READING: Genesis 36:1-19; 1 Chronicles 1:35-37; Genesis 36:20-30; 1 Chronicles 1:38-42; Genesis 36:31-43; 1 Chronicles 1:43–2:2
Today’s reading begins and ends with genealogical listings. In fact, the entire reading is lists of names, either of descendants or of kings. Some of the names are hard to pronounce. The reading gets tedious. Nevertheless, the inspired Word teaches us.
The first section is a story of life—the list of descendants of Esau. God is the one who gave life to everyone in the list.
The second section is a story of government (a list of kings who ruled Edom), but it is also a story of death. King after king ruled, but king after king also died; thus, the phrase, “When (king’s name) died . . .” echoes throughout this reading. Each of these kings died for the same reason you and I die: they were sinners against the holy God who gave them life in the first place.
Then, today’s reading ends with the genealogical listing of the sons of Jacob: “The sons of Israel were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher” (1 Chron 2:1-2). The list is not just a family tree; instead, it’s a reminder that God has always had a plan. He called out Abraham to lead His people. He gave Abraham and Sarah their son, Isaac. He gave life to Jacob, Isaac’s son. From Jacob, God gave life to his twelve sons, including Judah—and, from Judah’s line would come the Redeemer. From Judah’s tribe would come Jesus.
Even in these early stories, God was working His plan to bring the One who would conquer death that so dominates some of today’s reading. In Christ Jesus, we have new life.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you so believe in the inspiration of God’s Word that you assume even lists can teach you?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, I praise You for Your plan.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 37:1-38:30; 1 Chronicles 2:3-6, 8; Genesis 39:1-23