1:1 This record of names demonstrates that God is interested not only in nations but also in individuals. Although billions of people have lived since Adam, God knows and remembers the face and name of each person. Each of us is more than a name on a list; we are special persons whom God knows and loves. As we recognize and accept his love, we discover both our uniqueness as individuals and our solidarity with the rest of his family.
1:1ff This long list of names was compiled after the people of Judah, the southern kingdom, were taken captive to Babylon. As the exiles looked forward to the day when they would return to their homeland, one of their biggest fears was that the records of their heritage would be lost. The Jews placed great importance upon their heritage because each person wanted to be able to prove that he was a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people. Only then could he enjoy the benefits of the special blessings God promised to Abraham and his descendants (see the notes on Genesis 12:1-3 and 17:2-8 for what these special blessings were).
This list reconstructed the family tree for both Judah, the southern kingdom, and Israel, the northern kingdom, before their captivities and served as proof for those who claimed to be Abraham’s descendants. (For more information about why the Bible includes genealogies, read the notes on Genesis 5:1ff, Matthew 1:1, and Luke 3:23-38.)
1:1ff There is more to this long genealogy than meets the eye. It holds importance for us today because it supports the Old Testament promise that Jesus the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham and David. This promise is recorded in Genesis 12:1-3 and 2 Samuel 7:12, 13.
1:1, 4 Adam’s story and profile are found in Genesis 1–5, p. 11. Noah’s story and profile are found in Genesis 6–9, p. 23.
1:5-9 A biblical genealogy may skip several generations. These lists were not meant to be exhaustive, but to give adequate information about the various family lines.
1:10 Nimrod is also mentioned in Genesis 10:8, 9.
1:11, 12 The Philistines had been Israel’s constant enemy from the days of the judges. King David finally weakened them, and by this time they were no longer a threat. (For more information on the Philistines, see the notes on Judges 13:1 and 1 Samuel 4:1.)
1:13-16 Canaan was the ancestor of the Canaanites, who inhabited the Promised Land (also called Canaan) before the Israelites entered under Joshua’s leadership. God helped the Israelites drive out the Canaanites, a wicked and idolatrous people. The land’s name was then changed to Israel. The book of Joshua tells that story.
1:19 At one time, everyone spoke a single language. But some people became proud of their accomplishments and gathered to build a monument to themselves—the tower of Babel. The building project was brought to an abrupt conclusion when God caused the people to speak different languages. Without the ability to communicate with one another, the people could not be unified. God showed them that their great efforts were useless without him. Pride in our achievements must not lead us to conclude that we no longer need God. This story is told in Genesis 11:1-9.
1:24-27 Abraham’s story and profile are found in Genesis 11:26–25:10, p. 39.
1:28-31 Ishmael’s story and profile are found in Genesis 16 and 21, p. 41.
1:34 Israel is another name for Jacob, given to him by God (Genesis 32:28). Israel’s (Jacob’s) 12 sons became the nation of Israel. Esau’s descendants became the nation of Edom, a constant enemy of Israel. To learn more about the lives of Isaac and his two sons, Jacob and Esau, read their stories in Genesis 21–36, 46–49, and their Profiles on pp. 65, 63.
1:36 Amalek, Esau’s grandson, was the son of his father’s concubine (Genesis 36:12). He was the ancestor of the wicked tribe known as the Amalekites, the first people to attack the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land. (For more about the Amalekites, read the note on Exodus 17:8.)
1:43-54 Why are we given information in this genealogy about the descendants of Edom, who were Israel’s enemies? Esau, ancestor of the Edomites, was Isaac’s oldest son and thus a direct descendant of Abraham. As Abraham’s first grandson, he deserved a place in the Jewish records. It was through Esau’s marriages to pagan women, however, that the nation of Edom began. This genealogy shows the ancestry of enemy nations; they were not a part of the direct lineage of King David, and thus of the Messiah. This listing further identified Israel’s special identity and role.