To the average Christian few things in the Bible are less meaningful and more boring than the frequent lists of descendants and ancestors. Those who read the Bible from cover to cover tend to develop an elastic conscience when they come, for instance, to the first nine chapters of the book of 1 Chronicles. The more determined families may read through all the genealogies once, but very few will read them through a second time. In the Bible, genealogies serve different purposes.
Genealogies can help to establish identity .
They can identify someone as coming from a certain tribe and a certain clan and a certain family. In the Ancient World extended family ties were important because a tribe cares for its members. Genealogies are also used to establish status and legitimacy especially in the offices of king and high priest where lineage is important. A king, for instance, can show his right to rule by pointing to all his royal ancestors. Genealogies are also used to emphasize personality or character traits .