1 Chronicles 9
-We see some interesting insights into Jewish culture in
this passage as Israel was enrolled by genealogies with the last comprehensive
list in the book. These were primarily the returnees from exile in Babylon as
the priests, Levites, and temple servants from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin,
Ephraim, and Manasseh. We spoke of the closeness of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin
in Chapter 8 notes. Here we see the connection between the blood brother tribes
of Benjamin and Joseph’s boys via Rachel on down the line (Genesis 30:22-24;
35:16-19, 1 Chronicles 9:1-).
-The main theme of this chapter is the ability of men to do
the work of service in the House of the LORD. There were gatekeepers to every
side: north, south, east, and west (1 Chronicles 9:17-27). They held an “office
of trust” for protection and perpetuity of the significant items used in the
worship of Yahweh (I AM) including the treasuries and chambers (1 Chronicles
9:26). Others had charge over the utensils for service (1 Chronicles 9:28) and
took meticulous care of these numbered items. Some were appointed over the
furniture and the mixing of the spices for a fragrant aroma unto the LORD along
with fine flour, wine, and oil for the various aspects of Temple worship
(Lampstand, Showbread, etc.). These were positions of high responsibility and
importance for the worship of the LORD. There were singers who lived in the
chambers of the Temple and were free from other service, for they were engaged
in their work day and night (1 Chronicles 9:33).
-*Application* These people had to be reliable, honest, and
trustworthy in their important service unto the LORD. We see much of the same
routine in many of our churches today to ensure the continuation and smoothness
of corporate worship and the functions of the local church. We need these
people and their vital roles to keep the work of God flowing properly and in
order. Thank the LORD for these types of committed believers who do their roles
tirelessly for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Tell these types of
people “thank you!” every chance you get.
-The ending of the chapter discusses some of the line of
King Saul from Gibeon as the book prepares for a more historical narrative.
Saul is given little space in this book as it focuses, again, primarily on the
reign of the Davidic line, which is the optimum importance in the national and
salvific history of Israel (1 Chronicles 9:35-44).
Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 9:1
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