The book of 1 Chronicles is often neglected, and yet it has a great deal to teach, even in the genealogies. Together with 2 Chronicles it surveys the sweep of biblical history, charting the gracious purposes of a faithful God across the centuries with the aim of encouraging and enlightening its readers. Andrew Thomson draws out the key lessons.

The particular service this volume performs is making the opening chapters preachable: most readers skip the genealogies, and Thomson shows what the Chronicler was doing with them. Part of Day One's Opening Up series, with short chapters and study questions suited to a small group. For anyone who has resolved to read the whole Bible and stalled here.