Dr. Heiser teaches that genealogies in Scripture function as an identifier in a linear way that lists generation after generation [1]. They also can be segmented and focus upon one generation that is specific to a family or dynasty. They can be matrilineal; this traces the genealogy through the mother. They can also be patrilineal, that traces generations through the fathers; this type is not as common as the others according to Dr. Heiser [2]. But, Dr. Elwell disagrees, listing the biblical lineage that was traced through the male side of the family with just an occasional mention of females (Genesis 11:29; 22:23; Numbers 26:33-27:11) to be more prevalent in Scripture [3].
The Hebrews of biblical times to modern-day also kept records of backward and forward ancestry usually with the focus upon the matrilineal line because is the mother bloodline that identifies the Jewishness of descendants. Yet, the Hebrews were not the only family generation recorders. The Sumerians also kept genealogy lists especially for their kings that were the early rulers of Mesopotamia [4]. The Babylonians kept records, and used the word “son” in place of the words “descendant of" [5]. This use of “son” becomes an important interpretation tool in understanding and identifying family names in Scripture. The geologies in Genesis and 1 Chronicles 1-9 are unique in Near Eastern literature of that time for their broad coverage that named specific people generation after generation [6].
The Hebrews had to keep genealogical records to establish and maintain the succession through the family of David in Judah. Since it was believed by them that the Messiah would come from the generations of David, records were kept to trace that royal succession[7]. The records also kept for ancient Israel established and preserved the inheritance of the Promised Land amongst the different descendants of Abraham.
It was also important to the Hebrews to identify the priests that inherit the right through their family succession. Mosaic Law required the separation of the priests from the other Tribes of Israel, and they did not inherit land. But, they fulfilled important jobs in Judaism and were instructed by the G-d in the ways of their ministry to Him and the Chosen people. By the time of Josephus, every priest was required by law to prove his lineage of generations [8].
Scripture shows that family genealogies were required to impose military duty amongst the Israelites (Numbers 1:2, 3) [9]. As they marched from Egypt, the Israelites were divided by tribes and families, and their individual tent placement was according to the genealogical lineage of each family. Genesis 27 shows the passing of G-d’s blessings from family to family in a generational pass-down. After the exile, Ezra and Nehemiah demanded racial purity with a purging of foreigners; purity of descent was figured upon the compilation of genealogies.
The following is a list of the important genealogies within Scripture [10]:
Genesis, Numbers, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles (have the most genealogical material in Scripture), Ezra, Nehemiah, Matthew and Luke contain generational lists. For those of you that color code Bibles, the color yellow is often used to represent blessings and families and would appropriately represent genealogy instances also. Regardless, all Professional Theology students should record this list and file it (Topic: Genealogies) in their working notebooks for reference purposes.
Before the Flood
Genesis 4:17-22 – Descendants of Cain through 7 generations; identifies crafts and occupations.
Genesis 4:25, 26 – Seth’s descendants to contrast his righteous posterity with Cain’s ungodly generations
Genesis 5:1-32; 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 – Adams descendant through Seth to Noah and his son at the time of the flood
From Noah to Abraham
Genesis 10:1-32; 1 Chronicles 1:4-23 – The “Table of Nations” lists the nations that descend from the sons of Noah (Shem, Ham, and Japheth)
Genesis 11:10-27; 1 Chronicles 1:24-27 – Traces Shem’s descendants to the time of Abraham
Genesis 11:27-30; Genesis 22:20-24 – Descendants of Nahor (Abraham’s brother)
From Abraham to the Descent into Egypt
Genesis 16:15; 21:1-3; 25:1-4 – The descendants of Abram (Abraham) by Hagar, Sarai (Sarah), and Keturah. This introduces the Arab (Muslim) linage through Hagar and Abraham and the David linage through Sarah and Abraham.
Genesis 19:37, 38 – Links Ammonites and Moabites through Abraham’s nephew Lot
Genesis 29:31-30:24; 35:16-26 – The descendants of Jacob, recording parentage, birth, and naming of the 12 tribes of Israel; it is an important and often referenced genealogy in Scripture.
Genesis 26:34; 36:1-43; 1 Chronicles 1:35-54 – Edomite descendants through Esau and his three wives
Genesis 46:1-27; Exodus 6:14-16; Numbers 26:1-51; 1 Chronicles 2-8 – The 70 family members of Jacob at the time he entered Egypt
Exodus 6:14-25 – Establishes Aaron and Moses as members of Levi’s priestly tribe
From the Exodus to the Conquest of Canaan
Numbers 1:4-54; 2:2-33 – Desert census of Israelites after leaving Egypt
Numbers 3:1-39 - Census of the family of Aaron and Levites
Numbers 13:4-16 – A list of the twelve spies, including Caleb and Joshua
Numbers 26:4-51, 57-62 – Another census of Israel near the end of the wilderness wanderings
Numbers 34:16-29 – A list prepared for the tribal representatives to help distribute the Promised Land
Period of Judges
Ruth 4:18-22; cf. 1 Chronicles 2:9-15 – An account of the ancestors of David
There is not much genealogical information during this period. Accounts are given of different judges rather than utilize the genealogical format.
The Monarchical Period
1, 2 Kings; cf. 1 Chronicles 11:1-2 – 2 Chronicles 36:21 – David’s descendants are traced through twenty rulers of Judah until it fell to Babylonians in 586 B.C.
2 Samuel 3:2-5; 5:14-16; cf. 1 Chronicles 3:1-9; 14:4-7 – David’s children are listed
2 Samuel 23:8-39; cf. 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 – David’s elite soldiers
1 Chronicles 12:1-22 – David’s recruits at Ziklag
1 Chronicles 15:1-24; cf. 1 Chronicles 16:5, 6, 37-43 – David’s musicians and doorkeepers when ark was brought to Jerusalem
1 Chronicles 23-27 – David’s political and religious organization with Levites, priests, singers, porters, and household officers
1 Kings 4:1-19 – The only genealogical record of Solomon and his 12 officers preserved during this time
Zephaniah 1:1 – A genealogy of one prophet traced back four generations
The Postexilic Period
Ezra 2:1-70 (cf. Nehemiah 7-6-73) – A list of exiles who returned with Zerubbabel
Ezra 7:1-5 – Ezra’s genealogy
Ezra 8:1-20 – A list of exiles who returned with Ezra
Ezra 10:18-44 – A list of Jews that married foreign women
Nehemiah 10:1-27 – A list of those participating in the ceremony of the sealing of the Covenant
Nehemiah 3-36 – A list of Jerusalem and other city dwellers
Nehemiah 12:1-9 – List of priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel
Nehemiah 12:10-11 – The high priests returning
Nehemiah 12:12-21 – The heads of the priestly families returning
Nehemiah 12:22-26 – The Levites and porters serving under the high priest returning
Nehemiah 12:31-42 – The princes and priests who were at the dedication for the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem
1 Chronicles 1-9 – The longest section of genealogical material in the Bible that records Adam to Saul to preserve the purity of blood in the restored nation during the postexilic period
The New Testament Period
Matthew 1:1-17 – Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Luke 3:23-38 – Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Study these genealogy instances well, and take good notes. Professional Theologists will be asked many questions that start with “How do we know…” with regards to relationships between generations, families, individuals, tribes, Jews, Muslims, and Christians. The genealogies contained within Scripture can answer these type questions. While normally, Preachers would move around the boring lists of genealogies with a few tidbits thrown in for good measure, Professional Theologists mastery of these important generational lists will make these type questions easily answered.
Bibliography
Elwell, Walter A., Barry J. Beitzel. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988.
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Footnotes
Michael S. Heiser, BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources (LOGOS Bible Software).
Walter A. Elwell, Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988), 846.
Ibid.
Ibid., 845.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid., 846.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid., 847.
Links
About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
©2014-2015 Kathy L. McFarland. All Rights Reserved.