Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 84:2 (Fall 2022)
Article: Near To Jerusalem, Near To Yahweh: The Role Of Geography In The Chronicler’s Genealogies
Author: Dean Chia

Near To Jerusalem, Near To Yahweh:
The Role Of Geography In The Chronicler’s Genealogies

Dean Chia

First Chronicles 1–9 reveals the significance of Davidic kingship and Levitical ministry as Yahweh’s means of promoting holiness among Israel. For this reason, geographical proximity to Jerusalem tends to promote spiritual nearness to Yahweh. First Chronicles 1 provides a topography that places Israel at the center of the world, and the order of Israel’s tribal genealogies in 1 Chron 2–8 highlights Judah, Levi, and Benjamin, the three major tribes of the Southern Kingdom.

Judah’s primacy (1 Chron 2–4) can be explained by the centrality of David (1 Chron 3). Additionally, the Chronicler explores the themes of centralized worship and the dangers of settling away from Jerusalem. The intermediate tribes between Judah and Levi in 1 Chron 4:25–5:26 contrast the results of Simeon’s prospering in the land and the demise of the Transjordan tribes. This invites geographical distance from Jerusalem as a factor influencing one’s spirituality and one’s tenure in the land of Canaan.

Levi’s central position (5:27–6:66) can be explained by the Levites’ cultic, worship, and instructional ministries that promote faithfulness among Israel. The spiritual benefits of Levi become especially concentrated in the area immediately surrounding Jerusalem following the Schism, with generally positive results for the Southern Kingdom.

In 1 Chron 7, Benjamin’s loyalty to Judah is contrasted to that of his brother Joseph. Read together with 1 Chron 8, these chapters establish that sensitivity to geography helps one appreciate Benjamin’s manifest loyalty to Judah through their settlement in Jerusalem. Their loyalty to Yahweh and Jerusalem is to be commended and explains Benjamin’s place as the third and final major tribe explored in 1 Chron 8.

First Chronicles 9 paints a picture of a returning Israel composed primarily of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi, and reminds the community of the importance of King David and Levi’s ministry in mediating Yahweh’s presence and in the anticipation of Yahweh’s return to his people.

The conclusion reiterates the importance of Yahweh’s presence in Jerusalem and his provided means of promoting holiness—namely, the institu...