I Chronicles 23 - Numbering the Levites

I Chronicles 23

For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered, from twenty years old and upward. (verse 27)

Message: Numbering the Levites

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying:  In the previous chapter, David, close to death, charges Solomon to build the temple, after gathering the material and labor groups for the building, stating the Lord will be with him. Here in chapter 23, David "made Solomon king over Israel and he gathered together all the leaders of Israel with the priests and the Levites" numbering them at 38,000 -- 24,000 to oversee work on the temple, 6,000 as officers and judges, 4,000 as gatekeepers, and 4,000 praising the Lord with instruments. It was the Levites who were appointed for service in the temple, but not all the Levites were designated as priests. This temple would be a replacement for the temporary tent of the tabernacle. But the temple was also temporary, and one day all of God's people would be permanent priests living in the temple of Christ. 

Thus in the Bible is this theme of temporary and permanent. Perhaps the law was set up as a temporary instrument to guide people in understanding what they are to do and their sin, but ultimately God has written this on people's hearts with a conscience. The sacrificial system was temporary covering for sin with Jesus ultimately covering everyone's sin once and for all. Even our time on earth is temporary which leads us ultimately to our permanent home with God in heaven. Suffering is temporary in this life as sin entangles us but permanently we will be with God without sin. 

Summary: The Levites were designated by David as God's people responsible for service in building and overseeing the temple, some being priests. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "In Christ, we can all enter God’s direct presence, for He has gone before us as our High Priest, and we also go with Him, for we are united to Him by faith."

Prayer: O God, you are gracious and your plan for history and my life and all time is perfect. I submit and surrender to You, My Lord and King, choosing me as your vessel. Give me strength today in service to You continually in serving others. Be glorified. Thank you for the reminder here of temporary versus permanent. And having an eternal home for us in heaven. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 22:2-19 - The Temple Builder

I Chronicles 22:2-19

Now, my son, the Lord be with you that you may be successful, and build the house of the Lord your God just as He has spoken concerning you. (verse 11)

Message: The Temple Builder

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying:  In chapter 21 there is mention of a census that David does. The consequence of David's pride in doing the census is the falling of 70,000 men of Israel (21:7), and then David builds an altar on threshing floor which will be the location of the temple. Chapter 22 now picks up with this temple that is to be built. In verse 2, "David gave orders" to start gathering the items needed - "stonecutters to hew out stones", "iron to make the nails for the doors", "bronze", "timbers of cedar logs." Thus some items are mentioned. 

David mentions Solomon who might be about 18-20 at this time "young and inexperienced" and so David feels a need to do as much as he can on this project before his death. But ultimately David gives the charge to Solomon to build the temple in verses 7-16. David lets Solomon know that the work of building the temple falls on him - for a such time is it for him to build it. David engaged in other activities that were necessary, but now seen more as preparation for this work to be done by Solomon. He says that the Lord will be there for his son and give him "discretion and understanding." Solomon has prepared the materials and the tradesmen to do the work (verse 15). And finally states, "May the Lord be with you" (verse 16). 

One purpose in building this temple is bringing the ark of the covenant to reside in it. 

Summary: David, close to death, charges Solomon to build the temple, after gathering the material and labor groups for the building, stating the Lord will be with him. 

Promise: There are different times for different purposes that God has laid out for his people to do. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy. Thank you for your great love and helping me get back into your Word. Let it be a light for me. Thank you for the promise you have given to your people, to do your work and setting aside certain times for that work. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:21 - Descendants of the Righteous

Proverbs 11:21

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished,

But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. 

Message: Descendants of the Righteous

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: At first glance this verse looks familiar. Verse 4, "Righteousness delivers from death." Verse 5, "The wicked will fall." Verse 6, "The righteousness of the upright will deliver them." Verse 8, "The righteous is delivered from trouble" and "through knowledge the righteous will be delivered." These verses continue to contrast the upright and the wicked with slight alterations in describing the outcomes of the evil man versus the righteous. 

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished

Justice is a very important theme in the Bible. The word is more common in the Old Testament with few references in the New Testament. As I've studied the time of David and Saul and others in 1 and 2 Samuel I have noticed that the line between God rewarding people with safety in this present life is fairly close meaning there often isn't much different between those that receive life versus death. In other words, there is a clear contrast in the Bible between those that are favored versus those that are punished. And so Solomon here gives a clear contrast here with the evil man and righteous. 

The King James Version says, "Though hand join in hand" meaning that their is a collective effort by the wicked. NASB says "Assuredly." 

But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. 

Beyond the righteous only, this verse now highlights the descendants. Thus, the actions of one generation impact the next. Most of what I am gleaning from these verses is found here. Like the statement, righteousness is often associated with faithfulness to God's commandments and a life lived in accordance with His will. 

This makes me think how I am actively living a life of righteousness. I hope our children are seeing us choose righteousness, not simply going along with the activities of our world but choosing activities that please God. Hopefully they see me investing in people's lives, both online and in real life. But righteous living is also seeking to glorify God in my activities, trusting God. And speaking of this in my life. I would like them to see someone that not only reads God words, but practices it. I hope they see my deep care for people and their well being. I hope they see that we need to be a people that gives to those in need. 

Ultimately, I want to see my descendants choosing God in their lives and making their relationship with God important in all the days of their lives, also having a devotion to God. I hope we are people in which our activities are spent doing things that glorify God. 

This morning I was listening to this song -- "It's the Truth" by Dogwood from 1975. It had this chorus:

It's the truth

My sin has made me just as good as dead

But Jesus said, "I took your place

On the cross I bore your shame and disgrace

So, child, with your face, it's all right

I heard you prayin' early in the night

I made it right, it's the truth

You don't have to suffer when you're dead"

He made it right. I don't have to suffer. Jesus has suffered for me. He took my place. He bore my shame and disgrace. Today is Easter / Resurrection Day. 

Prayer: Thank you God for giving this one person not what he deserves but giving me grace. Thank you for taking my place. O God, pass on any righteousness you have given me to my children. Remove evil from me, including any selfishness. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

1 Kings 2:1-9 - Guidance to Solomon

1 Kings 2:1-9

"so that the Lord may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'" (verse 4)

Message: Guidance to Solomon

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: David’s time on earth is coming to an end. He knows this. He has a word for Solomon. David charges Solomon to "be strong...and show yourself a man." The charge is to be strong spiritually, militarily, and morally. It is also a charge to leadership, integrity, and faithfulness to God's law. Simple words but powerful words. 

Verse 3

"And keep the charge of the Lord your God" - remain faithful to God and remember the covenant relationship we have with God. "Walk in His ways" - have a close relationship with God. "keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies" - the laws of God are comprehensive. They are specific laws and there are generally laws of God. The idea here is God permeates our entire lives, all the decisions we make and the way in which we live. "as written in the Law of Moses" - scripture stands the test of time; our faith is meant to continue from the past to the present and to the future. There is a continuity to God's message for His people. "that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn" - there is well-being and fulfillment in our life; as we are faithful to God's commands good things happen. 

Verse 4

"so that the Lord may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me" - this is the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16); God makes a promise to His people and He fulfills it. But we also in return promise to remain faithful to His promises, walk in his ways, keep his statutes. It is important to keep God's blessings. I have noticed in my frequent conversations with people in Africa, it is very hard for them at times to admit there waywardness to God's ways. They obviously take it very serious to stay close to God's laws and His ways. I wonder if at times, I find it too easy to not stay close to God and His ways. "if your sons are careful of their way..." - that word careful is a word I hold onto and reminds me continually of how important it is to be intentional, not frivolous, but to take God's words to heart in our lives. And this is the person David charges Solomon to be. It is not an option. It is not a choice. It is the way we are supposed to be in life. 

It almost seems that David is asking Solomon to be a greater person than he was. David struggled with some passivity at times. He seems to charge Solomon to not be this way. In verse 5, he brings up Joab and the way in which he carried things out - "He also shed the blood of war in peace." Joab's acts were more vengeance rather than justice. Joab however was not a worthless man. At times he encourages faithfulness to God, but our faithfulness is not a part-time thing. But Solomon is to be different. He is to be a man of God all of the time. And Joab also is to receive some sort of justice - "do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace." 

David also calls attention to the "sons of Barzillai" for their kindness to David during Absalom's rebellion. And despite Shimei cursing him he swore to not put him to death, God will not act vengeance on him. 

Thus, David gives guidance to Solomon. This is a great charge to Solomon. And a great charge to me, to remain faithful and a great charge for me to pass onto my children. 

Summary: David concludes his life by giving a great charge to Solomon to follow God, walk in His ways, and carry on the promise God made to David - to remain faithful. 

Promise: Seek to obey the Lord in all I do. 

Prayer: Lord, I have messed up many times in my life, but I pray that I can go forward and be the best person possible for you. I want to stay faithful to your promises and help those that are in need. I pray also for my children and those that come after me. I pray for Derek Lord that he lives a life pleasing to You. He has a good heart. Help him to shine. Thank you for Tyson's great love and his tenderness for others and faithfulness. You have made all my children to be great friends. Thank you for Megan's hard work and her sacrificial ways to her family. She works hard for you. My wife models this well for them and yet has a joy and love for life that I admire and am so thankful to have near me. Lord, protect people and protect those you place in my path. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Kings 1:28-53 - Solomon Anointed King

I Kings 1:28-53

Zadok the priest then took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. They they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, "Long live King Solomon!" (verse 39)

Message: Solomon Anointed King

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the first part of 1 Kings 1 one of David's sons is interested in being the next king and tries to self-proclaim himself king while his father David is simply hanging on for dear life, weak and disoriented. A pretty nurse is sent to care for him and despite her beauty and care he did not go into her or have sexual relations which seemed to be permitted at the time. Meanwhile Adonijah was having a feast and trying to get support for him being King. But Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba went to David to confirm that in fact it was promised for Solomon to be king next. 

In verse 28, David calls Bathsheba and confirms with her what she was saying that 'Your Son Solomon shall be king after me.' Bathsheba is happy and relieved. 

David directs Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah to have Solomon ride on his mule blowing the trumpet, "Long live King Solomon. Then you shall come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne and be king in my place; for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah." This was the public acknowledgement that Solomon needed David to make of him being king, the riding in on the mule. Jesus, naturally, will one day parallel this when he enters Jerusalem on a donkey. The mule in these times was a prestigious animal and represented the kings royalty and leadership. 

This is what they did. Had him ride on King David's mule. "And all the people were playing flutes and rejoicing with great joy." 

In verse 41, Adonijah heard this wondering why the City is making such an uproar. After hearing all that was going on, with the riding in on the mule and King David placing Solomon on the throne and announcing him as king, "the guests of Adonijah were terrified; and they arose and each went on his way." Thus his support base has collapsed. People fear that their allegiance to Adonijah will cause problems for them so they flee. 

Adonijah even feared for his life but King Solomon said to him, "Go to your house." David shows him mercy, allowing him to live even though he had been rebellious. David allowed many others to live despite their rebellion but it was other men like Joab that ended up killing those other lives. David was a man of mercy. 

The people knew that the Lord had anointed Solomon previously, so based upon this they did not wait any more and made sure that Solomon was being presented as the new king. The lesson today from Tabletalk mentions this: "We need to act wisely, but we need not wait for a “sign from heaven,” nor are we to “let go and let God.” When the right thing needs to be done, we need to do it."

Summary: In response to Adonijah trying to be king, David proclaims Solomon as king, has him ride in on a mule, sit on his throne and the people respond while the supporters of Adonijah flee and David has mercy on him. 

Promise: James 4:17 tells us that when we know the right thing to do and fail to do it, we have sinned. We need not wait for a special sign to do the right thing. It is always the right time to obey the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, indeed it is always the right time to obey the Lord and do the right thing. I see this and help me in these days to do the right thing, to make phone calls to the men I have been led to do that with, to visit people that need to be visited that are in need. Help me to not delay in doing those right things. Give me the passion and the desire to go forward well and do those things. Help me to not delay. Thank you for these lessons. Help me to not delay as well. There is much I can be doing. Help me to do it. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Kings 1:1-27 - Who Will Be King?

I Kings 1:1-27

And as for you now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. (verse 20)

Message: Who Will Be King?

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: David is now in his old age. He has a need to keep warm and so his servants look for a young virgin for him to keep him warm and find Abishag the Shunammite, a very beautiful girl to become the king's nurse though the king did not cohabit with her. 

Adonijah, born after Absalom, says, "I will be king." He was a very handsome man. Like Saul and Absalom no other qualities are described of him but that he was handsome. He conferred with Joab and Adonijah but then there were others like Benaiah and Nathan who were not with him to be king. Adonijah made a sacrifice of sheep and oxen, having a feast before men to build support for his proclamation as king. According to Tabletalk, "In the ancient Near East, eating together was a sign of peace, a sign that the parties at the meal would not seek one another’s destruction." Nathan spoke to Bathsheba stating that all this was done without the knowledge of David. Nathan is speaking for Solomon saying he is the one next to be king. 

Bathsheba then went before David, prostrating herself and saying, "What do you wish?" Bathsheba though confirms that Solomon is to be king. Nathan likewise came in to prostrate himself before David. He also recounts what Adonijah has been doing in self-electing himself king, and yet not inviting many to this ceremony including David. Once again Nathan asks, "who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?" 

In I Chronicles 22:8-10 it says the word of the Lord came to David saying that a son shall be born to David, his name shall be Solomon and "He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his father, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever." Thus Solomon is to be king. In I Kings 1:17 Bathsheba confirms this and Nathan then also confirms it in verse 24 with a question. 

Bathsheba and Nathan acted wisely in order to accomplish good goals. They saw what was happening and that it was not right and instead worked to make things right. 

Summary: David is old in age and struggling in his health. Meanwhile, his son Adonijah self proclaims himself as the next although Nathan and Bathsheba confirm that Solomon, as promised, is to be king. 

Promise: When we see that something needs to be done, we need to not be afraid but act on it. 

Prayer: In moments where leadership is uncertain, I ask for the wisdom of Nathan and the courage of Bathsheba to uphold the truth. Lord, guard me against the pride of Adonijah, who sought to take the throne by his own strength and ambition, rather than waiting on Your divine appointment. I trust in Your sovereignty to place the right leaders in power, just as You chose Solomon to sit on David’s throne.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1 - The Temple's Location Identified

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1

And David said to Gad, "I am in great distress, please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man." (verse 13)

Message: The Temple's Location Identified

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous lesson, a census is carried out by David, though influenced by Satan, opposed by Joab, yet allowed by God though man is responsible for this. Man chose to rely on his one understanding of the army that God establishes. I suppose we do this all the time. Though it is not right or showing a trust of God, God still works it together for His glory. 

Verse 7, "And God was displeased" with David for him not trusting God. "So He struck Israel." God's response to David's sin was to send a plague on Israel that killed 70,000 (verse 14). Thus, corporate responsibility. God views sin seriously and because of David's selfishness it results in other people dying. Jesus will make all free because of him bearing the punishment. Adam's sin resulted in sin for all mankind. Here David is favored by God, a man after his own heart, but his disobedience results in many dying. Back in chapter 21 verse 5 there was a count of 1,100,000 men and so this number is 6% of those men; 1 in 15. 

Verse 9, "the Lord spoke to Gad." God gives David the opportunity to be involved in the decision making consequence of his sin: 1) 3 years of famine, 2) 3 months of being defeated by your enemies, 3) 3 days of plagues on the land. David responds by deferring to God's mercy and thus the 3rd option results, a plague on the land that results in 70,000 dying. 

With 70,000 fallen, the Lord sets his sight now on Jerusalem. Again, all for this act of the census which showed David's pride and lack of trust in God. Just as the angel is about to destroy the land God intercedes and says, "It is enough; now relax your hand." 

David pleads to God in verse 17 that judgment would fall upon him and not all of these people. In verse 18, this commentary states: "Threshing floors were open spaces used for separating grain, often located on elevated ground. Ornan, a Jebusite, was a member of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David's conquest. The choice of this location is significant, as it later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1), symbolizing God's presence and the central place of worship for Israel. The transformation of a common threshing floor into a sacred site illustrates God's ability to sanctify and redeem." David goes hear to build an altar, a place of worship, reconciliation and repentance. There remains a large consequence for this sin that he committed but afterwards God has him build an altar, giving him another opportunity to start over, begin again. David had to pay for the site, "600 shekels of gold," a significant amount to purchase this land. 

In verse 1 of 22 David identifies this area as the house of the Lord or the location of the future temple. 

Once again here is Divine Sovereignty. David does a census which is contrary to God's ways, showing his pride, but because of many people of Israel die and David has remorse and is told to build an altar at a place that will eventually be the sight of the temple. 

Summary: The consequence of David's pride in doing the census is the falling of 70,000 men of Israel, and then David builds an altar on threshing floor which will be the location of the temple. 

Promise: All works together for God's good purposes. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the experiences of life. You weave all of life together for Your glory. But there are huge consequences along the way. It is hard to reconcile the loss of any person, let alone 70,000 men of Israel through a plague. Yes, there is a seriousness of sin. Is all death the result of judgment? Lord, I submit and surrender to You and plead for your grace and mercy. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.