Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 14

1 Chronicles 14

-In this chapter we see David’s power and clout intensifying as he incurs favor from foreign kings, dominates opposition under the direction of the LORD, and enlarges houses and his family in Jerusalem. David is realizing in this chapter that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that the kingdom was indeed highly exalted for the sake of God’s people, Israel (1 Chronicles 14:1-2). The names of the children born to him in Jerusalem are listed and he took more wives, which ended up being a big problem in his service unto God (1 Chronicles 14:3-7).

-The Philistines, when they heard of David’s anointing as king, came against him and made a raid in Rephaim (which is just west of Jerusalem in Judah). An important thing to note here is that David twice inquired of the LORD to see how he should respond and act in this tense situation of warfare (1 Chronicles 14:10, 14). At God’s word, and only at God’s word, did the king make decisions to go out and fight the battles that came against him and his people. At Baal-perazim (the master of breakthrough) the Philistines abandoned their gods and they were destroyed. When the enemy again decided to make a raid, again an inquiry was made to God and victory was assured, this time with a sneak attack from encircling around behind them. This time they were destroyed for a long stretch of land from Gibeon all the way to Gezer, far to the west more than half way to the Mediterranean Sea (1 Chronicles 14:11-16). “Then the fame of David went out into all the lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him on all the nations (1 Chronicles 14:17).”

-*Application* We must remember, like David, that our victory comes only from the LORD (Proverbs 21:31, 1 Corinthians 15:57). Seek Him out on matters that are weighing on your heart, and trust in His timing. His counsel will win the day, and He wants you to prosper. Just don’t get ahead of Him and do things in your own strength and your own way. This is what King Saul did and it did not go well for him and his kingdom (1 Samuel 15:23).

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 14:10

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 13

1 Chronicles 13

-This short 14 verse chapter is power packed with intrigue and insight into the workings of the LORD in regard to His commands and ordinances with regard to the Ark of His Covenant. David’s desire is to bring the Ark back into a rightful place of prominence in the nation since the people of God did not seek it during the days of King Saul (1 Chronicles 13:3). The parallel account of this occurrence in 2 Samuel 5:6 shows that David’s building projects had already been completed in Jerusalem before he brought the Ark back. Chronicles emphasizes the Ark first because of its spiritual implications under the direction of King David and his heart that was after God. David consults with all the leaders of Israel in his decision to transport the Ark from Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1-2, 1 Chronicles 13:5-6) to Jerusalem, but he neglected to do things as God had commanded through Moses (Numbers 4:5-15) by the means of transportation. There was enthusiasm, but there was not obedience to His specific commands. They used a new cart that was unstable and proved to be careless with the death of Uzza as he tried to stabilize it from falling (1 Chronicles 13:7-10). David’s excitement turned to shear anger and fear before the LORD, and eventually total reverence for doing things God’s way. The next time they transported the Ark, it was done under the commanded ways of God through Moses (1 Chronicles 15:13-15). David’s fear kept him from taking the Ark to his home in the city of David, which allowed Obed-edom the Gittite to host it for three months and receive much blessing from the LORD (1 Chronicles 13:12-14).

-*Application* This chapter shows the double-edged sides of God’s love and justice through the blessing Obed-edom and the death of Uzza. Great blessings come to those who obey His commands diligently, but severe punishment can come to those who disregard and disobey His precepts. This corrective discipline may come swiftly, as we see in this narrative, or it may play out over time; but, it will inevitably come. God knows all things. If we are not careful, just like David and the people of Israel, we can focus so much on the blessings and goodness of God that we forget the consequences of sin and that “it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31).” There can also be those times of focusing too much on the judgment of the LORD that we miss out on His intended blessings as happened to David. Don’t be consumed with a one-sided view of God. He is a God of perfect balance between love and justice. We need to realize that from these biblical lessons and trust in His ways.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 13:3

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 12

1 Chronicles 12

-Chapter 12 describes the ones who came to David both in Ziklag (a city in Philistia where David had escaped to hide from Saul), during his time in waiting for the throne of Israel, and when he received his kingdom in Hebron. The key verse is twenty-two: “For day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God.” This indicates, it was a slow and steady process of finding favor with the people of Israel. People came to him; he didn’t have to struggle and strive to search them out. God was in it and prospered this movement to make him the king according to the word of the LORD (1 Chronicles 12:23). All twelve tribes are listed as lending support with mighty strength and power, and when Saul was vanquished, there was a newfound unity and joy in the nation with a perfect heart under their ruler whom God had consecrated (1 Chronicles 12:38-40).

-*Application* In any new work that we have started by the word of the LORD, we will find many similarities to this biblical and historical narrative. Any work of the LORD will take time and must be done the proper way according to His plans and His purposes. The LORD will bring people, strong people, to help in our time of need. Fortify the troops. Have the same mind-set. Prepare for spiritual warfare. Celebrate and have the joy of the LORD indeed. We fight through the victory He has laid claim of at the cross. Be the modern-day army of God.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 12:22

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 11

1 Chronicles 11

-Following the death of Saul, David finally allowed Israel to gather to him at Hebron and anoint him king over Israel as Samuel the prophet had predicted according to the word of the LORD some 20 years before. The Chronicles describe him as a better leader of the people even when Saul was alive in the sight of the Hebrews, but David respected the God-given authority of Saul and never rebelled against him (1 Chronicles 11:2). “So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel (1 Chronicles 11:3).”

-*Application* Good things come to not only those who wait, but do things the right way as we see in the example of King David. He respected his authority even when it didn’t seem feasible, and even when that authority was attempting to kill him in jealous rage (1 Samuel 18:7-16; 19:10; 20:33; 23:15-24:22; 26:7-25). How patient are we when faced with waiting in obedience under corrupt authority? This is a difficult process we can all admit. When the time comes, God will release you to do His will and prosper in His blessings just like David. Until that time, serve God fearless of man, doing the right things.

-Although this text does not state it here, David ruled from Hebron for seven full years and six months before Israel’s taking of Jerusalem for the nation’s capital (2 Samuel 2:11; 5:5, 1 Kings 2:11, 1 Chronicles 3:4). The Jebusites were the inhabitants of this land who had to be conquered if the Israelites were to make this city their holy habitation. David and his mighty men nevertheless captured the stronghold of Zion (that is the City of David) and made it their own according to God’s plan and will (1 Chronicles 11:4-5). This is where Joab earned his status as the chief and commander of the army of Israel by being the first to strike down a Jebusite (1 Chronicles 11:6). It was after this conflict that David dwelt in the stronghold with the rest of the city being repaired as the new and improved capital of the kingdom. Jerusalem sets near the center of the Promised Land and has good natural protection with a high eastern and southern ridge overlooking the Kidron Valley making it difficult to attack. “David became greater and greater, for the LORD was with him (1 Chronicles 11:9).” The rest of the chapter lists out the mighty men of David’s army and some of their accomplishments of incredible valor and loyalty (1 Chronicles 11:10-47).

-*Application* This is a reminder that when we accomplish something, it is never done alone. There was great teamwork and loyal participation to the making of this great king and kingdom in Israel. David could have never done it alone. Plus, he had God with him because he followed after his LORD with all his heart (1 Kings 14:8). Work together and trust in the LORD He is with those who do.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 11:3

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 10

1 Chronicles 10

-The narrative of Saul’s death is depicted in this chapter that parallels 1 Samuel 31. Israel was embittered in a struggle with the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, which is a mountain on the edge of the Jezreel and Jordan Valley’s intersection point. This was a strategic area for conquest with the city of Beth-shean nearby, where Saul’s body was fastened to the wall (1 Samuel 31:10). As the battle raged, the men of Israel begin to flee as they were losing and falling slain on the mountain. The Philistines pursued Saul and his three sons striking down Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua and injuring the king badly with the archers. As he feared the uncircumcised coming to abuse him, he demanded his armor bearer to deliver a mercy killing, which the servant would not do. Therefore, Saul fell on his own sword, thus committing suicide when he felt like all was lost. His armor bearer likewise fell on his sword and died (1 Chronicles 10:1-6). Israel forsook their cities in the area at this point and the Philistines came and lived in them (1 Chronicles 10:7). The next day the Philistines found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They stripped him and took his head along with his armor around the land celebrating their victory giving credit to their idols and offering them the spoils of war. Saul’s head was fastened in the house of Dagon (1 Chronicles 10:10) and his body was pinned to the wall of Bethshean (1 Samuel 31:10). His weapons were on display in the temple of Ashtaroth, the goddess of fertility and sex (1 Samuel 31:10). In other words, he was made a mockery of by the Philistines. When the valiant men of Jabesh-gilead heard all that the enemy had done, they arose and took away the body of Saul and his sons and buried them properly under the oak in Jabesh. After that they fasted seven days (1 Chronicles 10:11-12). “So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the LORD. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).”

-*Application* A harsh reality for us should be to understand that anything we do against God and His will can have very severe consequences, and not just for us, but for those in our family or tribe. The principle of cause and effect are at work here. We must keep our life pure in the sight of the LORD God Almighty and He will bless. When we forsake Him, we shouldn’t be surprised if and when horrible things come upon us with the enemy getting an undeserved victory with mockery and disdain. God doesn’t need any of us, and if we are unfaithful, He has no other recourse but to raise up another who will have a heart fully devoted unto Him. This is how David is described (1 Samuel 13:14).

Verses to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 9

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

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 8

1 Chronicles 8

-The genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin is noted in this chapter of Scripture. There were close ties with this tribe to Judah. They were in close proximity as the land was divided up. This is why we see in the text that many of them co-mingled and lived in Jerusalem of Judah. In fact, in the beginning, Benjamin laid claim to the city of Jerusalem as their land of inheritance (Joshua 12:11-28). The line of Saul, the nation of Israel’s first king, is mentioned briefly in this section as a son from the line of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:33). In the time of the division, the tribe of Benjamin was also the only loyal tribe to the line of David and the Southern Kingdom commonly known as Judah (1 Kings 12:21). Judah and Benjamin were close knit together through thick and thin.

-*Application* It is interesting what draws us together sometimes. Circumstances and Divine Providence often play more of a role than we realize. Think about how God has coordinated you with certain entities and people in your life. He will use these connections according to His Divine will and purpose. Stay connected. Go with His Spirit’s flow.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 8:28