Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Reading the Bible in 90 Days, Day 29: 1 Chronicles 1 - 9

If you blink, you'll miss the prayer of Jabez, snuck into the middle of what is mostly lists of geneologies.  Yes, that famous prayer to increase his territory, it's just two verses in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. 
"Jabez was a better man than his brothers, a man of honor.  is mother had named him Jabez (Oh, the pain!), saying, "A painful birth!  I bore him in great pain!"  Jabez prayer to the God of Israel.  "Bless me, O bless me.  Give me land, large tracts of land.  And provide your personal protection -- don't let evil hurt me."  God gave him what he asked." 

So, there you go.  The prosperity gospel in a nutshell.

Other than that, these chapters are mostly filled up with names:  mostly who was in who's family, as well as David's worship leaders and the priestly cities.

Though they are seldom named, it occurs to me:  where would we be without the mothers?  For this list is not so much about the exploits of the people of Israel, but who was born to whom. 

Also, though this is called "The Chronicles", it occurs to me that the chronology is very different.  In chapter 9 the author is already on to the family tree of Israel after they return from exile.  But afterwards, we'll hear more about the families of Saul and David

Tomorrow:  1 Chronicles 10 - 23
Friday:  1 Chronicles 24 - 2 Chronicles 7

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