Why do we need such extensive genealogies that occupy the first NINE chapters of 1 Chronicles? By Fr Tadros Malaty (Part 1/4)

For a long time, I used to avoid reading these nine chapters concerning the genealogies, on account of that they include many names of which I know nothing, and are even difficult to pronounce, being no more familiar today. Why then does the Holy Book care to record them? In what way will they preoccupy me? Will they be of any benefit to me? Does parading them touch mysalvation and my spiritual edification? … According to Peter H. David; Walter C. Kaiser Jr.: [For the first moment, mentioning these genealogies may look as being of no use, if not boring. Why are they given such a great area if they have no apparent spiritual benefit for the generations to come?].

1. The first book of the chronicles starts by nine chapters of genealogies, that may probably benefit someone of direct interest, to locate a certain relative in the list; But, as far as our salvation is concerned, with the same attitude, we should go through those genealogies, being connected to our great human family; For our earth was blessed by Adam, Eve, Shem, and Abraham. Namely, those genealogies concern a great family which we cherish.

2. With the coming of the promise of the inheritance of the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, it was imperative to make a record of his descendants to confirm their right in the promised land. To them, others were added who came to be counted as members of the people of God, through their acceptance of the true faith, their cherishment of rejecting paganism with all its abominations, and their zeal to be bound to God; Hence they were included in the genealogies.

3. Those genealogies make clear that there was a prior divine ordinance in the mutual general history of the people of Israel, whether of the Northern or the Southern kingdoms; the rich and the poor; that theirs is the true God who guided His people, and kept them to realize their salvation.

4. Having reached the promised land, and enjoyed conquest over many Canaanite nations; Every tribe of the people of God had to know its members, for all to know their portion, and to keep it along the generation. But by the coming of the Lord Christ, “the land and all its fullness became for the Lord and His Christ” (Psalm 24: 1-2); and every believer, whatever his citizenship may be, feeling that he enjoys the sonhood to God, will not hold fast to a designate border or a spot of land in the literal sense.

5. This genealogy reveals God’s care for mankind, whether on the personal, family, tribe, church congregation, or humanity level. God wishes for every man to perceive that God cherishes him personally, knows him by name, cares for his family, and for everything that concern him. Yet, indeed, the Holy Book confirms that it is difficult for man to perceive the extent of God’s care for him; which will be more clearly proclaimed on the day we encounter our Christ on the clouds.