The original readers of this book must have had mixed emotions as they worked their way through this genealogical record. On the one hand, they were surely proud of their heritage. Just as any small town would embrace its claim to fame as the birthplace of some great politician or celebrity, the tribe of Ephraim must have been glad to note from 1 Chronicles 7 that God’s servant Joshua was one of them (v 27). The female descendants of Manasseh must have taken special delight to know that the bold daughters of Zelophehad from Moses’ day were part of their clan (v 15; Numbers 27:1-11; 36:1-12). And the descendants of Benjamin and Issachar would be quick to boast that their ancestors included so many “mighty warriors,” some of whom were employed in the service of King David (v 2, 5, 7, 9, 11). On the other hand, all these historical notes might have sounded rather ironic and unhelpful to the contemporaries of the Chronicler. Why show Simeon as a flourishing tribe when it is now disintegrated? Why portray Levi as having such great influence in every corner of the land when that land no longer belongs to Israel? And why highlight the military prowess of Benjamin and Issachar when today, in the 4th century BC, God’s people were so weak? Answer: So that these tribes will not lose heart but continue to put their hope in a faithful God, who does not change, and will not abandon His people. The genealogical and historical survey of the families of Israel concludes by tracing the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Briefer details are given regarding each of these northern tribes, which were smaller in number and not as prominent as some of the larger tribes in terms of the history of God’s people as recorded in Scripture. The writer is showing us that God’s salvation is for all of God’s people, even those who appear, at first glance, play a minor role in the story. By including these smaller, lesser-known tribes, he is reminding his readers about the nature of God’s election, which was not based on their impressive size or any other merit, but was simply rooted in God’s love and grace. It’s also a reminder to us that in the church, we are one body with many members. Some have more prominent roles, but all are vitally important; the contributions of each one are necessary for the body to function properly. So we are to show honor to the less visible members of Christ’s Body, that there might be no divisions among us, and that all might receive love and support, whether they are suffering or rejoicing. For further meditation: