1 Chronicles 1:1-54
It is amazing the careful records kept in Scripture. Not only the genealogies leading to Christ, but also the record of those who became Israel’s enemies. From the sons of Ham come the inhabitants of Canaan who would eventually have to be dispersed. These enemies occupied the promise land. It’s interesting when listing Abraham’s sons the list includes key enemies in Israel’s future. “Abraham became the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac were Esau and Israel. The sons of Esau were…” (34-35a). Men listed here became great and organized enemies of God’s people before they became a nation. “Now these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king of the sons of Israel reigned…” (43a) “Now the chiefs of Edom were:…” (51b). Why God gave so much attention to those who would become enemies of His people. Looking back on Israel’s history and development as a nation, we see God often shaping His people by the enemies they faced. We need to see God still permits enemies to exist in our lives not to punish us but to reveal Himself and mold us into what He desires us to be. We find this truth in the account of Israel’s deliverance from oppression in Egypt and Pharaoh. In times of opposition we must primarily focus on what God is doing in us through our enemies!