If you’ve ever read a genealogy like Genesis 36 and thought, Why is this here? — you’re not alone. Page after page of unfamiliar names can feel dry.

But genealogies are not filler. They are faith-builders.

1. They Prove God Keeps His Promises.

God told Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation” (Gen. 12:2).

He told Rebekah, “Two nations are in your womb” (Gen. 25:23).

Genesis 36 shows Esau becoming a nation—chiefs, kings, territory. God did exactly what He said.

God’s promises are not vague spiritual sentiments. They unfold in real history. And in Christ, “all the promises of God find their Yes” (2 Cor. 1:20).

If He kept His word then, He will keep His word now.

2. They Anchor Our Faith in Real History.

These are real people in real places at real times. The Bible is not mythology—it is history moving toward redemption.

Luke does the same with Jesus, tracing His lineage through generations (Luke 3). The gospel didn’t happen in imagination. It happened in space and time.

Your faith rests on fact.

3. They Show God Rules the Nations.

Genesis 36 lists Edomite kings before Israel had one. God was raising rulers and shaping nations long before Israel’s monarchy began.

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord” (Prov. 21:1).

God is not only sovereign over Bible times. He rules over presidents, economies, wars, and generations—including yours.

4. They Distinguish Earthly Success from Covenant Blessing.

Esau prospers. He has land, power, influence. Yet the covenant promise runs through Jacob.

Genealogies remind us: Material success is not the same as saving grace.

Jesus said God “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good” (Matt. 5:45). Common grace is real—but only Christ brings covenant mercy.

Don’t mistake prosperity for peace with God.

5. They Move the Story Toward Christ.

Genesis alternates between the chosen line and the non-chosen line. Genesis 36 closes the chapter on Esau’s descendants so the focus can return to Jacob—and ultimately to Judah.

Because Scripture is moving somewhere.

To a Lion.

To a King.

To Jesus Christ (Rev. 5:5).

Even long lists of names are clearing the runway for the Savior.

6. They Remind Us That God Knows Every Name.

The names blur together for us. But not for God.

“No life is insignificant.”

“I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isa. 49:16).

If God records these names in Scripture, He has not forgotten yours.

The Bigger Story

Genealogies proclaim:

• God keeps His promises.
• God governs history.
• God distinguishes covenant grace.
• God knows every name.
• God is moving everything toward Christ.

And here is the wonder:

Through faith in Jesus, you are brought into the only genealogy that finally matters.

“To all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

So the next time you read a genealogy, don’t skim too quickly.

It is quietly proclaiming the faithfulness of God—and the coming of Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that every page of Scripture—even the long lists of names—declares Your faithfulness. You keep every promise. You rule every nation. You forget no one.

Thank You for sending Jesus, the promised Seed and rightful King to whom all these genealogies lead. May we be stunned by Your goodness, trust in Your providence in our generation, and rest in Your covenant love.

Write our hearts into Your story of redemption, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ. Amen.