Genealogies in Scripture can be so tedious. Especially if you are like me and are terrible at pronouncing foreign names. But when you come across a genealogy and feel tempted to skip, whatever you do, DON’T. Here are 4 tips on how to study genealogies of the Bible. I assure you that these will help change the way you look at genealogies and become comfortable and actually enjoy diving into every family, clan, or people group!
Table of Contents
Draw a Genealogy Tree
When you come across a genealogy one of many useful tools is to draw a family tree! YES, draw one!!! It will get messy but you will eventually see something different about the family, clans or people groups! The easy part of doing this is that the Bible actually breaks up the genealogies. Therefore, you do not have to do all the genealogies at once. Focus on just the one you come across when you are naturally reading.
What to add to the Genealogy Tree?
- Add names, clan, or people group
- Birth ages (if provided)
- Age (if provided)
- Death age (if provided)
*If you come across “Temple Roles” like you do in the Book of Nehemiah or Ezra- for example, Levites, priests, singers, etc. Create a tree based on their Temple Role. List their names and next to the branch circle the total number of how many served in the particular role.
Calculate the names and even ages (if provided)
Count how many names are in the genealogy! God is very specific and every detail says something about His majesty. Pursue trying to understand the perfect mathematical design God uses in His Word because when God uses numbers, parables, types, and symbols He is demonstrating to conceal what He is saying. It’s mind-blowing, and remember, while doing so, your interpretation will always be confirmed by Scripture, so ensure to test all things according to the Word of God.
The Importance of Numbers
God is not an anti-number kind of God. I mean, think about it, we have a whole book dedicated to “Numbers”. We are even told that God counts the every hair on our heads, Luke 12:7 WOW!! Can you imagine how BIG and relational our God is that He knows such details about us?! So looking at the numbers listed in the Bible can give us deeper understanding of what God is trying to communicate in that passage. Throughout the Old and New Testament we even see repeating of numbers like, 40 years, days, or 7 days of Creation, of Spirits, or of Churches, etc. Therefore, do not hesitate to count. Simple math with a deeper meaning.
Look up definitions
Look up name definitions! Like said above, God uses every detail to conceal what He is saying and meanings of names say a lot about the individual in their time period and what they may be experiencing to do or have done. They are rich in symbolism! For example the first genealogy written in Genesis details Creation and God’s plan of saving it. So do not stray away from looking up the meanings of the names, you will be stunned on how they tell a story.
Search Bible References
Use BibleHub to search the names listed throughout Scripture. It’s the best tool!! All you have to do is type the name of the family member, clan, or people group in the search tool and all the Bible references will pop up. This will help with getting a better understanding of who they are and how they play a role in Scripture and forming the line of the Messiah. Especially because genealogies prove Jesus is the promised seed. So get familiar with them and comfortable enough to where you are able to defend Christ and His seed line, proving that He is who He says He is, GOD!
If you struggle getting distracted when studying the Bible, please read this. These hacks will help keep you engaged and transform your Bible Studying time. Be blessed, Friend!