Beginning at verse 28 of Chapter 1, we have Abraham’s genealogy. But it’s presented in a strange way. Of Abraham’s sons, Ishmael and his son’s are listed first. Then Abraham’s children by his wife keturah. Isaac, the child of promise as Paul calls him in Galatians 4:28 is mentioned with Esau’s birth and genealogy coming next. Jacob is not mentioned until we get into chapter 2. It seems that the Chronicler was presenting the least prominent line first, saving the chosen line through Jacob whose name was changed to Israel, for last. Allen thinks this order stands as a way to give Jacob’s line the “climax” of the story.
In verse 43, the “kings” of Edom are listed. One thing we know from the choice of listing Abraham’s descendents of Keturah, Ishmael through Hagar and even Esau is that physical descent from Abraham is not sufficient. The climax of the lineage is not just from Abraham, it’s those God has chosen from Abraham.
Jesus tried to explain that to the proud self-proclaimed “sons of Abraham” in John Chapter 8. The religious leaders claimed to be son’s of Abraham, but Jesus said they were not. They argued to be sons of God, who was their father. Jesus explained that Abraham heard God’s word and believed it. Therefore “you are not of Abraham,” Jesus said. Since they are not of Abraham, neither are they of God. Jesus explained, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
When gentiles hear God’s Word, and receive God’s Son they are now in the “climax” of God’s genealogy. Paul explains this in Galatians: “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’ So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”
Chuck
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2(NLT)