Sometimes, things that are considered insignificant actually have their relevance. Lots of things that are assumed to be non-essentials possess the potential to enhance development. So it is with our passage today. Our text looks like a mere listing of the descendants of Benjamin, the last born of Jacob, son of Isaac. From the listing, we can see that Benjamin had five sons, of which Bela was the first. Bela, in turn, gave birth to nine. The listing continues until the turn of Saul, the first king of Israel. There is, however, the need to look at it as a valid record of historical events that has great relevance to human race and development. If anything, the record constitutes undoubtful historicity that authenticates subsequent biblical records and serves as the string that holds important ages of the scriptures together. Historiography, therefore, should be seen and held as a significant task that provides valid foundation for impartation and acceptance of biblical precepts. As a matter of fact, it was the commitment to historiography on the part of the sixty-six authors of the Bible, though divinely inspired, that brought about the Holy Bible which provides us with the knowledge of why, when and how to build a lasting relationship with God today. Therefore, record-keeping is important to believers, the church and the state as the basis and guide for taking decisions that can determine our destiny. Believers are however forbidden from keeping records of offences that nurse malice and unforgiving spirit. That is sinful and damnable.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 06:30:49 +0000