1 Chronicles – Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Gatekeepers and Levites

May 27, 2020

1 Chronicles 28 6

How important are the gatekeepers of the Tabernacle and the Temple? 1 Chronicles 26 lists the men from the Korahite clan that were given this task. It was their job to restrict women and gentiles from certain areas. They also had to watch for violations of the law of being ceremonially clean before approaching Jehovah. This is different from our culture since Christ has once and forever paid for the debt of our sin. Jesus asks even the unclean to come to Him for salvation. The outward ceremony is not what Yahweh wants. He wants our constant improvement through His Spirit living in us.

I would like to mention one of these men and his family. Obed-Edom has been mentioned before. It was at his home that King David left the Ark of the Covenant when a mishap disrupted the second king’s first attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. Remember that he was blessed for the three months that he ministered to God by allowing His presence to reside with his family. How fortunate we are to have The Father’s Spirit living in us.

Even in those days, treasurers were needed to manage all the gifts brought to God by His people. As every congregation needs someone to handle finances, certain Levitical families were chosen for this important task. Some of this treasure dated back to Samuel. The Israelites on the other side of the Jordan were even assigned Levites to manage their contributions to The Lord.

The army that protected the Israelites were volunteers that were supported by the plunder they took in battle, their own families and those they defended. In 1 Chronicles 27, we are given the names that were in the twelve divisions that took turns serving each month.

The third commander is Benaiah, the son of Jehoiadah, David’s priest. This is the same man that is one of the thirty mighty men. He is a good selection for a military leader. Joab’s brother, Asahel leads those assigned the fourth month.

Each tribe had a leader. There were also overseers whose responsibilities were to manage the property of the King. One of these is Jonathan, the son of Uzziah. This might be Bathsheba’s first husband who was murdered at David’s command. The King’s counselor and confidants are also listed. Our President and each state governor have their own staff, much like David’s.

While still King of Israel in 1 Chronicles 28, David gathers all his officials and declares his intention of having Solomon, his son, succeed him. In Second Samuel we read of some uncertainty of the order of succession. That is not shown in the Chronicles. These are written by the royal chronicler, not a religious scribe as in the books of Samuel and Kings. As I have mentioned before, the unsavory events are left out.

To confirm this selection, the plans for the Temple are handed down to the King’s chosen heir. Solomon is selected by Jehovah, not David or the people. This continues the tradition of the first and second monarch in Israel. We will discuss the problems with failing to follow His will for leadership in Second Chronicles.

1 Chronicles 29 ends with the death of King David. Before that, an offering is taken from the wealthy of Israel to have even more materials than the King has provided for the construction of the Temple. There is no question as to who the next king will be and build the Temple for his father.

Next, we have a final prayer from David. Note the name Lord that is used often. This is the name Jehovah or Yahweh. The scribes wrote Lord to indicate the name of God to avoid taking this name in vain. They were much more diligent than we are.

Solomon is once again acknowledged as the next king and David’s life ends. Tomorrow we will look at the Psalms that David wrote before we move on to the kingdom under the son of David.

Work is the topic of Psalms 127. Our efforts are not profitable if God is not the one who does the work along with us. All we do is worthless if Jehovah is not involved in it. Another topic here is that of children. Not every parent views their kids as a blessing. Don’t ask how many your quiver should hold. You might not want to know.

Absalom, Absalom, my son Absalom

May 18, 2020

David is a grieving father in 2 Samuel chapter 19. The soldiers know this and enter the city as if they are ashamed of being victorious. Joab goes into the King’s chamber and lets him know what he has done to the men who risk their lives for him. It is time to try to minimize the damage. He sits in the gate and all the men come to him as he praises their courage and gives his men the encouragement, we all need.

It is time to return to the throne that he fled when Absalom invaded. As they return, he is met by those that supported him during his flight. Those that had opposed him ask for forgiveness and it is given. David will have scores to settle someday. For today it is a day to celebrate life and not seek revenge.

Nathan had predicted that David’s rule would continue in bloodshed and in 2 Samuel 20 another Benjamite draws the rest of Israel from the King and only the tribe of Judah around Jerusalem remains faithful to their God-anointed leader. Bikri’s is pursued by Joab and the Judean army. Joab murders another of the King’s men for not being fast enough.

They chase Bikri’s son, Sheba, and follow him into a city. They are in the process of besieging it when one of the residents makes a deal with Joab to deliver Sheba in exchange for sparing the rest of the residents and their property.

David had attempted to put his hears of running from King Saul behind him but in 2 Samuel chapter 21, they are haunting him again. The land is suffering from a famine. God reveals that it is because of Saul trying to exterminate the Gibeonites.

To appease Jehovah, seven of his family are given to the descendants of Gibeon and they are murdered. The bodies are left out in the open. After a female relative protects them from being eaten by the birds and wild animals David takes pity on them and buries them with Saul, Jonathan, and the rest of their family.

Remember the five stones that David picked up when he went to face Goliath. Here we have a possible explanation. It is disguised in these verses that tell of continuing battles with the Philistines. Ishbi-Benob, Saph, Goliath’s brother, and another relative are casualties of these battles. That is four men that are described as being like Goliath in stature and with common relatives. Could this be the reason the shepherd needed four extra stones and it took thanks long to catch them when they ran?

The mistake Ammon made

May 12, 2020

David had created a truce with the Ammonites, but in 2 Samuel chapter 10, their King has died. As is usual, when a new monarch listens to his contemporaries, it is a mistake. They humiliate the Hebrew representatives by sending them back with their beards mutilated and their rears showing through the robs.

The Israelite King is angered enough to return to Ammon and take revenge. The Arameans join forces against Jehovah’s Kingdom. Through great strategy, God gives the battle to Joab and his forces. Both enemies fled and eventually returned to their homelands and remained there for some time.

Have you noticed how little wisdom is shown by people in the Bible? 1 Chronicles 19 is another example of this. The son of the king of Ammon listens to his advisors and sends David’s men away in shame and disgrace. Israel retaliates by destroying the city. Not one of the smartest things they ever did.

Even the Arameans were helping the Ammonites. Joab and the Army showed such wisdom in strategy, they were able to defeat both foes. The wisest thing said in this chapter was that the Arameans did not fight with the Ammonites again when they went to war against God’s chosen people.

King David lists things that he asks Jehovah for the readers of Psalm 20. These include answering us, granting all our requests, sending help, give us the desires of our hearts, and make all our plans succeed. This Psalm includes the famous line, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

David conquers the other nations

May 12, 2020

The new King of all of Israel returns to opposing all the enemies that have not been exterminated from the land as they were instructed. 2 Samuel 8 tells about the Philistines, Moabites, Arameans, and others. The horrors of war are illustrated in these passages. Jehovah warned His people to destroy those who worshiped other gods. Even David doesn’t go as far as he might.

The odd thing in this chapter is the final statement that David’s sons were priests. Priests were to be from the Levitical clan. Jesse was a Judean. Appointing his sons as additional priests violated this part of the law of Yahweh. Even a man after God’s own heart violated the Lord’s statutes at times.

Despite his being human, David does something almost Godlike in 2 Samuel 9. He remembers his pledge to Jonathan and asks about Saul’s descendants. Mephibosheth is a cripple and is summoned to the palace. The restoration of the family land is typical behavior for an Israelite king.

The symbolism of eating at the King’s table is significant. Prophecy tells of the marriage supper of the lamb. Feasts were special occasions for Jehovah’s chosen people, just as they are today for Christians. Nothing shows the family connection like sharing a meal. Jonathan’s only surviving child is honored as a member of David’s family.

We receive a list of nations conquered by the King in 1st Chronicles chapter 18. The Philistines, Moabite, Hadadezer, and the Arameans are named. This included many cities and villages that were plundered, and all the occupants captured and enslaved or killed.

What would you do with all the gold, silver, precious metals, and gemstones that he accumulated? They are stored to be used for the construction of a house for The Ark of the Covenant. These were some of the first materials given for the Temple, Solomon would build years later.

A house of stone for God

May 11, 2020

Peace reigns in 2 Samuel 7 and the King talks to Nathan about building a temple for the Ark of the Covenant to be placed in. At first, the prophet thinks it is a good idea. After Jehovah speaks to him, he returns to the King and tells him that he will not be the one to construct God’s permanent dwelling.

It is David who will have a house established for him. He will become the patriarch of a line of Kings in Israel and Judah. Despite the evil done by other kings, he will remain as the most important monarch in the entire history of God’s chosen nation. He acknowledges his love and respect for Yahweh in a prayer of thanksgiving and humility. This prayer reads like one of the psalms.

The book 1st Chronicles in chapter 17 elaborates on David’s contribution to the building of the Temple. At this time, the son who would eventually build the structure to house Jehovah’s presence had not been born. As we read in 2nd Samuel, the prophet Nathan originally agreed with the King. The next day he had to present the words of Yahweh to him. God did not want the sanctuary for the creator of the universe created by a man of war.

David’s desire to honor Yahweh was returned in the form of the establishment of an eternal kingdom ruled by his offspring. The final king also being the Son of the living God.

As usual, the Shepherd King prayed to his Lord. He expressed his humility and gratitude for what had been done for him and what would be done for his family. The man after God’s own heart used words that told how he felt about Jehovah.

God moves to Jerusalem

May 10, 2020

The presence of Jehovah was what David desired most in his life. In 2 Samuel 6, he attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant, which represents the presence of the Lord, to Jerusalem. They have difficulties on the road, and it is left with a Levite.

What did they do wrong? They put the Ark on a cart. Yes, it was a new cart probably built just for the purpose of transporting this precious item. That was not the command of Yahweh. He told Moses that it would be carried by the Levites with the specially made poles. Then the King was angry with God for taking the life of the man who tried to protect it. Moses recorded that no one was to touch it.

David is depressed because he was not able to accomplish what he set out to do. He failed because, this time, he did not listen to God. In the Law, the procedures for carrying the presence of God is given. David, like many of us, did not bother to consult the Word before attempting what he wanted to do. Obed-Edom cared for it while the Israelites regrouped.

After a while, they try again. This time the Word of the Lord is followed. Another problem comes about when Micah, David’s wife, criticizes him for dancing and celebrating as the Ark is brought into Jerusalem. She is ostracized and left childless because of this.

How often have you been disappointed with God? In chapter thirteen of First Chronicles, King David is disappointed, when his attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem ends in failure. When we read this story in Second Samuel, we saw that one of the priests died because he touched the Ark.

We mentioned the errors that the King made in the transportation of the presence of Jehovah at that time. Mistakes are made by everyone. Often, they are due to the lack of information that is easy to attain. God’s will is often as close as The Bible. You just need to read it.

The interesting thing about 1 Chronicles, is the stories that are shortened from the other books about the rulers of Israel. In the fourteenth chapter, David begins the construction of his palace and continues the war with the Philistines. Remember that in Second Samuel we read about his hiding in Philistia for a while. That is not mentioned here.

Again, I will ask you to note the fact that David goes to Jehovah for advice before most of the battles. We pray when everything falls apart. To follow this example, we would pray before every test, business meeting, or any other event in our lives. Prayer is the first thing we should do, not the last.

David has done more research and in 1 Chronicles 15, he decides to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. A place for the Tabernacle is cleared. The Priests and Levites are prepared. Each has an assigned duty. They are consecrated for their service.

Do you ever notice names in the Bible that remind you of something? There used to be a cartoon called the Masters of the Universe. The main character was Heman. Heman is one of the musicians that served in the sanctuary.

David is so excited about having Jehovah’s presence in Jerusalem, he dances in the street with the Levites. His wife, Michal, sees this display and does not like his less than majestic behavior.

Who is better prepared to establish the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem? 1 Chronicles 16 gives all the names of those charged to lead music and songs at the Tabernacle.

An example of the words that were sung by the people is given. Praise music was here as much as at any modern church. That is why many of our current praise songs include verses taken directly from the Psalms. In addition to music, there are sacrifices to be offered.

David crowned king of all Israel

April 29, 2020

After Abner and the son of Saul that he had supported are both killed, the rest of Israel comes to David in 2 Samuel 5. They now want him to be their king. They knew that Samuel had anointed him, but they wanted to do things the way everyone else does them. The next monarch is the son of the last one. That was not Jehovah’s way.

David is still in Hebron but decides that Jerusalem would be a better sight to rule from. Although their fortress was thought to be impenetrable, David and his men conquered it and destroyed the Jebusites that had lived there. It became “the city of David.”

Then the new King went after the Philistines again. They came after him and he defeated them. Notice as you read, that David is enquiring to see if God wants him to go to battle. When Yahweh says yes, the Israelites strike as they have been told and they are victorious. If you are not being successful in your endeavors, are they what God wants you to do, or what you want to do?

I hope you like reminders. 1 Chronicles 11 continues our look at previously studied material. After Saul and his sons are killed by the Philistines, David becomes King of Judah in Hebron. When Israel asks him to become their King, he and his men attack the stronghold of the Jebusites. It becomes the capital city of Jerusalem. Joab becomes the leader of the army by conquering the city.

The stories that are shared here, show the mighty men of the Israelite army. The one that tells the most about the King is when David wants water from the well in his hometown of Bethlehem which is held by the Philistines. When three of his warriors bring it, he pours it out. He will not drink water they risked their lives to obtain.

Some of the mighty men that are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12 are Benjamites and Gadites. David’s strength of character drew strong men to him. When he went to Hebron, even more, joined him. His troops became over 300,000 strong as he was moving into the role vacated by Saul’s death.

More descendants of Jacob

April 27, 2020

1 Chronicles 10 13 to 14 Over 145,000 fighting men are listed as descendants of Issachar during the reign of David. The seventh chapter of I Chronicles gives us this. Benjamin had over 50,000 fighting men in his lineage. The sons of Naphtali are also given. The other half of the tribe of Manasseh is found here and Gilead is one of his offspring. This is where the name of the town began.

The second son of Joseph is Ephraim who had family members named Nun and his son Joshua. There are also a number of cities in Ephraim’s territory that you might recognize. Do Bethel, Megiddo, and Gezer sound familiar. List to the international news sometime and see what they say about them. Asher is the last son mentioned in this chapter. Twenty-six thousand soldiers came from them.

King Saul’s clan is the Benjamites. 1 Chronicles 8 gives this list. Verse 33 gives Kish, Saul and Jonathan. Mephibosheth is conspicuously missing.

All the exiles from Judah are listed in 1 Chronicles 9. It also includes the Levites that were chosen for all the positions in the Tabernacle including Korah whose family wrote some of the Psalms. Saul’s family is included in this chapter as well.

Continuing with the family of Saul, we move on to the story of his death and his son’s demise at the hands of the Philistines in 1 Chronicles 10. Yes, these are reruns once more. We are reminded of how the enemy violated their bodies and what their countrymen did to recover their remains.

Notice the last paragraph and the description of the sins that caused Jehovah to remove the leadership role from Saul and give it to David. Saul was never repentant when his sins were brought to his attention. How many modern Christian or other leaders have fallen due to their sins and refusal to admit them and change their actions?

History of the Levites

April 27, 2020

1 Chronicles 6 49 The Levites are listed in 1 Chronicles chapter six. Verse ten gives the name of the priest who served in the Temple after Solomon built it. Verse fifteen tells when the Babylonians took the Judeans and their Levites captive. Samuel is mentioned in verses 27 & 28.

Aaron’s descendants begin in the fiftieth verse. All the towns that the Levites occupied are listed as well. Hang on, we will be back to interesting stories soon.

David’s descendants

April 26, 2020

1 Chronicles 5 2 Chapter three of 1 Chronicles gives us the descendants of David. We have already seen that Solomon takes the throne before his father’s death. Forty years as King for David leads to the long list of his successors.

We will read in first and second Kings all the kings of Judah and Israel. Other stories in the first and second Chronicles give additional stories of these leaders of the two countries. Let’s look at the balance of the genealogies in the first Chronicles before pursuing Solomon and his family.

As we proceed with the lineage of Judah in 1st Chronicles chapter four, we see one that stands out. Jabez gives a prayer that has had wide recognition a few years ago. While this was touted as a great prayer, let’s look at what it really is. He asked Jehovah for three things. Bless me, enlarge my territory, let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm. It sounds a little selfish. Can we ask for these things free of selfish motives? We should at least try.

The descendants of Simeone are not as numerous as some of the others. They are one of the smaller tribes and had less property given to them at the distribution of the land. Those who come from this line are as important as Judah which produced many kings. The past does not determine who we are. The future is the key.

The offspring of Reuben, Gad, and Joseph’s son Manasseh is discussed in 1 Chronicles chapter five. An interesting note is the exclusion of Reuben, the oldest son, from his birthright due to sexual sin. The privileges of the oldest are given to Joseph, a younger brother. We often see the will of Jehovah violating man-made laws.

These two- and one-half tribes also conquered some of the neighbors that Yahweh wanted to be driven from the land. They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. The loot gathered from these battles was substantial.

These three families were part of Israel that was taken captive by Assyria. This punishment for following other gods was what the Lord said he would do to them.

Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Walk With a Servant

Tag: 1 Chronicles