2 Chronicles 1: 7

2 Chronicles 1:7 says, In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.  That night, God appeared to Solomon and told him to ask for what he wanted.  I have to wonder if God appeared to us today telling us the same thing what we might ask for.  Verse eight adds, And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.  Before asking God for what he wanted, Solomon gave God praise for having shown mercy on David his father and for choosing him to reign in David's place.  As Christians, before we ask God for anything, we should praise Him for His mercy in redeeming us.  Verse nine continues, Now, O Lord God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.  Solomon then asked that God's promise to David be established, because the kingdom of Israel was now a large kingdom.  We need to always look to God to allow us to help establish His kingdom by spreading the gospel and living under the authority of the Holy Spirit.  We do not serve God for material benefits, and if they do come, they should be used to build God's kingdom at least spiritually.  As followers of Christ, whatever we do should bring glory to God.  Verse ten states, Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?  Solomon then asked for wisdom, because he felt that no one would be able to rule such a great number of people by their own abilities.  We cannot do the work of God today, no matter how great or small, by our own abilities, but must look to God for the wisdom and strength to do whatever He calls us to do.  I believe that too often we concentrate on material things instead of the wisdom of God.  Verse eleven adds, And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:  God pointed out all the things tha Solomon could have asked for and didn't.  Solomon asked for wisdom instead.  I hear some people claim that if we want something as Christians, all we have to do is tell God and He will give it to us, but if we don't first ask God for the wisdom to know what He wants us to have, then I believe we are asking with the wrong attitude.  God is not a genie Who grants our every wish.  Verse twelve continues, Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.  God then told Solomon that He would not only give him wisdom, but also riches like no king had seen before him.  If we allow God to give us the wisdom to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, then we already have riches like no one in this life will ever know.  We have a home in heaven.  Worldly riches will pass away, so I have to wonder why that is often all we as followers of Christ seem to want.  

2 Chronicles 1:1

2 Chronicles 1:1 says, And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.  After Solomon began to reign in place of David, his kingdom was strengthened by God, Who was with him and strengthened him.  We as followers of Christ need to be strengthened by God if we are to lead successful Christian lives. Verse two adds, Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.  Solomon addressed all the people of Israel.  If we are called to a position of leadership in the church today, we need to speak to and for all the people we represent so that there will be no misunderstandings.  Some had wanted someone else to be king, but God had chosen Solomon, and if the person God has chosen is pastor of a church today, all the members need to support him.  Verse three continues, So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness.  Solomon and all the congregation went to the high place in Gibeon where the tabernacle that Moses had made in the wilderness was located.  When we worship God today as a group of believers, we need to gather where He leads us to worship.  Verse four states, But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.  The tabernacle may have been in Gibeon, but the Ark of the Covenant was in in a tent that David had made for it in Jerusalem.   Matthew Henry said Solomon paid more respect to the tabernacle that Moses had built than David had, though this was not to censure either one.  We do need to make sure that we are following the Bible in our worship service today.  Verse five adds, Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.  Solomon also put the brazen altar that Bezaleel had made before the tabernacle of the Lord.  We need to place everything that God has blessed us with before Him today, to be used for His honor and glory.  Verse six continues, And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.  Solomon then offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar.  What we need to do today is offer everything we have to God and place it all on the altar in worship of Him. 

1 Chronicles Review Continued

David was appointed king of Israel by God, even while Saul was still alive.  This was because Saul, who had been chosen by the people because of his physical traits, had not been obedient to God.  We should never choose religious leaders simply because they look good.  We need to make sure that God is the One Who is calling them. 

After David was anointed king, because of his obedience to God, he became stronger and stronger in the world, but he still called on the mighty men of Israel to serve under him.  We are never alone in our service to God and should always be willing to call on other Christians for help when we need it. 

We are told of the time that David wished from water from a particular well, and about three men breaking through the Philistines to get it for him, and then David refusing to drink it because they had risked their lives to fulfill what was really a vanity desire of his.  We should never want the things of the world so badly that we aren't satisfied with what God provides for us and we certainly shouldn't expect others to endanger themselves, physically or spiritually, to get it for us. 

David called for the return of all the people of Israel to the land of Israel. We need to call on God's people to always be ready to gather together to worship Him and to do His work.

We are told of David's first attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem.  The people were to gather together and as a united group they were to go and bring the Ark from Kirath Jarim. They didn't transport it in accordance with God's directions though, and Uzza was killed for touching the Ark, which was forbidden.  David then became angry with God and didn't continue to bring the Ark home.  We cannot profess to do things for God if we go against His commandments in doing them.  As followers of Christ, we should never get angry with God if He does not accept things that we say we are doing for Him that are not done in accordance with His will.

David began to grow more powerful, but then he went against God's commandments and married several women, and his desire for one would lead him to an even greater sin, though we aren't told about that here.  We should not be surprised if we allow even a small sin to rule us that we are not soon drawn into even greater sins. 

David had many sons, and some of them would cause him problems.  All we can do is teach our children about God, and then pray that they will listen and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

The second time David decided to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, he sought God's guidance and was successful in doing so.  If we are trying to do something good for God, even if we have failed before, if we seek His approval and guidance, we should be successful the second time.  The people rejoiced in the Lord after this, singing and praising God, and we need to rejoice in God today if He leads us to a victory in the world.

We know that as David was sitting in his house that he realized that God had no house dedicated to him, and he desired to build one.  Still, God had not asked for a house, and David was not allowed to build on because he was a man of war.  If we want to do something great for God, we need to ensure that it is something God wants before we even start.

We see where David decided to number the people of Israel out of pride, and God was not pleased.  God began to destroy the people of Israel because of this.  If we are doing things in the name of God but for our own self-pride today, God is not going to be pleased with us, and he may destroy our works.  

David continued to defeat the enemies of Israel by the power of God.  We should never overlook the fact that if we are successful in life as Christians it is by the power of God and by being obedient to Him.  

David tried to show kindness to the son of Nahash after he died, but his kind deed was rejected, and David's messengers were mistreated.  God tries to show kindness to everyone by their who puts their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, but too often, people reject and even try to abuse His Son.  Nahash's son and those who advised him paid for their actions, and so will anyone who rejects Jesus Christ today.

I also find it interesting that when God was going to destroy Jerusalem because of David's disobedience in numbering the people at Satan's temptation, he didn't send a legion of angels, but He sent one angel.  Many people of Israel had already been destroyed by the one angel.  I believe we downplay the power of angels today.  

Though he wasn't going to be allowed to build the temple, David nad been told by God that his son would build it so he continued to gather the things necessary to build it, and after Solomon took his place as king, Solomon built the temple.  If we want to do something for God and know it is something He wants but are forbidden to do it, we need to prepare for the one that God calls to do it.

Next, we will look at 2 Chronicles. 

1 Chronicles Review

Mattew Henry says that since there is a lot of repetition of what had already been said in other books of the Bible that if there were parts of the Bible that could be excluded, they would be it, and yet there are things that are not found anywhere else.  I simply accept the fact that God preserved them for us and therefore we need to read and learn what we cab from them which starts with 1st Chronicles.  He also points out that the second and third books of the New Testament have a lot of duplication, and we still learn a little more from each of them.  All of God's word is important, even if we may think it repetitious. 

He also points out that people didn't always have the whole Bible read from, so these Chronicles might have been what they had.  All I know for sure is that it is a part of the bible, so we need to read all of it and look for what God has to tell us.  Matthew Henry also says that Ezra was supposed to have penned these books as a scribe of the Law of the Lord.  These books are called the words of days in Hebrew, according to Matthew Henry.  There are many genealogies, and the calling of those whose genealogies are given, and there are some things that are not found anywhere else, including the priests, both Aaronic and Levitical priesthood.  There is also the story of David the settlement David made of the ecclesiastical affairs and the preparation he made for the building of the temple that are not found elsewhere.   There are stories of the reigns of kings and dates of kingdoms, as well as the lives of common people who were doing the work of God.  So, we learn that God was and is at work in the world and that He works in the lives of both Christian leaders and laymen as we do His work.  Of course, it is always best if the worldly leaders are following God as well.

We have the story of the Philistines fighting against Israel, and Saul their first king and God choosing David to rule in Saul's place.  Then, we are told of Saul's death by his own hand because he was afraid to fall into the hands of his enemies.  The Philistines then took hishead and his armor to show their power.  If we remain true to God, we never have to be concerned about being spiritually defeated, and had Saul remained true to God, he wouldn't have either.  We can also be certain that many times people of the world will do all that they can to dishonor Christians. 

Then the men of Jabesh Gilead took back Sauls's body and buried it and fasted seven days.  These men were brave in doing this, since the Philistines were still about.  We must do what is right in God's eyes even if it brings us danger in the world.  

There is a lot written about David's reign as King, and he was called a man after God's own heart, even though he often allowed himself to give into temptation.  We need to be people after God's own heart, and still, we will sometimes fail to live by faith and allow sin to slip into our life, but we will never stop being God's people if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. 

1 Chronicles 29:21

1 Chronicles 29:21 says, And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings unto the Lord, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:  After this dedication ceremony, the next day the people offered a great sacrifice to God.  Matthew Henry said they offered both burnt offerings which are totally consumed and peace offerings, which those there could participate in, or eat from.  Somethings we give to God are totally lost to us for our own material benefit, but also when He blesses us richly with things materially, we should dedicate them to Him as Christians even if they are still of benefit to us in our everyday life.  Verse twenty-two adds, And did eat and drink before the Lord on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the Lord to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.  These peace offerings would be what the people were eating and drinking before the Lord, and they took Solomon and anointed him as King for the second time.  This was a much larger and more formal gathering I believe.  If we are called by God to serve in a position today, we are already anointed by Him, but sometimes we may have formal ceremonies to acknowledge this, such as the ordination of preachers and deacons.  Verse twenty-three continues, Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.  Solomon then replaced David as king, and all of Israel prospered.  God has people called to replace others in the church today, and as long as we follow the leadership or the Holy Spirit's guidance when we appoint them, the church should always prosper.  Verse twenty-four states, And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.  All those who had been under David, the princes and mighty men, submitted to Solomon as king.  When we have a change in leadership in the church today, we all need to support the new leader, no matter how great the last one may have been.  Verse twenty-five adds, And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.  God magnified Solomon, making him greater than any king of Israel before him, which would have been Saul and David.  They had both been kings during war times, and Solomon was to be king during a time of peace.  We follow the one and only King, Jesus Christ, and we need to magnify His name.  He will lead us to peace with the heavenly Father, which is the only peace that really matters.  Verse twenty-six says, Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.  This verse and the remaining ones are about David's reign over Israel.  We may look back at Christian leaders of the past and note the good things they did, but we need to move ahead with those who replace them under God's leadership and not just believe things will never be as good again.  Verse twenty-seven adds, And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.  David had ruled for a total of forty years, starting with seven in Hebron and ending with thirty-three in Jerusalem.  He was just as much king when he was in Hebron as he was in Jerusalem.  It doesn't really matter where we may live today, because Jesus Christ is King over those who put their faith in Him just as much in one place as He is in another.  Verse twenty-eight adds, And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.  David lived a long life and died with riches and honor, all of which were left behind.  He didn't take any of the riches with him, but they were left for Solomon's use after he became king.  We will never take anything of this world with us to heaven, and we need to pray that what we leave behind will be used wisely and for God's glory.  Verse twenty-nine continues. Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,  We are told that all the acts of David as king were written in the book of Nathan the prophet and the book of Gad the seer.  Unless part of these books are included in another book of the Bible, we don't have these books.  Verse thirty concludes, With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.  These books were said to contain an account of all that David did as king, and even if we don't have them, we do have an account of all that was important in David's rule as king.

1 Chronicles 29:10

1 Chronicles 29:10 says, Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.  David offered a blessing or prayer for the people.  It says he blessed the Lord, but I believe that he was acknowledging God's blessing on him more than given God a blessing.  I guess if we are living in accordance with God's word as followers of Christ, we might be a blessing to Him, but I believe blessings come from God, so I would not say that we bless Him.  Verse eleven adds, 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.  David then declares that everything in Heaven and earth is God's. and acknowledged God's greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty, which would led me to believe there is nothing we can bless Him with, except our obedience.  These were all things that Jesus Christ showed when He died for us on the cross, especially the victory over sin and death.  Verse twelve continues, Both riches and honour come of 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.  David said that all riches and honor come from God, and I believe that is more spiritual riches and honor than material ones.  We may be materially poor, but we are still rich spiritually if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse thirteen states, Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.  David then said because of Who God is, they thanked Him and praised His glorious name.  We also need to thank and praise God for Who He is, and not just for things He may have given us beyond an everlasting relationship with Him, and for that we need to continually thank Him by living under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse fourteen adds, But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.  As David asked then, who are we to think we can give anything to God, except ourselves, since everything already belongs to Him.  Though we may already belong to God by the fact that He gives us life, He has given us the power to refuse to acknowledge Him, and in that respect, we don't belong to Him spiritually until we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord.  Verse fifteen continues, For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.  David said that we are strangers to God and sojourners here on earth and nothing here will abide, or last forever.  Until we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are strangers to God, and even after we do, this world is not our home, but we are just traveling through on our way to our everlasting heavenly home.  Verse eighteen declares, O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.  David then acknowledged that everything that had been amassed to build the temple was God's already.  That will always be true.  Anything we give to support God's work already belongs to Him.  He just blesses us with the use of it.  Verse seventeen adds, I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.  David said God tried the heart and had found David to be upright in his heart and that he offered everything to God willingly.  We know that David was not always upright in his actions, so if he was upright in his heart before God it was because of God's forgiveness.  The only way we can be made upright before God is by putting our faith in Jeus Christ.  By our own goodness, we will always stand condemned.  Verse eighteen proclaims, O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:  David declared God to be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and asked Him to keep the thoughts of the people on Him forever.  We are a part of that forever group of people.  Verse nineteen adds, And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.  David then asked God to give Solomon a perfect heart of obedience and to let him keep God's commandments, testimonies, and statutes, as he built the house of God.  This needs to be our prayer for our children today.  Verse twenty continues, And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king.  David then asked the whole congregation to bless God, and they bowed their heads and worshipped Him.  We need to acknowledge God's blessing on us when He sent His only begotten Son to die in our place and we need to praise and worship Him, not just once or twice a week but daily. 

1 Chronicles 29:1

1 Chronicles 29:1 says, Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God.  David said Solomon had been chosen by God to replace him and build the temple, which would be a palace for God and not for man.  He also pointed out that Solomon was young and would need the support of the people in doing the work.  We need for people to serve where they are called to serve by God, and we need to support them, especially if they are called when they are young and are called to a position of leadership.  Verse two adds, Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.  David pointed out all that he had done to have the things that would be needed ready for the building of the temple, and we need to do everything we can to have the things needed for doing God's work ready today, even if someone else is called to do the work.  Verse three continues, Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.  David said he had also added his own gold and silver to that he had amassed from other places.  We also need to make personal contributions to God's work and not just expect others to pay for it.  Verse four states, Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:  David listed what he had personally given, not to brag, but to challenge the other rich men to give as well.  I don't believe we should brag about what we have given God today, especially if we give out of an abundance and not out of sacrifice, and I believe the Holy Spirit will call on everyone to give as God asks of them.  Verse five, adds, The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?  David had donated his personal wealth for the purpose of building the temple and not for whatever purpose the people might want to use it for.  God was guiding him in this, and when we give today, it must be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for the work He has dedicated it to.  David did not tax the people to help support the building of the temple, but he set the example and challenged them to give.  This is a good example for church leaders to follow today.  Verse six says, Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,  The chief fathers and princes and captains gave willingly to the work, and we need those in positions of leadership in the church today to give willingly to support God's work and not to ask people to give to support their lifestyle.  Verse seven adds, And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.  Then we have a list of what they gave, including brass and iron, which might not have been as valuable in and of itself, but would be needed in the building of the temple.  We may not all be able to give things that are viewed as valuable in the eyes of the world, but we can all give things necessary for accomplishing God's work today.  Verse eight continues, And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.  They also gave precious stones if they had them.  I have to wonder how much greater God's work would be done if people gave their valuable things to support it.  Of course, as with David and the people then, this should be done willingly and not because people are forced to give.  Verse nine concludes, Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.  The people then rejoiced because they had given with a pure heart, and David rejoiced with them.  I believe that we too often give sparingly and begrudge given instead of giving willingly and with a pure heart while rejoicing in the Lord.

1 Chronicles 28:11

1 Chronicles 28:11 says, Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,  David wasn't allowed to build the temple, but that didn't mean that he just quit caring about it being built.  He drew up plans and gathered materials for it to be built.  We may not be allowed by God to do a particular task, but if it is something that needs doing, we need to do all that we can to help prepare for it to be accomplished by the one God calls to do it.  Verse twelve adds, And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the Lord, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:  David was led by the Spirit of God when drawing these plans for the temple, and we must be led by the Holy Spirit in things we do today, even things done for the success of others.  Verse thirteen continues, Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the Lord.  Not only was David led by the Spirit of God in the designing of the temple, he was also led in the organizing of how the various parts would be used.  When we have a church building today, which is therefore a building dedicated to God, we need to make sure the whole building is used under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse fourteen states, He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:  David had also amassed all the gold and silver needed for the building of the temple and supplying the instruments needed in the service to be conducted there.  We need to help provide all the necessary funds for doing the work of the church today, and that goes beyond just maintaining a church building.  Verse fifteen adds, Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.  This verse and the next few list the amounts of gold and silver David had collected and what it was to be used for, beginning with the candlesticks.  We need to know how we are going to use the riches God blesses us with under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  I believe this includes not only our tithes and offerings, but everything God blesses us with.  Verse sixteen continues, And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:  Then he gave gold and silver for the tables of the shewbread.  Verse seventeen says, Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:  Next, was the gold and silver to be used for the fleshhooks, bowls, and cups and the golden basins, all of which would be used in offering sacrifices to God.  The gold would have emphasized purity I believe, snd whatever we offer to God must be offered with the purity of our heart.  Verse eighteen adds, And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord.  The next gold listed was to be used for the altar of incense and for the chariot of the cherubim that spread their wings to cover the altar.  Verse nineteen declares, All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.  David said all this was not his plan, but the plan that God had written by His hand for David.  If we are building a building for God today, it must be done under His leadership and for His glory.  Verse twenty adds, And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.  David called on Solomon to be of good cheer and to not be dismayed, because God would be with him until he finished the work.  As Christians. if things are going badly in life today, we need to be of good courage and not become dismayed, because God will be with us until the work is finished.  Verse twenty-one continues, And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.  David then told Solomon that he would have all the help he needed to build the temple.  God is always going to supply us as believers in Jesus Christ with all we need to accomplish what He calls us to do.  All we need to do is be of good courage and do it.

1 Chronicles 28:1

1 Chronicles 28:1 says, And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.  Matthew Henry says this was shortly after the great indisposition David suffered that is mentioned in 1 Kings 1:1, and he had now revived enough to do a little more service to God and also to the people of Israel.  As we grow older, we may have times when we aren't physically able to actively serve God, but when we are revived enough to do so, we can still be of service.  David gathered all the leaders one more time.  Verse two adds, Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:  David told them of his desire to build a house for God as a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant.  We don't need to see church buildings as resting places for the gospel but as launch points instead.  Verse three continues, But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.  David then said God forbid for him to build this house.  We many have desires to do something that we think will be for the church's good and God's glory, but we must make sure that it isn't just something we want to do without God's endorsement.  Verse four states Howbeit the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:  David said he and his descendants were chosen by God to be the rulers of Israel.  If we are serving in the church today, it should be because God has called us to that place of service.  Verse five adds, And of all my sons, (for the Lord hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.  David said that God had given him many sons, but that God had chosen Solomon to replace him as King.  Of course, the ultimate fulfillment of a descendant of David ruling forever over God's people came with Jesus Christ.  He is forever the ruler of God's people.  Verse six continues, And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.  David said that God had told him that Solomon would build the temple because God had chosen him to be His son and God would be Solomon's Father.  This is one reason I believe that it is important to distinguish Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God and not just as the only son of God, because when we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, we become sons and daughters of God.  Verse seven says,  Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.  David said that Solomon's kingdom would be established forever, if he obeyed God's commandments and judgments.  The kingdom of God was established forever by Jesus Christ, and if we would be s part of it, we have to put our faith in Him as our Savior and Lord and then we should obey His commandments.  Verse eight adds, Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.  David called on all the people to keep and seek the commandments of God so that they and their children could possess the land of Israel forever.  We know this didn't happen as an earthly kingdom but as a spiritual kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ, and we must do all that we can to bring our children into God's kingdom.  Verse nine continues, And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.  David then called on Solomon to serve God with a perfect mind and a willing heart.  He also said that God searched all hearts and understood all the imaginings of the thoughts.  This is still true today.  David then said if Solomon sought God that He would be found.  God reveals Himself to us today, but it is up to each individual whether or not they will accept His gift of salvation.  David also warned Solomon that if he turned away from God that he would be cast off forever.  This applies to us today based on whether we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord or not.  If we do, we are forever saved by God's grace and if we don't, we are forever condemned because of our sins.  Verse ten concludes, Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.  David told Solomon to take heed of his relationship with God, because God had chosen him to build the house of God and to be strong and do it.  We have been chosen as Christians to spread the gospel to help increase the kingdom of God, and we need to be strong in our faith and do it.

1 Chronicles 27:16

1 Chronicles 27:16 says, Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:  These next few verses give us a listing of the princes or rulers listed by the houses or tribes of Israel.  Verse seventeen adds, Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:  Verse eighteen continues, Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:  We do have the added fact that Elihu, one of David's brothers was in charge in Judah.  I have to assume he was put in charge by God's direction and not just because he was David's brother.  We should not allow nepotism to determine who is in charge of God's work today but must rely on the calling of God.  Verse nineteen states, Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:  Verse twenty adds, Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:  Verse twenty-one continues, Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:  Verse twenty-two concludes, Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.  Verse twenty-three declares, But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the Lord had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.  David numbered the people once more, but not those under twenty, Matthew Henry says in an attempt to still know the number out of pride while still trying to placate God.  We cannot attempt to get our own way by trying to compromise God's word, and we should never allow pride to cause us to attempt to do so.  Verse twenty-four adds, Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.  Joab began the count but stopped because the wrath of God against the people of Israel was being felt.  If we start doing something as Christians that God doesn't want us to do, I believe that He will let us know that we need to stop.  The number of the people of Israel was not included in the chronicles of the kings.  Things that we do against God's will won't ever be remembered by God if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ.  They will not be remembered as good works nor will they be remembered as sins against God, since through faith in Jesus Christ, all our sins are washed clean.  Verse twenty-five continues, And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:  We are told who was over the storehouses in the fields and also who was over the storehouses in the villages and castles.  This would include all his valuables.  Matthew Henry said it was usable things and not just things for show.  Verse twenty-six says, And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:  There was also one put in charge of those who worked the fields.  Verse twenty-seven adds, And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:  Then, a different person was put in charge of the vineyards.  We need different people called by God to do the work of the church today.  Verse twenty-eight continues, And over the olive trees and the sycomore trees that were in the low plains was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:  Verse twenty-nine states, And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:  Verse thirty adds, Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:  Verse thirty-one continues, And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.  Verse thirty-two says, Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:  Then, we have the fact that Jonathan, David's uncle and not Jonathan his son, was a counselor and wise man and scribe.  We need wise men as counselors in the church today to make sure that we know God's word and are following it.  Verse thirty-three adds, And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:  David had more than one counselor and we are also told that Hushai the Archite was his companion.  I assume this would be a close personal friend that David could rely on.  I do know that we need Christian friends that we can rely on, and we need to be a friend that others can rely on.  Verse thirty-four continues, And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.  We are given the names of two others who were part of David's close circle, but not their specific role, and are told that Joab was the general of David's army.  David's reign was carried out in an orderly manner, and he delegated authority and responsibility to others.  The church today needs to be organized by followers of Christ acting under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and faithfully doing what God call them to do individually.  

1 Chronicles 27:1

1 Chronicles 27:1 says, Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.  There were twenty-four thousand men who were in charge of the affairs of Israel each month.  Matthew Henry says they were a militia and not a standing army, but they were always ready of war.  We may not be a standing army for God as Christians, but we should be armed spiritually for war every day.  Verse two adds, Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse three continues, Of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.  There were twenty-four thousand each month who served this way, making a total of two hundred and eighty-eight total, and these were the ones who served the first month.  Verse four states, And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand.  The next few verses list those serving month by month.  Verse four adds, The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse six continues, This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.  Benaiah was said to be the one who was a mighty man among the thirty and above the thirty.  He was still in the rotation of those charged monthly with taking care of the affairs of Israel.  We may be seen as being a mighty man or woman of God, but we are still a part of the overall family of God and should never think we are above serving with others in the everyday work of the church.  Verse seven says, The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse eight adds, The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse nine continues, The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse ten states, The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse eleven adds, The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse twelve continues, The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse thirteen says, The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse fourteen adds, The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse fifteen continues, The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  There were twelve groups of twelve thousand each who were assigned to serve each of the twelve months of the year.  God calls people to take care of all the work of the church throughout the whole year, even if some are not called to fulltime ministry.  

1 Chronicles 26:20

1 Chronicles 26:20 says, And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.  Ahijah was the treasurer of the house of God.  We need someone to be in charge of the things belonging to God in the corporate worship of bodies of believers today, and I believe that this should be by God's calling of them.  Verse twenty-one adds, As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli.  Then we are told the names of several others who were also over the treasury.  Verse twenty-two continues, The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the Lord.  Verse twenty-three states, Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:  Verse twenty-four adds, And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.  We are told that Shebuel, Moses's grandson was a ruler of the treasures at one point.  Verse twenty-five continues, And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.  Verse twenty-six says, Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.  Then, Shelomith and his brethren were said to have been over the treasures of dedicated things.  God had blessed them with an abundance of things, and they had a responsibility to make sure they were accounted for, just as we have a responsibility to make sure that we give an account to God for the things He blesses us with today.  Verse twenty-seven adds, Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the Lord.  The spoils of war were dedicated to God and not just used to enrich the people.  If God blesses us with riches, we should not see them as being just for our own pleasure but to be used for His glory.  Verse twenty-eight continues, And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.  Everything amassed by all those who were fighting for God and Israel was under the control and responsibility of Shelomith.  This would have been a great responsibility, and it is a great responsibility for us to use the things God blesses us with individually and as groups of believers wisely.  Verse twenty-nine states, Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.  This group were said to be in charge of the everyday business of Israel as judges and officers.  Verse thirty adds, And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the Lord, and in the service of the king.  The Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, numbering one thousand seven hundred, who were said to be men of valor, were set aside and placed in charge of all the business of God on the one side of the Jordan and westward.  Verse thirty-one adds, Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.  During David's reign, these descendants of Hebron were sought for and found among the mighty men of valor at Jazer.  Verse thirty-two continues, And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.  There were two thousand seven hundred of them, and they were put in charge of the tribes that hadn't crossed the Jordan.  Even though they were physically separated they were all a part of God's people and under those He placed in command.   No matter how we may be separated physically, as followers of Christ, we are still all a part of the same family of God.