Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 28

1 Chronicles 28

-Now the account of David’s address to all the officials of Israel and primarily his son, Solomon, who was chosen to be the heir of the eternal promise of the Kingdom, is given with clarity and boldness. Bullet points for this meticulous address include:

*David’s desire to build a permanent House of rest for the Ark of the Covenant and his preparations and plans for its building by the writing of God’s Hand upon him (1 Chronicles 28:2, 11-19).

*David’s inability to accomplish the building of the Temple because he was a man of war (1 Chronicles 28:3).

*The importance of the lineage and God’s plan through Judah, David, and Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:4-7a).

*The necessity of following the commandments and ordinances of God for the perpetuation of the Kingdom of Israel (1 Chronicles 28:7b-8).

*The importance of knowing God as David did and serving Him “with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts (1 Chronicles 28:9).”

*The essential nature of seeking after the LORD to find Him (1 Chronicles 28:9).

*The danger of forsaking the LORD because it will lead to His rejection forever (1 Chronicles 28:9).

*The courage, boldness, strength, and action that are needed for the task of leadership (1 Chronicles 28:10, 20)

*The response of fear, discouragement, and feeling dismayed should never be a part of the Kingdom (1 Chronicles 28:20).

*The fact that God is always with His anointed, and He will never fail or forsake His chosen ones in the work (1 Chronicles 28:20).

*David’s divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the House of God at his son’s command (1 Chronicles 28:21).

-*Application* Wholeheartedness for the work of God becomes a key theme for us here in this passage. The charge is given to us as well in our generation. The Christian walk revolves around knowing God, keeping His charge without compromise, having a willing mind that has been transformed and conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; 12:1-2), having God’s wisdom, being steadfast and immoveable (1 Corinthians 15:58), not fearing man, displaying strength, courage, and boldness in love, and taking action knowing that God is always with us. What incredible things to meditate on today. The Word of God in His Bible has complete unity and symmetry does it not?

Verses to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 28:4, 8-9, 20

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 27

1 Chronicles 27

-What we see in this chapter are David’s regional leaders, chief officers over the tribes, and basically what we would call his “cabinet” in various areas of oversight in the united Kingdom of Israel. One of the interesting portions of this “team” of the king was his counseling team. His uncle Jonathan was a man of understanding and also a scribe in his counsel of the king. Ahithophel also counseled him on various matters. Hushai the Archite was described simply as a “friend” to the king (1 Chronicles 27:32-33).

-*Application* Any work of the LORD is never a one man show as we see in this passage. Israel’s success was not ultimately dependent on King David. Participation in the work of the Kingdom of God is a must (Philippians 1:5-7). When each person pulls his or her own weight, the team will be successful and multiply. I watched the Dallas Cowboys in football blow a lead one time (Oct. 27, 2013 to be exact) in one of the most debilitating comebacks against them ever. While the offense was good in some ways, their running game was so poor it could not run out the clock near the end of the game. Then, a worn and tired defense allowed the opponent to go the length of the field in less than a minute with the other team having no time outs. The super-star of the team, wide receiver Dez Bryant, was shown on the sideline arguing with his teammates in anger and frustration. All his personal accomplishments were for nothing as his team lost in the battle. Remember the principle, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” We must build our team, if we are a leader, with care, boldness, and consideration. Be a team player that is responsible with the duties that God has given.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 27:32

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 26

1 Chronicles 26

-This chapter diagnoses the divisions of the leadership as far as the gatekeepers in Jerusalem, the Levities who had charge over the treasures of the House of God, and the ones assigned to outside duties in more remote parts of the Kingdom of Israel as officers and judges (1 Chronicles 26:1, 20, 29). Most of these names of men and their sons are obscure and distant to us as New Covenant believers, but their mission was of vital importance to the times in which they lived under King David. One was described as “indeed blessed (Obed-edom, 2 Samuel 6:10-12, 1 Chronicles 13:13-14; 26:5).” Others were mentioned as being “mighty men of valor” and “valiant men (1 Chronicles 26:6-9).”

-Lots were casted for which gates were to be manned on each side of the city. To the east and south, there was more natural protection with the Kidron Valley. To the north a counselor with insight was assigned, Zechariah (1 Chronicles 26:14). To the west, where the terrain ascends to greater heights and where there was a highway, they had to have better buttressing of guards (1 Chronicles 26:16).

-The treasuries of the nation housed the spoils of war for the repair of the House of the LORD (1 Chronicles 26:27). These items were dedicated by former men in the nation’s history with Levites having charge over these items for their perpetuity.

-The officers and judges that were assigned outside duties primarily were concerned with activities to the west of the Jordan River. These were capable and reliable men who were plentiful in number and were loyal to the king in all affairs (1 Chronicles 26:29-32).

-*Application* Again we see the disparity of activities that are chronicled in this highly successful time of the Kingdom of Israel. We can relate this to the church in that there are diversities of giftings, but only one Lord and baptism in which we unite together (1 Corinthians 12:4-14). This should give us value and importance in the service of the Kingdom. We should also realize that there is no unimportant part of the ministry of God (1 Corinthians 12:15-26). Therefore, faithfully serve the ultimate King, King Jesus, in whatever capacity He has uniquely qualified and designated you for in the work of the Kingdom of God. This will give you fullness of joy, blessing indeed, a valiant spirit, and great insight to counsel.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 26:1, 20, 29

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 25

1 Chronicles 25

-David, along with the commanders of the army, appointed (separated out) men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun “to prophesy with harps, lyres, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 25:1).” Again this was a service for the House of the LORD under the authority of this earthly king and the Heavenly Father. They cast lots for their duties, “the small as well as the great, the teacher as well as the pupil,” for their positions in service (1 Chronicles 25:2-31).

-*Application* It is interesting that the word “prophesy” is used for this type of worship. This should set our focus to the fact that music can speak the Word of God just as effectively as the spoken Word through proclamation of preaching. Think of the many impactful Christian musicians who are in the world today spreading the message of the Kingdom of God in powerful and effective ways. We should never minimize the influence these have on the awakening of a society and culture. I have often stated that the musicians are the modern day prophets and evangelists. Agree or disagree? This also should convict us of what we listen to in our cars as we travel down the road, while we are working, or whatever. Christian radio indeed has a voice for God, so listen to it whenever possible rather than secular and worldly trash.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 25:1

Bibles Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 24

Chapter 24

-This chapter lists the divisions of the Levities as they came into their service in the Temple of God. “These were their offices for their ministry when they came in to the House of the LORD according to the ordinances given to them through Aaron their father, just as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him (1 Chronicles 24:19).”

-*Application* Every individual has his or her place in the body of Christ. There is no unimportant part (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12). As God wills, let Him do His work in you to complete your mission, service, purpose, and legacy as His child.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 24:19

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 23

1 Chronicles 23

-David now in his old age makes Solomon the succeeding king over the realm of Israel. He gathers the leaders together and consecrated the work of the priests and Levities over the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem now that rest had come (1 Chronicles 23:1-25). This was now to be a stable and permanent place for the LORD to dwell, and assignments were made along the traditional Levitical lines according to divisions, skills, and talents. These oversaw the work of the House of the LORD in listed capacities as a service unto God and His holy worship. They were to keep this charge continually and perpetually day by day with thanks and praise, morning and evening, new moons, and fixed festivals (1 Chronicles 23:28-32).

-*Application* God wants consistency out of us as well. Do we habitually come to Him every morning to consecrate our own day as a living sacrifice before Him (Romans 12:1-2)? Remember, we are now the Temple of God with His Holy Spirit indwelling us as believers (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:16). This is what it means to take up our cross daily, crucify our own selfishness, and follow Christ Jesus (Matthew 10:38, Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 15:31).

Verse to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 23:25

Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 22

1 Chronicles 22

-Jerusalem becomes the focal point of the worship of the LORD in Israel at this point and time in history. God’s design for this place on earth had been previously revealed to His covenant people (God’s provision and blessing in the binding of Isaac on this Mount Moriah, Genesis 22:1-18, 2 Chronicles 3:1), but now His house would be built as a place of prayer for all the nations (2 Chronicles 6:33, Isaiah 56:7, Mark 11:17). This has proven to be true in every sense of the phrase. This is the place where Jesus was crucified for the sins of the entire world, and the place where He resurrected. It is the place where the Holy Spirit invaded humanity to indwell us believers as a fulfillment of the New Covenant (Acts 1:11-2:4). It is the place where the Messiah will return to earth one day (Zechariah 14:4, Acts 1:11-12).

-David begins to make intense preparations (1 Chronicles 22:14) for the immense task of building this “exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious” place for the LORD’s Spirit to dwell as a witness to all lands (1 Chronicles 22:5). The reason God would not allow David to build the Temple himself is given in this chapter. David was a man who shed much blood upon the earth as a man of violence before the LORD. God instead needed a man of peace and rest (Solomon’s name means “peaceful”) to build His House. In quiet and reverence, the work of the LORD’s Temple would be completed (1 Chronicles 22:6-9). David gives his son charge over the project and relinquishes control as a humble servant of the Living God who had given His orders. David speaks eternal blessing over the work and success of it with warnings about maintaining discretion, understanding, abiding, and observation of everything the LORD commands (1 Chronicles 22:10-13a). Strength and courage, like in the days of Joshua and other great men of God, are extolled by David upon his son, Solomon. No fear or emotion of dismay was to be a factor in his walk with this charge (1 Chronicles 22:13b). The purpose for the importance of this work is described at the end of the chapter. This House was to be a sanctuary (a holy place, an abode) of the Lord God that would house His Ark of the Covenant and the holy vessels of God, “for the Name of the LORD (1 Chronicles 22:19).”

-*Application* There is no doubt that this place was, is, and will be a consecrated House of worship unto the Maker of the Universe. I have been to this place and it is the most spiritually powerful place I have ever experienced. There are no words to describe it. It is also marvelous in our experience to know that the Holy Spirit makes His Temple in our hearts now as believers in Christ Jesus. Think about this deeply and bask in His presence today as a child of the King!

Verses to Memorize: 1 Chronicles 22:13, 19