The modern reader may wonder why this long list of names is included in the narrative. Why would the original readers be interested in this list? Since Israel, God’s covenant people, descended from Jacob, their family records were always important to them. Here their genealogy is especially important to show they are the continuation of the preexilic Jewish community. Each person wanted to confirm his or her identity as part of the covenant community, which also served to emphasize their separation from the Samaritans and other surrounding peoples. In many cases this identity and continuity was also important for land rights. Many of them realized that they were part of God’s continuing plan; notice their rejoicing: “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy” (Ps…