Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

Today we continue the genealogy of Israel’s sons, the families that became the twelve tribes of Israel. Remembering that this book is God’s HIGHLIGHT of Israel’s experiences, these genealogies are very comforting. Not only did God pay attention to every single person when they lived, He REMEMBERED them – no matter how minor. Each of them was important. Each of them had a place. So we know that the same is true today. And will always be true. God has written us on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16).

Chapter five is the lines of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh (one of Joseph’s sons that Israel ‘adopted’ for inheritance purposes because Joseph didn’t have an inheritance – or need one – Genesis 48:1-9).

Chapter six deals solely with Levi and his descendants. The line itself as well as their role. Levi did not get a traditional inheritance in the Land because they were dedicated to the service of the Lord. This chapter lists the temple musicians David appointed and their service order, the tasks of other members of the tribe, and what cities they were given to live in (and the lands attached to the cities for the raising of their livestock).

Chapter seven lists Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, the rest of Manasseh, Ephraim (the other son of Joseph ‘adopted’ by Israel), and Asher. The list of Benjamin’s descendants is a short, abbreviated list giving his sons names, their main descendants, and how many fighting men were available.

Summary

Key Players: God, the Jews.

Key Verse(s): 1 Chronicles 5:1-2; 6:48-49; 7:28-29