‏ 1 Chronicles 1

** The books of Chronicles are, in a great measure, repetitions

of what is in the books of Samuel and of the Kings, yet there

are some excellent useful things in them which we find not

elsewhere. The FIRST BOOK traces the rise of the Jewish people

from Adam, and afterward gives an account of the reign of David.

In the SECOND BOOK the narrative is continued, and relates the

progress and end of the kingdom of Judah; also it notices the

return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity. Jerome says,

that whoever supposes himself to have knowledge of the

Scriptures without being acquainted with the books of

Chronicles, deceives himself. Historical facts passed over

elsewhere, names, and the connexion of passages are to be found

here, and many questions concerning the gospel are explained.

* Genealogies, Adam to Abraham. (1-27) The descendants of

Abraham. (28-54)

1-27 This chapter, and many that follow, repeat the

genealogies, or lists of fathers and children in the Bible

history, and put them together, with many added. When compared

with other places, there are some differences found; yet we must

not therefore stumble at the word, but bless God that the things

necessary to salvation are plain enough. The original of the

Jewish nation is here traced from the first man that God

created, and is thereby distinguished from the obscure,

fabulous, and absurd origins assigned to other nations. But the

nations now are all so mingled with one another, that no one

nation, nor the greatest part of any, is descended entirely from

any of one nation, nor the greatest part of any, is descended

entirely from any of these fountains. Only this we are sure of,

that God has created of one blood all nations of men; they are

all descended from one Adam, one Noah. Have we not all one

father? Has not one God created us? #Mal 2:10|. 28-54 The genealogy is from hence confined to the posterity of

Abraham. Let us take occasion from reading these lists of names,

to think of the multitudes that have gone through this world,

have done their parts in it, and then quitted it. As one

generation, even of sinful men, passes away, another comes. #Ec

1:4; Nu 32:14|, and will do so while the earth remains. Short is

our passage through time into eternity. May we be distinguished

as the Lord's people.