This book stays true to its name and “chronicles” the family line from Adam through each generation.  At first glance it looks like a big list of people’s names, but the detail with which each person is listed reminds me of the importance of this clear lineage from Adam to Jesus.

The highlight for me in this section of scripture is the simple mention of the life of Jabez.  Jabez is the little know Bible character who had a book written about him in 2000 by Bruce Wilkinson.  In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Jabez prays, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”  Then we’re told that God granted his request.  Jabez was wise enough to recognize that only God could give him anything…what an important lesson to learn.