1 Chronicles 21
We are told here that David's numbering of the people was prompted
by Satan who rose up against Israel 1-2. Though Joab tried to
dissuade David from doing this, David insisted and the people were
numbered 3-6 (1.1 million fighting men in all 5). This was evil in
the sight of the Lord 7. Note: Temptation and sin are like that.
'We want what we want' regardless of the wrong we maybe doing.
Thus, we must always be on guard, for our adversary, the Devil, is
always on the prowl seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8-9). The
result id God's judgment falling on the people even though David
chose to fall into the Lord's hands 9-14. Note: Sin always has a
impact on others and not just ourselves. The Lord commands His
Angel to stop the destruction 15. Note: God tempers His judgment
with His mercy. David pleads for mercy for the people, willing to
suffer in their stead 16-17. David is told to build an altar to the
Lord at the threshing floor of Araunah 19. He obeys and this
becomes the site where the Temple of the Lord is to be built 20-30,
22:1. Note: It is amazing how the place God said He would chose for
His Name is realized and made known through the actions of man
(David). Also, the circumstances were not ideal or holy but come as
a result of man needing the grace and mercy of God. Only the Lord
can redeem and make holy out of that which is unholy in our
lives.
1 Chronicles 22
Though David is not permitted by the Lord to build the Temple, he
yet makes many preparations and gets things ready for Solomon.
1-13. David charges Solomon to seek the Lord 13 and commands the
leaders to do the same 17-19. Note: Even though we may not see some
goals realized in this life, yet we can prepare and pass along to
our children a legacy that is grounded in love for the Lord. They,
in turn, can pick up the task and see a dream, promise, or goal
realized as the Lord is sought and He is followed. What God given
dreams do you have ? Is what you are passing along for the glory of
God ? (22:5,19)
1 Chronicles 23
The Levites are numbered and then divided and organized by David
according to their family descendants 1-6. We have the Gerhonites
7-11, the Kohathites 12-20, and the Merarites 21-23. Their duties
were assigned to them 24-32, some of which changed since they were
no longer moving about with the Tabernacle 24-25. Note: Some
ministry changes over time due to a change in circumstances. As
much as we may like 'sameness', life in the Spirit does not permit
a stagnant, sameness, that confines the work of God; yet there is
orderliness and a place of duty in the things of God 28-31, 1
Corinthians 14:26-33. The Levites carried out their
responsibilities for the Tent of meeting as commanded 32. Do you
carry out the responsibilities God has assigned to you as a
follower of Jesus Christ ?
1 Chronicles 24
The priests were divided into twenty-four groups by lot to
determine the order in which they would serve in the temple 1-19.
The lot was an acceptable form of determining such matters and was
not to be disputed as unfair or biased. Provers 16:33 indicates
that the Lord is the One who makes the decision through this means.
In the New Testament, John the Baptist's father (Zechariah) was
chosen by this method to enter the temple and burn incense before
the Lord (Luke 1:8-9). He was from the division of Abijah (24:10,
Luke 1:5). This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that not
everyone had. Yet all of this was part of God's plan who ordains
the lot and the division and assignment. The remaining Levites were
also divided by lot and accepted the results 20-31. Note: Do I view
life from a God centered perspective who orders all things to fit
His plan, even 'the lot' (which appears to be random) ? I need to
learn to rest in the assignments God makes through means,
recognizing He is the one behind it. Also verse 31 helps us to
rightly think about what we call 'fairness'. The Lord works through
these means to assign the work to these Levites who were all
treated the same.
1 Chronicles 25
Here we have the record and breakdown of those who were appointed
by David to be musicians and singers for the Temple worship. It is
interesting to note that they were said to be prophesying as they
were accompanied by musical instruments 1,3,6. Prophesying in
Scripture refers to both foretelling (the future) and forth telling
(proclaiming God's Word, like preaching). Music is a powerful
medium for communicating the truth of God to the people in worship.
In any age and culture the worship of God in song is a serious
matter and is part of the ministry and service of the Lord that
those so gifted (7) are privileged to lead. Note: From this we
learn that worship was balanced (each group numbered 12 v.9-31), it
included all, equally 7-8, it did not play favorites 8, it was for
the Lord 6, it had variety 1,3b,6 and was organized 2,6 and
required training and practice 7. Note: There is no 'separation of
church and state' in the mind of God or with David, the king 1,6 !
Worship, though personal, is not just a private matter. It is
integral to all of life for believers. Note: Herman was
exalted by the Lord and given 17 children 4-5. Hummm ?
1 Chronicles 26
No less important were the gatekeepers who were also organized and
listed 1-12. Lots were used to determine their assignments and
place of service 13. Some had specific gates 14-19. There
were also individuals put in charge of the temple treasuries 20-23.
Some of the things dedicated were from David 26, Samuel, Saul,
Abner, Joab and others 28. Still others were assigned as judges and
officials away from the temple 29-32. They were to communicate the
things of God and care for the affairs of the king (as his
representatives) 32. Note: This again illustrates for us the truth
that the service of the Lord includes many people who are gifted,
trained, and skilled in a variety of areas. No one person can do
all that is needed to worship the Lord or administer a kingdom (ie.
lead a church or govern a nation). Ideally, each person is to serve
in his/her given role and task with the strength the Lord supplies.
And this too is for the glory of God !
1 Chronicles 27
The army of Israel was evenly divided into 12 divisions of 24,000
men, each who served a month at a time 1-2. Those who were in
charge of each division are named in 3-22. Note: Benaiah was a
priest who served in this role and was one of David's mighty men 5.
In all there were 288,000 men who served in the army. Numbers,
however, do not guarantee that an army will be victorious. The Lord
is the One who gives the victory with little or much. The battle is
the Lord's.(1 Samuel 17:46-47, Psalm 44:6-8) By way of
contrast, organization, preparation, and readiness is not an
indication of a lack of faith or trust in the Lord. Both are true,
God's enabling and human preparations. Note: David got his eyes off
the Lord and began to focus on the strength of his army and God
judged him and the people 23-24 & 1 Chronicles 21. David had
many others who served and administer the kingdom with him 25-34.
Some were responsible for fields 26, others trees 28, some made
wine 27 and oil 28b, while others cared for flocks and herds 29-31,
and others served in the king's court 33-34. Note: God gifts and
uses individuals in every area of life. Thus, we can have worth and
value in any job we do, if we work as unto Him (see: Colossians
3:23-24, 1 Peter 4:10-11).
1 Chronicles 28
David calls an assembly of all the officials and leaders of Israel
and gives them the plans for the temple. He also commissions
Solomon and the people to carry out these plans and build the
temple 1-21. David highlights that fact that God had chosen him to
be king 4 and Solomon to be his successor 5. Though God had chosen
him, Solomon had to make a choice to wholeheartedly follow the Lord
and obey Him 8-9. Even though the Lord made great promises that
included the Temple and a lasting kingdom 4-7, Solomon and the
people had a responsibility to obey and do the work 10,20-21. Note:
Here we again see the twin truths of both the sovereignty of God in
making choices 5, and plans 12,19 and the necessity human response
and action 20-21. I find it fascinating that God gave David the
'blueprints' and details for the temple structure 12 along with the
divisions of the priests and Levites 13. (recorded in earlier
chapters 23-26). David gave these to Solomon to follow 19. Solomon
would need the help of others to do the work 20-21 since he was
young and inexperienced 29:1. Note: The temple was David's idea 2,
yet the Lord gave him the details 12. (Which came first; the plan
in the 'mind of God' or the desire in David's heart ?) Also, just
because David was chosen by God, that did not make every goal and
desire he had as king acceptable before the Lord. The fact that God
gave David the details shows us that God was in this, but this is
not true for everything David did. Likewise, the Christian is
chosen by God, by virtue of being in Christ. This doe not mean that
all that the Christian does is right or acceptable before the Lord.
In all things we are to submit ourselves to the will of God, which
David called wholehearted devotion and a willing mind 9.
1 Chronicles 29
David charges the people to help and support Solomon in the task of
building the temple. This temple was for the glory of God 1. David
gave 'over and above' all that he had set aside in providing for
the temple building 2-5. He calls upon those assembled to willingly
give towards this project 5b. They responded with willing gifts
6-9. There was celebration and joy in this 9. Note: God loves a
willing and cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). David offers prayer
in which he praises and exalts the Lord 10-13. Note: Read these
verses again and realize the greatness of the Lord. He is worthy
all praise for Who He is and all He does ! David is humbled by the
occasion as the people give so much 14-17. Note: The Lord knows the
motive behind why we give 17. Is our motive right and pure when we
give an offering to the Lord ? David also prays for the people to
be loyal to God and Solomon to have wholehearted devotion to the
Lord 18-19. Note: Both of these prayers were not realized. The
people soon forgot the Lord, corrupted themselves and the temple
worship. As for Solomon, as his life unfolded it proved to be one
of half-heated devotion to the Lord (1 Kings 11:4). Sometimes our
prayers are not answered in the way we offer them to the Lord.
Solomon is confirmed as king amid sacrifices and celebrations
before the Lord 21-24. The Lord made Solomon great 25 ! David dies
and the record of his reign is recorded by others 26-30. Note: God
keeps detailed records of our lives as well. He knows those who are
His own and will one day judge and reward each individual person
accordingly. What will the records show of your life ? Will Jesus
Christ be praised or will you be ashamed ?