From Adam to Abraham: The Chronicler’s family lists start with Adam (1:1) and swiftly continue from there to Abram (1:27). If there was ever an abridged version of some Pentateuchal genealogical traditions, this is it! These twenty-seven verses quickly run through at least three genealogies contained in Genesis 5, 10, and 11. This first of the Chronicler’s genealogies utilizes both linear and segmented forms in its summary of the Genesis traditions.

The intention of the Chronicler’s construction is clear, namely, to emphasize the Semite lineage over against the Japhethite and Hamite lineages. The family line running from Adam to Abram goes through the Semite family, which is emphasized by the recapitulation in 1:24–27.

1:1–4    In the first three verses the Chronicler clearly used Genesis 5 …