Tag Archives: 1 Chronicles

Roll the Credits

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PB and I don’t go out to see a movie very often, but when we do, I am always impressed by the long list of names that roll by at the end, each one having contributed to the making of the film. We like to sit through the entire list of credits out of respect for all the hard work and dedication of so many people.

We are the last ones to leave the theater. I just know that if one of my loved ones’ names was rolling by, I’d want to acknowledge it. And point it out to everyone in the theater.

That’s kind of how I feel when I come to one of those long lists of genealogies in the Bible. While it may be tempting to skip over them, I tend to think those names deserve a little attention. After all, they were real people. If God saw fit to include their names in His Word, I should at least acknowledge them.

I’m reading 1 Chronicles in March. (See my Bible Reading Plan 2026) The first several chapters contain long lists of historical records and family lines. This will be a real test of my stick-to-itiveness, but there are gems hidden in there, I’m sure of it. Each name has contributed in some way to the story of Jesus. I’m just glad I don’t have to pronounce any of those names out loud.

Shout out to Hazarmaveth, Hazzelelponi, and Tilgathpilneser.

I see you Ir, Er, and Uz.

Kudos to you, Ulam, and your 150 grandsons. (Thanks for not naming them all.)

You can bet that I’ll be watching the credits roll when season six of “The Chosen” is released. PB’s name will be cast upon the big screen, along with hundreds of other extras. Wait for the “O”s and don’t blink.

Treasure

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My reading this week took me through four solid chapters in 1 Chronicles that consisted of lists of names like Meshelemiah and Zabdiel and Joshbekashah and Happizzez (I kinda like that one). There were lists upon lists of priests, singers, gatekeepers, treasurers, officers and overseers. I thought, “Come on. Really? What’s the point of pages of kooky names from 450 B.C.?”

Perhaps as a reward for muddling through those boring chapters, God saved a treasure for the end of the lists. After naming all the “officials in charge of King David’s property” and recording all the individuals in “the book of the the annals of the King”, there is a pause at the end of chapter 27.

The final list is short – only five people. These men weren’t in charge of the temple or the music; they didn’t stand watch at the gate or do an inventory of the temple treasury; they didn’t lead a division of soldiers or tend the vineyards. These men took care of the King.  They were:

1) Jonathan – (a sensible name) David’s uncle, “a man of insight and a scribe”. David needed an older family member, someone who had known the King when he was just a wee boy and young shepherd. David relied on this man, who had wisdom and knew the scriptures.

2) Jehiel – “took care of the king’s sons”. Not an easy job, as there were at least 19 sons, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 3. Jehiel must have been quite a man to be put in charge of that rowdy crew.

3) Ahithophel – “was the king’s counselor”. We all need counseling.

4) Joab – “the commander of the royal army”. David’s right hand man and confidante.

Here’s the best part:

5) Hushai – “Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.”

Herein lies the treasure. Even kings need friends.