Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 21

1 Chronicles 21

-In this chapter we see some great intensity and anger from the LORD over the issue of pride in the heart of King David. David commands a census to be taken of all the warriors in his kingdom to his commander Joab. The first verse of the chapter says that “Satan stood up against Israel and moved David” in this matter (1 Chronicles 21:1-6). This was not demonic possession, but it was a great temptation that got a hold of the king and persuaded him to do wrong in the sight of God. There was nothing in the Law that prohibited numbering the people, and it had been done before (Numbers 1 & 2 along with other instances, the Jewish people kept very accurate records of their population). But, this matter was all about pride in the strength of his human army rather than reliance of the Almighty Father in Heaven. David, as Joab realized, was trusting and leaning on his own military power more than relying on God’s provision and authority. This was the great sin in the matter.

-*Application* There is a fine line between feeling confident in God’s power in reliance and becoming proud because you have been used of God for great things. Often, our motivation, not the action itself, is what contains the difference between right and wrong, or purity and sin. Therefore, we must constantly check our motives before we act on a situation or issue. Take good heed to this biblical advice in your life.

-David soon realizes his mistake and did an abrupt confession as the LORD struck Israel in His displeasure (1 Chronicles 21:7-8). He knew he had acted foolishly and repented of his sin, but the consequences would still be severe. Gad, David’s seer (communication link between him and God), comes to him at the word of the LORD with three choices for the purpose of discipline. The first was three years of famine, the second was three months of being swept away by the foes of Israel, the third was three days of the sword of the LORD, even pestilence in the land, and the angel destroying throughout the territory of Israel (1 Chronicles 21:9-12). David, with great distress, trusted God’s mercies over man’s in the matter and chose the three days of torment by the angel of the LORD. 70,000 men of Israel fell as a result of David’s pride and disobedience. God did eventually take pity as He observed what was about to happen in Jerusalem at Ornan the Jebusite’s threshing floor. At this point David lifted his eyes up and actually saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven with his drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:16). At this point David takes honest and sincere responsibility for his innocent people as a great leader and cries out to the LORD on their behalf (1 Chronicles 21:17). An altar is made with the purchase of Ornan’s threshing floor and penitence is made at the command of the LORD through the message of Gad. At the time the tabernacle and altar for burnt offering that Moses had made was a two hour journey to the north and west in Gibeon, a Benjaminite city. David could not go before it there, “for he was terrified by the sword of the angel of the LORD (1 Chronicles 21:29-30).”

-*Application* The Bible rightly says that “it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31).” While God gives grace, His wrath and discipline can be overwhelming as we see in this passage. Fear God, and it will lead you in the right direction. Do your own thing and pay the price. David got the message quick, and hopefully we can too.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 21:8

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 20

1 Chronicles 20

-This precise and short chapter describes briefly some of the conflicts the nation of Israel had in ongoing wars with neighboring people groups. It begins with a time phrase of the spring time assault on the land of the sons of Ammon and in particular Rabbah. This depiction does not include any of the details as to what happened as David stayed in Jerusalem, but we get a fuller picture of his disastrous activities in idleness during this campaign when we parallel it with 2 Samuel 11 & 12. This was the time of his great sin with Bathsheba in adultery and the murder of the husband-warrior who trusted his king, Uriah. Although the LORD worked good in this situation by providing the royal line of Solomon, this time had profound negative results in David’s family life, and his kingdom was never the same in its purity. Chronicles chooses not to focus on this, but this is the reality when we cross reference from other Scripture to get the full details (see 2 Samuel 13-24).

-*Application* When God calls us to a work, we had better get with it and not sit back in idleness. We have all heard that “idleness is the devil’s workshop,” and this is true. We need to put our hands to the wheel, so to speak, and get busy with the mighty advancing work of the Kingdom. There is no time for self-pleasure and a propensity to go into “ease” where sin crouches at the door to steal our blessing (Genesis 4:7). We should never stay at home in our own Jerusalem.

-Nevertheless, the sons of Ammon were annihilated in their cities by David’s mighty warriors and great spoils were taken back to the king (1 Chronicles 20:1-3). After this, war broke out again with the Philistines at Gezer and again at Gath. Great men of gigantic proportions were killed and fell to the sons of Israel in these conflicts because of their taunts against God’s people. Victory upon victory occurred for the nation at this time (1 Chronicles 20:4-8).

-*Application* Do we have the courage to face giants like David and his mighty men did? Our giants often have a different form than these physical wonders of ancient times, but they are daunting none the less. These types of giants require faith and determination to come up against, which can only come from complete trust and reliance in the LORD. He is the One who ultimately fights our battles (Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 1:30, Joshua 10:25, Jeremiah 1:19), and He is the One who ultimately gives every great victory to what would otherwise be a superior opponent or obstacle. Live by faith as a valiant conqueror in Christ (Romans 8:37).

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 20:8

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 19

1 Chronicles 19

-David defends the honor of his messengers who went to console the grieving son of Nahash of Ammon, Hanun. However, the princes of the sons of Ammon convinced their ruler that these men were spies sent for an overthrow of their nation. They embarrassed the delegation (1 Chronicles 19:4), which made Israel angry as Ammon became “odious” to David. This led to their alliance with the Arameans with an attack, which came against Israel. Israel prevailed mightily in this conflict. Here is the key verse: “Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight (1 Chronicles 19:13).” By the end the Arameans were no longer willing to help their former partners as mercenaries again because of a devastating defeat (1 Chronicles 19:19).

-*Application* Here is a case of returning evil for good (Proverbs 17:13) and having a suspicious heart that gets one into trouble. Here’s a better principle: “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people (1 Thessalonians 5:15).” We need to view people with the best of intentions whenever possible. Until it is abundantly apparent that flattery or cunning is for certain, it is best practice to be appreciative of others good will towards you. They are more than likely trying to help us and comfort us as was the case in David’s nation. David rightfully got irritated with these that turned his good will away, and that started a serious conflict when Ammon escalated tensions by bringing in another ally for battle. This is how evil increases. It is a buildup of ill will toward opposing parties. Instead we should aim at peacemaking and being diplomatic as much as possible under the direction of the LORD in love (Matthew 5:9). When the time comes and we are vehemently attacked, as Israel was, it is imperative that we stand strong and courageous for the sake of our Christian people, our families, and our God. His will always prevails, and He will do what is good in His sight. The victory will be ours in Christ Jesus.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 19:13

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 18

1 Chronicles 18

-This chapter recounts in summary all of David’s military exploits during his reign with all the tribute that he was able to collect, which would later aid in the Temple project of his son, Solomon. The Philistines were defeated and subdued in the western Gath area. This had been Saul’s continual nemesis and a strong resistance to God’s development of the Promised Land. Moab to the east of the Jordan and Dead Sea area was defeated, along with Zobah, Hamath, and the Arameans to the north up by the Euphrates River and Damascus (1 Chronicles 18:1-6). All of these brought tribute and served King David. The common theme was “the LORD helped David wherever he went (1 Chronicles 18:6, 13). He made alliances and wielded strong political force for the nation of Israel. He reigned over all of Israel administering justice and righteousness for all his people (1 Chronicles 18:14). The ending of the chapter lists some of his assistants and higher ups in the offices of importance (1 Chronicles 18:15-17).

-*Application* Justice and righteousness exalts any nation (Deuteronomy 16:20, Proverbs 14:34). Just as David did for his people, we should be concerned for fairness and equity under the rule of God for ALL people over which we have dominion. God does not play favorites, that is for sure (2 Chronicles 19:7, Job 34:19, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, 1 Peter 1:17). This is yet another example of how David was a man after God’s own heart. Are we impartial when it comes to our authority over others, or do we sometimes give some favor over others for no substantial reason? We should live with righteousness and justice flowing from us. The LORD will be with us and help us wherever we go too when we live like that.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 18:14

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 17

1 Chronicles 17

-The covenant of God’s continuing favor upon the rule of David’s descendents is the primary focus of this chapter that starts out with a desire to see the LORD’s House established with a more permanent structure (1 Chronicles 17:1). David’s desire is a noble one, but God does not need an earthly structure to dwell in as He relates to the prophet Nathan (1 Chronicles 17:2-6). Nevertheless, He will allow for a place of worship and a place for His Spirit to dwell on earth, but it will be built by the one following David (1 Chronicles 17:11-14). The parallel cross reference to this event is in 2 Samuel 7. Here God gives His promise to the Davidic line, from which the Messiah will come as an everlasting Kingdom. He recounts the path of bringing David to greatness, and the fact that He was always with him assuring victory in the conquest ultimately for His Name’s sake, not a house of cedar. He also promises in this chapter that Israel will have a permanent dwelling place, planted and secure, because of the righteousness of David and his relationship with God (1 Chronicles 17:7-9). So, Nathan relates his prophetic vision received in the night word for word (1 Chronicles 17:3, 15).

-David’s response is recorded in the remaining verses of this chapter (1 Chronicles 17:16-27). He comes before the LORD with complete reverence and humility in recognition of His great words and works of blessing unto His servant. David realizes that God knows him intimately and acknowledges his dependence upon Him for all things. “There is none like You, nor is there any God besides You,” the king proclaims in his confession to the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:20). David gives thanks as he recounts the redemption of the LORD for His people Israel from the land of Egypt. The king is grateful for the fact that the LORD thinks enough of his line and family to make it an everlasting establishment according to the Word of God (1 Chronicles 17:23). David rightly recognizes that this is ultimately for God’s glory, and not his own. God’s revelation is paramount to David’s courage to go on and pray before His righteous King and accept His magnificent promise of blessing forever (1 Chronicles 17:25-27).

-*Application* Here we see an example of what it takes to be a great man of God. Notice the traits and qualities of this king’s response to the Word of the LORD. He doesn’t fight what God wants to do with any spirit of pride or vain conceit. He allows God to be God and is thankful for the opportunity to serve the LORD. He knows his past and where the LORD had taken him from. He is grateful to get undeserved blessings and honor, even when it will come through his descendents. David is not selfish. He gives credit and glory to his Maker. Total respect is seen in his response. He is determined to sit before God and let Him dictate the course and plan. David is simply along for the blessed and joyful ride. He received the revelation because he gave up his own rights even as the leader of Israel. How should that affect the way we approach things in our own life? Practice these qualities before God and we too will also be greatly blessed and highly favored.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 17:23

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 16

1 Chronicles 16

-The Ark is brought into the tent that David had prepared. They offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD, then blessed the people of Israel in the Name of LORD. He gave everyone a loaf of bread and a portion of meat and a raisin cake as he appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the Ark of the LORD in order to celebrate, thank, and praise God for what He had accomplished. This sets off an extensive psalm of thanksgiving unto the Heavenly Father, which included the following. His Name is to be called on. He is to be made known unto all the peoples of the earth. He is to be worshipped through song. His people are to speak of His wonders. They are to glory in His holy Name. He makes our hearts glad. His children are to seek the LORD and His strength. His face should be continually sought. His wonderful deeds are to be remembered. His judgments and marvels are in all the earth. His everlasting covenant of land and inheritance (promise), which He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, should always be remembered. “He is great and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols (empty, vain), but the LORD made the heavens.” Ascribe to the LORD all that is due Him. Bring Him an offering and come before Him. Worship Him is holy array. Tremble before Him all the earth. “The LORD reigns.” “O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good.” Blessed be the God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting (1 Chronicles 16:8-36). -The work was then assigned to great men of responsibility and worship. After they were confirmed, all the people departed each to his house, and David returned to bless his household (1 Chronicles 16:37-43).

-*Application* When was the last time we truly set aside time to bask in the presence of the Almighty and thank Him for how awesome and majestic He is? Extend gratitude to the Sovereign of the Universe and appreciate everything about Him as David and the people of Israel did at this time. It will do wonders for our spirit and tune us in to His glorious radiance. This will lead to a returning to normal life at some point, but we will be affected to bless those around us in our own house. Blessings in the Name of the LORD!

Verses to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 16:25-26

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 15

1 Chronicles 15

-By now David had prepared a more permanent place to house the Ark of God in the city of David, and they made elaborate plans to move the Ark, this time at the LORD’s commanded directions as given by Moses in the Law (1 Chronicles 15:13-15). The “outburst” that God made on them for doing things flippantly is described in 1 Chronicles 13. David was a man who learned from his mistakes, which is a sign of greatness and favor with the LORD. Amid the pomp and circumstance of all the celebration was some serious consecration before the LORD. This denoted the respect level for their Creator and the following of His ways with everything they had. The celebration involved extravagant music and art form, which had to be an incredibly awesome and emotional scene in the holy city as the Ark was transported in. David was clothed in fine linen, but in a parallel passage, we see that his enthusiasm caused him to uncover himself in what Michal, his wife and daughter of Saul, considered to be an undignified manner (2 Samuel 6:12-22). However, in the eyes of David and of God, this king humbled himself in praise, worship, and adoration unto his Sovereign in an acceptable offering of love and devotion. Michal, on the other hand, despised this in her heart primarily out of fleshly jealousy (1 Chronicles 15:29, 2 Samuel 6:20).

-*Application* David lost himself in the worship of his God. Are we so refined that we cannot express true love and adoration for the King of the Universe that humbled Himself enough to come die on a cursed wooden cross for the redemption of our souls? It should irritate us that there are still plenty of Michal’s in our churches sucking the joy of our salvation and the taming of our emotions from true expression of delight in our Savior and God. Not that we should do anything sinful or out of order, but when we get excited about something we will always express that in our spirit with intense emotion. Don’t grief and quench the Holy Spirit from moving. Express your love for the LORD even if it may seem “undignified” in the sight of others. For a song on this, see: http://vimeo.com/3680605 “Undignified” by the David Crowder Band. And its ok to dance to it if the LORD moves you J!

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 15:28