Daily Bible Reading for August 5, 2014, with Commentary: 1 Chronicles 1-4
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Author: Unknown, possibly Ezra
Date: Unknown, after the return of the Israelites from captivity
Context: As you begin reading 1 Chronicles, you may ask yourself, “haven’t I already read this?” Yes and no. The books of Chronicles are similar to the books of Samuel and the books of Kings as they cover the same time period of history. The books of Chronicles differ in that it covers information that is important to God. The four chapters in today’s reading all consist of genealogy. Why is genealogy included? It is history. It shows from who and where we came.
World History: Chronicles was written for the small remnant of Israelites that were returning after being held captive by the Babylonians. As they returned, they faced several challenges. The Temple of the Lord had been completely destroyed. Towns, cities, homes, livelihoods, government - all were gone. Morale suffered, as evident by later prophets’ writings.