Outline
Introduction — A Few Practical Points about the Book
__A. Time of writing, after captivity
__B. The author of the book, Ezra
__C. The name of the book signifies diaries, journals, or annals
Discussion
I. A Brief Outline of the Book
__A. Genealogies from Adam to Abraham (1:1-28)
__B. From Abraham to the tribes (1:29-54)
__C. Generations of the tribes (2 – 10)
__D. The History of David
____1. King of Judah (11:1-3)
____2. King of all Israel (11:4-30)
II. Meaningful Passages and Teachings in the Book
__A. The story of Jabez (4:9-11)
__B. The folly of Saul (10:13-15:29)
__C. The first psalm of David (16:1-43)
__D. David’s desire to build the temple (17:1-20:8)
____1. Appreciated
____2. But not granted
__E. The sin of numbering the people (21)
__F. The cost of true worship (22:1-27:34)
__G. David’s charge to Solomon (28:1-29:30)
Conclusion — God’s Purpose
Introduction
When you begin to study the purpose of God in the Bible, taking book by book, you might glance at the writings in 1 Chronicles and say that there was nothing there of great importance. On the surface, it appears to be a book of genealogies and histories without much meaning and practical worth.
It is evident that the book, along with its second division, was written after the Captivity since its history is brought down to the end of the Exile and speaks of the restoration of Cyrus. 2 Chronicles 35:25 shows that it was written after the time of Jeremiah.
As to its author, it is generally agreed that Ezra wrote the book. Jewish tradition points to this view and is supported by internal evidence. The name, “Chronicles”, seems to have been given to the books first by Jerome. The Hebrew title signifies diaries, journals, or annals.
Discussion
In a brief outline of the book, one will find genealogies and history. Beginning with chapter 1, the writer gives the genealogies from Adam to Noah (1:1-4), the generations of Noah’s sons (1:5-28), and then traces from Abraham to the tribes (1:29-54). In this section, he shows the generations of Ishmael (1:29-31), of the sons of Keturah (1:32-33), and the generations of Esau (1:35-54).
In the generations of the tribes, he gives special attention to Judah with David and his line (2:3-4:23). The purpose of God in the Bible comes to light in a definite way as this attention is given to David and his seed, through whom the Christ was to come. The remainder of the first 10 chapters is given to the genealogies of Simeon, Ruben, Gad, tribes east of the Jordan, Levi, the priestly tribe with its cities, Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. In chapter 9 there is a line on the family of Saul and Jonathan, and finally the Battle of Gilboa with the death of Saul.
This history of the book deals with David the king. This begins with his capture of Jerusalem, tells the story of the Ark of the Covenant in the home of Obed-edom Chapter 13, of David and Hiram of Tyre, of David’s family and of the defeats of the Philistines.
Beginning with chapter 15, one will find history until the end of the reign, how the Ark was brought to Jerusalem, how men were appointed for religious services, how David showed his interest in the temple. In the closing chapters, David gives his last exhortations, his charge to Solomon, and his last prayer. At the very end, Solomon becomes king in the place of David.
The author has shown the design of Chronicles in the contents of the book, that is to give correct genealogies, the rank and order of the priests and Levites for the resumption of their official activities in returning to the land after a period of captivity. It was also vital to show the distribution of land prior to the fall of Judah so that the families might come into possession of their former inheritance.
The Jews had been in captivity and now have the chance to return to their homeland. Thus they are confronted with the great task of restoration: of their former way of life in their home, their nation, and their religion. In order to be able to meet these needs, the people had to have such a record as is supplied in the Chronicles. To bring the people to a restoration or re-establishment of their institutions in their homeland was the special purpose of Ezra in his work and in his writing.
Adam Clark says: “The principal design of the writer appears to have been this–to point out, from the public registers, which were still preserved, what had been the state of different families previously to the captivity, that after their return they might enter on and repossess their respective inheritances. He enters particularly into the functions, genealogies, families, and orders of the priest and Levites; and this was peculiarly necessary after the return from captivity, to the end that the worship of God might be conducted in the same way as before, and by the proper legitimate persons.”
In regard to the purpose of God in the Bible as seen in the book of 1 Chronicles, Jerome had the most exalted opinion. In his view, “They are the epitome of the Old Testament.” He asserts, that “They are of such high moment and importance, that he who supposes himself to be acquainted with the sacred writings, and does not know them, only deceives himself; and that innumerable questions relative to the gospel are here explained.” Jerome may have been radical on the point, but he believed that: “there was a mystery and meaning in every proper name, whether a man, woman, city, or country in the book.”
In the following pages, let me turn to the text of the book of 1 Chronicles and give points, examples, and quotations in reference to the purpose of God for the ages as seen in this writing. Since the first nine chapters are given to the genealogies from Adam to David, not much teaching of practical or prophetical worth can be found in this section. However, in the outline of the genealogies, Ezra gives special attention to the lines of the house of David. And, in the course of this long line of genealogies, a practical point in God’s recognizing a man of honor is found, and the man’s prayer was answered. In 1 Chronicles 4,9-10 the Bible says, “And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren, and his mother called his name Jabez saying, ‘Because I bear him with sorrow.’ And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that You would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!’ And God granted him that which he requested.”
In the tenth chapter of the book, though wrapped in a very small package, God shows His eternal principle of “the wages of sin is death”, and “be sure your sins will find you out”. The writer does not go into the details of all of Saul’s sins, but simply says, “So Saul died for his transgression 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 inquire of it; and inquired not of the Lord: therefore He slew him, and turned the kingdom over to David, the son of Jesse” (1 Chronicles 10:13-14). And so in Saul, who began right in God’s sight, and went wrong, God shows that “the soul that sins, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). This was also shown in the transgression of Uzzah and touching the Ark of the Covenant. This principle has been true in every age and is still true in the gospel dispensation.
One of the key points in the restoration of the Jews to their true religion involve The Ark of the Covenant. Early in David’s reign, he advocated returning the ark from Kiriath-Jearim. However, he did not bring it home to himself, to the city of David, but let it remain in the house of Obed-edom for three months. In these months God blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had (1 Chronicles 13:14). In chapter 15, Ezra shows the Ark of God being brought into Jerusalem with great joy and gladness. At this time it was placed in a special tent prepared by David. On this occasion, according to Ezra, David gave his first psalm saying:
“Oh give thanks to the Lord!
Call on His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing Psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
Oh seed of Israel His servant,
You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!
He is the Lord our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.
Remember His covenant forever,
The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,
The covenant which He made with Abraham, and his oath to Isaac,
And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel for an everlasting covenant,
Saying to you, ‘I will give the land of Canaan
As the allotment of your inheritance,’
When you were few in number,
Indeed very few, and strangers in it.
When they went from one nation to another,
And from one Kingdom to another people,
He permitted no man to do them wrong;
Yes, he rebuked kings for their sakes, saying,
‘Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do my prophets no harm’.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.
For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised;
He is also to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and gladness are in His place.
Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples
Give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
The world also is firmly established,
It shall not be moved.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
And let them say among the nations,
‘The Lord reigns.’
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it.
Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the Lord,
For He is coming to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever. And say,
‘Save us, oh Lord of our salvation; gather us together,
And deliver us from the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise.’
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!” (16:8-36)
Along with this praise, David left proper men in their places to minister around the Ark of the Covenant daily, as every day’s work required.
At this time, David confided to Nathan, “Lo, I dwell in a house of cedars, but the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord remains under curtains.” Nathan simply answered: “Do all that is in your heart; for God is with you.” Although David’s intentions were good and Nathan agreed, God rejected the idea of having a house built for Himself; in fact, He never allowed David to build it. In the course of explaining why He did not want the house at this time, God said through Nathan, “And it shall come to pass, when your days are expired, that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will raise up your seed after you, which shall be of your sons, and I will establish his kingdom. he shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son: and I will not take mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before you; but will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever: and his throne shall be established forever.” Though this was given in reference to Solomon, the temple, and a temporal kingdom, there must be in it a deeper meaning, foreshadowing the coming of David’s seed in Jesus Christ our Lord, the great King of kings and Lord of lords, with the true tabernacle that He built and the kingdom He established. When you read statements like this, you begin to realize that every line in the Chronicles is vital in the revelation of God’s purpose in the Bible.
Although brief and pointed, the book shows the constant conflict with Satan, as chapter 21:1 says, “And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel.” This displeased the Lord, and in punishment through pestilence in the land, 70,000 died. At the last moment, God changed from destroying Jerusalem, saying to the angel of wrath, “‘It is enough, stay you your hand.’ And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite” (21:15). Though Ornan offered the place to David for a place of worship, free of charge, David refused, saying: “No, but I will verily buy it from you for the full price: for I will not take that which is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost” (21:24). In this David teaches that one should be sacrificial and not look for a cheap, cut-rate religion that costs little or nothing. David wanted to pay the full price.
As David prepared to turn the kingdom to Solomon, he made extensive preparation for the building of the temple. He gathered an abundance of materials of stone, gold, silver, iron, brass, and wood. Then he called his son and charged him to build a house that God had not allowed David to build. The reason assigned to God’s refusal of David’s offer is given in 1 Chronicles 22:8, “You have shed blood abundantly and have made many great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed much blood upon the earth in My sight.”
In the charge that David gave to Solomon, he reminded him of the promise that God gave to David for a son who would build the house, and said, “Now, my son, the Lord be with you and prosper you, and build a house of the Lord your God as He has said of you. Only the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, and give charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the Lord your god. Then you will prosper, if you take heed to fulfill the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong and of good courage, dread not, nor be dismayed.” After reminding Solomon that many materials were on hand and great preparations had been made, he gave this added admonition: “Arise, therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with you.” After going back into a lengthy listing of the number and offices of the sons of Levi, the divisions of the sons of Aaron and Levi, the divisions of the singers, of the porters, and treasurers, the captains, and the rulers, David, having made his son king, gives him a final charge: “And you, Solomon my son, know you the God of your father and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind–for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts: if you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Take heed now; for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong and do it” (1 Chronicles 28:9-10).
It is fitting to see the book close with the prayer of David as he said,”Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, oh Lord, is the greatness, the power, and the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, oh Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore our God we thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You. For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, as were all our fathers; our days on earth are as a shadow, and without hope. Oh Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your name is from Your hand, and is all Your own. I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You. Oh Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You. And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to do all these things, and build the temple for which I have made provision” (1 Chronicles 29:10-19).
Conclusion
The curtain comes down on David’s life in chapter 29 as verse 28 says: “And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor; and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.” An honest study of the book of 1 Chronicles shows that it is more than a list of difficult names. There is a deeper Messianic message. These names from the beginning stand for great periods of time in which God’s purpose was being unfolded. And just as surely as God cared for his own in generations past, He would continue to do so and thus bring their hopes for a Messiah to pass in due course of time. God has always been faithful and will be faithful still.
Questions for Class Discussion
- Who is the author of 1 Chronicles?
- What does the name signify?
- At what time was this book written?
- Why does the author give the long list of genealogies?
- What promise of the Messiah is found in these records?
- Give a reason for Jabez’s prayer being answered.
- What was the great mistake of Saul?
- Tell why David was not allowed to build the temple.
- What preparation did he make for this work?
- When was his first psalm written?
- Why was David’s numbering the people listed as sin?
- What was the final charge of David to Solomon?