Justin Houtz

1 Chronicles 7, John 17

DateVersionReading Plan
December 11, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

1 Chronicles 7

Observation & Interpretation

The chapter depicts the genealogies of more tribes of Israel, namely, the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim and Asher. Among them were given details about their capability for battle, but only of Issachar, Benjamin and Asher (1 Chron. 7:4, 11, 40). The description of the other tribes does not include numeric counts. Also particularly notable is the terseness of descendants of Naphtali in which only a few names are provided (1 Chron. 7:13).

John 17

Observation & Interpretation

Jesus lifted up His eyes in prayer to the Father in what is commonly known as His “High Priestly Prayer”. The prayer begins with an acknowledgment of the hour and Jesus’ request for the Father to glorify the Son (John 17:1). There is a strong theme of Jesus’ glory in these opening verses; of the glory He has been given by the Father and the glorifying of Himself and the Father (John 17:1, 4, 5, 10, 22, 24).

As the chapter progresses, other themes emerge such as believing, receiving and belonging as Jesus speaks of His oneness of relationship with the Father and of our relationship to the Father through the Son (John 17:11, 12, 15, 21, 22, 23). Jesus is clear in His request that His people not be taken from the world but to sanctify them in the truth (John 17:17). Jesus expands His entreaty to the generations not yet born, to those who will come to believe in Him. The chapter concludes with Jesus affirming the righteousness of the Father, of His being sent, making and continuing to make known the name of Father. All of this in order that the love with which the Father loved the Son may be in His people and He in His people (John 17:25-26).

John 17:9-26 – This is what the Father will use the Word to do: To make us unified. To sanctify us. To show us his glory. God is sovereign. He will do it. The Word will make us unworldly. The Word will set us apart to the Father and make us holy for him. (ESVEC – Response)

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