Genealogy: Levi to Saul

Genealogies Continued

Part of the genealogy in 1 Chronicles discusses the descendants of Levi. The house of Levi produced the priestly servants of God, as seen in Aaron and his sons. Levi was also the grandfather of Moses, Aaron, and their sister, Miriam. These prominent people led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage to the Promised Land. Aaron's descendants were the high priests for many generations. Azariah became the priest in the temple built by Solomon.

King David designated the descendants of Levi to be in charge of the songs as well as performing the services in the tabernacle of the tent of meeting (which would later be replaced by the temple built by Solomon). The Levites were given cities and pasturelands in the regions of the different houses of Israel, according to their roles as priests. They were also given the cities of refuge where someone that committed manslaughter could run to so as not to be killed in revenge.

The descendants of Issachar became mighty warriors. The clans of Issachar were, in total, 87,000 of these mighty warriors. The descendants of Benjamin were also a house full of mighty warriors. The descendants of Naphtali are only briefly mentioned, and the descendants of Manasseh are discussed after that. Gilead was in this house. Of the descendants of Ephraim, there were also mighty warriors. This house bore a great tragedy, however, when some of the descendants—Ezer and Elead—were killed when the men of Gath murdered them because they came down to raid their livestock. The descendants of Asher had many mighty warriors and chiefs of the princes as well.

King Saul descended from the house of Benjamin. He and his sons were killed at the battle of Mount Gilboa. Saul died for his lack of faith. He also failed to keep the commandments of God and sought guidance from a medium rather than God. God then gave the kingdom to King David.

Summary

This portion of 1 Chronicles is a continuation of the genealogies. These genealogies connect all of the key people in the Old Testament up to this point in the Bible. Many of the tribes of Israel are described as having had mighty warriors among them. Saul's tragic end is also recorded here.

Application and Reflection

Application

This record of genealogies tells the story of the people of Israel and records the main characters. Some of these names may not seem familiar when you read the Bible verses, but each of them holds an important place in biblical history. Sometimes, God may have a mission for us that we consider essential, and at other times, we may feel insignificant. The names that are not easily recognizable were an essential part of God's plan, too, even if, for example, they were just to carry on the line of a house; later on, their descendants may have been called upon to do something that will always be remembered.

Reflection

If you researched your genealogy, what would you expect to find?