Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“Then David assembled all the commanders of Israel, the commanders of the tribes and the commanders of working groups who served the king, and the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, and the commanders over all the property of the king and his sons, with the court officials and mighty warriors, and all the mighty warriors of ability, at Jerusalem. And King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. I myself wanted to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and the footstool of our God, and I prepared to build. But God said to me, ‘You may not build a house for my name because you are a man of war, and you have shed blood.’” (1 Chronicles 28:1-3).

Chapter twenty-six are the divisions of the gatekeepers of the Temple. Who they were and where they were posted. There are also the lists of the treasurers of the Temple, those collecting duties, and those who were administrators.

Chapter twenty-seven were the military divisions and the make-up of the leaders (civil government). David was leaving nothing to chance, but had planned everything to the last detail. He had a very well organized government.

Chapter twenty-eight is the details of David’s plans for the Temple. First, he exhorted his son Solomon as to proper behaviour and proper attitude toward God. He was instructed in how to worship and exhorted to do it with his whole heart for his whole life (good advice). Next, David gave him physical plans David had drawn up for the Temple. Everything from physical dimensions to how much gold and silver would be needed to construct it and all the implements of worship within it. Lastly David again spoke to Solomon and charged him to rely completely on the Lord as his Source of all things.

“And Yahweh made Solomon exceedingly great in the sight of all Israel, and he bestowed upon him royal splendor that was not bestowed upon any king before him in Israel.” (1 Chronicles 29:25)

Chapter twenty-nine is a list of all the money and resources from David’s personal accounts that he was giving to the Temple fund as an offering to the Lord. It was a LOT. The leaders, captains, and officials of the country were moved by his generosity and also gave an offering. Then David blessed the Lord and worshipped Him with prayer and song. The next day they performed offerings and worship to the Lord and Solomon was officially made king (actually, it was the second ceremony making him king – possibly 1 Kings 1 was the first time, but it is unclear). Then David’s death is recorded and the first book of the Chronicles comes to a close.

“And David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. And the days that he reigned over Israel were forty years. In Hebron he reigned seven years, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years. nd he died in a good old age, full of days, wealth, and honor. And Solomon his son reigned in his place.” (1 Chronicles 29:26-28)

Summary

Key Players: God, David, the Jews.

Key Verse(s): 1 Chronicles 26:14-19; 27:23-24; 28:20-21; 29:1-6, 20-22