Only takes about 40 hours for an average reader. Skip the begats ... they only matter if you want to study geneology and attendant prophecy. A time line is also really good. You realize what Prophets were contemporary with what kings.
Skip the begats? Oh, those matter just as much as the rest of Scripture. God put them there for a reason to show us the amazing nature of how he has displayed his love and mercy throughout time and all generations. They are there to show us how much God values individual people in his plan of redemption.
We don't need to spend a lot of time on those sections, though perhaps we should. My pastor did a sermon once on one of these genealogical sections and his insight was amazing. He got so much out of that little section that we just pass over too often.
But, they aren't something we should just dismiss.
"Skip the begats ... "
They are there for a reason.
You do yourself and God a great disservice by discarding these words, it is written for a reason, as is each and every word.
Knowledge is there for the taking, if one chooses to take it. Wallow in your ignorance if you must, but don't invite others to join you.
soldierette's Mom