Why genealogies?

We are in the midst of about 10 days of reading through the book of First Chronicles.  Reading through endless lists of names that are difficult to pronounce for the English-speaking tongue and without having any references to any story to the majority of those names makes one wonder:  just why does God list these names?  What is their significance?

The short answer is that God lists these names for our edification:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

So the book of Chronicles and genealogies are for the purpose of teaching, for reproving, for correcting, and for training men and women to live righteously.  That may not be readily apparent as we read these lists, but that’s why they have been given to us.

Paul further tells us in 1 Corinthians that the Old Testament was given to us “as an example, and they were written for our instruction…” (10:11).  So what is the instruction and what is the stimulant to righteous living in these lists of names?  Let me offer a few examples and suggestions:

• There are many unknown names in Scripture, but none are unknown to God.  The One who knows even fallen sparrows and every hair on every head knows every individual who has ever lived — all have been created by Him, in His image and for His glory.  [And those who do not love Him will not escape His wrath because of any deficient memory on His part.]
• The lists of hundreds of unknown names are a reminder that God often accomplishes His purposes with “ordinary” people just being faithful to Him.  Learn to be faithful in small things when no one is watching and no one knows.
• These lists also remind us of our dependence on others.  Several times the lists mention that people were given for the purpose of helping and assisting others (e.g., 11:10ff; 12:1, 17, 23).  No man lives in isolation and without need of others.  Even mighty King David was dependent on the support and help and ministry of others!
• No matter how many walk righteously and how many walk unrighteously, the purposes of God are never subverted.  He will accomplish His purposes at all times and in all circumstances.
• As we read these books and lists, some names are known.  And they are reminders of the folly of sin and the devastating results of that sin (remember Saul? [in fact, is this why Saul’s genealogy is given in consecutive chapters?]  and David?  and Uzza?).
• The lists are a reminder that all men are related under a common head, Adam.  Notice in the early chapters of the book that the genealogies of each of the twelve sons of Jacob, constituting the twelve tribes of Israel is delineated.  The writer could also have gone further back — to Abraham, and then to Noah, and then to Adam.  All individuals come from one common man — Adam — and that man’s decision in the Garden of Eden have made all men dependent on the work of Christ to redeem them from Adam’s first and lasting sin.  Genealogies are a reminder that our lives are lived in the context of others, and specifically, that our lives are lived in the context of Adam and sin, and we need a Savior.

These lists of names are indeed significant and important — and we do well to reflect on how God intends to use them to instruct us and conform us to the righteousness that is in Christ.