In Chapter 7, the Chronicler records the genealogies of the remaining tribes of Israel. Most of these families scattered when the Assyrians conquered northern Israel in 722 B.C. Known as the “lost tribes,” there are no further records of these families. This was their punishment from God for their idol worship.

One positive example, however, is the tribe of Benjamin. In Chapter 8, the author gives a full genealogy from Benjamin to Saul, Israel’s first king, and then lists the descendants of Saul’s son Jonathan. Saul lost God’s blessing due to his disobedience, and the kingship of Israel was given to David and his descendants. However, through Jonathan’s covenant of friendship with David, his descendants were spared from destruction and grew again into a clan of brave warriors (40). Paul the apostle, as a Benjamite, likely descended from someone mentioned here. Jonathan’s faith and faithfulness saved him and his descendants, even though his family seemed cursed.

When we come to the Lord with personal faith, we are saved. And, the Lord can use us to bless others far into the future, even if our human family has many problems.
Application: Father, thank you that you can save me and bless the future through me regardless of what my background or family is like.
One Word: One person’s faith secures the future