One Year Bible Readings and Commentary for Tuesday, July 5th
You will see many of the same stories from 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings within the next two books we will read, 1 and 2 Chronicles. Here is a brief overview of the purpose of these two historical books in the Old Testament.
The Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally one book, and focus historically on King David and his dynasty after him. The actual history begins with the death of Saul, but the stage is set with these genealogical tables. The story continues until the return of the exiles from the Babylonian captivity, leading many to think that the Books were written by Ezra or at least in his time.
We can imagine the importance of these genealogical lists for the returning exiles. The message of the continuity of God’s work through the generations was important for them, as well as helping them to affirm their own place in that flow of God’s work through the ages. - Guzik
After the genealogy starts with Noah's three sons, Japeth, Ham and Seth, it is only the genealogy of Seth's family line that is carried on from there. What you will notice as you peruse each grouping is that there is the Messianic line, and then all the others, who later became known as the Gentiles.
You have Abraham, Issac, Jacob, the twelve tribes of Israel, Judah, and in these chapters it goes down to King David and the Davidic line that led to Jesus.
We also see descendants of Esau, which became the Edomites, which we have learned were often at war with the Israelites, even after the conquered the Promised Land. Then, we see an instance of intermarriage between Jews and Gentiles. David's sister, Abigail, married an Ishmaelite. We also see references to the Canaanites, and Nimrod, who later founded Babylon.
As the threats against Paul continued, the Lord appeared to him and gave him a special word. The Lord said to him, "“Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
One can only imagine how much that meant to Paul. It is great that Jesus is our Great Encourager! Meanwhile, as many Jews plotted earnestly to kill Paul, even vowing to not eat or drink until they did, Paul's nephew overheard their plans and told the Roman commander.
So the commander assembled officers, soldiers, swordsmen and troups to excort Paul safely to Caesarea to see King Felix. Again, we see God's sovereign plan is bigger than the plans of men. If God promised Paul he would preach the Good News in Rome, you can be sure it would happen, even if the way he did it in any way God saw fit.
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