Search The Scriptures —Study 12 — 1 Chronicles 25-27

Study 12   From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 25-27

These chapters record the family divisions and the work of (a) the 4,000 choristers mentioned in 23:5 (see chapter 25), (b) the 4, 000 doorkeepers (26:1-19), and (c) the 6,000 officers and judges (26:20-32). All these were Levites. Chapter 27 records the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the monthly division, and the chief officers of state.

1  1-    Who were the three chief leaders of praise? See 25: 1; also 6:33, 39, 44;15:16, 17. Why is their ministry of praise called ‘prophesying’? Cf. Eph. 5:18, 19.

2  2-    Amidst the many differences of function and service described in these chapters, notice the way in which all contribute to the worship and honour of the Lord. What developments of this lesson do you find in the teaching about Christian service in Eph. 4:1-7, 11, 12; 1 Cor. 12:18-21?

Notes

1-    25:1. ‘The chiefs of the service’: the phrase seems to refer here to those in charge of the Temple staff’, ‘the authorities of the temple’ (Moffat).

2-    25:3. ‘Jeduthum’: elsewhere called ‘Ethan’. See 6:44; 15:17, 19.

3-    26:29. ‘Officers and judges’: the officers collected the tithes and other revenue and the judges gave judgement in matters of law.

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Introductory notes to chapter 23-27 – Before we tackle those studies

These five chapters describe how David and the leaders of the tribes organized

before David’s death the administration of the kingdom. The first matter taken in hand was the ministry of the priests and Levites, who had charge of the Temple and its worship and also administered judgment. This is set forth in chapters 23-26. Chapter 23 speaks of the Levites as a whole, chapter 24, of the priests (verses 1-19), and their attendants (verses 20-32). Then in chapter 27 are given in lesser detail the civil and military leaders of the nation other than Levites.

Study 11  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 23 and 24

Chapter 3, after telling of the assembly at which these matters were decided (verse 2), first gives the division of the Levites according to their work (verses 3, 4, and then their divisions according to families or house, as descended respectively from the three sons of Levi-from Gershom (verses 7-11), from Kohath (verses 12-20), and from Merari (verses 21-23).  The remainder of the chapter defines their duties. Chapter 24 speaks of those who served within the Temple, distinguishing between the sons of Aaron, who were priests (verses 1-19), and the rest, who were attendants of the priests (verses 20-31). Together these made up the 24, 000 of 23:4a.

1 1-    Compare the special duties of the priests (23:13-see Note below) with those of the other Levites who were not sons of Aaron. What part of the Levites’s former duties were now no longer necessary, and why (23:25-32)?

2 2-   Why has all this elaborate organization passed away? Cf.  Heb. 7:11-25. What has taken its place? Cf. Heb. 8:1, 2; 1 Pet. 2:4, 5, 9; Rev. 1:6.

Note. 23:13. ‘To consecrate…’ : better, ‘to sanctify as most holy him and his sons for ever’ as in RV mg. The burning of incense implies also the sprinkling of the blood of the atonement. Cf . Ex. 3010; Lv. 16:12-14.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 10 — 1 Chronicles 22: 2-19

Study 10   From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 22: 2-19

The thought of building a house for the Lord had been in Davids’ mind, but now the way for action was open. This passage tells of (a) the abundance of what David prepared; (b) his charge to Solomon; and (c) his charge to the leaders of the tribes.

1 1.     What may we learn form David’s high conception of the kind of building that alone would be worthy (verse 5), and from the abundance of his preparations? Contrast the spirit of the people in Malachi’s day (Mal. 1:6-8). What may we learn from David’s willing acceptance of God’s decision that not he, but Solomon, should build the Temple?

22.   Study David’s charge to Solomon and the people. What did he lay down as the all-important secrets of success? What were the people to do before undertaking the task of building (verse 19)? Cf. 2 Cor. 8: 5

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Search The Scriptures —Study 9 — 1 Chronicles 21:1 – 22:1

Study 9  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 21:1 – 22:1

1-    What circumstances, do you imagine, may have left David particularly prone to temptation at this time? Why was the numbering of the people displease God? Cf. Je. 17:5. What evidence do you find of the genuineness of David’s repentance? Cf.  2 Cor. 7:11.

2-    What two proofs are there in this passage of God’s forgiving mercy? Observe how God turned the incident into blessing by using it to show David the site of the Temple. Cf. 21:18, 22:1; 2 Ch. 3:1.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 8 — 1 Chronicles 18-20

Study 8  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 18-20

1-    What indications do you find in chapter 18 concerning (a) David’s heart attitude towards God, and (b) the way in which he exercised authority as king? What in turn did God do for him? How? Then, did he come to the sad end described in 1 Ki. 2:31, 32, 34.

2-    How do chapters 19 and 20 show what grave consequences may arise out of a misunderstanding, and what retribution may result from an act of folly?

3-    What good qualities are seen in Joab in these chapters? How then, did he come to the sad end described in 1 Ki. 2:31, 32, 34.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 7 — 1 Chronicles 17

Study 7  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 17

1- From this chapter and other passages where Nathan is mentioned (2 Sa. 12:1-15, 25; Ki. I passim; 4:5), work out what an important place he had in the lives of David and of Solomon. The revelation here made to him and through him to David is one of the chief Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, and had a profound influence upon the development of the Messianic hope. Cf., e.g., Ps. 89:26, 27; Lk. 1:33; Heb. 1:5.

2- In what sense did God deny David’s desire, in what way modify it, and in what way answer it above all that David asked or thought?  Note especially verses 4, 10b, 12a. Have you had any comparable experience of the Lord’s, dealing in your own life?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 6 — 1 Chronicles 16:7-43

Study 6 From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 16:7-43

1      Verses 8:22, 34-36. What should be the response of God’s people in return for all His goodness? Make a list of all the things the psalm calls upon them to do. Note for what purpose Herman and Jeduthun were ‘chosen and expressly named’ (verses 41, 42).

2      Verses 23-33. Here the psalmist looks beyond Israel, and summons all nations to worship the Lord. What reasons does he gives why they ought to do so? Can you use this hymn of praise as a thankful acknowledgement of all that the Lord means to you?

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