God Is With Us (1 Chronicles)

The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles are the final books of our overview lessons. These two books are just one book, but, like Samuel and Kings, they were divided to fit on two scrolls. When we open the book of Chronicles, it's not very encouraging. We find a bunch of genealogies. That's not something we want to read through, but after those genealogies, there are a lot of similar stories to what we find in Samuel and Kings. So, knowing that, one might be inclined to skip over this book and never take the time to study it. That's a mistake. These two books serve a fundamental purpose.

Why are these books here? The writer of these books didn't just decide to repeat the other books. He had a reason. What was it? Today, we will start with 1 Chronicles. If I were to break up the content of 1 Chronicles into sections, I would break it up like this:

Chapters 1-9 are about the Genealogies.

Chapter 10 is a transition from Saul to David.

Chapters 11-21 are about David rising to great power and becoming conceited.

Chapters 22-29 are about David planning for the temple's construction.

Notice the primary focus on David and the Davidic line in these books. Why would you want to focus so much on David as an exile? What's the point? This is something we will try to answer after studying 1 Chronicles. But first, let's see what this text has to say

Genealogies (1-9)

To start with, we have the genealogies. I don't know that these serve us very well in understanding the book. But they do help us understand the author's setting. He is a returned exile, and this genealogy section summarizes life from Adam to the exiles, focusing on the Davidic line and the Levitical/High priest's line. These two groups are given the most attention because they have the most significance in the nation of Israel. The exiles knew that God would continue down the lineage of David and Aaron to fulfill these positions. Plus, the Levites were needed to perform the acts of worship.

In the last chapter, the exiles are noted as having been taken into exile for their "breach of faith."

1 Chronicles 9:1 (ESV) --- 1 So all Israel was recorded in genealogies, and these are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith.

Transition (10)

In Chapter 10, we read about the death of Saul. It's an odd start, but this helps put David in perspective. Notice what the writer says happened to Saul.‌

1 Chronicles 10:13--14 (ESV) --- 13 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 14 He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.

Do you see the main issue that God had with Saul? He refused to seek God's guidance. He died for his "breach of faith."

The writer wants everyone to notice the main problem in God's sight. The righteous live by faith, but the unrighteous commit a breach of faith. Don't do that!

The Story of David (11-21)

In Chapter 11, we read about David's rise to power. Notice how David was lifted.

1 Chronicles 11:2 (ESV) --- 2 In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.’ ”

1 Chronicles 11:9 (ESV) --- 9 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.

God gets the credit for David's rise to power. He is the one behind David's success. Throughout this book, that's what we will see repeatedly.

Mighty Men Follow David's Faith (11-12)

In the rest of Chapter 11, we read about his mighty men doing some fantastic feats of great faith. They singlehandedly kill hundreds of men. Who would these men follow? David is their leader. That's the kind of impact the life of David had on his men. He showed great faith, and they followed suit.

Notice how the men spoke of David in 12:18.

1 Chronicles 12:18 (ESV) --- 18 Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said, “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” Then David received them and made them officers of his troops.

1 Chronicles 12:21--22 (ESV) --- 21 They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. 22 For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.

We can see from this that David's great faith led to an army of men who also believed in God's salvation.

David Brings God To The Center (13-16)

In Chapter 13, we read about David wanting to bring the Ark of God into Jerusalem, but he tries to do that on a new cart with the wrong members of the Levites carrying it. So when Uzzah reaches out his hand to steady the Ark, God kills Uzzah, and David becomes afraid because he doesn't understand why. So he stops the Ark moving project.

Chapter 14 tells us about his wives and children. Then it tells us about God delivering the Philistines into his hands. God builds David up and strengthens him so that he feels assured again.

1 Chronicles 14:17 (ESV) --- 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.

In Chapter 15, we learn that David has been studying the law. Now he understands what he did wrong in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 15:13--15

At this time, David gets very familiar with the law of God. He wants to do everything according to the original command of Moses. He learns to reverence God as holy.

Why is all of this in here? Chapter 14 doesn't really fit into the story of how the Ark of God came into Jerusalem except that it tells us God reassured David of his strengths. But this text tells us that David wanted to branch out and rally the people around worshipping God. This is another odd story because, typically, the ark is kept covered inside the tabernacle. He doesn't know that the ark is supposed to be carried by certain people in a certain way. He has to learn obedience the hard way, but he becomes obedient. He loves the presence of God, and he strives for it.

As a side note: This points to a central idea in this book for the exiles. God wants us to keep his laws and pay attention to his commands. This will be hit on a lot in the second book.

In Chapter 16, we read that the ark was placed in a tent in Jerusalem, and David sang a song recognizing God's greatness. He is the one who deserves the glory, honor, and recognition because he is the reason we can accomplish anything.

The Davidic Throne (17)

In Chapter 17, we read about David wanting to build a permanent dwelling for God in the city of Jerusalem. But God refuses to let David do this. Later in the book, he explains to Solomon that he was told he could not do this because he had shed so much blood. Solomon will build the temple. But in this Chapter, we have a repeat of the promise with the confusing wording removed.

1 Chronicles 17:11--15 (ESV) --- 11 When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’ ” 15 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.

Why is this here? Notice how this promise doesn't talk about disciplining his son. 2 Samuel 7 has that section in there, and it's confusing. But this writer pays special attention to the Messianic nature of this promise. There is a future king who will sit on the throne of David forever. Ah, now we are starting to understand why this book is here. It has a focus on the Messianic promise. Think about how that will impact the exiles.

David Wins (18-20)

After this promise, we see David constantly conquering his enemies. Notice the repeated phrase, "The Lord gave victory to David where ever he went."

1 Chronicles 18:6 (ESV) --- 6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.

1 Chronicles 18:13 (ESV) --- 13 Then he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.

We know why this is here. The repeated idea is that "the Lord gave him victory wherever he went." Wouldn't that fill you with hope? Oh, if we only had a David like that fighting for us...

David's Pride (21)

I love how David bounces back from the Ark fiasco, but unfortunately, David makes another mistake in this book. No, Chapter 21 is not about David's sin with Bathsheba. Chronicles seems to focus on the governmental decisions of David instead of the personal. So, the writer brings up an event where David decides to number the people. In total, about 1.5 million men fought for Israel, not including Levi and Benjamin. But something about this counting was abhorrent to God and Joab, who did the counting. Most likely, David counted because he focused on his might and power instead of God's help. He lost focus on the fact that success is all the result of God's work. God reacts by giving David a choice between three punishments. He chooses a plague that wipes out 70,000 men of Israel. To stop it from entering Jerusalem, David offers a sacrifice.

Why another failure? When we see David making this mistake, we know that this is an easy mistake to fall into for exiles. They must be careful not to focus on how many or how few their number is. God is the one who provides success.‌

Preparing The Temple (22-29)

The rest of this book focuses on worshipping God at the temple. In Chapters 22-27, we see Solomon being charged with building the temple, followed by a listing of the men involved in temple worship and other forms of leadership.

The point of this section seems to be to show that David had set up certain groups over specific responsibilities, and the returned exiles would do well to keep things the way God has set them up. We will see that repeated in 2 Chronicles. David gave them a blueprint for re-establishing worship.

Why is this here? The exiles needed to rebuild the temple and re-establish worship as David was commanded. They should have the heart to worship like David's heart.

The book ends on a high note. It is full of anticipation as Solomon is crowned the next king and instructed to build the temple. Now, we are ready for 2 Chronicles.

What's The Message?

Why the focus on David? Because of the Davidic promises and the Davidic kingdom, of course! Before we think about the message of this book, we need to look at some prophesies that the writer would have been aware of.

Isaiah 9:6--7 (ESV) --- 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Jeremiah 23:5--6 (ESV) --- 5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

Ezekiel 34:22--24 (ESV) --- 22 I will rescue my flock; they shall no longer be a prey. And I will judge between sheep and sheep. 23 And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24 And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the Lord; I have spoken.

These prophesies point to a messianic figure that God will raise to make things right. Throughout 1 Chronicles, we see that the focus on David is justified. The writer looks intently at David to understand what this future king will be like.

He will not breach faith like Israel or like Saul

The new David will amass an army of mighty men with great faith.

The new David is going to draw the nation closer to God's presence

The new David will succeed in all his battles against his enemies

The new David is not going to rely on the number of Israel. He will be able to defeat his enemies with God's help.

The new David will create worship that is in Spirit and Truth.

This book is intended to help the exiles focus on the promises and hope in the future David that is to come. They have already read Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the rest of the prophets. They know that a new David is promised, so this book, along with the next, will prepare the people for his arrival. That's why these are here. Isn't that fascinating

Application

Does this book mean anything to us? Are we anything like these exiles? In some ways, we aren't because we are on the other side of the new David's arrival. We don't have to wonder what the new David will be like. But consider how this book sheds light on Jesus. We read about David and are forced to think about our David.

As David amasses an army of mighty men, Jesus creates an army of mighty men and women committing themselves to great acts of faith.

As David draws Israel closer, Jesus draws us close to the presence of God. He makes it to where God is with us all the time in every situation.

Like David learns to stop thinking about external strength in numbers, Jesus teaches us to focus on the work and power of God. If this number on the wall discourages you, remember that our numbers are meaningless. God can work in a few to create change in the world around us.

Like David, Jesus creates meaningful worship at the temple. It's not about external ritualistic worship. It's about meaningful and heartfelt worship. David institutes musical instruments and choir worship, but we are commanded in the New Testament to pluck the strings of our hearts. That's where our melody comes from.

Throughout this book, there is a focus on God working through David and for David. He is the source of David's strength and success. The exiles have to learn to trust him and believe in his promises. Do we? Are we willing to put our faith in Jesus and receive all the spiritual blessings that come with that submission?

Isaiah 55:3--7 (ESV) --- 3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. 6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Receive the invitation, and God will be with you like David. God will bless you and give you success in all of your endeavors that are for his glory.