Purpose:To unify God's people, to trace Davidic line, and to teach that genuine worship ought to be the center of individual and national life.
Author:Ezra, according to Jewish tradition.
Setting:First Chronicles parallels 2 Samuel and serves as a commentary on it. Written after the Exile from a priestly point of view, 1 Chronicles emphasizes the religious history of Judah and Israel.
KEY VERSE:"David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, for hs kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of Hs people Israel" (14:2).
Key People:David, Solomon
Key Places:Hebron, Jerusalem, the temple, Kirjath Jearim, Tyre, Baal Perazim
ABOUT THE BOOK OF 1 Kings:
Knowing one's genetical and relational path provides a sense of identity, heritage, and destiny. It is with this same high purpose that the writer of Chronicles begins his unifying work with an extensive genealogy. He traces the roots of the nation in a literary family reunion from Adam onward, recounting its royal line and the loving plan of a personal God. We read 1 Chronicles and gain a glimpse of God at work through His people for generations. If you are a believer, these people are your ancestors too. As you approach this part of God's Word, read their names with awe and respect, and gain new security and identity in your relationship with God.
The previous book, 2 Kings, ends with both Israel and Judah in captivity, surely a dark age for God's people. Then follows Chronicles (1 and 2 Chronicles were originally one book). Written after the captivity, it summarizes Israel's history emphasizing the Jewish people's spiritual heritage in an attempt to unify the nation. The chronicler is selective in his history telling. Instead of writing an exhaustive work, he carefully weaves the narrative, highlighting spiritual lessons and teaching moral truths. In Chronicles the northern kingdom is virtually ignored. David's triumphs -not his sins- are recalled, and the temple is given great prominence as the vital center of national life.
First Chronicles begins with Adam, and, for nine chapters, the writer gives us a "Who's Who" of Israel's history with special emphasis on David's royal line. The rest of the book tells the story of David -the great man of God, Israel's king -who served God an laid out the plans for the construction of worship in the temple.
First Chronicles is an invaluable supplement to 2 Samuel and a strong reminder of the necessity for tracing our roots, and thus rediscovering our foundation. As you read 1 Chronicles, trace your own godly heritage, thank God for your spiritual forefathers, and recommit yourself to passing on God's truth to the next generation.
1 Kings: The Blueprint (Daily suggested reading) DAY 93-99: Monday, April, 2nd
A. THE GENEALOGIES OF ISRAEL (1:1-9:44)
1. Ancestry of the nation (1:1-3:24) -DAY 93
2. The tribes of Israel (4:1-9:2) -DAY 94
3. Returnees from exile in Babylon (9:3-44) -DAY 95
The long list of names that follows presents a history of God's work in the world from Adam through Zerubbabel. Some of these names remind us of stories of great faith, and others of tragis failure. About most of the people named however, we know nothing. But those who died unknown to us are known by God. God will also remember us when we die.
B. THE REIGN OF DAVID (10:1-29:30)
1. David becomes king over all Israel (10:1-12:40) -DAY 96
2. David brings the ark to Jerusalem (13:1-17:27) -DAY 97
3. David's military exploits (18:1-21:30) -DAY 98
4. David arranges for the building of the temple (22:1-29:30) -DAY 99
David loved the Lord and wanted to build a temple to replace the tabernacle, but God denied his request. David's greatest contribution to the temple would not be the construction, but the preparation. We may be unable to see the results of our labors for God in our lifetime, but David's example helps us understand that we serve God, so He will see His results, not so we will see ours.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1 CHRONICLES:
WHO'S WHO IN THE BIBLE:Here are some of the people mentioned in this genealogy who are also mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. The writer of Chronicles reproduced a thorough history of Israel in one list of people. Many of the people in this list have exciting stories that can be traced through the Bible. Look up someof the names below that intrigue you. You may be surprised what you discover!
DAVID SUBDUES HIS ENEMIES: David expanded his kingdom as the Lord continued to give him victory. He subdued the Philistines by taking Gath, conquered Moab, won battles as far north as Zobah and Hamath (conquering Syria when they came to help these enemy nations), and subdued the other surrounding nations of Ammon and Amalek.
DUTIES ASSIGNED IN TEMPLE: King David charged all these people to do their jobs "for the name of the LORD" (1 Chronicles 22:17-19). God needs people of every talent -not just prophets and priests -to obey Him.
MUSIC IN BIBLE TIMES: Paul clearly puts forth the Christian's view that things are not good or bad in and of themselves (see Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 14:7, 8, 26). The point should always be to worship the Lord or help others by the means of the things of this world, including music. Music was created by God and can be returned to Him in praise. Does the music you play or listen to have a negative or positive impact upon your relationship with God?
In the New Testament, worship continued in the synagogues until the Christians became unwelcome there, so there was a rich musical heritage already established. The fact that music is mentioned less often in the New Testament does not mean it was less important.
PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY: King David gave his son Solomon principles to guide him through life (see 1 Chronicles 28:9, 10). These same ideas are ones that any Christian parent would want to present to a child:
1. GET TO KNOW GOD PERSONALLY.
2. LEARN GOD'S COMMANDS AND DISCOVER WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO DO.
3. WORSHIP GOD WITH WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION.
4. SERVE GOD WITH A WILLING MIND.
5. BE FAITHFUL.
6. DON'T BECOME DISCOURAGED. After killing Baal's prophets, Elijah ran from the furious Queen Jezebel. He fled to Beersheba, then into the wilderness, and finally to Mount Horeb (Sinai). There, like Moses centuries earlier, he talked with God.
