1 Chronicles 2:1–2

2 These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, 2 2:2Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

Section Outline

I.B. All the Tribes of Israel (2:1–9:1)
1. 1. Introductory Naming of All Twelve Sons of Israel (2:1–2)

Response

We use a variety of words to describe who we are, including those derived from nationality, birthplace, or current place of residence. Just as the Chronicler builds on the name “children of Israel,” which affirms a common ancestor rather than place, so “Christian” describes a shared relationship to a person, Jesus Christ. The listing of twelve “sons,” leading to tribes, recognizes diversity, but the Chronicler asserts that his hearers are to see themselves primarily as “children of Israel.” Here is a reminder that, within the contemporary global diversity among Christians, we are to live out the wonder that we are “one” with all who acknowledge Christ as Lord (John 17:20–23; Rom. 10:9–13).

1 See Introduction: Theology of 1–2 Chronicles: “All Israel.”

2 Cf. Genesis 35:22–26; Exodus 1:2–5; Numbers 1:5–15.

3 On the use of chiasm by the Chronicler, see Introduction: Genre and Literary Features, and Overview of 1:1–9:34.