During Lent we will depart somewhat from the normal Lectionary readings. Indeed, I have decided to preach on a two books of the Bible that are nowhere to be found in the lectionary at all: 1 & 2 Chronicles. It is generally considered that most of the content of these books is found in the Books of Samuel and Books of Kings. It is true that the Books of Chronicles recount much of the history of these other books in condensed form, placing greater emphasis on genealogy and familial relationships and describing many of the events slightly differently, because the books were written somewhat later and therefore come from a different social environment. After all, a history book written in the 19^th century is also different to a history book written in the 21^st century, even if the books cover the same period. The Books of Chronicles were probably written for the exiles who had returned to Israel after the Babylonian captivity. They also reflect the wider Persian cultural and social environment of the times.

The Books of Chronicles also have some additional material. The readings during Lent will all relate to that additional material and through that try to bring out the matters that the writers of Chronicles thought to be particularly important (apart from the genealogy bit). From that it is clear that faithfulness to the covenant and to God were seen as crucial. Even though Israel often failed throughout its history, the Books of Chronicles also show that when there was repentance the relationship could be restored. The Books of Chronicles also promote unity, grieving about the separation between Israel and Judah. Even though that happened, there can still be unity, maybe not in the same way it was back then, but still meaningful and real. Yes, there have been mistakes in the past, but these can be overcome by focusing on those aspects of the past that connect the people, that bring them to value their unity and faithfulness.

It is possibly that appeal for unity that also is the reason for such a focus on genealogies. In the case of Israel and Judah, these genealogies show that the people were connected, were brothers and sisters. Today the people of God are not so much genetically linked, but rather through our spiritual ancestors. Maybe we can reflect on these ancestors in the faith to bring us to greater unity and faithfulness.