Milo

MARCH 26

Reading 85

DAVID’S SUCCESS 1 Chronicles 11–16

“You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will become their ruler” (1 Chronicles 11:2).Our greatest accomplishments may not be those noted by historians. Here the Chronicler reminds us of things which are important to the Lord.

Background

The Chronicler left out three elements of David’s story found in 1 Kings: the seven-year gap between David’s rule in Judah and over all Israel, David’s sin with Bathsheba, and the events surrounding Absalom’s rebellion. The writer did not intend to gloss over David’s faults but to focus on David’s achievements, and reveal what was most important in David to the Lord.

Overview

As king of Israel, David established a new capital (11:1–9). Notable are David’s ability to inspire loyalty (v. 10–12:40), to reawaken faith (13:1–14; 15:1–29), to make Israel secure (14:1–17), and to lead God’s people in worship of the Lord (16:1–43).

Understanding the Text

“It was called the City of David” 1 Chron. 11:1–9. When David was recognized as king by the entire nation, he selected a capital that lay on the border of the northern and southern sections, yet was part of neither’s territory. A person who seeks to unite a people must be careful not to show favoritism to any one faction. Parents should remember this principle. Because each child is unique, and because of age differences, we can’t treat all our children alike. Yet we must guard against showing favoritism, and let each child know he or she is loved as an individual. “Warriors who helped him in battle” 1 Chron. 12:1–40. David was notably successful in recruiting a committed fighting force, and in inspiring their loyalty. One incident is particularly interesting. When David expressed a longing for water from a spring near his home in Bethlehem, three of his followers broke through the lines of Philistines garrisoned there to get it for him. David refused to drink the water, but poured it out “before the Lord” (i.e., as an offering to God). David’s act was not rejection of the gift, but instead an expression of the value he placed on the lives of his men. It was right for men to risk their lives for the Lord, but not right to risk their lives to satisfy a longing of their leader. David’s concern for his men was one of the things which made him a great leader, and inspired loyalty in his followers. “Do it in the prescribed way” 1 Chron. 13:1–14; 15:1–29. David’s first attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem failed because he loaded it on a cart rather than have it carried by Levites, as the Law prescribed. When David learned of this regulation, he understood why God had struck Uzzah, despite that individual’s good intentions in trying to steady the ark. Israel, and David, were reminded that God is truly holy, and that all His commandments must be obeyed. As David launched his rule of a united Israel, God’s Word alone could provide a foundation on which king and nation might stand. This gold-covered box was the most holy object in Israel’s religion. It contained memorials of the Exodus journey—the stone tablets of the Law, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. Most important, once a year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest poured sacrificial blood on its cover, to make an atonement for all the sins God’s people had committed. In bringing the ark to Jerusalem, David made that city Israel’s religious as well as political capital. “Shall I go and attack the Philistines?” 1 Chron. 14:1–17 The extent of Philistine domination is suggested in 11:18, which notes that they had established a garrison in Bethlehem. Bethlehem lies about seven miles east of Jerusalem. The Philistines, with their monopoly on iron weapons, had outposts deep in Israel’s central highlands! When David was made king, and given international recognition (cf. 14:1–2), the Philistines decided to invade in force. If they could kill or discredit David their domination of Israel would continue. But why is this story found here, interrupting the story of David’s effort to bring the ark to Jerusalem? Very likely to show how well David had learned the lesson taught in Uzzah’s death. In military affairs as in religion, it was vital to seek God’s guidance. So, the text tells us, David “inquired of God” and, following the Lord’s directions, defeated the Philistines. David was able to make his people secure because he sought and did the will of God. “He blessed the people in the name of the Lord” 1 Chron. 16:1–43. One of David’s most important contributions to the life of Israel was his renewed emphasis on worship. This theme, developed later, is introduced here with the celebration held when the ark entered Jerusalem, and the psalm of thanks David wrote and gave to Asaph for use in public services. As in all true worship, David’s psalm celebrates the Lord, and honors Him for His many marvelous qualities. If you or I ever feel uncertain about how to come to God in prayer, meditation on this or another of David’s worship psalms can tune our hearts to sing God’s praise.

DEVOTIONAL

Inspiring Loyalty (1 Chron. 11–12)

One definition of a leader is, “He’s a person who figures out where everyone is going, and gets out in front!” A better definition is, “A leader is someone who knows where he or she is going, and inspires others to come along.” The ability to inspire loyalty in others was one of David’s greatest gifts. If you or I are to have a significant impact in our church or community, we need to follow David’s lead and inspire loyalty in others. What does this extended passage on David’s “mighty men” and his army teach us about inspiring loyalty? Note first the quality of the men who joined David (11:1–47). The Hebrew word gibborim, frequently translated “mighty men,” might be rendered “war heroes.” Each of these men was an ancient “Rambo.” But each, rather than run off on his own, joined David and served under him. To inspire loyalty, we need to appreciate others and give them opportunities to use their abilities. We shouldn’t be threatened if we work or minister with people who excel. David was generous in his appreciation for his war heroes, and gave them a significant role in his army. When we help others achieve, we earn their loyalty. Note the steady increase of loyal men as “day after day men came to help David” (12:19–22). The men who came to join David did so not only because of his reputation, but to help David “against raiding bands” (v. 21). Even before David was made king, he fought against the enemies of God’s people. To inspire loyalty we need to have a cause that motivates others to join us. Note that literally thousands of Israelites finally “volunteered to serve in the ranks” of David’s army, and to make him king (vv. 23–40). David’s reputation, earned over many years of struggle, won over the whole nation. If we want others to be loyal to us, we must first be committed to a cause. David had remained steadfast in his purpose, and won the respect of all people.

Personal Application

When God calls you to lead, seek others with ability, give them significant tasks, and be committed to your cause.

Quotable

“A great leader never sets himself above his followers except in carrying responsibilities.”—Jules Ormont

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were brought forth – Before the earth brought forth or produced the mountains. In the description of the creation it would be natural to represent the mountains as the first objects that appeared, as emerging from the waters; and, therefore, as the “first” or “most ancient” of created objects. The phrase, therefore, is equivalent to saying, Before the earth was created. The literal meaning of the expression, “were brought forth,” is, in the Hebrew, “were born.” The mountains are mentioned as the most ancient things in creation, in Deuteronomy 33:15. Compare Genesis 49:26; Habakkuk 3:6.

Or ever thou hadst formed – literally, “hadst brought forth.” Compare Job 39:1.

The earth and the world – The word “earth” here is used to denote the world as distinguished either from heaven Genesis 1:1, or from the sea Genesis 1:10. The term “world” in the original is commonly employed to denote the earth considered as “inhabited,” or as capable of being inhabited – a dwelling place for living beings.

Even from everlasting to everlasting – From duration stretching backward without limit to duration stretching forward without limit; that is, from eternal ages to eternal ages; or, forever.

Thou art God – Or, “Thou, O God.” The idea is, that he was always, and ever will be, God: the God; the true God; the only God; the unchangeable God. At any period in the past, during the existence of the earth, or the heavens, or before either was formed, he existed, with all the attributes essential to Deity; at any period in the future – during the existence of the earth and the heavens, or beyond – far as the mind can reach into the future, and even beyond that – he will still exist unchanged, with all the attributes of Deity. The creation of the universe made no change in him; its destruction would not vary the mode of his existence, or make him in any respect a different being. There could not be a more absolute and unambiguous declaration, as there could not be one more sublime, of the eternity of God. The mind cannot take in a grander thought than that there is one eternal and immutable Being.

1 Chronicles

MARCH 25

Reading 84

EVIDENCE FROM HISTORY 1 Chronicles 1–10

“All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel” (1 Chron. 9:1).History shows that God is faithful. As evidence, the author of Chronicles traces the lines of David and Abraham, each of whom received covenant promises from the Lord.

Background

Genealogies.

The Hebrews maintained careful genealogical records. These were important, for God’s covenant promises were made to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel). Each Jew’s claim to relationship with God rested on his or her membership in the covenant community, as well as on personal faithfulness to the covenant code. The genealogical record was particularly important for priests and Levites, for only descendants of Levi—and in the case of priests, of Aaron—were qualified to serve God at the tabernacle or temple. The genealogies recorded in Scripture use ancient records to trace family lines. These genealogies typically include representative ancestors rather than every individual in a line. For this reason most genealogies have “gaps,” and it is impossible to use them to count the supposed number of years between, for instance, Adam and Abraham.

Overview

The author traced the lineage of David back to Adam (1:1–3:24), and of the sons of Israel, God’s covenant people (4:1–8:40). The genealogies continue with a list of those who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon (9:1–34). Finally Saul’s line is traced, with an account of his death and rejection as king (v. 35–10:14).

Understanding the Text

“These were the sons of David” 1 Chron. 1:1–3:24.

The first genealogical list begins with Adam, and moves quickly to Abraham. It takes a quick look at the line of Ishmael, and then turns to look in detail at the line of Judah, the grandson of Isaac and son of Israel. Judah’s line is singled out for an important reason. This is the royal line, the family from which David came. The author not only shows that every king of Judah came from David’s line, but also demonstrates that members of the Davidic line are still in Judah after the Exile! How important this was. God had promised that there would never fail to be a descendant of David qualified to sit on Israel’s throne (cf. 2 Sam. 7; 1 Chron. 17). The genealogies proved that God had been faithful to that promise. Thus the tiny community of Jews who had resettled in Palestine could rejoice. The God who had been faithful would continue to be faithful, and one day a Child of David’s line would again take the throne and restore Israel’s lost glory. What a message for us today. God, who has been faithful, will be faithful. Like tiny Judah in 450B.C, an insignificant district in a mighty Persian Empire, we too may struggle now. But we can look ahead to great things! The promised Descendant of David, Jesus Christ, has been born, and exalted to the throne of heaven. One day He will return and then we will reign with Him. “All Israel was listed” 1 Chron. 4:1–9:1. As the genealogical lists continue, we sense again the author’s purpose. In measured lists tribe after tribe is mentioned; family after family documented. God has been faithful not only to the royal line of David, but to every family in Israel. “Saul and his sons, fallen” 1 Chron. 9:35–10:13. The account of Saul has a somewhat different purpose. It closes off the genealogical record which demonstrates God’s faithfulness with a warning. Saul “died because he was unfaithful to the Lord.” Even a member of the covenant community, even one exalted to be king over God’s people, must submit to God and do His will. The faithless Saul was rejected, and “the Lord put him to death.” Yet even the unfaithfulness of Saul could not thwart God’s good purposes for His people. Saul was set aside, but the Lord “turned the kingdom over to David.” David would be faithful to God. And God would give unique promises to him.

DEVOTIONAL

Boring, Boring, Boring (1 Chron. 2–3)

First Chronicles seems to be the one place not to start reading the Bible. List upon list of names. Strange names, strung out one after the other. As more than one Christian has thought, “Boring, boring, boring.” Still, if you’ve ever felt unimportant or insignificant, these lists may have more meaning than you suppose. Think about it. Names. Each name representing an individual. Each name representing a person, most unknown to us, but every one known and remembered by God. Most of the people on these lists are unknown to us because they play no great role in the sacred history. Few are heroes. Few performed great deeds. Most lived quiet, unexceptional lives. And yet not one name on these lists is lost. Not one name is misplaced. When we stop to think about it, these “boring” lists of names are a reminder that God cares deeply for His own. It’s not the great deeds we do, but the fact that we are His that counts. Insignificant? You? Never to God! There is no more chance of His misplacing you than there was of His losing a single thread in the line of His Old Testament saints.

Personal Application

However unimportant you may feel, you are vitally important to God.

Quotable

“God tells man who He is. God tells us He creates man in His image. So man is something wonderful.”—Francis Schaeffer

1 Chronicles

INTRODUCTION

The two Books of Chronicles are a commentary on the history of the Hebrew kingdom, probably written about 450 B.C. The author focused on David’s line, which ruled continuously in the kingdom of Judah. He developed the great themes of the Davidic promise, the significance of the temple and of wholehearted devotion to God. Together the Books of the Chronicles explain the fall of the Hebrew kingdoms, and offer hope to the struggling Jewish community in Judah. God is faithful to His promises, and Someone from David’s line would one day restore the glory that had been lost.

OUTLINE OF CONTENTS

I.	Names and Genealogies	1 Chron. 1:1–10:14
II.	The Reign of David	1 Chron. 11:1–29:30