Year 3, Day 291: 1 Chronicles 19

Ammonite Humiliation

As we hear the stories of how David dealt with the nations around him, we turn to the Ammonites.  The king of the Ammonites died, and David sent a delegation.  The king who was now dead had never dealt David any problems, so David decides to send a delegation of peace.  David was hoping to set the tone of peace with the prince to become king of the Amonnites.  The young prince and his advisors decide that David must be spying upon the land through the appearance of genuine concern.  The delegation is shaved and forced to return to their land with their garments cut to a very immodest length.  This delegation of genuine peace was sent home in shame.

It’s nice to see a story from which we can learn so much so easily.  First of all, it would seem that this story can teach us that no good deed ever goes unpunished.  David is simply trying to be nice.  Okay, perhaps he is trying to do a little more than that.  David is trying to ensure good relationships between his country and the Ammonites.  After all, why fight a war that doesn’t need to be fought because diplomacy can keep peace?  Unfortunately, the young prince doesn’t see it that way.  The young Ammonite prince decides to test his mettle against the proven leader in David.  Even when we try and do something that is good we occasionally get it pushed back in our face and need to deal with consequences that we didn’t intend.

Second, we can also learn about the brashness of youth.  Youth tend to be impulsive.  Youth tend to see the world through a singular lens: their own.  Don’t get me wrong.  Youth bring many good qualities to the table: energy, passion, inspiration, hope for the future, and many other qualities.  But there are some things that most youth don’t possess and wisdom is usually among them.  This young prince doesn’t see the benefit of keeping peace between the Hebrew people and the Ammonites.  Because of this impetuous desire to see the world through his own eyes, the young Ammonite insults David and his men.

This leads us to yet another conclusion.  We need to ensure that young people – especially leaders – have support around them.  Young people need good advisors.  Young people need trustworthy mentors to help them avoid mistakes but yet let them try their own ideas in a safe environment.  Young people bring great qualities to teams and projects, but those qualities must also be tempered with a means to allow those qualities to grow in an environment geared for success.

Battle

The young Ammonite prince realizes the gravity of his mistake too late.  However, notice that rather than try and make reparations with David he instead hires thugs with which he intends to go to war.  Again we see the folly of youth.  Rather than try to diffuse the situation and minimize the damage done, the impetuous young leader is bent on increasing the damage.  Now the Syrians will be drawn into the folly of the young Ammonite.

Joab is called to the battle with his men.  He sees that he is outnumbered and outflanked by the Ammonites and the Syrians.  However, Joab is a smart general.  Unlike the young Ammonite prince, Joab has wisdom and cunning and experience.  Joab divides his army and plans to hold off each of the invading forces.

When the Syrians realize that the Hebrew people are led by an intelligent general who is well equipped for battle, they flee.  So much for the hired help, right!  Money can buy many things, but it cannot buy true friendship and it cannot buy guaranteed victory.  The Syrians flee in the face of the underpowered but intelligent Hebrew general.

When the Ammonites see that the Syrians flee, they lose faith as well.  The Ammonites flee to their home city and they don’t have the wisdom of the experience of the generals to keep the morale of the troops high.  They flee, and the Hebrew people once more focus on the Syrians who have now been cut off from returning home.  The Hebrew people fight the Syrians and defeat them soundly.

The effect of all of this activity is profound.  The Syrians now realize the folly of the earlier decisions.  They sue David for peace.  David accepts.  In one major military move, David makes the Syrians a vassal state.  They are no longer a threat to the Hebrew people.  Once more we see that God is prospering David’s leadership.

What we can learn from this account is two-fold.  First, I’ve already made the case about youth, leadership, and their need for good mentoring.  Second, we can see a need to trust in the Lord.  It is God who prospers David. It is God who has surrounded him with such good leadership.  It is good to have spiritual people around us upon whom we can rely and trust that they will pursue the will of God as Joab did here in this story.

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Year 3, Day 290: 1 Chronicles 18

David’s Military Conquest

In chapter 18 we hear about David’s conquests.  The first thing that we can hear is his success.  The great enemy of the Hebrew people was the Philistines.  They are at the top of the list.  David subdues them.

Then we hear that David subdued the Moabites.  Remember that the Moabites had been long-adversaries to the Hebrew people, but they didn’t quite have the negative relationship with the Hebrew people as did the Philistines.  Add to this the fact that David had Moabite blood coursing through his veins as Ruth (married to Boaz, for whom the book of the Bible is named) was a Moabite and was David’s great-grandmother.  Literally, David subdues a people to whom he is distant kin.

What can we learn from this?  The lesson is not very deep, but we can still learn.  God is in control.  God is in control of new threats and old enemies alike.  When we are obedient to God and genuine in our relationship with Him we can expect God to walk with us through life.  While we might not be able to expect to be made a prosperous king above all others – after all, we can’t all be a king, right? – we can be confident that God will walk through life with us.  He will remember those who oppose us.  He will be victorious over them.

We also get to hear about David’s victories over the Arameans.  David seems to have an easy time subduing the Aramean threat.  God was gracious to David.  David won many battles.  Through the military victories, God brought peace to the land of the Hebrew people.  When God is the center, peace among those who are following God is a reality.

Then we have this really neat story of Tou, King of Hammoth.  (Tou is called Toi in 2 Samuel).  Tou sees David’s success.  Tou also knows that David has just beaten an opponent to which Tou was equally matched.  What does this mean?  If David could beat Hadadezer’s army then David could likely best Tou.  So Tou does the smart thing and sues for peace.  Tou sends a gift through his own son.  This is a dangerous move, because if David wanted war he could have killed Tou’s own son.  However, David is an honorable politician and he honors Tou’s request.

What can we learn here?  When God is with us and we are successful in Him, the world eventually becomes less interested in taking us on.  The world is not dumb.  They’ll pick us off while we’re weak and vulnerable.  But when we are strong and God is securely by our side, the world tends to leave us alone and unchallenged.  In fact, the world often sues us for peace so that we’ll leave them alone!

David’s Administration

We close this chapter with a seemingly insignificant account of David’s administrative practices.  We hear about David’s chief officials and their position.  We hear a bit about their connection to David.  We even hear that there is a bit of nepotism in David’s administration as he appoints his own sons to be leaders in certain areas. 

That being said, don’t miss the epitaph that the chronicler gives us with respect to the administration.  We are told that David administered justice and equity.  After all the military victories, the chronicler makes sure to tell us about David’s policy of rule.

There is a reason that this epitaph is significant.  Remember walking through all those Minor Prophets?  What were the two major complaints?  God complained about the people and their idolatry.  God also told the people that they were unjust and abusing the poor, the orphan, and those who are unable to defend themselves.

The chronicler is making a very subtle point as he speaks about administrative policies of the kings.  In the golden age of Hebrew culture, justice could be counted on by all people.  Everyone was looked upon equally.  This doesn’t mean that the government cared for all the needs of the poor.  Rather, what it meant was that the poor and the orphan and the widow had the same chance at justice as the rich and the renowned.  You didn’t have to be rich or powerful or well known in order to know that life would be fair.  If this post-exilic culture of the chronicler is going to thrive, then it would be necessary for them to likewise focus of justice and equity.  Justice and equity are the true cornerstones of a godly society.

This should be a natural side effect among people who know God.  As God-fearers, we should desire to value the other person.  We should desire to see others through the eyes of God.  We should desire to strive for fairness, justice, and equity.  After all, that is how God sees each of us.

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Year 3, Day 289: 1 Chronicles 17

David’s Desire

After the Ark is brought up to Jerusalem, David desires to build a sturdier place for the Ark to reside.  Up until now, the Ark has resided in a simple tent.  There is no worldly glory surrounding the Ark.  There was no grand and impressive structure to draw attention to the Ark.  To David it must feel like the Ark is an afterthought to the rest of the greatness of Jerusalem.  From this perspective, who can fault David for desiring to give back to God?

In fact, I don’t believe David should be faulted.  As David hatches this idea, he consults Nathan, the prophet that seemed to serve the king personally.  Let’s give David credit.  Yes, he has the idea.  But David pauses and does what he can to check with God and make sure his plan is God’s will.  Here we see more of that submission and humbleness that gets David to be called a man after God’s own heart.

At first, Nathan gives approval.  In fact, if anyone demonstrates a fault here it is Nathan.  David pauses to check with God, but Nathan gives approval before hearing from God.  That night God decides to correct His prophet.  In a dream, God reminds Nathan of a few truths about Himself.

Nathan’s Dream

First, for the whole history of the Hebrew people God has dwelled in a tent.  When the Ark was built, so was the tabernacle.  When the people moved, the tabernacle and the Ark moved with them.  In fact, God makes a point to make sure that Nathan understands that God has never once complained about the fact that no permanent structure has ever been built for His Ark.

Truth be known, there is an incredible symbolism to having the Ark in a tabernacle instead of a temple.  Tabernacles are mobile, reminding the people that God’s Spirit and power are always on the move.  God is not a God who can be confined.  He is active and living and moving in places we could not even imagine looking!

Then God turns to the topic of David.  God tells Nathan to inform David that it is not David who shall built the house for God but rather God who should build the house for David.  Of course, David’s palace is already complete at this point.  Thus, we know that God is not talking about a physical house but rather a genealogical house.  God is going to build a dynasty for David.  Here is the reward for a Hebrew king who remembers the Lord: the Lord will not forget him.

The Lord tells David that his throne will be established forever.  Yes, David will die.  He will walk with his fathers.  But David’s live will not die.  David’s line will be confirmed.  We know the truth of such a promise.  Even in the chronicler’s day they knew which of the exiles returning from underneath Persian rule were the rightful heirs to David’s throne.  Of course we also know of God’s greater fulfillment of this promise in Jesus.

Obedience

Like a true prophet, Nathan is obedient.  He knows that he had given approval to David.  Thus, after Nathan hears a contrary message from God he goes to David and corrects his earlier commitment.  Nathan tells God’s will to David.

This takes a fair amount of courage on Nathan’s behalf.  Nathan has to admit he’s wrong.  But in doing so, he also has to tell David that he can’t do what he wants to do.  Imagine telling the king that he isn’t permitted to do what he wants after you already told him that he could do it!  Nathan shows great courage in going to David and acknowledging his error in judgment.

David’s Humility

When David hears the report from Nathan, his reaction is commendable.  After all, he is the king!  How many human kings would have gotten upset at being told that they couldn’t do their heart’s desire?  But not David.  David comes humbly before God.

David acknowledges to the Lord that until the Lord anointed him he was just a shepherd.  He knows that he’s made his fair share of mistakes.  He knows that he hasn’t done a thing to deserve God’s favor and love and certainly not His everlasting covenant!  Rather than being angry at being told no, David is awed by what God does say with respect to David’s house.

David sees with a broad perspective.  David doesn’t narrowly look upon his own life or even lifespan.  David isn’t solely concerned with the less than a century that he would live.  Instead, David is focused on God’s focus.  He sees God’s hand at work and recognizes that God’s agenda is far superior to his own.  Yes, he may not live to see that day.  But David’s focus still remains with God.  What an incredible testimony, especially coming from a king!  Oh that all the rulers of the earth could be so humble.

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Year 3, Day 288: 1 Chronicles 16

A Model For Worship

As David brings the Ark to Jerusalem, David also has an inaugural worship.  As we saw yesterday in the procession, there is quite a fanfare at the worship.  Trumpets are blown.  Cymbals are clashed.  Songs are sung.

In this, I see two very interesting points.  First, let’s look at the prayers that the Levites are to make.  The Levites are to invoke the Lord.  That verb there means to remember or to call to mind.  The Levites in charge of the worship space are tasked with remembering the Lord.  Why is this important?  Well, when David was king the Lord was remembered.  Things went well for the Hebrew people during David’s reign.  However, we know from reading the Minor Prophets that as time goes on, the priests and Levites in the temple no longer remember the name of the Lord.  As the Lord is forgotten in the temple, the people fall into sin and judgment.

Second, notice that as the worship is consecrated, David distributes food to all those who are present.  Worship is not just about bringing glory to God – although certainly that is far and away the primary focus.  But worship also has something for those who are worshipping.  There is something upon which we can feed.  Sometimes it is literal food.  Other times it is spiritual food.  But rest assured, there is always something for us when we come and worship God.

Song of Thanks

Much of the rest of the chapter is a song of thanks written by David.  Actually, this is a compilation of three separate psalms.  Verses 8-22 come from Psalm 105:1-15.  Verses 23-33 come from Psalm 96:1-13.  Verses 34-36 come from Psalm 106:1, 47-48.  What has likely happened is that David uses some content from psalms that he had written earlier in his life that he found were particularly meaningful in worshipping God.

As for the actual content of this song, it is especially fitting that the chronicler would choose to recount these words.  There are a number of themes brought up throughout this psalm.  Each of these themes would be significant to a group of exiles returning after being humbled by their God.

First, notice how many times David urges the people to seek the Lord.  They are to seek Him for strength.  They are to seek Him for life.  Life is best when it is spent in the pursuit of God.

Second, they are to declare praise of God.  They are to praise God’s name in His presence.  They are to declare God’s praise to the people around them.  Through David, the chronicler has a great opportunity to exhort the people to not lose sight of God and to encourage the people around them to do likewise.  One of the best ways to continue in God’s ways is to be active about proclaiming His greatness to the Lord.

Third, how much of these quoted psalms have to do with remembering the Lord?  They are to not only remember the Lord, but remember the faithfulness of the Lord.  In spite of human sinfulness, God has remained faithful to His portion of the covenant.  This is a powerful testimony to the people coming back from the exile.

Fourth, the psalm ends on a note of salvation.  It is at the Lord’s hand that salvation comes.  Remember that in the chronicler’s time the Hebrew people have watched nation after nation be destroyed and wiped off of the face of the earth under the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians.  Yet, they remain.  God allowed them to continue to exist.  They were spared when others weren’t.

Business As Usual

Once the festivities and the worship are over, David leaves people in charge and goes home.  The rest of the Hebrew people who had gathered went back to their homes.  They returned to their normal lives.

This may seem like a let-down, but I believe on a certain level that this is actually a good thing.  Certainly the worship couldn’t last forever.  The Hebrew people need to go back into the world or else they wouldn’t be able to declare the greatness of the Lord!  We must leave worship and return to the world in order to live out our calling from God.

Second, this demonstrates a certain level of trust.  David trusts that the priests and the Levites can do their job.  David doesn’t need to micromanage the work of the temple.  David is a war general.  His place is in the palace, both leading the Hebrew people politically and preparing for the battlefield.  There are people better suited for the job of caring for the Ark.  David leaves the task in their capable hands.

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Year 3, Day 287: 1 Chronicles 15

The Ark Is Brought Forth

As chapter 15 opens, we at least learn than David can learn from his mistakes.  We hear that David finishes his building plan in Jerusalem and then brings forth the Ark.  What do we hear specifically in this passage?  The Ark is brought forth only by the Levites.  Uzzah paid a terrible price; but at least David did learn from the lesson and correct the mistake.

Not only does David correct the mistake, but he also takes precautions to do it completely correctly.  He gathers up the priests and the Levites.  He tells them that a great mistake had been made and the wrath of the Lord broke out against the people.  So he asks the priests and the Levites to consecrate themselves this time and to prepare to administer their duty in the way Moses commanded.

Here we see one of the major themes under David.  David is certainly not perfect, but the worship of the Lord will take precedence.  When David messes up, he messes up big.  But when the time comes to refocus on God correctly, David absolutely rises to the challenge.  David has no trouble going big for God.  He has no trouble rising up to display his “A-game.”  When David is dialed in to the same channel as God, it is absolutely clear that God has his focus.

We also see that people follow him.  When David comes before the priests, they obey his wishes.  The do as he asks.  David was a natural leader.  I think he was a natural leader for several reasons.  First of all, he was a great military general capable of unifying people on the battlefield.  Because of his military success, people would want to follow him.  However, I also think David has a natural charisma.  He explains things well and invites people into the process.  In addition, David is very much a real-life figure.  David may set lofty goals, but they are attainable goals.  David has high hopes, but they are never out of reach and David is always with a plan.  Finally, I believe people follow David’s humility.  He makes mistakes and they are clear for all to see.  He acknowledges the mistakes and makes public course corrections as opposed to covering them up or laying the blame at the feet of other people.  All of these reasons are reasons to see David as a great leader.

Fanfare

As the Ark is brought to Jerusalem, we see that David also arranged for great fanfare in its coming.  This is a celebration.  Not only was the Ark coming in a stately parade of consecrated priests and Levites, but there were musicians and singers who came along.  There were trumpets that blasted the announcement of the coming of the Ark.  This was a very festive event.

That must have been an incredible sight.  Of course, I can’t help but wonder what the typical Hebrew person thought as they watched such a spectacle.  Did they stand in amazement at the fanfare given for moving a stately piece of their history?  Did they stand confused and befuddled wondering why so much rigmarole was being made over a relic of their past?  Did people join in because the celebration was catchy and inviting?  Did people stand back cautiously because they had heard about what had happened to Uzzah?  I’m sure there were many reactions from the gathered inhabitants of the land and especially those in Jerusalem.

I also can’t help but to feel the challenge of the passage.  Yes, this is a special event.  But it is a special event where God is praised.  God is the focus of the event.  God is worshiped and glorified.  Incredible fanfare is made over God and His presence among the people.  I feel challenged.  Do I have the same fanfare when I come to worship?  Do I celebrate so wonderfully when in God’s presence?

A Doubter Among The Fanfare

We do know that there was at least one doubter in the crowd.  Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked upon the procession in disgust.  She saw David dancing and celebrating and she was disgusted.  David was moved by the Spirit – and perhaps the spirit of the event.  It disgusted Michal.

Remember that David replaced her father as king.  Certainly David wasn’t acting very kingly.  He wasn’t stately and reserved in his kingship.  David was real, in-your-face, and didn’t mind people seeing his true relationship with God.  Being a military general, he was not the typical example of the king who sits on his throne in his chamber and rules the land from behind secure doors.  Again, it disgusted Michal.

I can’t help but wonder something else.  When people look at me and the way my relationship with God is portrayed, are people disgusted by the fact that I’m not overly stately?  When the realness of my relationship with God is exposed, who is sitting back disapproving?  When God works through me – my sinfulness and my holiness – are there those who look upon in repulsion?

I’m not saying we should intentionally be trying to disgust people with our faith.  Rather, I ask the questions because I am curious how much I let the opinions of others impact my relationship with God – especially with how I expose my relationship with God.  The opinions of others can often be more important to me than they should be.  My relationship with God needs to be real.  People in this world need to see real and true relationship with God.  It may disgust some along the way.  But then again, how many people looked on with disgust as my Lord and Savior hung on the cross while dying for my sins?

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Year 3, Day 286: 1 Chronicles 13-14

The Ark Is Brought Forth

We open today’s study with the story of David making Jerusalem the religious center in addition to it being the political center of the Hebrew people.  I want to look at two significant sentences that the chronicler places at the pivot points within this story.

First, notice what David says to the tribal leaders of the Hebrew people: “If it seems good to you and from the Lord God.”  This is the sentence of a person taking a humble position of leadership.  It is clear that David wants to do this.  But rather than assert his own desire before the desires of the people and especially God, David casts the vision humbly.  He gives the opportunity for discernment on behalf of the people.  Rather than force it upon the Hebrew people, he gives them the opportunity to buy into his vision.

Second, notice that David makes a communal statement of confession when he says, “For we did not seek it in the days of Saul.”  Everybody knows that things went downhill quickly at the end of Saul’s reign.  David wants to confess the issue and set his reign up to be different.  What David is saying here is that drawing close to God would be woven throughout his reign.  Again, I don’t want to over-glorify David because we know his reign was far from perfect.  But God calls him a man after God’s own heart for a reason.  In spite of his imperfections, David is one who takes the Lord and His counsel seriously.

This would be a great point for the chronicler to bring at the time of the writing of the book of Chronicles.  The people have gone through an extended period of rebellion that in many ways felt like the craziness of Saul’s reign.   Now they have an opportunity to refocus upon God and “bring Him back to Jerusalem.”  Then again, who can’t benefit from hearing about the importance of drawing closer to God?

Uzzah and the Ark

I love this passage, because it is one of the crowning stories of paradox in the Bible.  Here the Hebrew people are drawing attention to God.  Here they are giving great pageantry to God.  Their focus is upon Him.  Yet in the midst of it a single person does what seems to be a selfless deed and dies on the spot because he was just looking out for the Ark.  It is so easy to feel sorry for Uzzah and question God.  What I love about this story is that we can relate to David’s reaction so easily!  Why would God smite a person who was just trying to prevent the Ark from being damaged or falling to the earth like a common object?

The answer is that this story has obedience and submission in its core.  God told the Hebrew people how to carry the Ark.  There were ringlets through which poles could be placed so that the Ark could be carried by the Levites upon their shoulders.  God doesn’t want the Ark transported by oxen!  He wants it to be transported by the very people who know of its significance!

In a display of a lack of submission and a lack of obedience, the Hebrew people bring it forth with oxen.  The oxen, not knowing the true nature of their task, pull it like any ordinary cart.  The cart falters; Uzzah reaches out his hand.  He dies.  The Levites were not obedient; they did not submit to God’s desire and Uzzah paid the price for it.

There are always consequences for not submitting to God – although the temporal consequences are not always quite so dire, thanks be to God!  Rest assured; there are consequences.  If God calls us to something and we do not listen to His voice properly, there will be consequences.

However, I also believe this point draws us to a deeper point.  God has certain ways of doing things for a reason.  On some aspects of our walk with Him we have flexibility.  But on other points we have none.  In the Christian walk, I believe we are talking about things like repenting. Is there forgiveness of sin without repentance?  What about submitting to God’s Word?  Is there any way to have the Word of God rest upon our heart without making a daily practice of reading it?  Or, take salvation.  Is there salvation through any work save Jesus Christ’s atoning death upon the cross?  God gives us great freedom in most of the elements of our life; but He does have some expectations in the most important areas of our life.

David misses this point.  Instead of recognizing the poor choices and the personal disobedience against God’s ways, he gets angry with God and puts the Ark in the possession of another.  Instead of falling upon David, God’s blessings fall upon Obed-edom.

David’s Family Life

In chapter 14 we get a taste of a few places where David stumbled.  David focused on two things that the cultures of the Middle East asserted as proof of kingship: a royal palace and a harem.  I can’t help but notice that the accounting of these details come immediately after the story of David turning the Ark aside for three months away from his own house.  As David turns from God, his life begins to reflect that decision.  His life is filled with worldly things.

David builds his own incredible palace instead of being content dwelling with God.  David turns to the worldly practice of polygamy instead of being content with God’s ways.  The call to obedience is hard – especially as personal affluence increases.  This does not mean that God was not still with David.  It means that David stumbled in his walk with God.  This is true about all of us.  In those times when we are content letting God dwell with others we will walk astray from Him.  Our hearts will turn and we will fall into sin.

Troubles with the Philistines

As we conclude chapter 14, we see that David’s sin was not the end of his relationship with God.  God does not forsake David simply because David has a character flaw.  Thanks be to God that this is the case, because who among us could God tolerate if He would not look past a flaw in our character?

The Philistines come against the Hebrew people.  Twice.  But notice that twice David turns to God, seeks God’s advice, and displays obedience.  Each time David feels success.  In spite of the sinfulness of his harem and his palace, God is still with David.  This is the God that we serve.  We are all tainted with sin.  In fact, as a friend reminded me recently, “we are all far worse sinners than we dare imagine.”  But as God proves here with David, in spite of our sinful nature “we are loved far more than we could ever hope.”  God is not afraid of our sinfulness.  He is saddened by it and He requires atonement, repentance, and forgiveness.  But He does not abandon us and continues to display His great power through us in spite of our sinfulness.

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Year 3, Day 285: 1 Chronicles 12

David Gains Support

In 1 Chronicles 11 most of the men listed there were David’s own kinsmen.  They were mighty men, but they were mostly men of Judah.  Of course this would make sense.  You’ve got to start somewhere.  You’ve got to start with the people that you know will support you before you can go elsewhere and try and convince others to support you.

However, as we enter into chapter 12 we are reminded by the chronicler of the times when David was fleeing Saul’s presence.  What we hear is that some of the first non-Judahites to come to his side were Benjaminites.  Remember that Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin.  The more Saul pursued David, the more his own people slipped through his hand.  The more Saul lost his mind and relentlessly pursued David, the more of Saul’s own leaders moved over to be with David.

What can we learn from this?  There is the thread that runs the whole way through the chronicler’s work.  Seek the hand of God and join it at work.  When you rebel against what God is doing, things will go poorly for you.  Saul rebelled against God’s anointing over David.  Things went poorly.

We can also learn a bit about leadership.  When we are crazy, the sane leaders underneath us will go and find the strongest sane leader and become loyal to that person instead of us.  When we act crazy, go off the deep end, speak in ways that are unreliable, make commotions for the sake of making commotions, and do other things like this what we actually end up doing is teaching people to listen elsewhere.  How many good strong leaders in the church have actually taught others around them to quit listening because they acted in crazy and unstable means rather than acting maturely and humbly before God?

We can actually see this strengthened in the verses that follow regarding the Gadites.  As David’s power and strong leadership grows, Hebrew people from across the Jordan River come to support him.  But notice what we are told in the paragraphs following the Gadites.  Even more people from Benjamin come to David.  As David’s power grows, Saul loses even more grip upon his own people.  Amasi, the leader of the second migration of Benjaminite strength, sees God in David.  He swears allegiance to David because David’s leadership is sound.  He swears allegiance to David because David’s leadership is rooted in God’s ways.  Good people and good leaders are attracted to people who display traits of being obedient to God.  As Saul’s craziness increases, David’s sanity becomes more pronounced.  The people follow.

Manasseh

Along with Benjaminites and Gadites, we also see David joined by people of Manasseh.  This happens at a time when Saul’s persecution against David is so strong that David can only find refuge among the Philistines.  Imagine this dynamic.  The chosen leader of God allies himself with the archenemies of the people of God because of the insanity and persecution of Saul.  Yet even still, Hebrew people are coming to David and offering their aid to him.  Of course, I should remind us that even when David allied with the Philistines he did not help the Philistines against the Hebrew people.

But this really begs the question: how bad must have Saul’s leadership been if Hebrew people would rather serve under someone allied with the archenemy of the Hebrew people than with the king of the Hebrew people himself!  The people know in whom God is at work.  The people know where to find good leadership.  The people eventually quit listening to the crazy talk of Saul and find God at work in their midst – even on the other side of the battlefield.

The Rest Of The Hebrew People

Eventually Saul died.  David could reign in peace from Saul.  As this happened, all of the Hebrew people came around him and pledged support.  We hear about a great army that is amassed from the soldiers of all the clans.  We hear about the gathering of over 300,000 men from all twelve tribes.  Finally, in spite of the craziness of Saul, God’s people are united.  I suppose it may even be possible to say that it was because of the craziness of Saul.  The more outrageous Saul acted and the worse his leadership was, the more willing people were to join up with David and what God was actually doing through him. 

The whole of the people united under David and a brief Golden Age of Hebrew life was born.  Under David, mistakes would be made.  But the people would be united.  Under David, it was clear that there was one God in Israel.  For the forty years of David’s reign, things would go well with respect to militaristic security, tribal unity, and religious purity.

I think this chapter is speaking loudly into my life.  There are many crazy voices happening in the world.  Some are close to home.  Others are broadcasting from far away and in arenas intentionally foreign to the voice of God.  As craziness increases, I need to be like David as a leader.  You need to be like David.  We all need to be like David.  We need to humble ourselves before God and submit to Him.  In that act we will find peace emerging out of the crazy.  People will be drawn to that peace that comes from God just like the tribes were drawn to God’s hand at work through David.

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Year 3, Day 284: 1 Chronicles 11

David Becomes King

Compared with the account in 2 Samuel, David’s meteoric rise to power in Israel as told in Chronicles was a breeze.  After Saul dies, the elders simply come to David and submit to him.  David makes a covenant with them – likely a covenant of financial tribute and military assistance in exchange for David’s leadership and commitment to God.

Why is the chronicler’s account so brief?  To be blunt, the chronicler is putting this book together to illustrate God’s hand in the midst of trial and success.  The chronicler is attempting to write an inspirational book describing the relationship of God to His people as those people are returning from exile.  The deeds of Abner and Joab as well as the battles against Ishbosheth are simply not significant to the point of the chronicler.  What is important to the chronicler is that this was God’s plan all along.  God had ordained David as king and everything else was simply God’s plan unfolding before the Master Creator.

Jebus

David then sets his sights upon Jebus.  Jebus – Jerusalem – was a central city in the Promised Land.  It was in the northernmost part of Judah, but it would make an ideal place from which David could rule all of the Promised Land.  Again we have a minimal description of the event, indicating that this was primarily God’s work, not the work of men.  This element is dramatized even more by the simple statement that the Jebusites said to David, “You shall not get in here.”  Nevertheless, David took the city.  Human will be what it may; God’s will is supreme.

However, we do have the notation that Joab becomes the captain of the guard.  When we do see evidence of human will, we see it with respect to fervent obedience that is in line with God’s will.  It is God’s will that David take Jerusalem.  It is God’s will that David take upon himself the mantle of Melchizedek.  Joab pursues this will fervently and he is exalted among men because of it.

David’s Mighty Men

The rest of this chapter is dedicated to those among David’s company who followed David (and Joab) in fervent pursuit of God’s will for David’s military success.  The first group we hear of is “the three.”  Jashobeam and Eleazar are mentioned in Chronicles.  The third, Shammah, is not mentioned here but his deeds can be found in 2 Samuel 23:11-12.  We are also told of Abishai, the brother of Joab.  Like the three, he had a moment of personal victory, but he did not attain a status as high as the three.

These men are noted for their personal heroism.  Each of these is lifted up and recognized for a personal moment of valor – not unlike the moment noted for Joab earlier in the chapter.  The chronicler desires us to see people who were willing to risk all to pursue God’s calling.  Each of these three stood up against incredible odds and survived by the power of God.  Everyone else had fled.  They had every reason to flee.  But they stood their ground.  In spite of the seemingly insurmountable odds against them, they rallied the people and stood in faith.

We also hear about Benaiah, who eventually is set over David’s own bodyguard.  Benaiah doesn’t seem to have the same military success as the ones mentioned before.  After all, Benaiah doesn’t win against great odds and against many men.  But what Benaiah does is win personal mano-a-mano contests where he is the clear underdog.  As I read through the account of Benaiah, I couldn’t help naturally thinking about the story of David and Goliath.  No wonder David placed him in charge of his bodyguard!  You wouldn’t want a man like this as a general over the battlefield.  You would want a man like this managing your personal security and dealing with any threat too big or great to be handled by the rest of the soldiers!

What I like about Benaiah is that here we get our first glimpse of appreciation for heterogeneity among David’s closest people.  David didn’t surround himself with carbon copies of himself or carbon copies of one another.  David appreciated different skills in different people and managed bringing them together and putting them to work.  David (and God!) valued heterogeneity.  It should also be noted that Solomon promotes Benaiah to commander after Joab’s death.

Finally we get a listing of the mighty men.  There is not much to report on this list.  Among the names on the list, perhaps one jumped out: Uriah the Hittite.  Of course, we know this name from the David and Bathsheba story.  Since that story is not told in Chronicles, this may be a great time to talk about why.

As we go into the life of David, we will notice that several of the stories that we are rather familiar with are simply omitted from the record.  It is possible that the chronicler was unaware of them; however this is unlikely.  The chronicler seems to get so many of the intricate details and order of the story straight from the Samuel/Kings account that it really is unlikely that the chronicler didn’t have access to the Samuel/Kings account.

In fact, this leads us to a reason why the accounts are different.  If the chronicler did have access to Samuel/Kings, then there would be no need to copy it directly!  Instead, the chronicler could focus upon the stories that speak to the hand of God moving through David’s life.  The chronicler can feel secure that the Samuel/Kings account tells the historical account accurately.  The chronicler is freed to focus not upon the history but the spirituality of the story.  Thus, some of the more familiar stories are omitted because the chronicler is focusing upon God at work rather than the human element.

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Year 3, Day 283: 1 Chronicles 9-10

Genealogy – Chapter 9

At last we come to the last of the chapters of genealogy and we surge ahead into the story.  The majority of 1 Chronicles 9 is about those who returned from exile.  We see their lists and their numbers.  We also see their duties.  We can see that as the people come back from exile, the chronicler desires to make a point about the seriousness that is required with respect to the worship of God.  Tasks are assigned.  Duties are regulated.

Unfortunately, as I was reading this chapter I couldn’t also help but think about where Judaism was headed in the coming centuries.  We know that the pendulum of religion swung far too far in the opposite direction.  Before the exile, the Hebrew people were very lax in their religious observances.  False gods crept into their culture.  Soon they were worshipping God with their lips but not in their heart.  So God pushed them into exile.

But, when they return from exile there was an equally opposite reaction.  The religious leaders desired to never make that mistake again.  Instead, the religious leaders began to focus upon the necessity to live out the law in every single dynamic of life.  They made small rules that governed every interaction as they attempted to legislate spiritual relationship with God.  In only a few centuries the majority of the people were bombarded with so many rules and regulations that keeping them all became impossible.  What we see happening is exactly what we see happening prior to the Babylonian exile but for the exact opposite reason.  Whereas before the people were only paying lip service to God because their heart wasn’t in the relationship, now the people can only pay lip service to God because the law had become so oppressive their heart couldn’t be in it!

I find it sad – but in no way unbelievable – that this happened.  Human beings tend to like to swing on the pendulum.  Society moves one way and it is good for a while, but then we take it too far.  Eventually we figure out the need to reverse course and it is good for a while, but then we take it too far in the other direction.  There seems to be an underlying current within human society of desiring to “create a perfect governing system.”  But in truth I do not believe that such a system will ever exist.  Our nature as human beings will always be to push to an extreme, take things too far as we seek for “the best,” and then have to reverse course and try again.

Perhaps I’m a natural skeptic.  Okay, there is no perhaps in that sentence.  I am a natural skeptic.  But I think that with respect to human civilization that I’m right on this one.

Return to the History of the Kings

In 1 Chronicles 10 we now turn back to the story of the Hebrew people.  Although this book was written as the exiles returned from Babylonian exile, this book is written about the line of Davidic kings.  So we return to the story of David and hear what it is that the chronicler desires for these exiles to hear about their past. 

We turn to Saul.  In fact, we turn to the story of Saul’s death.  Saul had gone with his son and his army to face off against the Philistines.  The battle turned on Saul.  Jonathon and Saul’s other sons were killed.  Saul was wounded and hunted.  When he realized he could not escape, he killed himself.  The Philistines took his body and used it as a trophy.  2 Samuel 31:10 tells us that the Philistines took Saul’s armor and put it in the temple of Ashtaroth and they took Saul’s body and hung it on the wall of Beth Shan.  The chronicler informs us that they took his head and hung it in the temple of Dagon, one of their chief gods.  However, the Hebrew people could not tolerate this treatment, so the rescued the body and brought it back.

However, the point of this chapter is in the last few verses.  Saul died because of his breach of faith.  He died because he did not submit to God.  He died because he did not listen to God.  He died because he consulted other sources for wisdom besides the true God.  The chronicler’s point is obvious to a people returning from exile.  Those who abandon God and no longer heed His voice deserve the fate that they receive.  The exiles would understand that point quite well.

I wonder how well we understand that point.  Is God our go-to source for wisdom?  Or do we listen to Him when it is convenient and it serves our purposes?  Are we devoted to God fully and completely or are we devoted to God when we have the time or when our guilt gets the better of us?  I believe these are important questions to consider as we take a fresh look at the story of the Davidic kings.  This is a topic with which they struggled and upon which they eventually failed.  We would be wise to not make their same mistakes.

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Year 3, Day 282: 1 Chronicles 8

Genealogy – Chapter 8

Today we arrive at the genealogy of Saul.  Now we begin to focus in on the more important work of the chronicler.  We have come through the ancient history and have had an accounting of all of the tribes.  In order to focus on David, some time must be spent speaking about his kingly predecessor, Saul.

There isn’t much that I personally have to say about this genealogy except with respect to those who come after Saul.  Of course, we hear about Saul and his son Jonathon.  Then we hear about Jonathon’s son Meribbaal (Also known as Mephibosheth).  You can read more about Mephibosheth’s story in 2 Samuel 4:4, 9:1-13, 16:1-4, 19:16-30, and 21:1-9.  In short, Mephibosheth was the crippled son of David’s best friend and the grandson of one of David’s greatest rivals.

What we can see through this genealogy is that God continues to be gracious to the lineage of Saul in spite of Saul’s behavior in opposition to David becoming king.  God could have smote Saul’s line from the earth.  Had David not had compassion upon Mephibosheth, that may have been the likely result.  But as we can see, Mephibosheth (Meribbaal) fathers Micah and Micah begins a new and prosperous branch of the family tree.

God is indeed merciful.  God remembers and punishes sin for such a short time compared to the amount of time that He grants prosperity.  God is harsh when angry – although when harsh it is certainly justified!  But even when God has right to be angry He often chooses mercy instead.  God is always looking towards the future and desiring the best for us – even when we get in the way of what He would like to do among us.  The fact that Saul’s line is remembered even after the greatness of David and after the exile is a testimony to the mercy of God.

What has God done for you and your family when He could have instead been harsh in judgment?  Do any of us not feel the effects of God’s mercy when we deserved condemnation?

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Year 3, Day 281: 1 Chronicles 7

Genealogy – Chapter 7

In chapter 7 we get to see the lineage of primarily the northern tribes.  However, as you read through these you will notice that there is a seemingly lack of attention to detail.  As detailed as chapter 6 was, chapter 7 seems to be the exact opposite.

Remember that the northern tribes were taken into exile under Assyria about 150 years prior to the fall of the southern kingdom and Jerusalem.  Thus, it is likely that much of the genealogical data from the northern kingdom may well have been lost.  The chronicler may not be intentionally light on details; it may have been the best he could accomplish.

In addition to this, many of the Hebrew people from the northern kingdom would have been under captivity and dispersed by the Assyrians.  Thus, when the Babylonians moved onto the scene and knocked off the Assyrians, those in captivity under the Assyrians would have been even more likely to be scattered more deeply and lost among the people.  Thus, when it came time for the Hebrew people to return from exile when the Persians defeat the Babylonians, there may not have been many of the northern kingdom still holding onto their Hebrew heritage.  Without many Hebrews from the northern kingdom returning, there may just not have been data to transmit.

So what can we learn from this?  I think there are two lessons that we can pull from the chronology before us today.  First, if we do not draw close to the Lord, we are likely to get lost in the world.  It may sound like a simple lesson, but it is a very good one.  We can stake our claim to many pursuits in this life.  But if we don’t lay our claim in the Lord, we are likely to be swept away into the world and find ourselves adrift among the masses.

The second lesson is just as important.  The northern kingdom had been in exile for a while before Judah goes into captivity.  Many of them were lost to posterity.  Of the exiles returning, most were of the clan of Judah or Levites who were living in the southern kingdom.  The exiles could have looked down upon the few exiles returning from the northern kingdom.  But yet we find their genealogy here in Chronicles.  They are included.  They could have been the proverbial ugly step-sister.  But the chronicler lifts them up in status to be included.

All have sinned.  There is forgiveness for all who repent, regardless of past circumstances.  That’s a powerful lesson to remember.

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Year 3, Day 280: 1 Chronicles 6

Genealogy – Chapter 6

As we turn to Levi we must realize that we are speaking here about the line of priests among the Hebrew people.  Of course, we cannot help but remember that before the exile the Hebrew priests were leading the rebellion away from God as much as the people.  However, just as the people went into exile in order that the remnant could come forth and be devoted to God, so also the priests went with them.  The priests were no holier than the rest of the people, but they were among those sent into exile and brought back.

Having said that, let’s also look at the other extreme.  These priests were the religious backbone of the people.  They were the ones who were charged with the operations of the temple and transmission of purity.  They were also the ones charged with ensuring that the priests of the next generation would be trained for their duty.

In this respect they had a very important role.  Here in this chapter, we find exquisite detail given by the chronicler.  He goes into seemingly greater detail in this chapter than other chapters.  The chronicler is making a point in the detail.  As the people come back from exile, the priestly line would be important.  The people had to pay attention to the priests.  The priests had to lead the people properly.  This relationship would govern the faithfulness of the people from this point forward.

We can add to this idea the length of this chapter with respect to the other genealogical chapters.  While certainly the Davidic line takes a primary role, as one reads through the genealogies it is easy to see that this chapter on the priestly line is certainly secondary in importance.

In addition, you will notice here that the chronicler doesn’t only give the genealogical data.  The chronicler also records the names of the towns that were given the priests so that they could support themselves.  Again we get a glimpse of the chronicler’s point.  The people would not only be in relationship with the priests, they would support them and give them room in their lives to work.

This is a good point to remember from a genealogy.  We are in relationship with one another.  When we lose sight of this relationship, things tend to go poorly.  As in all relationships, there must be give, take, support, time, and genuine care.

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Year 3, Day 279: 1 Chronicles 5

Genealogy – Chapter 5

 1 Chronicles 5 continues with the genealogy.  Again, let me emphasize that this is not the most spiritually fulfilling reading.  But there are some things in here that we can pull out.

First of all, notice how this chapter opens.  Reuben was supposed to have the birthright.  But because Reuben was unfaithful to his father, his birthright went somewhere else.  Joseph became the prominent son when the people went to Egypt and Judah had certainly become the prominent tribe once the people reached the Promised Land.  What’s the lesson?  Unfaithfulness has consequences.  Consequences sometimes mean that someone else gets to do what God had once given us the opportunity to accomplish.

However, also note that Reuben isn’t written out.  Reuben isn’t dismissed from the family.  His prominence simply diminishes.  There is forgiveness and mercy.  When we mess up and have to deal with our consequences, it doesn’t mean that we are banished from the sight of God.  He will still embrace us; it is just sometimes in a different capacity.

Also, notice in verse 5 that one of the descendants in the tribe of Judah has the name Baal.  This is a derivative name for the Canaanite god.  Oh, how it must have grated on God and His prophets to have a leading man in one of the tribes named after someone else’s god!  If that isn’t evidence of how the people had fallen, I don’t know what is.  Furthermore, notice that Baal is the father to the one who is in charge of the tribe of Reuben when they are taken into captivity under Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria.  Here is more evidence of why God’s anger burned against the people and why they went into captivity!

In fact, as we move into the words of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, this is precisely the point that the chronicler intends to make.  The chronicler even uses the word “whored” to describe their behavior with respect to the other gods.  Their hearts were not pure.  Their hearts weren’t even repentant!  They lusted after other gods.  They went forth in great violence.  They became like the rest of the word.  They left behind their divine mandate to bring relationship with God to the world.  They traded the purpose for which God had chosen them for a purpose of their own lusting.  They fell into judgment and Assyria came to drag them away.  There is a pretty serious lesson in that.

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Year 3, Day 278: 1 Chronicles 4

Genealogy – Chapter 4

 1 Chronicles 4 has a few surprises for us among the names.  First, as I was reading the names I honestly began to worry what I would write about today.  After all, how can someone come up with something spiritual in the midst of a pure genealogy?  Sure, yesterday was easy because it focused on David and the coming of the Messiah.  But today?  Tomorrow?  The three days after that?  How on earth am I going to come up with something spiritual on a tribal genealogy?

Then something hit me.  There is a counterpoint to yesterday’s lesson.  As important as the genealogy of chapter 3 is to all of God’s work, doesn’t that by nature indicate how mundane the rest of the chapters are?  If the Messiah is to come from David’s line, then aren’t the rest of the tribes just normal people – people not unlike you or me?  The answer is yes.  These chapters are just normal people.

But they are still present.  God still pays attention to them.  They are still recorded in God’s Word!  The message today is the exact counterpoint to yesterday.  God cares about the normal people, too!  In fact, I would wager that God cares just as much about the regular people as he does the kings of Judah.  The truth of God is that there is nobody unimportant enough that they are beyond the reach of God’s love.  That’s a fairly powerful statement.

However, as I continued to read I found a few stories within the genealogy.  The first one I want to talk about is the character of Jabez.  Did you know that Jabez is only ever mentioned in three verses of the Bible?  All of them are in 1 Chronicles.  His name is mentioned twice in this chapter and once in 2:55.  Three times in the whole Bible!

Yet, you have no doubt heard of the “prayer of Jabez.”  People have taken this single prayer and turned it into some kind of mantra for forcing God to bless them.  I think it’s rather horrible, personally.  As I was reading today, I thought more about why.

Here’s where the reference in 1 Chronicles 2:55 comes into play.  You see, Jabez did pray that prayer.  And God increased his land.  And the city or area where he lived began to be called Jabez.  That’s how impressive God’s blessing was upon him!  But in 1 Chronicles 2:55 we hear that Jabez is also the birthplace of the scribes.  It is within Jabez that the scribes come into prestige.

Those of us reading with a New Testament perspective, do you know who the main adversaries of Christ’s ministry was here on earth?  Of course there are the Pharisees.  And of course there are the chief priests.  But the people who are mentioned the most are the “scribes.”  These are the behind-the-scenes teachers, reporters, detectives, and investigators of Jesus.  These are the ones who are always listening and critiquing Jesus.  And where is it that they originate?  Yeah, that’s right.  Jabez.

Now don’t get me wrong.  I’m not going to fault Jabez for generations of legalism that increases and grows until it reaches the point that it is capable of rejecting God’s Messiah.  I’m not resting that upon Jabez’ shoulders.  But I will say this.  The God I know is a God who desires humility, humbleness, and submission.  While I won’t lay the blame completely at the feet of Jabez, I neither find any surprise to realize a connection between a group of people who ultimately play a large part in rejecting God’s Messiah and a man whose reputation begins with, “Oh God, give me.”

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Year 3, Day 277: 1 Chronicles 3

Genealogy – Chapter 3

In case you haven’t looked forward, the genealogies run through chapter 9.  So if you don’t like genealogies I’ll apologize beforehand.  But we’ll get through them quickly enough, so just be patient and don’t set your expectations too high for the next six or so readings.

However, what we might not gain in the actual names we can gain a bit from the context.  Notice that the chronicler spends an entire chapter on the genealogy of David.  Yes, there is a list for each of the tribes.  But among the tribes, David gets his own list even among the list of Judah!

This shows that the chronicler is indeed rather interested in the Messianic line.  Of all the lines to focus upon among the Hebrew people, the chronicler focuses upon the Davidic line.  Now, naturally, this makes sense.  It is the one great line of the greatest Hebrew king. 

But it demonstrates that the chronicler has an agenda.  The purpose of this book is to remember the promises of God from the past.  But it is also to look forward to the future when those promises will be fulfilled in God’s Messiah.  There would come a king of David’s line that would eclipse even David.  The chronicler desires to do his part in keeping the watch for God’s Messiah alive as the exiles return from captivity.

So what can we take away from this context?  I think there are a few lessons to be had here.  First of all, how interested am I on a daily basis towards revealing God’s Messiah to the world?  How active am I at helping direct people’s attention to looking for the Messiah?

Second, how serious am I in continuing to look for the Messiah?  The chronicler went to great pains in pointing the people towards God’s hand at work in the world.  Am I as diligent in looking forward to what God is doing?

Third, I can’t help but wonder how good I am at remembering God’s promises in the past.  The chronicler focused on David because of the past.  The chronicler focused on David because it was a fulfillment of God’s word in the past.  What’s even more amazing is that the chronicler is roughly 500 years beyond David.  This would be like us looking back to the time of Martin Luther and looking with interest into what God was saying to the people and how God was active in their lives.

Okay, so maybe that’s not the greatest example, since we actually can look back to Martin Luther and see what God was doing among His people.  But hopefully I’ve still made my point.  Am I that interested in declaring God’s work to the people around me, especially with reference to how God was at work in the past?  I hope so. 

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