live. Notice that many of the names mentioned are also names of cities and countries. Many towns and kingdoms take their names from the first notable person who settled there.

Here's a map of David and Solomon's kingdoms as of the 10th century B.C.