I Chronicles



I Chronicles 1:1                                   Adam and Others



            Dr. John Whitcomb tells us that I & II Chronicles were written to encourage the exiled Jewish people of the captivity period that Jehovah does care for them. You will note as you read these books that there is a special emphasis on the facts of God’s miraculous intervention into the affairs of His people.

            As we read through the first nine chapters one thing especially stands out, names, names and more names and each one is a person who had a family, who lived some place on this earth and who would have a story to tell if we could only have known them. Most of them, of course, we will never know, some of them about which all we have is a name, yet, we will meet them in heaven and perhaps with our quickened mind we will remember and say, “oh, yes, Hadad, I remember you, I read your name in chapter one of I Chronicles and, let’s see, your wife was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, and grand-daughter of Mezahab. Tell me, why in that long list of men was this woman mentioned?”

            The amazing thing is that we know anything about any of these people but we do. We know a lot about Adam, quite a bit about Enoch and isn’t it wonderful that the Holy Spirit through Jude(14 & 15) tells us that he prophesied about the return of Christ! Interesting isn’t it how that he was the seventh from Adam and he was raptured (Gen.5:24) before the flood! Just think about what details we have on Abraham (v.27).

            On the other hand practically nothing is known about Peleg except that his name was prophetic of the earth being divided. What do you suppose that means? Stanton Gavitt wrote a booklet in which he set forth the idea that God actually divided the continents in his day (perhaps to carry forward what He began at the tower of Babel). Brother Gavitt drew a diagram that showed how the continents actually appear to fit together like the proverbial jigsaw puzzle. Stan Gavitt was once my pastor. He was a great accordionist and song leader. He wrote “I’m So Happy and Here’s the Reason Why,” “Things are Different Now,” among other great choruses. He was song leader for Burleigh Sylvester and the two traveled all over Maine in evangelistic meetings.

            Frankly, most commentators do not agree with his theory, but Adam Clarke says:

               “ Some are of opinion that a physical division, and not a political one, is what is intended here, viz., a separation of continents and islands from the main land; the earthy parts having been united into one great continent previously to the days of Peleg. This opinion appears to me the most likely, for what is said, {#Ge 10:5} is spoken by way of anticipation.”

Brother Gavitt, at least, is one great man that I will recognize when I see him. To Adam,

Seth and Peleg I guess I may need an introduction.


I Chronicles 2:20                    Bezeleel, Otis Powers and Others



            Genealogies can be confusing, of this there is no doubt. If one tries to do research into his family tree these days he runs into the same problem. Multiple use of names is one problem. I am the third Charles Edward in my immediate family. I know of families who named the daughter for her mother such as the Buck family of Bucksport. There were so many women named Lydia it almost makes your head swim. Many families named sons for those who had died earlier. A ten year old son whose name and date appear on a tombstone is not even mentioned in a later genealogy but the name Elkanah is reused for another child. Such things can be confusing.

            The problem is evident in this chapter. Caleb is called Chelubai in verse 9 but we have the former rendering in v.18. This person who is spoken of at least nine times is not the same Caleb as took the mountains in Joshua’s day which was much later, he was the son of Jephunneh, this one the son of Hezron.

            Some time people have second families, especially men. Here Hezron married a second time when he was 60 (v.21). He had a pretty important grandson, Jair, who had (governed) 23 cities in the land of Gilead. He even had a child born to him after he died whose name was Ashur (v.24).

            Of course the most important family name in this genealogy was David who was the seventh son of Jesse. Interestingly David’s sisters’ ancestral lines are mentioned, one of which produced General Joab and the other, the Caleb mentioned so often in this text.

            There may be several reasons for the prominence of this man, it is probable that the area called Ephrata (Micah 5:2) was named for his wife (v.19) but even more important is reference to the ancestry of Bezeleel. He was the important son of Uri (Ex.31) who was the chief architect of the tabernacle, a man filled by God with wisdom, understanding and knowledge in all manner of workmanship.

            Some of the old timers I knew while pastoring were men like Bezeleel. There were Otis, Walter and “Bunkie.” I called them “jacks of all trades” and I praise God for their dedicated talent. I wonder if they get to help out a little on building the heavenly mansions.

 


I Chronicles 3:4                            “ And There He Reigned”



            Here we are reminded about the offspring of David and his early reign in Hebron for a period of seven years and of his special son Solomon through whom a dynasty was established which lasted in Jerusalem for 385 years. We wish these two men could have had a better relationship with their God. Certainly we can say that in spite of the fact that they were worldly and dominated by the flesh, yet God has magnified their positive features and was willing to overlook much that they did wrong. We will have more to say about them later.

            For the rest of our time together I want to talk about a man most of you know nothing about, just like all of these names we find here in I Chronicles. Early in this man’s life he found his Hebron, reigning in Christ during his “seven” years and bearing much fruit.

            Sumner Crabtree was from Franklin, Maine so far as I know, he graduated from Providence Bible Institute and served his first pastorate in Lubec where I was born and born again. The American Baptist Church was a tough field and he had to plough ground that had laid fallow for many decades. A few of the old timers stuck with him as he rooted sin out of the assembly where it had been tolerated for generations. Roy and Phila Joy, Frank and Hazel Avery, both women were nieces of my maternal grandmother Emma Libby, her son’s wife Virgie, these were all “hangers on” from the past, probably saved but of some I stand in doubt. There was no doubt about deacon Joy (Joker, he was called) and I’m sure he was an encouragement to Pastor Crabtree, he was to me, I know.

            Soon new blood started flowing into the little building that sat on the edge of a wet land. Swamp angels we were dubbed by the devil’s crowd. A fisherman Ken Foss and his dear wife Virginia got saved and a Bible study was begun in their home. He went after his relatives and friends one of which was Delia Tinker who was gloriously saved and she brought her tribe of kids. Across the street from the parsonage was a soldier just home from the war, Bryce Reynolds and his wife Rowena were soon garnered in. I got saved through a V.B.S worker. Cottage prayer meetings were started at the parsonage and good things were happening on every hand. My mother accepted Christ under Newell Smith, an evangelist, married to Mrs. Crabtree’s sister. It was a relatively brief reign for Sumner, but it was exciting. Ken and I both went on to Providence Bible Institute and into the ministry, so the offspring have been numerous. Each of us has the potential for a dynasty that in many cases goes on into eternity. Ridge Baptist has had a vibrant ministry ever since and Pastor Rob Green is carrying on that tradition today. Won’t you lift your heart in praise for His wonderful works in Lubec – (now where is that?)


I Chronicles 4:11                                         Granted



            Now the son of Conners, Vincent dwelt in Millvale - bucksport where he begat of Hildred three daughters, Barbara, Helen and Gloria. Barbara went into a far country and became the wife of Phillip Schmidt bearing him Vickie and Rick; Rick produced also sons and daughters. Helen became the wife of Robert from the house of Johnson and of her came Dana and Kerry. Dana begat Mich, Moriah, Johannah, Elisabeth and Annie of Renee from the tribe of Snyder and Kerry became the wife of Mike of the sons of Trumble of her came Mason, Helen, Dana, Gloria, Vincent and Robert.

            Gloria, sister of Barbara and Helen, offspring of Conners became wife of Ed of the Blanket Lane - prospect branch of Harrimans who wandered into the land of Canaan (Maine) where they begat many sons and daughters. Such were Randy, Gregory, Lynnda, Lisa, Lori, Daniel and Leanne. From these there arose to the tribe of Conners children to the third and fourth generations almost like the sand of the seashore, innumerable.

            And so it came to pass that Vincent and Hildred found grace in the sight of the Lord for through their daughter Gloria did eternal life begin to flow like a river from the land of Canaan. Physical life also was good and to the farm in Millvale came the seed of Vincent for the harvest of the orchard and the pressing of the fruit. Vincent must have felt like Jabez when the praise came to his lips for his God had indeed blessed him with children as the Chaldean Version has it and we think he was such a man of faith that he many times expressed the desire for the enlargement of his borders with disciples for the Master. Granddaughter Vickie, Home already, whose body lay in the little cemetery on the corner, grandson Dana serving as pastor in eastern Massachusetts and and others in Christian schools training to serve the Lord. God’s hand was certainly with him and He was granting him his heart’s desire.


I Chronicles 5:20                                        Delivered



            Most people today have very little idea what things were like in New England less than 275 years ago. In fact this area was rapidly on its way to becoming New France and history would have been very different, believe me, if that trend had continued (witness modern Quebec). Our area here on the coast of Maine was suffering greatly from the ravages of Indian attacks during the long period called the French and Indian Wars. Most of the local native American tribes were under the fanatical influence of the Jesuits Footnote . The French priest, Sebastian Rasle, had orders from Quebec to incite them against the English whom they classified as heretics. Not only was it impossible for Englishmen to settle much above Portland on the coast, but also fishing in the area was controlled by the presence of a huge fortress at the northeastern tip of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The French government had invested over thirty million livres at Louisbourg and threatened to dominate the whole east coast. A preemptive strike seemed strategic.

            After several vain attempts the colonists led by a captain Moulton succeeded in annihilating the Rasle problem in Norridgewock once and for all Footnote . Their attention then turned to the improbable task of neutralizing the fort at Louisbourg. Governor Shirley of Massachusetts is said to have conceived the plan, being encouraged by a William Vaughn of Damariscotta, the forces being comprised mostly of Maine men Footnote . Colonel Wm. Pepperall of Kittery, a man of unusual integrity, led the land forces Footnote . On the 17th of June 1745 after a siege lasting over a month and a half, the seemingly miraculous conquest of this Gibralter of the North was accomplished.

            Evangelist George Whitefield, then itinerating in the district of Maine, and staying in the Pepperall home, had been prevailed upon to give his blessing to the venture by providing a slogan under which they would fight. He complied by suggesting (in Latin), Christ Leads, Never Despair Footnote . Such was the attitude of the people in principal New England towns that in commemoration of the victory, July 13th was marked by public thanksgiving to God.

            Through these and other victories, such as the fall of Quebec (1759), victory of the English over the French was completely achieved and thus religion in our area became decidedly Protestant.

            I am certain that those who were Bible believing Christians in those days must have thought that verses 20 - 22 applied to their cause as they put their trust in God and felt He heard them.

 

 

 

I Chronicles 6:48                                        Appointed

 

 

            It is immensely profitable when reading Chronicles to note the subject and structure of these early and difficult chapters. While the divisions are not inspired and are not always helpful, at times they can be very helpful. For example the material in chapter five is obviously a chronology of the 2 ½ tribes that stayed on the east side of the river Jordan, not that much is found here of great interest except, perhaps, the closing verses. Our sixth chapter which is very long has the Levites as its subject. First we have a list of what appears to be the names of all the high priests. The remainder of the chapter deals with the three sons of Levi among whom the duties relating to the tabernacle were divided. They were: Gershom, Kohath and Merari (v.16) and their duties are outlined in Numbers 3:21 - 37.

            Effort is made here also to show the genealogies of the temple musicians (v.31) and their relation to these three sons of Levi, namely Heman, the chief musician, who apparently directed the choir from the center with Asaph and his family on his right hand (v.39) and Ethan (later called Jeduthun, 9:16 -some think this is a term relating to his function) on his left with his family.

            Embedded in this section is the interesting fact that Heman, the chief musician, was the grandson of Samuel the prophet (v.33). Would you have read carefully enough to have noted this? Sound out the name’s of Joel’s son. This is the Hebrew version of the Greek, Samuel. Joel was of no account (I Sam.8:3). I see potential in a grandson of a friend who is a godly man but the son is an unbeliever. Pray for the grandchildren even if your children do not follow the Lord, there is yet hope for a godly seed (Matthew Henry).

            Finally, we have the lists of cities accorded the Levites. This is a repeat from Joshua 21. I would love to have a map with all of these Levitical cities on it but the locations of many are not known. One thing is certain, they were placed by Jehovah strategically so that the influence of these godly families might be well distributed. It would be good to re-read Numbers three and be reminded of the special calling of this tribe. We too as members of the church of the firstborn are His and we have been placed where He wants us in this world. (3:13 and Heb. 12:23).


I Chronicles 7:11                            Valiant and Fit for Battle

 

 

            It is probable that Ezra, the subject of a Bible book by that name, was the compiler of these early lists here in I Chronicles which was an attempt at putting together some genealogical material to establish information relative to the times before David (v.2). At any rate what was available must have been sketchy and was certainly selective. For example, there are five tribes of the 12 sons of Jacob (counting Joseph’s sons in his place) mentioned in this chapter namely, Issachar (v.1), Benjamin (v.6), Naphtali (v.13), Manassah (v.14), Ephraim (v.20) and Asher (v.30), but only Naphtali’s immediate sons (Bilhah’s grandsons) are mentioned in contrast to the genealogies of the others and for some reason no genealogical material is presented in any of these chapters on Dan and Zebulun. This lack of consistency indicates that the author was relying on very imperfect records. Note that he mentions in 9:1 the book of the kings of Israel which God did not see fit to preserve for us and we must conclude the same relative to what is missing here.

            I think it is also interesting that only three of the tribes are singled out as to the numbers of their fighting men (excluding reference to the 2 ½ tribes back in chapter five which were lumped together). They were Issachar, Benjamin (1-12) and Asher (30-40). Later in chapter 12 we will be confronted with the great host of David’s army (v.23).

            Here as we read of the valiant men of might (v.2) and valour (v.7), chief men (v.3) and choice (v.40), those who were “fit to go out for war and battle”(v.11), it arouses in me the concern that our local churches might have such men as spiritual soldiers. There is no doubt but that we are engaged in a spiritual battle and that we are admonished in Scripture to stand strong in the conflict (Eph.6:11). Frankly I see too few men in our assemblies who are prepared to do this. I know it is something about which we have spoken often, and we will again especially when we reach chapter 12, but do you not agree that it is a subject worthy of being oft repeated and will you not pray earnestly for God to raise up an army of valiant men.

 

 

 


I Chronicles 8:39                            Ulam, Firstborn of Eshek

 

 

            When all else fails, start looking up the meaning of people’s names. What a rich trove we have in these chapters! Not that I have checked them all out, that would be quite a project, but I have stumbled on a few interesting ones, and frankly there isn’t much else of interest in this chapter. True, there is reference to Saul’s family which is not only given here but also in chapter nine and of course that is the author’s purpose of bringing up the tribe of Benjamin again (7:7) and again. When he finally gets to the story of Saul he is extremely brief and has him neatly out of the way in the one chapter so he can get to the reign of David which occupies the remainder of this book.

            But getting back to names, you know that Hebrew names are very meaningful. For example, in chapter 7 Ephraim called his son Beriah because “it went evil with his house” or in other words misfortune had recently befallen him (vv.20-23). It seems that his sons were slain by the locals because they were cattle rustlers - something like that. The name Beriah is the word beriah which means according to my center column reference, misfortune. How would we like to be saddled with a name like that? Every time mom or dad speaks your name you are a reminder of their trouble.

            One cannot help but feel sorry for poor Peresh whom his mother called excrement (Strong’s), that’s right, dung and his son was Ulam which (also from Strong’s) seems to mean tongue-tied or dumb (7:16&17). What does this have to do with our present chapter? Well we have here another Ulam (v.39), and I thought you might like to meet him, but be careful what you say, for he has sons who just might come to his defense (v.40).

            Seriously, by what name would we be known if it reflected our fallen depraved nature?

            Of this we can be very thankful, we have a Savior (Jesus) and He is called by many wonderful names among them, Emmanuel meaning ______?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Chronicles 9:20 “The Lord Was With Him” (Them)

 

In 1947, Frank Baggott, arrived in Algiers, following the call of God to him to leave his job in engineering designing in Britain and go reach the tribes of the Sahara Desert with the Gospel. Idabelle Lingenfelter came to Algiers from the States in 1949 in obedience to God's call to her to Africa. They were engaged and two years later were married in the Niger Republic. They served the Lord first in the Algerian Sahara, then in the Niger since 1972. After long years of faithful service, Frank went Home to be with the Lord in April 2006 and is buried in the Niger Sahara. Idabelle is continuing to serve Him there, also their son, Stephen, and their daughter, Verna, who is married to a Tuareg Christian, called John.

From the beginning, Frank and Idabelle felt that they should live by faith as did Hudson Taylor and not share financial needs with churches and individuals but rather with God alone. God has faithfully provided their needs through all these years sometimes in most unusual ways. Their son Stephen recalls a time when in Algiers, they had only 6 oranges to eat on Monday morning. The postal money order arrived that very morning. The day before, Sunday, they were walking back from church when a boy drove a donkey cart wildly past them and soon disappeared. Coming to some bumps in the road, they found potatoes had fallen off the cart and the Baggott family picked up their Sunday dinner from the street!

Their desire from the beginning was to preach the Gospel to the desert tribes and to see churches planted. The work though is very slow as in many Muslim lands. Yet who can put the value on even one soul who has been saved by the grace of God! The situation is such that it would be unwise to divulge freely news of the work. But God's people in Britain and in the States as well as elsewhere have been faithful in interceding for the Lord's work in the Sahara. Only in eternity will it be revealed what God has wrought through the prayers of His people.

The backbone of the work has been the faithful prayer supporters over all these many years. At least two are still praying for the work who began when Frank first went to the mission field in 1947! As an example, Stephen remembers a nurse in Britain who suffered from cancer who prayed faithfully. In those days, mail took 6 months to go to or from the desert. Impossible to get up-to-the-date requests! But she would tell Frank and Idabelle that on such a date God had led her to pray for such a person, on this other date God led her to pray for some situation. And they were exactly the needs at the time. May such Spirit-directed intercession be continued to be offered up for this work in the Sahara that God may do exceeding great and marvelous things for His glory.

1.         

 

 

Stephen Baggott, 2009

 

 

 

 

I Chronicles 10:13                               Keeping His Word

 

 

            It is to be assumed that the reader is familiar with the accounts of Saul’s death given in the last chapter of I Samuel (31) and the first chapter of II Samuel and remembers the discrepancy of the two accounts. Exactly how Saul died is not definitely known. A certain Philistine warrior probably came from the battle at Mount Gilboa bragging that it was his arrow that killed him, yet the armor bearer who saw him fall upon his sword would not have reported it since he fell on his own sword and died. Doubtless the Philistines did not send a forensic team to the battlefield to determine those facts so it must be that we are indebted to the Holy Spirit for the account. But wait, here comes an eyewitness from the battle with a story to tell. He says that Saul didn’t succeed in his suicide attempt and that he mercifully had actually sent him to his death. Strangely, the young man is a total enigma. He is an Amalekite (II Sam.1:13), one whom Saul was supposed to destroy down to the last infant (I Sam.15:3). What was he doing in the camp of Israel (II Sam.3)? If he is not telling the truth why did he not take the spoil he had gathered, together with Saul’s crown (v.10) and head into the puckerbrush? David accepted his story apparently and paid him for his trouble (v.15).

            So, until now we are left wondering, who really killed Saul? Well, our chapter today settles it once and for all (v.14). Furthermore Jehovah tells us why He slew him. “Saul died for his transgressions which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it” (v.13).

            We had better be sure that we keep His Word. How wonderfully He keeps His Word is seen in the fact that He gave Saul’s kingdom to a shepherd lad who was one of His little sheep.  

 


I Chronicles 11:9                   David Waxed Greater and Greater

 

 

            We should be very thankful for this chapter and the next as together they record a phenomenon that was suggested back in II Samuel 3:1 but is enlarged upon here, the growth of David’s army. There it was merely stated that the house of David waxed stronger and stronger while that of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. A key verse in this chapter briefly explains why, “for the LORD of hosts was with him” (v.9). Chapter twelve sets forth the numeric growth, tribe by tribe, as “day by day there came to David to help him....a great host like the host of God” (v.22).

            At the nursing home yesterday as our church ministered, someone requested the song Onward Christian Soldiers and my heart thrilled at the martial sound and especially at the words “Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail.” The scene there was one of thorough-going weakness as conditions would remind one of the pool of Bethesda in John 5:13, yet we sang lustily for we knew that though our earthly house grows weak, the house God is building waxes stronger day by day (II Cor.4:16). So too, what contrast to the weakness of Saul’s house of flesh is the house of David as his mighty men gather to him.

            Tender and loving qualities mingled with those of valor and courage in the story found here as three of his bravest men seek to satisfy their warrior general’s heart. Like these, Kevin and Trina Mayfield in Riobamba, Ecuador, labor to satisfy their Master’s heart’s desire while, as modern warriors, they take territory from the enemy and lay souls at His feet. A small band of valiant men have recently been ordained to lead the church being established in that city. So day by day moves the church of God!

            Recently one of the LORD’s Christian soldiers was called home to his reward as Bud Goodell went to be with his Saviour. Gentle, kind, faithful servant, he endured hardness as a good soldier and offered his dedicated life to his heavenly King. Like so many of David’s mighty men, only his name is seen here but at Dublin Christian Academy and West Hampden Baptist Church, by his wife Corinne, by neighbors and friends, he would be thought of as one of His mighties (v.12). 


I Chronicles 12:22                            “Like the Host of God”

 

 

            As we have made our way along through this book we have been elated to find a choice tidbit and perhaps we have grudgingly said to the Lord, thank you Father for that fleck of gold buried amidst the rocks and roots through which we have been digging. Yes, we admit, we know it is all your Word and it must be good for something, these genealogies, but it is really hard to see what. The truth is we have skipped over most of it because the names are so hard to pronounce. Even rocks and roots are good for something – like land fill. Perhaps the spiritual engineers can get excited.

            Once, we got a little chunk of gold, we called it Jabez’s prayer (3:10) and we could even pronounce his name, and we thought perhaps we might have struck a vein of precious truth, but it just seemed to have been thrown into a rough mixture - perhaps to encourage us to keep digging.

            In the last chapter we really hit pay dirt and, wow, here today, the mother lode! (Or, had you noticed – perhaps you had fallen into the habit of skipping over names and missed the treasure.)

            We know that often David is a type of our Lord Jesus Christ. Think of it being this way here– now read it. The key, I believe, is verse 22. Prior to this verse the author selects random occasions when David’s mighty men were gathered unto him. Note the warrior skills of the Benjamites (v.2) and the Gadites (v.8). How thrilling to have these men of war with you in your camp, separated men. And that day in the wilderness when Benjamin and Judah joined him. He warily met them but caution proved unnecessary as Amasai, filled with the spirit, assured him they had come as servants of God to help him (v.18). From verse 23 to the glorious ending of the chapter, over half a million men of war joined David’s forces. He is LORD of hosts (11:9).

            As Christ builds His Church He is adding “day by day” those who enlist to be His helpers. Let us understand the times (v.32), let us be expert in prayer (v.33) and be of one heart to make Jesus Lord (v.38). There will be joy! 

 


I Chronicles 13:7                     A New Cart - The Philistine Way

 

 

            One might well ask the question of Daniel Merrill and Isaac Case, “Why do we need another church here in our small town of Blue Hill, isn’t one enough?” The fact is that Jonathan Fisher, the pastor of the Congregational Church seemed to be a sincere man of God. Was it indeed right to do?

            In 1762 ten families had settled along the rocky shores of Blue Hill Bay under conditions of a land grant from the General Court of Massachusetts which called for sixty families, a meeting house, a school and a settled minister. In violation of these terms the settlers were threatened with a fine of 1000 pounds. Finally after 28 years they built a meeting house (1790) and in 1796 called Reverend Mr. Fisher to be their pastor. It was to his credit that he chose this wilderness outpost rather than a pastorate in Ashby which was offered to him.

            In her book entitled Jonathan Fisher, Maine Parson 1768-1847, Mary Ellen Chase tells the story, (p.96) how one third of the nearly 100 communicants of his church separated from the Congregationalists in 1806 just one year after Daniel Merrill had led the way when over 100 of his people had joined him in believer’s baptism by immersion, converting Maine’s largest Congregational church into a Baptist one in nearby Sedgewick. Isaac Case, a missionary for the Baptists in Maine assisted in the formalities in both situations.

            Parson Fisher lamented the loss of 30 of his members to the Baptists, but, being the Christian gentleman that he was, he entertained Daniel Merrill for breakfast the day following the establishment of a Baptist church in Blue Hill. . (I would like to have heard the conversation that day!) 

           The Baptists of those early days would have called infant baptism a Philistine expedient and I am sure that many sermons were preached by them from our chapter on how wrong it was for David to carry the Ark of the Covenant on a new cart when God had obviously commanded doing it His way (Num.4:15). Parson Fisher was clearly a devout man but when he said “I feel an inward and general satisfaction that sprinkling water on the face is acceptable with God,” he was wrong on two counts, it was not immersion and it was done to infants. (We still believe it to be unbiblical.)

            C.I. Scofield entitles this chapter in I Chronicles, Doing a right thing in the wrong way. A man in our church, Fred Turner, used to say “There is no right way to do anything wrong!”


I Chronicles 14:15                   The Going in the Mulberry Tree

 

 

            Today, I will cheat a little and introduce to you an old devotional guide entitled Our Daily Homily by F. B. Meyer. He is one of the few writers that follows the pattern to which I also have subscribed, chapter by chapter through the Word of God.

            Recently a missionary appointee, Greg, and I were discussing a possible contact. He stressed the need to bathe the matter in prayer before making the call. Today’s devotional underscores that good advice. Rich fare indeed!

 

            Then thou shalt go out to battle; for God is gone forth before thee.

 

            What was this “going”? It was not merely a fitful breeze stealing through the leaves; it was not the going of the wind; but of angel squadrons who were proceeding against the enemies of Israel. This thought often occurs in Scripture–as when Jacob met God’s host; and the warrior-Saviour told Joshua that He was captain of a host whom God had commissioned to take Jericho; so also the horses and chariots of fire surrounded Elisha. Hearken to the measured footfall of God’s host, beneath which the mulberry trees sway, though no wind stirs the sultry air.

            God’s hosts go forth against his foes and ours. Perhaps we should feel less oppressed with the burden of the fight if we realized this. The battle is not ours, but God’s. He will deliver the Philistines to us so that we shall have to do little else than fight and spoil. Oh, believe in the co-operation of the Holy Spirit. Lonely missionary in some distant station of the foreign field, listen for the moving in the tops of the mulberry trees! God is stirring for thy succour. Thou art a co-worker with Him in making known his salvation; and He will prosper thee.

            Let us wait for our instructions. David inquired of the Lord; let us not anticipate Him. It is useless to go up until He has gone out before us. We may as well save ourselves from disappointment by quietly waiting for the salvation of our God. But oh, be sure that those who wait for God shall not be long before the God for whom they wait shall go forth before them to smite the host, whether it be the hosts of temptation that oppress the inner life, or the hosts of spiritual foes that oppose the progress of God’s work.

 


I Chronicles 15:13                                      Due Order

 

 

            We note that while both ark transfer accounts, the unsuccessful attempt ending in Uzzah’s death, and the successful bringing of the ark of God to the city of David are found in II Samuel 6, here in the parallel Chronicles passages on that subject, two separate chapters are found. In this one all 29 verses are devoted to the latter aspect. Here David admits to the fact that the earlier effort (13:13) failed because “we sought him not after the due order” (15:13) and he explains what that order is in verse 2; the ark was to be carried by Levites on staves on their shoulders (v.15).

            It is obvious that David used the three months that the ark was at the house of Obed-edam to study up on the proper way to carry it according to the word of the Lord (v.15). Back in Numbers 7 when two wagons and four oxen were given to the sons of Gershom and four wagons and eight oxen were given to the sons of Merari, to carry the various parts of the tabernacle assigned to them, it was specifically stated that no means of transporting the furniture assigned to the sons of Kohath was given them, for they were to bear their burden upon their shoulders. Why we do not know.

            Thus, though the princes of Israel had brought their offerings to God on six covered wagons with twelve oxen and though one might have thought that divided three ways among the three sons of Levi there might have been two wagons for each of them, that was not the way Jehovah looked at it. In His plan, there was to be no cart for Kohath.

            When it was attempted to use a wagon, even a new one, Jehovah was clearly displeased. Uzzah died not only because he shouldn’t have touched the ark but because it should never have been placed on a cart to start with! The due order was to carry it on shoulders of Levites. Certainly this tells us that there is a right way to serve the Lord and if we are going to do it we better get it right. That’s why we should be students of His word! To be casual about doing God’s work is obviously a dangerous game plan as David found out here.

 


I Chronicles 16:36                       Amen and Praise the LORD

 

 

            I can’t believe it! The more I studied this chapter the more disturbed I became, not with the content, but with my edition of the K.J.V. It is hard for me to believe what the editors have done. I don’t know who is responsible for the headings of chapters or the notes and cross references in this 1972 Thomas Nelson King James Version but whoever it is I am ready to take them to task.

            “What is it that has gotten you so stirred up,” you ask. OK, since you asked I will just have to go ahead and tell you.

            First, let’s assume that far more readers of the Bible read the Psalms than the Chronicles, would you agree? What happens when the average reader gets to the heart of chapter sixteen. “Ho hum just another one of David’s Psalms and it sounds so familiar - just more repetition”- so, they (dare I say, you?) skip over it or read it hurriedly, thinking, if they are reading thru the Bible, “I’ll spend more time on it when I get to where it belongs.”

            Whoa, wait a minute, are we not fundamentalists, and as such are we not concerned about context? The sad thing is that this Psalm is exactly where it should be. David wrote it as a deep expression of His praise to God when He finally got the ark to Jerusalem. Perhaps Jehovah was already awakening in him the noble desire to build the temple.

            This is a wonderful hymn of praise, so rich in choice phrases and yes, familiar words that we recognize from the Book of Psalms.

            I wanted to compare some of these words, see if there is anything here that might not be there etc. That’s when I made my disappointing discovery. It is true, most of this Psalm is found there in fragments, mostly in 105 and 96. What is sad is that there is not one word in either place to tell me that it is David’s work or anything about what prompted his glowing thoughts, furthermore, not one center column reference to this chapter! Oh sure, the reverse is true, lots of references where to look for these there, but who is paying attention? Did you ever stop to check them out?

            You will take time to read it now, in its context, won’t you and when you finish, say amen and praise the Lord, like those who heard it for the very first time (v.36).

            P.S. Someone will say, “my Bible has references in those Psalms referring back to I Chronicles 16", good, I have one Bible that does too and I never checked it out before, did you?

 


I Chronicles 17:5                                 From Tent to Tent

 

 

            Have you ever experienced a desire to do a certain thing finding out later that God is the One Who put it on your heart because it was His plan all along?

            It is certainly doubtful when David was in the process of conquering Jerusalem that he had any idea what an important city this would become historically and prophetically (11:4).

            400 years earlier in Deuteronomy 12 Jehovah had made it abundantly clear that He would later choose a special place of worship for Israel (verses 5,11, 13 and 14) and there He would cause His name to dwell. At this point He did not even reveal in which tribe it would be, only that the place He would choose would be in one of thy tribes. Once this place was established, they were not to offer their burnt offerings anywhere else!

            The use of the ark of the covenant was practically abandoned during the days of King Saul (I Chron.13:3) and since David did not know how to transport it correctly, he probably had no idea that God had chosen Jerusalem as the special place for it to finally come to rest.

            It had been at Shiloh since crossing Jordan until it was expediently employed in a battle with the Philistines where it was captured by them and placed in their god-house. Too hot to handle they returned it to Israel where it was stored in Abinadab’s house in Gibeah and there it remained for 20 years (I Sam.7:2). Now, after a brief sojourn on a new cart and a visit at the house of Obed Edom (II Sam.6:10) for 3 months, finally David gets it to Jerusalem. Does he have any idea at this point what he has accomplished?

            In communing with Jehovah regarding the house he now would like to build for Him he gets a gentle rebuff but inwardly God is pleased, though David being a “bloody man” (I Chron.22:8) will only plan and provide for it. His son Solomon would actually construct the temple.

            Occasionally our plans turn out to have been God’s idea all along – certainly that was true in David’s case.

            What an interesting statement God makes here in verse 5. “I have gone from tent to tent.” And now, here in Jerusalem is the place where He will cause His name to dwell. Read Psalms 78:68; 76:2; 87:2; 132:13 and 135:21.

 


I Chronicles 18:6                             Withersoever He Went

 

 

            It is wonderful when God’s servants put Him first as David is seen doing here in this chapter. Chariots, horsemen were vanquished. Gold, silver and brass flowed into the treasury and were dedicated to the LORD. Shields of gold that once belonged to the enemy were now displayed at Jerusalem. “Thus the LORD preserved David withersoever he went.”

            This makes me think of a friend of mine who, when a young boy coming to Bible camp from a humble background, trusted Christ and learned to put Him first. Gradually it became clear that here was a young entrepreneur who knew how to get ahead in life. He opened a service station near an interstate highway adding a restaurant, a motel, a repair facility for trucks and an oil distribution service. He built a fine home for his family and in which later his mother lived for a number of years. If there were any needs at his church he was faithful as a good steward. Many were the projects that received his generosity.

            While visiting a missionary friend in Mexico who needed help, the Lord laid it on Bob’s heart to sell all in Maine and fulfil this need. This he did and for many years he has supported himself, I suppose, from his own investments, working with deaf children in several Mexican ministries. In order to do this he had to learn Spanish and then how to sign in that language. True to form, he has continued to build wherever he has gone and many are the young lives he has touched. Though he earlier married and raised two sons, circumstances have forced him to live a single life which I am sure has at times been very lonely for him.

            As a teacher he has been instrumental in seeing the very first deaf students in Mexico graduate from high school. His present ministry in Ensenada is dedicated to assisting hearing impaired students in obtaining employment.

            Like David, my friend Bob has certainly seen God’s hand of blessing on his life of dedicated service. Eternity will tell the whole story. Celebrate this life by praising God for it.


I Chronicles 19:9                                The Battle in Array

 

 

            As you will know if you study this chapter, it, like the one before it (18), is practically word for word like the parallel passage in II Samuel. If you want a spiritual application please refer there to the devotional on the 10th chapter. I don’t know where it came from but I am assuming it was the Holy Spirit, for it surely doesn’t sound like it came from me.

            What I am reminded about as I have gone over this chapter several times and prayed over it, is how the battle rages on all fronts today and my heart thrills when I read of the great victories being won by our heavenly David and His mighty men.

            May I mention some places and some of the men and women who are in the battle as many new missionary churches are being planted? The Brunks are planting in Johannesburg and I spoke with Mike this week as we prayed together over the internet. Johannes is working with a new S.S. branch and Sergio is being prepared to go to serve in Mozambique. Also in Africa, in the Niger, the work of a national church goes forward under pastor M. with new souls being added recently. The Lopez family have just arrived in Tarragona, Spain to begin a brand new work having recently established one in Maturo. Two churches in Belarus are growing and young pastor V. is called upon to “stand fast in the Lord.” Ed and Maria have moved into Ocotepeque, Honduras to start a new work leaving behind 2 new churches in their most recent field of service. In Riobamba, Ecuador a new building is an encouragement to the Mayfields as five brethren are set apart as leaders in the church plant. Tito and Adriana are working hard in Carlos Paz, Argentina to gather a church while in the same country Bob and Karen are harvesting good fruit in Resistencia. Efrian and Laura are church building in Tixtla, Mexico and have seen tremendous blessings. In Papua, New Guinea the Markleys are planting among the Dinangat people who are talking about reaching out to others. A new work is on a solid footing as it cuts loose from the mission there in Manchester, N.H. under the ministry of the Peronts. Later we will speak of Quebec.

            Is the news from the battle front encouraging? I say Amen and Hallelujah, what do you say?

 

 

 


I Chronicles 20:1                                      Blank Blank!

 

 

            Structurally this chapter is a change from the last two which were practically a word for word copy of events already covered in II Samuel if one is seeking to move chronologically through these historical books. Here we have a compilation from three chapters of II Samuel. Verse one is a copy of II Samuel 11:1; verses two and three are pretty much a copy of II Samuel 12:26 except a bit different wording and verses four through eight cover the same ground as II Samuel 21:18 - 22, again with a few word changes. As to the changes, the center column references in my Nelson K.J.V. Bible seek to harmonize the differences and this is especially helpful in verse three where one would here come away with the idea that the saws, harrows and axes were used as weapons which is undoubtably not the case if we accept the rendering of II Samuel 31.

            The striking effect of this chapter, however, is the abrupt omission of any mention of David’s murder of Uriah and his dalliance with Bathsheba while he chose to “tarry at Jerusalem” rather than go out to battle with his army as in previous days.

            We would like to think that the Holy Spirit chose to leave it out because he had confessed his sin and had been forgiven. It was probably left out because Ezra was seeking, by compiling this history, to encourage the Jews in exile (according to John Whitcomb) and there would be no point of including the discouraging actions of their greatest king and champion. I tend to the latter view because the very next chapter does record another of David’s sins but David is somewhat exonerated in the matter as handled here and important historical material is introduced.

            Of course, we believe that the Holy Spirit was instrumental in the inclusion of I and II Chronicles in the canon, we are just thankful, however, that we didn’t have to read the sordid details again.

            Here we should sing, “My sins are blotted out I know”(repeat), “they are buried in the depth of the deepest sea; my sins are blotted out I know.” When God’s books are opened there will be no record of my sins just as sure as there is no record of David’s here. Praise God!


I Chronicles 21:1                              David Numbers Israel

 

 

            I awoke this morning with the daunting responsibility of writing on this chapter. There is no doubt about the fact that it poses numerous problems for the expositor. On the one hand the temptation is there just to evade the several issues, select a delightful little textural tidbit and pass on to less challenging portions. There are no less than five distinct seeming contradictions before us here in comparison with II Samuel 24, and the fancy dancing of the commentators would be humorous if it were anything other than the inspired Word of God with which they are dealing. It would take the writing of a small book to attempt to deal with them all and the probability is that when you, my hopeful reader, scanned this passage you were not aware of one of them.

            On the other hand, to complete the metaphor, what shall we do in the small space to which we have limited ourselves?

            First, I suggest if one has time, a comparison should be made between this chapter and its historic occurrence in II Samuel 24, noting the discrepancies. Please be assured that there are solutions to these problems and that God has a reason for allowing these differences if nothing more than as a test of our faith. Know this, that His truth will ultimately be justified so try not to be horrified at seeming contradictions, though to be mystified is quite alright.

            Lastly may we think about David’s sin of taking a census which is obviously the main subject. There are several layers to this interesting episode in David’s life. Like everything it starts with Jehovah as Rom.11:36 says, “For of him and through him and to him are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

            The story seems to start in the first verse of the Samuel passage but note that the first layer has to do with Jehovah’s anger against Israel and we are referenced back to 21:1 through the word “again”. Commentators seek to connect the three years of famine at that time with the apparent discrepancy between the words “seven years of famine” in 24:13 and the “three years’ famine” in verse 12 of our chapter. What God was displeased at is unclear (v.7) but it is evident that this whole business started with Him though it involved both Satan and David. I refer again to Rom.11 and end with verse 33. Please don’t fail to look it up as it is the punch line to this chapter!


I Chronicles 22:19                                  Arise and Build

 

 

            If the Lord had not called me to be a pastor, I think I might have chosen to be a carpenter. In grammar school (middle school) days, a few simple tools were accumulated and a few projects from that period still survive. From that day to this it has been my avocation. The closest I ever got to working with a real carpenter was in my high school days when Cally London (the operator of the boat in the Gardner Lake tragedy) called me to go with him occasionally as his helper. During Bible school days summer jobs often included carpentry.

            It was after going to Bucksport that any of those prevenient skills (?) would be put to use but from start to finish the old wooden building acquired by the Evangelical Baptist Church (henceforth referred to as “Evangel”), needed physical attention and development. I welcome this opportunity to preserve a brief record of this important aspect of ministry there, reminded by David’s concerns as viewed in our chapter today.

            The original building, now known as Evangel Chapel, had been through several stages of development before being purchased for $4000.00 from Mrs. Cleve Kennedy in 1954. There at 21 Central Street it was originally constructed to serve as a private stable and than a livery stable bearing all the evidence of being a horse barn with double plank floors and a hay mow. This latter became the sewing room of a shirt factory and contained when purchased, all of the cutting tables, motors, line shafts, Singer sewing machines and original wooden packing cases from that era. At some point a shed roofed addition had been added on the east and later when the transition to a bowling alley was made a structure was added to accommodate the length of the alleys. Our first construction project was getting rid of those and preparing the building to be occupied by the infant church. Otis, Walter and Wendell P. had put their own homes at risk by signing papers with the Bangor Saving Bank and they worked long hours toward getting it presentable for dedication in 1955.

            During the years that followed, an addition at the rear was developed involving excavation to be followed by a second with more excavation and the beginning of the west wing, then by a third as a basement was put under the entire building and the wing was completed plus the enlargement of the foyer. Along the way the old loft was incorporated into the sanctuary and since the beginning of the Christian school, a gymnasium, and educational building were added.

            It has been a great experience to work along side of some fine carpenters as together we have followed David’s advice (v.19) “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God....”

 


I Chronicles 23:31                      Continually Before the LORD

 

 

            It is fair to say that this chapter has primarily to do with Levites and concerns David’s divisions of them into courses (v.6). You will notice that from verses 6 - 23 the Levitical family is broken down into three parts, one for each of the three sons of Levi. All of these are, of course, long dead at this point in time as several generations have passed, enough to have produced a company of 38,000. These were subdivided into four task groups, the worker bees, 24,000; the bosses, 4000; the doorkeepers, 4000; the musicians, 4000. It must have kept God’s miraculous powers constantly at work to have these round numbers!

            David apparently realized at this time that with all of the new duties that would be involved now that a temple was to be built, the “work of the service of the house of God” would require more hands, and since the days were passed when much manual labor was involved (v.26) they might as well drop the age limit to 20 (v.27).

            The basic duties had not changed. There was the daily offering, a lamb in the morning and one at night, a continual burnt offering (Exodus 29:38-46), the weekly feasts or holy get-togethers (convocations - Lev.23:2&3), the monthly feasts (new moons) and finally the seven seasonal ceremonies beginning with Passover and ending with Tabernacles (vv.28-32).

For us these roughly correspond with: daily devotions, regular weekly preaching services, the Lord’s Supper and the celebrations of certain yearly events like Christmas, Resurrection Day, V.B.S. and missionary conferences. (For Middletown Bible Church in Connecticut there are a couple more.)

            Here is a great thing in the earth – a group of worker bees dedicated to “the service of the house of the LORD” (v.24) who, under the leadership of Pastors Parsons and Zeller provide 2 great convocations every year. They house us, feed us and see to our every need as we, members of the household of faith gather twice each year to feast at the table spread for us. Dr. John Whitcomb heads the list of teachers and preachers who share tasty portions of the Word of God.

            Do you, dear reader, attend upon such daily, weekly, monthly and yearly events with spiritual relish? As of old it has been so.

 


I Chronicles 24:5                       Governors of the House of God

 

 

            Chapter 23 was all about the Levites whereas this chapter is about the priests. As you know, all priests are Levites because Aaron, the first high priest, was a son of Levi, one of the 12 sons of Jacob (Israel). All of the priests theoretically were descended from Aaron, the eldest becoming the high priest when the father died.

            At this point, due to extenuating circumstances there are two men, Zadok and Ahimelech who as high priests are descendants from Eleazar and Ithamar respectively.(Some think onemay have been deputy to the other). Between them there were found 24 chief men, 16 from Eleazar’s branch and 8 from Ithamar’s side of the priestly family. In verses 7 - 18 these are divided by lot as to the order of their service.

            Some commentators believe that the last list of Levites (20 - 30) were chosen to attend upon the priests.

            In reading this chapter we may be inclined to say that this seems pretty irrelevant to us today, but there is something significant about there being indeed 24 elders especially as there are in Revelation 4:4 this number of elders seen “round about the throne” of God. Whether there is any significance or not, we are certainly reminded by these of the place and importance of leadership. This company in heaven have white robes and crowns and would seem to represent saved people. These here in Chronicles speak of a high level of responsible leadership in the house of the LORD.

            To me this passage reminds us of godly pastors and how we should honor those men that God has chosen to serve Him in that difficult but important role. It is true that we, as believers, are all priests and in that sense we should understand that each of us has a ministry in the assembly, but to the pastor belongs the great responsibility of guiding and teaching the flock. One verse alone is enough to emphasize this fact. “Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).

            Please pray regularly for your pastor.


I Chronicles 25:7                  Instructed in the Songs of the LORD

 

 

            This, I think, is the most exciting chapter in the entire book. What, other than the Word of God, is any more effective than good music? And here it was found at its very best. David ordered it so (v.2) and separated to the service of song, the sons of three men who had been prominent in that field, namely Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun.

            In chapter six we can see the genealogies of Asaph who descended from Gershon, son of Levi and of Heman who descended from Kohath also a son of Levi. The later had a very distinquished grandfather, none other than Samuel the prophet. Jeduthun sometimes called Ethan was descended from the third son of Levi, Merari.

            Asaph was a cymbalist according to 16:5. Were his four sons all clangs off the old cymbal? It looks like Jed’s sons were all harpists and it sounds like Heman’s were on wind instruments. Psalteries were also stringed instruments. 

            The amazing fact is that there were 288 men in this musical army and at least 3 women (v.5). Twelve men were taken from each of the chief families represented. Heman seemed to be the leader flanked by his two cousins (6:39&44) as they ministered before the tabernacle and later in the temple (6:32). Theirs was a school of music with teachers and scholars (v.8) where the music master emphasized the words of God and instructed small and great (young and old) in the virtues of a prophetic ministry in song in God’s house.

            There is no question as to whether the music was exciting considering that it was accompanied by percussion instruments, but that it was honoring to Jehovah also, there could be no doubt. All members were designated as cunning, a most significant encompassing word, like wise dealings, prudence, diligence, etc.

            People who minister in music in our churches should be trained as much as possible in theology, they should be of the highest quality spiritually and be recognized for their specialized ministry. As Heman’s musical family were under his hands, so ought the attitudes of humble service be cultivated. God give each of our musicians a truly servant’s heart.


I Chronicles 26:12                    Ministering in the House of God

 

 

            Porters were doorkeepers or, as especially featured in this chapter, those who tended the various gates (vs.12-19). The picture word implies splitting something open, I suppose a two-leaved gate (Isa.45:1) would be split open to admit one who is entering, sort of like an usher welcoming folk at the door of the church. It is of such a person that I wish to speak just now.

            Going back a few years, Charlie Nute, missionary under the American Sunday School Union, told of a big family that he wished could be gotten into our fledgling Sunday school. We needed a large capacity vehicle to accomplish it and in answer to prayer a 12 passenger Chevy Carryall was provided. This is story of that family. (Only first names will be used.)

            By the time the matriarch of the family, Laura, got saved and started attending church most of the nine children were regular attendees and several had been born again. At the present writing, we are very sure that two have already joined their mom in heaven and we are praying that the rest will follow. (At this writing her descendants number about 110.)

            In the 1950's Ralph (#2 son) and friend Jean as active members now of the youth group started keeping company. Before long they were married and their kids soon followed, all five. Their daughter, Loretta married Bruce and with their 4 children (all professing Christians) are active in a Bible church in Massachusetts. Jean’s mom got saved through the ministry of Evangel Baptist and had a wonderful victorious home going after struggling with cancer. One of her siblings is married to a pastor and most are saved.

            Ralph has been a chief porter at Evangel for 20+ years (head usher). He “splits open” the two-leaved gate of the auditorium faithfully at every service and represents this “Levitical” type of service in all of our Bible centered churches. Praise God for all our porters!

            His sister and her large family (husband died early in life) are active at Evangel, two of his grand nieces (one recently saved) are involved in a new Bible study, his grandson recently saved often accompanies him to services. Like the family of Obed-Edam, God has blessed this family of the chief porter of Evangel at Bucksport (vs.4&5).

 


I Chronicles 27:5                                          Benaiah

 

 

            There were three classes among David’s mighty men. The first class consisted of Jashobeam (the Tachmonite), Eleazar and Shammah; the second listed Abishai and Benaiah, son of Jehoiada and the third was a band of roughly 30 men who are named in II Samuel 23:24-39. These first 5 and 7 from this list in Samuel made up the captains given in the opening verses of today’s chapter (1-15) with the designated month each served and the number of men under him (24,000).

            It is one of these captains of which I wish to speak today. Benaiah (v.5- chief prince, not priest- see center reference) was a real special person and we should take a few moments to focus attention on him. He is always spoken of as the son of Jehoiada to distinguish him from others by the same name and we meet him first in II Samuel 8:18 where he is introduced to us as being the captain over the Cherethites and the Pelethites. These were David’s bodyguards and apparently were chosen for their proficiency in slinging and archery.

            Ben-aiah (like Is-aiah) seemed to be second only to Joab under David (20:23) but was more faithful as we shall see. In terms of valor he was more honorable than any in the band of 30 but did not attain to the level of the first class of three (23:23).

            Looking back there are two identical passages that set forth the prowess of this man. In both II Samuel 23:20-23 and I Chronicles 11:22-24 we read of his amazing exploits.

            But chronologically, from here in chapter 27, we must look ahead a bit to learn more about Benaiah as he distinguishes himself in Solomon’s time. When Adonijah sought to usurp the throne as David was dying, he and the men he led stood with Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest in loyalty to David and his choice of Solomon as his successor. Read his strong statement in I Kings 1:35-38. Later when it proved necessary, it was Benaiah who carried out Solomon’s commands to execute Adonijah, Joab and Shemei (I Kings 2:25; 29:46).

            In 4:4 he is found as one of Solomon’s eleven princes. A good and faithful man about whom no negative words are found.

 

 


I Chronicles 28:19                       All the Work of This Pattern

 

 

            It is clear that our God has a definite plan as to what He wants to do in this world. Paul speaks of it as His eternal purpose (Eph.3:11). At this point in time of which we write, He had chosen David to be king and Judah was selected as the ruling tribe (v.4). Out of the many sons of David He chose Solomon to build the temple and His courts (v.6). Significantly Jehovah refused to let David build the temple, as much as he wanted to and though he prepared for it in every detail, “because thou hast been a man of war and hast shed blood” (v.3). This should make us realize that though we do not always understand why God does what He does, He has His reasons, not to be taken lightly.

            We, like David and Solomon have been chosen to fulfil His purposes and why God has elected us is beyond our ken (I Cor.1:27 and Eph.1:4). We do well to heed the warning, however, that was given to Solomon in v.9 lest we fall after his example and “be a castaway” (I Cor.9:27).

            Just as Moses was given a pattern by which to build the original tabernacle (Heb.9:5) so the temple must be to God’s specifications as well, for though David was much involved in the process we have two wonderful verses in this chapter that reveal, more so than at any other place, that he was only the channel God was using to accomplish His will. Verse 12 tells us that David got the pattern “by the spirit” and verse 19 is a great explanation of how it was actually communicated to him. He says, “the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.” This is a wonderful description of how we got our Bible for so must all of the holy prophets have received by the Spirit and so transmitted exactly what a Sovereign God purposed to say and do. (II Peter 1:21).

            Even so in the N. T. Paul describes the pattern of our submission to the Master builder as we, living stones, are placed without a murmur into His temple - yielding our bodies (Rom.12:1).

 


I Chronicles 29:10               Blessed Be Thou, LORD God of Israel

 

 

            When I read David’s great doxology in this chapter (vs.10-13) it was as if I was seeing it for the very first time. Lately I have gone over it many times and have sought to commit it to memory.

            Having just returned from the Bible Conference at Middletown Bible Church, Middletown, CT, it was these verses that I shared during the morning prayer and praise period as we all met together at the beginning of each day. I wondered if anyone in the group of nearly 200 would have been able to identify their source. It certainly is doubtful and I know that I personally would not have been able to do so.

            “Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come from thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”

            Read these words aloud, pray them back to the Wonderful God Who inspired them, attempt to commit them to memory along with me and be thankful for the fact that they are preserved for us in His Holy Word.