Israel as One

Israel as One

 

1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40

 

The author of Chronicles introduces the genealogy of the fallen northern tribes of Israel, hoping for the unification and resurrection of Israel. Issachar was a tribe that produced brave soldiers. The tribe of Joseph split into the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the two sons of Joseph, and became the most powerful force in northern Israel.

Benjamin is the youngest tribe of Israel, but it produced Saul, the first king of Israel. Unlike the ten tribes in the north, it is also the tribe that joined the tribe of Judah in the south to form Southern Judah.

 

God is the one who wants Israel to be restored to its perfect state (7:1-40). The Israel that God will restore is the perfect Israel that has become one with the people of northern Israel (see Ezek. 37:16-19). Let us pray that our community, our nation, and our people will become one in the Lord.

 

The genealogy of Saul's family is introduced (8:33-40). However, if you look closely, it is a list of descendants of Merib-Baal (Mephibosheth: shameless) son of Jonathan. David protects Merib-Baal's descendants because of the promise he made with Jonathan (1 Sam 20:12-16). The kingdom of God is a kingdom that develops and continues based on faith. What are the promises that I must keep in faith in my life?

 

God, please restore the unity of our community, our country, and our people! And let us become people who faithfully keep our promises!

 

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