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1 Chronicles 23

Is our life such that we are attentive to the ministry God has called us to accomplish 24/7?

1 Chronicles 23

This chapter opens with a defense of the Solomonic reign. David appoints his younger son, Solomon, to be king over Adonijah as seen in the beginning chapters of 1 Kings.

David had a deep interest in the corporate worship of God, hence the psalter. This passion was so great that he is dubbed “The Sweet Psalmist of Israel.” His organization of the Levites, whom he assigned positions in the Temple to come and the Tabernacle at present, is the focus of the next four chapters of 1 Chronicles. Chapters 24-26 will be considered shortly, look for the studies to come.

This chapter is a list of those who were to serve in the Temple when Solomon built it. The need to transport, set-up and tear-down, and keep the articles belonging to the Tabernacle would no longer be necessary for the Temple would permanently house them.

In looking at the vast numbers belonging to the Levites, we surmise that corporate worship was intense. There were 38,000 Levites assigned to work in groups. There were twenty-four groups of one-thousand assigned for Temple service and 14,000 assigned for varied tasks, which included six thousand officers and judges, four thousand gatekeepers, and four thousand musicians.

Brief mention will be made of the number twenty-four. David uses this number frequently in the following chapters. It is also represented heavily in the book of Revelation to represent the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. David has twenty-four

  • Divisions of priests (1 Chronicles 24.1–18)
  • Groups of musicians (1 Chronicles 25.7–31)
  • Gatekeepers 24 gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26.12–19)
  • Divisions of the military (1 Chronicles 27.1–15)

Could this be for 24/7 protection, worship, order, and ministry? Is our life such that we are attentive to the ministry God has called us to accomplish 24/7?

Psalm 110

In the end, the question to be considered is this: If Jesus is who He says He is in quoting this psalm, what will you do with Him?

Psalm 110

If Psalm 109 (see our study) is a picture of the events leading to and including the crucifixion of Christ, as some point out, then Psalm 110 is a picture of His resurrection and the events that follow it.

This short psalm is the most quoted and alluded to psalm in the New Testament. Mills presents at least 34 different references to this psalm by all authors of the New Testament except for James and Jude. His list includes:  Matthew 22.43-45, 26.64; Mark 12.35-37, 14.62, 16.19; Luke 20.41-44, 22.69; John 14.2; Acts 2.34-35, 5.31, 7.55-56; Romans 8.34; 1 Corinthians 15.24-26; Ephesians 1.20, 22; Colossians 3.1; Hebrews 1.3, 13, 5.6, 10, 6.20, 7.11, 15, 17, 21, 28, 8.1, 10.12, 13, 12:2; 1 Peter 3.22; and Revelation 3.21, 6.15-17, 19.11.

These seven verses will take a lifetime to discuss and, even then, it would not be complete. In order to fully understand the meaning of this psalm, the usage of this psalm by Jesus will be briefly examined.

However, the context of history provides details for us as well. This psalm was used in the coronation services of the kings of Israel. It could have been written when David captured Jebus, which is Jerusalem. This explains the presence of Melchizedek (king of righteousness) who was the king and priest of Salem (Jebus). The two pronouncements given in this psalm call the king to rule as God’s representative and to be a priest to the people. Calling the king to be a priest was not out of order. The text specifically states a priest after the order of Melchizedek not Aaron. Melchizedek will be discussed in another post if requested.

The outline that would best serve this psalm would be seen under the offices of activities of the coming Messiah:

  • Verses 1-3-The Eternal King
    • Verses 1-Jesus discusses the usage of “the Lord said to my lord” in order to prove that Messiah must come through humanity and yet be God. That is, if the Messiah is to be the son of David, which would make Him inferior to David, why does David call Him “my lord” in this psalm? Jesus then shows that Messiah must also be greater than David, which would place Him on par with deity (Matthew 22.41-46).
    • Verses 2-3-His kingdom will cover the earth with willing subjects.
  • Verses 4-The Eternal Priest. The reference is to Genesis 14 and is discussed at length in Hebrews 7-10. This would make the Messiah’s priesthood greater than the priesthood of Aaron, which is the argument presented in Hebrews.
  • Verses 5-7-The Victorious Warrior. This activity is not eternal for He is the Prince of Peace and the Warrior will sit on His throne to reign throughout eternity as that Prince. He can also be seen as Judge in these verses. The ultimate fulfillment of these verses is found in Revelation 19.11-20.15 where Jesus is victorious and exalted.

This brief look at a most fascinating psalm seems anemic in light of all that it contains. To grasp the breadth of the fifty-eight Hebrew words, read the New Testament use of them, then stand in wonder at the magnificence of God’s Word.

In the end, the question to be considered is this: If Jesus is who He says He is in quoting this psalm, what will you do with Him?

Psalm 109

If God is for us, then who can be against us (Romans 8.31-34)? The answer: Only Jesus can condemn us but He died for us and intercedes for us. So, the only one worthy stands in our favor!

Psalm 109

This psalm was written by David, so says the inscription and so says Peter as he uses this psalm to describe Judas in Acts 1.16-20. There is no single reference point to place this psalm historically. Some believe it to be against Saul, yet David’s attitude toward God’s anointed would forbid this. Some believe it to be his son, Absalom, but his love for him was overwhelming to the point of sin. Could it be levied against Doeg or Ahithophel?

The word “accuse” provides great insight into this psalm. David stands accused by his adversaries in verses 4, 6, 20, and 29. The Hebrew word for accuse is where we derive Satan. The originally meaning was accuser but became a proper name of our adversary, the devil. David stands accused of crimes that are false. If he is found guilty, he is open for the death penalty.

  • Verses 1-5-David prays to the God whom he praises. Do you praise the God to whom you pray? David describes what his accusers are saying of him. He describes them as words of lying and hatred. He describes how he treated them. He showed love and kindness, but they repaid with insult and hatred. Jesus said to love those who curse you and to love your enemies (Matthew 5.44). David did this throughout these verses.
  • Verses 6-20-These words are harsh and seem to violate the principles Jesus displayed in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-8). However, a closer look provides five possible solutions to this dilemma.
    1. When God displays His anger toward sin, it is extreme and to the point. David, here, is displaying a “righteous indignation” toward sin. This prayer is spoken by Jesus Himself when He instructed us to pray: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6.9-10). Jesus is basically asking us to pray to God the Father to establish His righteousness on earth which would mean the destruction of all that is not righteous (i.e., those who false accuse in this psalm).
    2. David could be praying to God to take the matter into His hands and bring forth His justice, and not David’s idea of justice.
    3. David is speaking prophetically of the coming of Judas and is pronouncing these curses upon him. This is why the plural of verses 1-5 is changed to the singular in 6-20.
    4. David is so inclined to the will of God that God’s enemies are indeed his enemies and he is pronouncing judgement on them as God would.
    5. The most unlikely one, which is translated in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), is that David switches speakers in verse six: “They say, ‘Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser stand on his right.’”

Verse eight is applied to Judas (Acts 1.20).

  • Verses 21-29-Verse 25 can be applied to Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27.39). David cries out to God to help him, not for David’s sake, but that God’s name may be magnified. How often do we, in our times of trouble, see His glory?
  • Verses 30-31-David closes with words that praise God and should be familiar to us. If God is for us, then who can be against us (Romans 8.31-34)? The answer: Only Jesus can condemn us but He died for us and intercedes for us. So, the only one worthy stands in our favor!

Psalm 108

Psalm 108 (Cf. our study of Psalm 57 and Psalm 60)

  • Verses 1-5 (Psalm 57.7-11)-David prays for himself.
  • Verses 6-13 (Psalm 60.5-12)-David prays for the nation, pleading God’s promises.

God asks us to have an undivided heart, one that is upright and fixed on Him (1). He then promises us that we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4.13).

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Psalm 30

This psalm is ultimately a psalm of praise and joy amidst, despite, or through the difficult times God allows for us to go through. We must always remember, there is no circumstance given us save it first goes through God’s loving hands.

Psalm 30

This psalm states it was written by David for the dedication of the Temple. The content of the psalm also provides insight into the context. David was reeling from the judgement God sent him, he repents, and rejoices in God. This is the context of the time of 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21-22 (see our studies: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21, 22). Today it is used in celebration of the Feast of Chanukah, which is a dedication of the Temple after it was desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes.

  • Verses 1-3-David knows he has erred and his desire is to place God where He truly belongs in life, lifted up, in place of preeminence (Colossians 1.15-20).

David here speaks of being healed (2). Although he was never afflicted by the plague sent in 1 Chronicles 21, it affected him in the deepest way. It sends him into prayer and repentance. His prayer is expanded in verses 8-10.

David identified with those around him so much that when they hurt he hurt. How is this with you? Do you mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12.15)?

  • 4-5-The plague lasted throughout the day where many died. Therefore, the night was filled with weeping.
  • 6-10-David held his confidence in the number of men of military age he had in his kingdom. The pride was his downfall. When David looked to himself, God’s favor was removed. Whenever we choose to walk out of fellowship with God, we should not expect to have Him actively involved in our lives. When we repent, He relents.
  • 11-12-David, like all the mourners, would wear sackcloth to demonstrate their grief.

The discipline of the Lord for our sin produces the image of His Son in our lives, which is the goal of all Christians (Romans 8.29 and Philippians 3.12-14). This produces the joy that follows the mourning (Hebrews 12.5-11, James 1.2–4, and 1 Peter 1.6-9).

This psalm is ultimately a psalm of praise and joy amidst, despite, or through the difficult times God allows for us to go through. We must always remember, there is no circumstance given us save it first goes through God’s loving hands.

Have you dared to thank Him for your present circumstances?

“Don’t shake your head when you see a mom or dad with a Downs Syndrome child and say, No way could I face that. Most likely you couldn’t. Which is precisely why God hasn’t asked you to. Instead, take time to seriously consider how you will remain joyful within your own particular, unique, individual situation. Accept your circumstances as a gift from His hand. Dare to thank Him for them.” Joni Eareckson Tada, Glorious Intruder

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1 Chronicles 22

David established an inheritance for Solomon, a legacy for his son to continue, and a charge to be great in God’s kingdom. What inheritance, legacy, and charge are you leaving you children (even if it is decades from now)?

1 Chronicles 22

This passage and the remainder of 1 Chronicles have no parallel accounts for us to consider.

  • Verses 1-5-David’s desire was to build the Temple. He had all the plans made up and most of the material gathered. However, God would not have him do so because of his past (8). Solomon would build the Temple.
  • Verses 6-16-God promised to give David a son who would build the Temple. That son would be a king who reigned in the peace David fought for and God granted. Solomon, whose name translated is peacefully, will be the one to rule in peace.
  • God, through David, gives Solomon his charge:
    • Verse 9-God’s peace will prevail during Solomon’s reign
    • Verse 10-God’s Temple will be built by Solomon
    • Verse 12-God’s wisdom and understanding were necessary for Solomon to rule
    • Verse 13-God’s blessing only comes to those who purpose to follow His Word.
    • Verse 13-God is with Solomon, so he need not fear
  • David, through God’s grace, provided Solomon with the needed material to build the Temple.
    • Verse 14-David provided over 40,000 tons of precious metal.
    • Verse 14-David provided the timber and stones, but not all of it
    • Verse 15-David commissioned the workers for these materials
  • Verses 17-19-David knew without wise counsel, Solomon would fail. We too will fail if we attempt to live the life God called us to live without guidance from godly men. Who do you surround yourself with? Your character will imitate their character. The major focus of each of these men was the Lord.

David established an inheritance for Solomon, a legacy for his son to continue, and a charge to be great in God’s kingdom. What inheritance, legacy, and charge are you leaving you children (even if it is decades from now)?

1 Chronicles 21

It is wise for us to listen carefully to the voices that clamor for our attention. We should be asking if the voice is from God, Satan, the world, or our own sinful desires. We then need to take every thought captive and make sure that it is from God, which is when we choose to reject or accept it (2 Corinthians 10.4-5).

1 Chronicles 21 (Cf. 2 Samuel 24 and our study)

The variations between 1 Chronicles 21 and 2 Samuel 24 are few, but the few are intriguing. The outline would be the same for both chapters. God is angered at the sin of Israel (1-6), David’s realization of sin (7-17), and the telling of God to David to build the Temple (18-30). However, each section contains at least one variant in its presentation.

  • Verses 1-6-Satan is credited with leading David to count the men of fighting age. Here it is Satan, in 2 Samuel it is God, in both passages David is held responsible. This helps us to understand a few things about God’s sovereign control and man’s responsibility. God was going to judge Israel for their sin. I believe it was the continual syncretism of the nation. God allowed Satan to tempt David to do something that was against God’s will. David chose to do it. Satan cannot do anything without God’s approval. The book of Job displays this clearly (Job 1-2). We can neither blame God for our sin nor blame Satan. We are responsible for the choices we make.
  • Verses 7-17-David sees the angel who was to destroy Jerusalem and the elders prayed that God would stay His hand from destroying Jerusalem.
  • Verses 18-30-The acceptance of the sacrifice by David signified that God had accepted this as the new place of worship for Israel. This selection of Mt. Moriah as the place of worship for Israel can also be seen in the sacrifice David offered for his sin, the forgiveness God offered, and the answered prayers of the people.

The purchase in 2 Samuel of 50 shekels was for the threshing floor and the purchase in 1 Chronicles of six hundred shekels was for the entire property.

It was at this site, Mt. Moriah, that Abraham offered up Isaac (Genesis 22). Here is where the Temple will be built. It was here that Jesus would die (on the Mount not in the Temple). This will become the new center of worship for all Israel.

It is wise for us to listen carefully to the voices that clamor for our attention. We should be asking if the voice is from God, Satan, the world, or our own sinful desires. We then need to take every thought captive and make sure that it is from God, which is when we choose to reject or accept it (2 Corinthians 10.4-5).

2 Samuel 24

When all has been read and discussed, we should consider how we walk as individuals, as a church body, and as a nation. If God brings discipline for syncretism, then how far are we away from His thundering velvet hand bringing discipline?

2 Samuel 24 (Cf. 1 Chronicles 21)

David takes a census of his troops. The entirety of the story is not evident unless 1 Chronicles is read with it. David has a desire to take a census. There is nothing wrong with this in and of itself. Comparing these two chapters has caused some difficulties for many due to the players listed behind the census. Some have compared these chapters and had to conclude that David took two censuses, one at the beginning of his career (2 Samuel) and one at the end of his career (1 Chronicles). The former has the census being taken between 2 Samuel 5 and 2 Samuel 6. The latter taking place before David died and the kingdom was transferred to Solomon. However, a cursory reading of the book of Job allows for the activity to be attributed to God (2 Samuel) and to Satan (1 Chronicles) with the ultimate responsibility bearing down on David. The only activities that Satan can be involved in are the activities that in which God allows him to be involved. Satan can tempt, only as God allows him. Although Satan is behind this, David is at fault for completing the activity. In all things God has the purpose of bringing glory to His name. If God is glorified then the greatest good and benefit have occurred. If it is anything less than glory to His name, then it falls short of the standard of God (which is always best and greatest).

In this account we have three sections to consider.

  • Verses 1-9-God is angry over something in Israel. It isn’t David but Israel with whom God is displeased. Could this be over a decline of worshiping the true God? Could it be syncretism? God allows the thought to be placed into David’s mind of taking a census. His commander, Joab, who will attempt to dispose of David in a few chapters, sees this is even a bad idea. David follows through with the plan. After nine months and twenty days of counting, David finds he has, rounded, 1,200,000 military men at his disposal. This number is different from the one given in 1 Chronicles, which we will deal with that when we get to 1 Chronicles 21. This number would bring the general population around 6,000,000 people (an estimate on my part). Some have taken the opportunity of stating the nine months of labor produced sin on David’s part.
  • Verses 10-17-David realized that he had sinned in taking the census. God sent another prophet to David; this time it is Gad. He informs David that God will judge Israel because of the sin of David but, we need to remember, it was His plan to use this to judge Israel for walking away from Him and keeping their idols. God allowed David to choose the discipline: three years of famine, three months of David fleeing, or three days of pestilence. Ultimately the discipline of three days was given. David’s repentance was complete. David asked a bewildering question which signified that he had not fully grasped all that God was doing. He recognized his sin but called the people innocent lambs. It is their sin that initiated the process of discipline. They needed to repent even as David repented.
  • Verses 18-25-David is told to build an altar “on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” He does so. This will be the place that Solomon will build the Temple (2 Chronicles 3.1). God was able to take the two great sins of David, adultery with Bathsheba and the census, and produce the Temple. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, built the Temple on the threshing floor David purchased to make restitution for the census.

When all has been read and discussed, we should consider how we walk as individuals, as a church body, and as a nation. If God brings discipline for syncretism, then how far are we away from His thundering velvet hand bringing discipline?

Psalm 99

Do others see the holiness of God in your life? If that is His defining character, and He has made it our defining characteristic, others should see it shine through our lives.

Psalm 99

This is the last psalm of seven psalms proclaiming the kingship of Jehovah. Read our studies of each of them (93, 94 [study to come], 95, 96, 97, and 98).

This psalm distinguishes itself in containing the tri-fold refrain of “holiness.” It is this word that outlines this psalm. The outline is also the outline of the book of Revelation (Revelation 4.8). It is this holiness that sets God apart from the best of men. He is perfect and we are not.

  • Verses 1-3-Holy is He who is to come. God is great. So, serve Him.
  • Verses 4-5-Holy is He who is. He is the God of justice, who establishes equity in all creation. God is just. So, obey Him.
  • Verses 6-9-Holy is He who was. He is eternal. He has been involved in creation from the beginning because He is the author of creation (Colossians 1.16-18). But, He is also a personal God who desires to listen to His children and be part of their lives. Therefore, He forgives through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. Verse eight paints a picture of God forgiving while yet dealing with sin. In Christ we are forgiven. In Christ justice was meted as well. God is forgiving. So, thank Him with your life, which is to worship Him.

Do others see the holiness of God in your life? If that is His defining character, and He has made it our defining characteristic, others should see it shine through our lives.

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Psalm 98

This psalm leads us to ask ourselves, “What has God done in our life that would be the cause of praise on our part?” The verses indicate the victory (or salvation) and righteousness that accompany His presence. When He saved us, He gave us victory and righteousness. Who knows they are yours?

Psalm 98

When righteousness reigns, rejoicing begins. This is the essence of this psalm.

  • Verses 1-3-God’s people will rejoice because of His marvelous deeds. This is in the past tense. That is, we rejoice for what He has done for, in, and through us.
  • Verses 4-6-The whole earth will loudly rejoice with instruments, which include the voice. This is in the present tense. That is, what we are doing now in light of what He has done.
  • Verses 7-9-Nature will rejoice. This is in the future tense. That is, what we will do in the days to come.

This psalm leads us to ask ourselves, “What has God done in our life that would be the cause of praise on our part?” The verses indicate the victory (or salvation) and righteousness that accompany His presence. When He saved us, He gave us victory and righteousness. Who knows they are yours?

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