Beginnings and Endings

1 Chronicles 9-10; Psalm 8; Proverbs 18:23-24

 

Assignment time: Read 1 Chronicles 8:29-38, then 1 Chronicles 9:35-44.

 

Done?

 

Really? Ok, then you’ve noticed something.

 

They’re the same. Why?

 

They’re the same because genealogies help to locate people’s stories in history. This was Saul’s genealogy, and repeating his genealogy at the end of the genealogical section and just before the story section helps us to realize that the genealogical section is coming to an end—why else would someone repeat a whole section? It also tells us precisely where in the story we’re about to be – the story will start with at least a little bit of something about Saul.

 

In fact, what we read turns out to be the story of Saul’s death. I suppose that’s a pretty appropriate place to start, because in many ways 1 and 2 Chronicles are written to show how sinful the Israelites were and how their sin led them into exile. But how do you think they end?

 

No, don’t turn to the end of 2 Chronicles to find out. What is the last major section in the genealogy – the section before Saul’s section is repeated?

 

Look at 1 Chronicles 9:1-2: All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel. The people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants.

 

Did you see that? The last section of the genealogy is the record of how the Israelites began to resettle “their own property” after the exile. God was bringing them back.

 

Now turn to the end of 2 Chronicles. This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: `The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you--may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.' – 2 Chronicles 36:23. God was bringing the Israelites back home.

 

As we read the rest of 1 and 2 Chronicles, expect to see a story of death as Israel’s and Judah’s kings sin against God and lead the people into destruction and exile. But also expect to remember God’s hope for His people.

 

Father, thank You for hope.