Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 7

1 Chronicles 7

-This chapter continues the extensive list of genealogies from the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Joseph’s sons (Manasseh and Ephraim), and Asher. One of the notable descendants of Ephraim is Joshua, son of Non (or Nun, Exodus 33:11, Numbers 13:8). He was the leader of Israel as they came into the Promised Land after wandering through the wilderness (Joshua 1-3). He, along with Caleb of Judah (Numbers 13:6; 14:24), were the two faithful spies of the land and approved of God to be the only surviving original generation coming out of Egypt to enter God’s promise in the land. The primary theme of this chapter is “mighty men of valor (1 Chronicles 7:2,5,7,9, 11, 40).” This is a reminder of the courage and will of the children of Israel to defend and advance the work of the LORD in their historical and spiritually rich nation.

-*Application* Are we a man (or woman) of valor? Valor is defined as courage. It is the one thing that the LORD repeatedly commanded Joshua and the children of Israel to do as they came into the fullness of the land that God had promised (Joshua 1:6-9). Courage means that we do not compromise with the world when we know what is true and good. Stand up for what is right. Be a person of valor.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 7:27

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 6

1 Chronicles 6

-This chapter gives many names associated with the Tabernacle and later Temple worship systems of Israel. It focuses on the sons of Levi, from which Aaron and Moses came. It mentions Samuel, who was a great prophet and almost single handedly revived the nation in the time of the judges. An important question arises here for biblical scholars. Was Samuel’s father, Elkanah, a Levite or an Ephraimite (see 1 Samuel 1:1)? He was a Levite by ancestry, but the sons of Levi were assigned to dwell in certain areas within the Promised Land since they were not given land allotments as a tribe (Genesis 49:6-7, Numbers 35:6). Therefore, Elkanah, a Levite assigned to the land of Ephraim is an Ephraimite by tribal descent only, not his tribal ancestry. In fact, Samuel could not have become Eli’s Temple assistant with this Levitical lineage (Numbers 8:5-26, 1 Samuel 2:11, 1 Chronicles 23:28-32). This seemingly biblical contradiction is smoothed out with proper historical understanding.

-The chapter also goes into depth on the worship leaders in song that were appointed by David, the king, in the house of the LORD, after the ark rested there (1 Chronicles 6:31). Aaron and his son’s role was important for all the work of the most holy place and in making atonement for Israel before the LORD according to all that Moses, the servant of God, had commanded (1 Chronicles 6:49). These were the high priestly line and were given lands in the different parts of the nation for settlement and cities of refuge (Numbers 35).

-*Application* The work of the most holy place is indeed given credence when we look at passages like this one. God wants men of dedication to lead in the worship of Him and there is a place for those who are truly called to this type of ministry. In our churches today we see many of the same principles at work, or at least we should. Provide for God’s people to maintain the work of ministry, whether it be the teaching aspects, the organizational parts, the arts and music, or other God given responsibilities. Enable the work of the LORD to run smoothly without interference. They are the equippers of the saints (Ephesians 4:4-16).

Verses to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 6:31, 49

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 5

1 Chronicles 5

-This chapter entails the history lineage of the tribes of Reuben (the first born of Israel, but not the owner of the birthright [Joseph] or the prevailing [Judah], 1 Chronicles 5:1-2), Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (who was Joseph’s son). These tribes settled on the eastern side of the Jordan and were eventually carried away to the north and east with the Assyrian exile never to come back to the land because of their idolatry forsaking the LORD (1 Chronicles 5:6, 25-26). However, this, as we see in the text, was not always the case. They, at one time, were strong men of valor and sought after and trusted God for wisdom and direction in battle (1 Chronicles 5:20). God at that time was with them in triumph, and they enjoyed many years of stability and success (1 Chronicles 5:22).

-*Application* We see here in this passage the case for a just war. In verse 22 there is clear evidence that there are times when war is “of God.” Not that the LORD loves war or destruction; He is a God of love. But, there are times when evil must be stopped and the good must advance on the enemy. These wars serve His purpose and ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. God in His sovereignty knows the heart of man and will at times call for the shedding of blood that is guilty before him as we see in this passage.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 5:22

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 4

1 Chronicles 4

-The lineage of the tribes of Israel continues in this chapter focusing primarily on the tribes of Judah and Simeon. There are many names and a few brief descriptions. One of the most notable was Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). He is described as more honorable than his brothers, even though he was born with great pain to his mother. He is heroically noted for his prayer in calling out to God for blessings, enlarged territory, the presence of God, and for safety away from the pains of this world. And, God granted him what he requested.

-*Application* These things are certainly available to us as well as we pray to our Heavenly Father in supplication. God wants to bless us and enrich our lives in every way (John 10:10). He wants to enlarge our dominion and influence so that we can impact this world with His gospel and glory. He wants us to know that He is “Emmanuel (God with us)” and that we can abide in Him (John 15). He is our protector (Psalm 121:7) in a wicked and perverse generation that does not seek after Him. We have security in the LORD when we simply ask. Amen.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 4:10

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 3

1 Chronicles 3

-The family line of King David is given in this third chapter. Here we see the successors to the Judean throne. Their profiles are described in more detail in other parts of Scripture as we move through the Chronicles, as well as the book of Kings, and other places in the Word of God. David’s line is vitally important because of the promise God gave through the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 7.  "Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16)." The Davidic line is the Messianic line of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-16, Luke 3:23-38). This is the promise of eternal dominion that endures before the LORD forever realized in the prophecy of Daniel as well (Daniel 2:44).

-*Application* God’s promises are accurate and completely true 100% of the time. The Bible records how faithful God is in every sense to His Word. Do we count on the faithfulness of God to carry us through our life? We can trust Him to carry our complete destiny through as well.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 3:9

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 2

1 Chronicles 2

-Interesting facts about the genealogy of Israel are described in this informational chapter of Scripture. His sons are again listed and their story is detailed more in the book of Genesis (Genesis 29:32-50:26) with some individual profiles. Judah is singled out as the ancestor of David. His firstborn, Er, was described as wicked in the sight of the LORD, which meant that the LORD put him to death (1 Chronicles 2:3). This is all we know of this man thousands of years later. Through Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law (Genesis 38:6-29), Perez was born. Hezron was Perez’s son from which Boaz eventually came (profiled in the book of Ruth). Another interesting figure in this line of Judah was Nahshon, who is described as the leader of the sons of Judah (Numbers 1:4-7). Boaz is the grandfather of Jesse, who was chosen of God to produce the next king of Israel following the demise of Saul (1 Samuel 13:13-14). This was the seventh son of Jesse, David, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). The rest of the chapter outlines a myriad of family lines and peoples. Bethlehem of Ephrathah is also important by the fact that through time this becomes the birthplace and hometown of David, not to mention the birthplace of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (1 Samuel 17:12, 1 Chronicles 2:50-51, 54; 4:4, Micah 5:2). It is also interesting to note that this particular area is where Rachel, mother of Joseph and Benjamin, passed away (Genesis 35:19).

-*Application* We can see from this historical perspective the legacy and overarching traits of certain people. What do you want to be known for now and several thousand years from now? The answer to this question should affect how we live. Don’t live your life like Er, where the LORD destroys you because of your wickedness in His sight. Rather, seek to be like Nahson, a leader and standout during the time of Moses and the Exodus. Or, be like Boaz, who was a righteous man who had pity on the stranger and the poor, and through this, came the great king of Israel and man after God’s own heart, David (1 Samuel 13:14). Lets learn from these historical examples.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 2:1

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Introduction and Chapter 1

1 Chronicles 1

-Introduction: This book was written Jewish tradition tells us by Ezra to unify God’s people in the post exile period of the Southern Kingdom of Israel in approximately 430 BC. Therefore, it is a general summary of the history of Israel primarily concerned with tracing the Davidic line of authority in an attempt to unify the people of God by emphasizing true and genuine worship of the LORD for individual and national life. 1 Chronicles parallels 2 Samuel in many respects, but it serves as more of a commentary from a priestly point of view emphasizing the religious history of Judah with some involvement with the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It is general in terms and gives an overarching picture of the LORD’s work in the nation of Israel for our knowledge and understanding. It, along with 2 Chronicles, could possibly be the last work chronologically in the Old Testament, which increases its value and importance. Themes include, but are not limited to: Israel’s history as God’s people, David as the appointed leader of God in the Messianic line, True worship of the LORD through the work of His priests.

-Chapter 1: The book begins with a detailed genealogy of mankind and eventually traces through to the Davidic line. Adam is recorded and the line of Seth is followed up through Noah and his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth. From here we note that Canaan comes from the cursed line of Ham (Genesis 9:20-27). We also can note from where the Philistines came out of this line, along with the Jebusites, Amorities, and others of biblical significance. Next, the line of Shem are delineated, from which Abraham came with his sons being Isaac and Ishmael. From here we get a recounting of Isaac’s sons Esau and Israel with the focus at the end of chapter one being on Esau’s side of the lineage, and some history of Edom.

-*Application* It is important to get a sense from where we came from. This helps define who we are, but it is not the determining factor in our destiny. God can turn any lineage into a positive one by the act of our faith and obedience to His commands. If we may have had a checkered past, break any generational strongholds and conform to the image of Christ. His desire it to bless us and our future generations (Exodus 20:3-6).

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 1:28