43); 3) Reuben (5:1–10); 4) Gad (5:11–22); 5) Manasseh-East (5:23–26); 6) Levi
Study Notes
1 CHRONICLES—NOTE ON 1:1–9:44 This abbreviated genealogy summarizes the divinely selected course of redemptive history: 1) from Adam to Noah (1:1–4; Gen. 1–6); 2) from Noah's son Shem to Abraham (1 Chron. 1:4–27; Gen. 7–11); 3) from Abraham to Jacob (1 Chron. 1:28–34; Gen. 12–25); 4) from Jacob to the 12 tribes (1 Chron. 1:34–2:2; Gen. 25–50); and 5) from the 12 tribes to those who had returned to Jerusalem after the 70-year captivity (1 Chron. 2:3–9:44; Ex. 1:1–2; 2 Chron. 36:23). This genealogical listing is unique to the purposes of "the chronicler" and is not intended to necessarily be an exact duplication of any other list(s) in Scripture.
1 CHRONICLES—NOTE ON 1:19 days . . . divided. Peleg, which means "divided," apparently lived when the Lord divided, or scattered, the human race because of Babel (cf. Gen. 11:1–9).
1 CHRONICLES—NOTE ON 1:28–31 These 12 sons of Ishmael developed 12 tribes and settled the great northern desert of Arabia and became Arab peoples.
1 CHRONICLES—NOTE ON 1:43 kings . . . Edom. Esau's children settled in Edom, east and south of Israel, and are included among the Arab nations.
1 CHRONICLES—NOTE ON 2:1–7:40 These genealogies reflect the lineage of Jacob/Israel through his 12 sons. The tribe of Judah leads the list, indicating its importance, no doubt because of the Davidic heritage. After Judah, Levi receives the most attention, indicating the importance of their priestly role. Joseph (2:2) is later enumerated in terms of his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. Dan and Zebulun are not mentioned here, although they both are identified in the millennial distribution of land (cf. Ezek. 48:1–2, 26–27). The exact reason for these omissions is unknown. Benjamin is given additional attention in 1 Chron. 8:1– 40. The tribes are mentioned as follows: 1) Judah (2:3–4:23); 2) Simeon (4:24– 43); 3) Reuben (5:1–10); 4) Gad (5:11–22); 5) Manasseh-East (5:23–26); 6) Levi (6:1–81); 7) Issachar (7:1–5); 8) Benjamin (7:6–12); 9) Naphtali (7:13); 10) Manasseh-West (7:14–19); 11) Ephraim (7:20–29); and 12) Asher (7:30–40).
1 CHRONICLES—NOTE ON 2:7 Achan. In Josh. 7:1–26 he disobeyed the Lord by taking goods from under God's Jericho ban.