Reading
SAA Notes
This chapter contains the prayer of Jabez – made much of, today, in certain Christian circles. The example of Jabez is informative for the returning exiles and for us in this: the tribes of Israel needed to grow and expand. Jabez did not look to worldly wisdom to attain this end, but he looked to God for His blessing.
SJA Notes
* Faithful God, plead our cause and redeem us; give us life according to Your promise!
“The descendants of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son; …”
Here we read of the royal line all the way to those returning from exile.
You can see this lineage follows the royal line rather than actual biology.
We know that Zedekiah was an uncle of Jeconiah (not his biological son).
But in terms of the throne, he was a son.
Chronicles was an important book for the returning exiles.
Knowing this adds deep meaning to the lists of people, the genealogies.
They are to encourage the exiles as they return from far-off Babylon and other places. When they see the ruin of Jerusalem, of the temple – These lists would remind them of God at work for their good throughout the years.
As with the exiles, so with us.
We can see God at work, and this is for our own encouragement as we walk this road.
We can know that God has been at work for thousands of years, in each generation of His people, and will continue to be at work.
We can see that His sovereign will cannot be thwarted.
His will for us, His people, is goodness!
* Gracious Lord God,
Thank You that You work for our good.
Thank You that You have worked with this intent for all the span of humanity, and that You continue to work this way.
Thank You for saving us Lord God, from our sin.
Amen.