Notes on

1 Chronicles

2024 Edition

Dr. Thomas L. Constable

Introduction

Title

The earliest Hebrew title for the Books of Chronicles translates as: "The Things Left Behind." This name describes Chronicles as containing remnants of the monarchy history not recorded in the preceding Old Testament historical books. A later title that appears in most copies of the Hebrew Bible is: "The Accounts of the Days," or "Daily Matters." This title emphasizes the nature of Chronicles as official annals (cf. Esth. 2:23; 1 Kings 14:19). Chronicles contains the official records of Israel's kings, especially David, Solomon, and those of the Southern Kingdom after the United Kingdom split. The English title "Chronicles" comes down to us from Jerome's statement that the books contained "the chronicle of the whole of sacred history."[1] As such, the title of this book describes its genre (type of literature), which is a rare thing among Old Testament books.[2]

As was true of the Books of Samuel and Kings, the Septuagint (Greek) translation of the Hebrew Bible (our Old Testament) was responsible for dividing the single Book of Chronicles into 1 and 2 Chronicles.[3] Scribes divided these long books to make them easier for copyists and readers to handle. We could translate the Septuagint title as: "Things Omitted." This title implies that Chronicles contains material left out of other inspired histories of Israel. This is true, but it also contains much material that the former historical books included.

"… fully 50 percent, of 1 & 2 Chronicles is the same material found in 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings."[4]

Writer and Date

Early Jewish tradition recorded in the Babylonian Talmud ascribed the authorship of Chronicles to Ezra and Nehemiah.[5] Modern studies of the linguistic differences that exist between the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles have led some scholars to reject this ancient view.[6] Internal evidence suggests that if the writer was not Ezra and/or Nehemiah, he was probably a contemporary of these men. It is very common today to speak of the unknown writer as "the Chronicler."

There is quite a bit of difference of opinion, even among conservative evangelical scholars, regarding the date of composition. Most of them place it within Ezra's lifetime (ca. 450-400 B.C.).[7] This date would make Chronicles one of the last, if not the last, historical book of the Old Testament. In the Hebrew canon, 1 and 2 Chronicles conclude the third major section: the Writings, which also suggests that they were written late. The date of composition of Ezra was probably about 446 B.C. The Book of Nehemiah probably came into existence between 420 and 400 B.C. The date of writing of Esther was probably shortly after 473 B.C.

"It is now clear from comparison of Chronicles with the Samaritan Pentateuch and the Greek translations of the Pentateuch that the text Chronicles used was more like these texts than the MT [Masoretic Text]."[8]

Some scholars hold a date as early as the middle of the fifth century B.C. (450 B.C.), while others date Chronicles as late as 200 B.C.[9]

"The best view is that Chronicles as a whole was in place by 500 B.C., but that additions as late as the early fourth century continued to be added, especially genealogies, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit."[10]

Scope and purpose

Chronicles covers a broader period of history than any other Old Testament book. In this it is similar to the Gospel of Luke, which also covers all of human history from creation to the writer's day, though with less emphasis on genealogies. Chronicles begins with Adam and ends with Anani, who lived eight generations after King Jehoiachin (1 Chron. 3:24). If we allow 25 years for each generation, the birth of Anani would have been between 425 and 400 B.C., assuming this genealogy is complete.

"In Near Eastern antiquity, the generation (that is the years between a man's birth and his begetting his first-born son) is ordinarily 25 years or less."[11]

Since the writer had great interest in David's family, it is unlikely that any of David's descendants after Anani was known to him when he wrote this book. If they had been, the writer probably would have included their names.

Other Old Testament books, especially Genesis, Samuel, and Kings, cover over half the material that Chronicles contains.[12] There are two main reasons for this repetition: First, the writer wanted to give his readers another version of those events. In this respect, Chronicles and the other historical books are similar to the Gospels in the New Testament. Each gives a unique interpretation and emphasis. Each writer selected the historical materials that would present what he wanted to emphasize. Chronicles is more similar to John's Gospel than the other Gospels. Both books are very sermonic, and each has a purpose that is easy to identify (John 20:30-31; 2 Chron. 7:14). Chronicles is also similar to Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch, which also preaches by recalling history.

The second reason for the repetition of material in Chronicles is that the writer wanted to explain and to expound the meaning of many events in Israel's history, much like the writers of modern commentaries do. This was especially important because the original readers of Chronicles needed to remember their history and the spiritual issues that had molded and would mold their destiny. These observations would guide them as they sought to reestablish Israel in the Promised Land after the Babylonian Captivity.

"The purpose of these two volumes [1 and 2 Chronicles] is to review the history of Israel from the dawn of the human race to the Babylonian captivity and Cyrus' edict of restoration. This review is composed with a very definite purpose in mind, to give to the Jews of the Second Commonwealth the true spiritual foundations of their theocracy as the covenant people of Jehovah. This historian's purpose is to show that the true glory of the Hebrew nation was found in its covenant relationship to God, as safeguarded by the prescribed forms of worship in the temple and administered by the divinely ordained priesthood under the protection of the divinely authorized dynasty of David. Always the emphasis is upon that which is sound and valid in Israel's past as furnishing a reliable basis for the task of reconstruction which lay ahead. Great stress is placed upon the rich heritage of Israel and its unbroken connection with the patriarchal beginnings (hence the prominence accorded to genealogical lists)."[13]

"… 'the Chronicler' is no mere chronicler! He is a theologian, sharing with all the biblical writers the burden of interpreting God's ways to human beings."[14]

The writer saw principles operating in history. He selected unmistakable instances of them and applied them to his own times.

"If Kings, composed after the final collapse of the kingdom in 586 B.C., concentrates on how sin leads to defeat (2 Kings 17:15, 18), then Chronicles, coming after the two returns from exile in 537 and 458 B.C., recounts, from the same record, how 'faith is the victory' (2 Chron. 20:20, 22)."[15]

"… the Chronicler goes even further than the Deuteronomic historian [i.e., the supposed writer of Samuel and Kings] in attempting to correlate blessing with faithfulness and judgment with disobedience within each separate generation."[16]

Another statement of the purpose of Chronicles is as follows:

"… to rally the returned remnant to hopeful temple worship … by demonstrating their link with the enduring Davidic promises."[17]

"The past is explained so that its institutions and religious principles become relevant to the present, and the ways of the present are legitimized anew by being connected to the prime source of authority—the formative period in the people's past."[18]

"It was above all things needful that the nation should read its past and its present and its future in the true way, that is, from the Divine standpoint; and it was with this very thing in mind—to meet this need and attain this end—that the 'Chronicles' were compiled."[19]

Distinctive Characteristics

"These books of Chronicles are in a great measure repetition; and yet there are no vain repetitions. We could ill spare them; for there are many most excellent useful things in them, which we find not elsewhere."[20]

Three major features of Chronicles appear when we isolate the material that the writer included that is not in Samuel or Kings: First, the genealogies reflect the writer's goal of encouraging Israel's racial and religious purity.[21] Second, the emphases on the temple, ark, and worship show his desire that the returned exiles reestablish worship according to the Mosaic Law.[22] Third, the record of David's glories and the victories that God gave his successors were his way of encouraging his original readers as they sought to reestablish their nation in the Promised Land.[23]

Sara Japhet pointed out four distinctive characteristics: (1) "The Chronicler writes his history as a series of literary 'blocks,' each of which is a comprehensive unit revolving around a specific topic and marked by formal features." (2) Speeches. (3) Public ceremonies. (4) Lists. She also noted various genres within the general category of historiography [history writing]: "divine speeches, royal addresses, prophetic exhortations and oracles, prayers, letters, dialogues, and more."[24]

Conservative students of Chronicles differ in their opinion concerning the amount of Messianic expectation the Chronicler held out to his readers.[25] My belief is that he presented much hope of a coming Messiah who would fulfill the promises given to David in the Davidic Covenant. I shall point this out at the appropriate places in the notes that follow.[26]

"I regard Chronicles as one of the richest mines of spirituality in all of Scripture."[27]

Outline

I.       Israel's historical roots chs. 1—9

A.      The lineage of David chs. 1—3

B.      The house of Israel chs. 4—7

1.      The family of Judah 4:1-23

2.      The family of Simeon 4:24-43

3.      The families of Transjordan ch. 5

4.      The family of Levi ch. 6

5.      The remaining families of Israel ch. 7

C.      The lineage of Saul chs. 8—9

II.       The reign of David chs. 10—29

A.      The death of Saul ch. 10

B.      David's coronation and capital 11:1-9

C.      David's mighty men 11:10—12:40

D.      David and the ark chs. 13—16

1.      The removal of the ark from Kiriath-jearim ch. 13

2.      Restoring fellowship with Yahweh ch. 14

3.      The importance of the priests and Levites 15:1-15

4.      The joy produced by God's presence 15:16—16:6

5.      David's concern for the universal worship of Yahweh 16:7-43

E.      God's covenant promises to David chs. 17—29

1.      The first account of God's promises to David chs. 17—21

2.      The second account of God's promises to David chs. 22—27

3.      The third account of God's promises to David chs. 28—29

(Continued in notes on 2 Chronicles)

Message

The central subject of 1 and 2 Chronicles is the temple of God, which the writer named at least 188 times.[28] Someone evidently wrote these books at the end of the Babylonian exile to encourage the Israelites to reestablish Israel's national life in the Promised Land. In view of this purpose, the Northern Kingdom of Israel was of little interest to the writer. Judah is the kingdom in view, and David is the king in view. The central passion in David's life is in view, namely, the building of the temple. Furthermore, the reason for David's passion for the temple is in view: He saw that the recognition of God is of supreme importance in national life.

This is the message of the book: The recognition of God is of supreme importance in national life—formally as well as actually. The writer demonstrated this fact in the genealogies, and he illustrated it in David's life in the rest of 1 Chronicles.

The genealogies demonstrate the supreme importance of recognizing God in national life.

What was the writer emphasizing by his selective genealogy? This genealogy (chs. 1—9) shows that God has chosen to bless some individuals more than others. This was His plan from Adam to Nehemiah, and it remains His plan. God also chose to bring blessing to those who obeyed Him, regardless of their other personal abilities or disabilities. Obedience is the key to true success, from God's perspective. We can see a heart for God in acts of obedience to God's will. There are two reasons that God blesses people: His sovereign choice to bless, and a person's obedience to Him. Character grows out of obedience. Likewise, God chose to bring cursing on those who were disobedient to Him, regardless of their other personal rights and privileges.

The reason God chose to bless some individuals was to accomplish one ultimate goal. This goal was the fulfillment of His plans for His own glorification, including the fulfillment of His promises to humanity. All the details of His choices of individuals contributed to His ultimate goal.

The genealogies teach us this lesson. The way to achieve permanence and success in individual life, and the way to achieve stability and success in national life, is to recognize God in life. Throughout history people and nations have succeeded or failed as they have recognized (or feared) God. This is a major point that the writer was demonstrating in the genealogies. God has been selecting, changing, interrupting, and moving through history relentlessly toward His ultimate goal.

The life of David, as narrated here, illustrates the supreme importance of recognizing God in national life (chs. 10—29).

The writer presented David as a strong model king. He selected four pictures from David's life. The first of these was his crowning, which shows God's choice of him. The second was his capture of Jerusalem, which was the victory that led ultimately to the building of the temple. The third picture was his mighty men, which shows his influence on personal character and his true power. The fourth was the gathering of multitudes behind his leadership, which shows his influence on the masses. All of these pictures are in a real sense the background for what follows concerning David.

What made David the great king that he was? The writer showed that it was his attitude toward God, which expressed itself in his attitude toward the temple. David's care for the ark (a symbol of God's grace) and his desire to build the temple (a symbol of worship, which responds to God's grace) reveal his deepest passion in life. His master passion was that Israel should never forget the God who had chosen her for special blessing in the world. We can see that his great desire was not simply to build the temple, because when God told him, through Nathan, not to build it, David accepted this. He was content to gather materials and to make preparations, because he saw the temple as a way of helping the people of Israel to remember their God.

The writer of 1 Chronicles wanted to show the importance of what the temple symbolized, namely, Israel's national recognition of God. David's great desire was that Israel should recognize God and express that recognition publicly.

As king, David ruled under the authority of God. As warrior, he executed the will of God. As poet, he constantly extolled the sovereignty of God. He glorified God in every aspect of his life. He also appreciated the importance of recognizing God nationally.

The message of this book is still a timeless one for Christians today. The recognition of God is still extremely important in life, both nationally and individually. Just as God governs all individuals, He also governs all nations—not just Israel. Amos stressed the fact that God governs all nations—not just Israel. All nations are accountable to Him (cf. Deut. 32). Even today, one of the Jews' favorite names for God is "King of the Universe."

It is important that we recognize God because of His selective activity, which the genealogies highlight. Throughout all of history, God has been choosing, selecting, lifting up, and putting down. He selects new people in every generation. If they fail, He selects others, and keeps moving ahead with His plan. If the person we would normally expect God to use is not ready or not qualified, God will choose another person (cf. Saul and David). If the person with privilege does not respond to his opportunity, God will pass him or her by, find some other person—even an obscure person—and move on. How foolish it is for nations and individuals not to recognize Him in view of God's sovereign rule. Christians have the great opportunity of helping people to see this.

It is also important that we today recognize God because of the effect that recognizing Him has on life. Take God out of the life of nations and individuals and what happens? There is no moral standard. An English politician once said: "If there is no Bible, where is your textbook of morals? There is the supreme difficulty. We must teach morals, and there is no textbook or standard in the world if we take the Bible away."[29]

When we lose our moral standard, we lose individual character. When we lose individual character, we lose the basis for civilized society. These things build on each other. Awareness of the throne of God (His sovereignty) and the government of God (His rule) is foundational for any social order.

It is extremely important for every nation to build the temple of God, that is, to recognize and acknowledge God in its life. This creates an opportunity for people to deal with God. Movements that advocate removing recognition of God from national life are harmful and damaging. Atheistic leaders such as Joseph Stalin in Russia, Mao Zedong in China, and Kim Jong Il in N. Korea, are modern examples of national leaders who have sought to remove the recognition of God from national life. The person who points people to God is the true patriot. David wrote, "Zeal for Your house has consumed me" (Ps. 69:9).[30] What is God's temple today? It is the church (Matt. 16:18). As the universal, true church, followers of Jesus Christ must—individually and collectively—point people to God. This was the "point" of church steeples in the past: to point people to God.[31]

Exposition

I.      ISRAEL'S HISTORICAL ROOTS chs. 1—9

This section of 1 Chronicles is the longest and most complete genealogical record in the Bible. The following four paragraphs by Thompson, and the others by other scholars that follow, provide some background information concerning biblical genealogies.

"The fact that the author of 1 and 2 Chronicles devoted nine chapters out of sixty-five to genealogies (1 Chr 1—9) makes clear that these were of great importance to him and bear significantly on his purpose in writing his work. This purpose needs to be understood by any commentator who would elucidate the nature of these volumes.

"We may define a genealogy as 'a written or oral expression of the descent of a person or persons from an ancestor or ancestors.'[32] They may display breadth ('These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,' 1 Chr 2:1) and depth (the sons of Solomon: 'Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son,' 1 Chr 3:10). This latter genealogy and others of its type that display depth alone are termed 'linear.' Biblical genealogies, like the extrabiblical ones, are normally quite limited in depth, rarely extending beyond ten or twelve generations but often from four to six. In 1 Chronicles 2—9 we have an exception. Perhaps the writer sometimes joined separate genealogies.

"If a genealogy displays breadth as well as depth, it is termed 'segmented,' or 'mixed.' In Chronicles multiple descendants of an ancestor are frequently named, but not all the lives are pursued to later generations. Genealogies may proceed from parent to child (descending, as in 1 Chr 9:39-44) or from child to parent (ascending, as in 1 Chr 9:14-16).

"The two types of genealogy, linear and segmented, serve different purposes. The linear genealogy seeks to legitimize an individual by relating him to an ancestor whose status is established. The segmented genealogy is designed to express relationships between the various branches of a family."[33]

"Their function, broadly speaking, is to show that the promises and purposes of God continue."[34]

The aim of the genealogies "is to paint a portrait of the people of God in its ideal extent as a symbol of both the particularity of his election and the breadth of his grace."[35]

"The purpose is clear—to link God's creation purposes with David, whose divinely appointed role is recounted at the end of the first long narrative in the book, the one describing Saul's miserable failure (10:14)."[36]

"… it should be noted that a further theme of Chr[onicles]., that of the Lord's willingness to start afresh with his errant people, is also tucked away almost unnoticed in the genealogies."[37]

Three principles seem to have guided the writer in the record of Israel's tribes that follows: (1) the birth order of the tribal ancestors, (2) the geographical position of their tribal inheritances, and (3) the source or sources that he used.[38]

"No book makes more extensive use of sources."[39]

"The Chronicler mentions no fewer than thirty-two different sources in his work, almost all of which are no longer extant."[40]

"From among the biblical works, the Chronicler's major sources are the historical compositions that preceded him: the Pentateuch, the Former Prophets, and Ezra-Nehemiah."[41]

A.     The Lineage of David chs. 1—3

The writer evidently chose, under divine inspiration, to open his book with genealogies in order to help his readers appreciate their heritage and to tie themselves to Adam, Abraham, and David in particular.

Before the Israelites ch. 1

A diagram of this section follows:[42]

The fact that the Chronicler recorded Adam, Seth, Enosh (v. 1), and other antediluvians [people who lived before the Flood] indicates that he regarded them as historical characters, and not simply legendary figures. Adam was important as the father of the human race. Abraham was important because of the promises that God gave him and his descendants in the Abrahamic Covenant. He was the father of the faithful (believers in Yahweh).

"By the breach which the former made of the covenant of innocence, we were all made miserable; by the covenant of grace made with the latter, we all are, or may be, made happy."[43]

David was important because of his role as Israel's divinely chosen king and because of the promises that God gave him in the Davidic Covenant. This section shows Israel's place among the nations. Both the Old and New Testaments open with genealogies—in Genesis, Matthew, and Luke.

One of the major themes of Chronicles is that the Davidic dynasty would be the instrument through which God promised that salvation and blessing would come to Israel, and through Israel to the whole world. The final Davidic king, Jesus Christ, was the "last Adam" (1 Cor. 15:45), as well as the Person who would fulfill the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants completely.

"The genealogy of David in the Book of Ruth and in 1 Chronicles 2:3-17 unambiguously establishes the connection between patriarchal promise and historical fulfillment and demonstrates once and for all Judah's theological primacy amongst the tribes despite its geographical handicap."[44]

The writer probably also went back to Adam for another reason: He tied God's provision of salvation in David and his descendants to the first promise of salvation given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15.

"In order to show the connection of the tribal ancestors of Israel with the peoples of the earth, in chap. i. are enumerated the generations of the primeval world, from Adam till the Flood, and those of the post-diluvians to Abraham and his sons, according to the accounts in Genesis."[45]

"Fourteen nations descended from Japheth; thirty-one from Ham and twenty-six from Shem."[46]

The writer drew his information in chapter 1 from the Book of Genesis: from Adam to Noah' sons (vv. 1-4; cf. Gen. 5), the descendants of Noah's sons (vv. 5-23; cf. Gen. 10), from Shem to Abraham (vv. 24-27; cf. Gen. 11:10-26), the sons of Abraham and their descendants (vv. 28-34; cf. Gen. 25:1-4, 13-16, 25-26), the descendants of Esau (vv. 35-42; cf. Gen. 26:4-11, 20-28), the kings of Edom (vv. 43-50; cf. Gen. 36:31-39), and the chiefs of Edom (vv. 51-54; cf. Gen. 36:40-43). Note the sevenfold division of this chapter, which, for the Jews, suggested a completed work of God.

The Rodanim (1:7) were the natives of the Greek island of Rhodes. Caphtor (1:12) probably refers to the island of Crete. Heth (v. 13) founded the nation of Hittites, who lived in what is now central Turkey, and who became a great empire of people in the middle of the second millennium B.C.

"From this verse [v. 14] to verse 17 the names are not those of individuals, but of people who all sprang from Canaan; and as several of them became extinct or were amalgamated with their brethren, their national appellations are given instead of the personal names of their ancestors."[47]

Eber (1:18) became the father of the Eberites, which was another name for the Hebrews. The earth was divided (1:19) linguistically when God judged humankind at the Tower of Babel (Gen. 10:21; 11:10-26). Seir (1:38) was the patriarchal name of the pre-Edomite population of the region later called Edom.

The fact that kings ruled over Edom for many generations before Saul became the first king of Israel (1:43) may explain, in part, why the Israelites wanted a king like all the other nations (1 Sam. 8:5).

Before David ch. 2

A diagram of the whole genealogy in chapters 1 through 9 may be helpful at this point:[48]

"That a different place is assigned to Dan, viz. before the sons of Rachel, from that which he holds in the list in Gen. xxxv. 23ff., is perhaps to be accounted for by Rachel's wishing the son of her maid Bilhah to be accounted her own (vide Gen. xxx. 3-6)."[49]

A naming of Israel's (Jacob's) sons opens chapter 2 (vv. 1-2). The Chronicler consistently used the name Israel rather than the name Jacob. He probably did this because the name Israel means "Prince with God" whereas the name Jacob has negative connotations because it means "Heel Holder" or "Grasper." The Chronicler undoubtedly wanted his original readers to live up to the honored status that the name Israel represented.

A long list of Judah's descendants follows (2:3—4:23). This list begins by naming Judah's five sons (vv. 3-4; cf. Gen. 38:3-5, 29-30; 46:12). Of these, three founded significant families: Shelah, Perez, and Zerah. Pharez founded two famous families through his sons Hezron and Hamul (cf. Gen. 46:12; cf. Num. 26:21). What follows is: (1) the names of some famous men from Zerah's family (vv. 6-8), (2) three branches of the family of Hezron, through Ram (from whom King David descended, vv. 10-17), Caleb (Chelubai [v. 9], vv. 18-24), and Jerahmeel (Hezron's firstborn, vv. 25-41), and (3) four other lists of Caleb's descendants (vv. 42-55).

Zerah was the ancestor of several men (2:6) who became prominent in the leadership of temple music under David (cf. 15:16-19; 1 Kings 4:29-31). The mention of Zerah (2:6) is also probably due to the fact that notorious Achan (cf. Josh. 7:10-26; here called Achar, v. 7) descended from him. David's line passed through Zerah's brother Perez (v. 5).

According to 1 Sam. xvii. 12, Jesse had eight sons. This account, which agrees with that in 1 Sam. xvi. 8-12, may be reconciled with the enumeration in our verse [v. 15, which says that David was Jesse's seventh son], on the supposition that one of the sons died without posterity."[50]

"Sisters are rarely mentioned in ancient genealogies. However, this genealogy pays particular attention to the family of David and thus to David's sisters [2:16]."[51]

"Women occur in the genealogies only when they have played an important part in history."[52]

The inclusion of descendants of Hezron by the daughter of Machir (vv. 21-23), and after his death (v. 24), following the list of Caleb's descendants (vv. 18-20), presumes some more intimate connection of this branch of Hezron's family with Caleb than with Hezron's other sons.[53]

Bezalel (2:20), one of Caleb's descendants (cf. 2:18-20), was apparently the craftsman who headed the construction of the wilderness tabernacle (cf. Exod. 31:2). Another of Caleb's descendants, Salma (2:51), became the founder ("father") of Bethlehem Judah: David's hometown. The Kenites of 2:55 were evidently descendants of the tribe of Judah. The writer traced the origin of pious Rechab (2:55; cf. Jer. 35:1-19) back to these Kenites. The Caleb in this chapter is not the same person as the Caleb of Numbers and Joshua.

David's descendants ch. 3

The Chronicler now returned to David (2:15) and listed his sons (3:1-9; cf. 2 Sam. 3:2-5; 5:14-16) and royal descendants (vv. 10-16). In the last part of this chapter, he listed the descendants of King Jeconiah (Jehoiachin, vv. 17-21), and related families (vv. 22-24), through the period of the Babylonian Exile.

"Jeconiah was written 'childless,' which does not mean that he was to have no sons, but that no son of his should sit upon the throne of David (Jer. xxii:30)."[54]

Tamar (3:9), one of David's daughters, became a prominent figure in the story of David's family history (cf. 2 Sam. 13:1-39). Shenazzar (3:18) is probably the same man as Sheshbazzar, who led the first group of Jews that returned from Babylonian captivity and laid the foundation for the second temple (cf. Ezra 1:8, 11; 5:15-17).

In 3:17-24, the Chronicler traced David's descendants into the restoration period. David's kingdom ended temporarily with the Babylonian exile (cf. Amos 9:11), but by tracing David's line the writer was giving his original readers hope that God would fulfill His promises. The future did not depend ultimately on the decisions of any human king, but on the faithfulness of Yahweh (cf. Hag. 2:21-22).

In 3:19, the writer said Zerubbabel was the son of Pedaiah. Other references to Zerubbabel call him the son of Shealtiel (cf. Ezra 3:2; Neh. 12:1; Hag. 1:12; Matt. 1:12; Luke 3:27; et al.). This may be a scribal error, or perhaps Shealtiel died early and his brother, or some other close relative, named Pedaiah, reared Zerubbabel.[55] Gleason Archer believed that Sheshbazzar was the court name of Shealtiel, who was the adoptive father of Zerubbabel.[56] The last generation recorded in Chronicles is that of Anani (3:24).

The original readers of Chronicles, freshly transplanted into the Promised Land from Babylonian captivity, were having an identity crisis. They needed to remember who they were and what God intended for them to be. They lived in a culture that wanted to use them for its own ends. By piecing together name lists from the previous historical books of the Old Testament, and other sources, the writer was able to preach the meaning of his people's history: they had a future. This he continued to do throughout Chronicles.

"The framework of history is … seen to comprise three pairs of events. God creates all things; in due course Adam procreates the rest of mankind. God calls Abraham; in due course Israel sires the twelve patriarchs. God calls Moses; in due course David sets up the kingdom. In each of these three pairs, it is with the second member that the Chronicler is concerned."[57]

B.     The House of Israel chs. 4—7

The writer's next concern was to trace the line of people to whom and through whom God promised to bring blessing and salvation. That nation was Israel, the descendants of the patriarch Jacob. The writer viewed Israel as consisting of 12 tribes, not just the tribes represented by the returnees from Babylonian exile. His aim was to show that the nation as a whole would have a future.[58]

1.     The family of Judah 4:1-23

The writer now returned from giving a general history of the Israelites to give more information about the posterity of Perez (vv. 1-20) and Shelah (vv. 21-23), two of Judah's sons (cf. 2:4). Of the five men mentioned as the sons of Judah, in verse 1, only one (Perez) was his son; the others were grandchildren or still more distant descendants.

"The Hebrew noun ben is probably related to banah which means 'to build,' as in 'to build' a family (Ruth 4:11). The ancient Hebrews considered sons the 'builders' of the next generation. Ben can either refer to a literal son as in 1 Kin. 2:1, or to one's descendants as in 7:14. The word may also pertain to an attribute of an individual, as in Ben-Oni, meaning 'Son of My Sorrow," and Benjamin, meaning 'Son of the Right Hand' (Gen. 35:18). In the plural, the Hebrew word for sons can be translated children regardless of gender, as in the phrase 'children of Israel' (see Ex. 12:37). Perhaps the most significant use of the Hebrew word is for Israel's relationship to the Lord. God Himself declared: 'Israel is My son, My firstborn' (Ex. 4:22)."[59]

Jacob prophesied that his fourth son, Judah, would become the leader of the Israelites. Through him God would provide the greatest promised blessing to come (Gen. 49:8-12). The Davidic dynasty was one branch of Jacob's descendants, so the writer had special interest in Judah through whom that dynasty would come.

"Many unrelated fragments have been brought together here in the interests of completeness."[60]

Jabez's prayer (v. 10) shows that prayer and a prayer-answering God can overcome the threat of evil.[61] Jabez's name means "Grief," and his prayer may have been that God would not allow him to experience the grief that his name implied.[62] The Chronicler believed in the efficacy of prayer, and he emphasized prayer much in his narrative.

"The noun 'prayer' occurs 12 times and the verb 'to pray' occurs 15 times [in 1 and 2 Chronicles]."[63]

"The life and prayer of Jabez teach us that we should never count ourselves out or sell ourselves short. Our origins don't determine our destinies, and our requests should reflect the greatness of our God, not the smallness of our own expectations."[64]

"… his [Jabez's] life became a contradiction of his name; the son of sorrow having been free from pain in life, and having attained to greater happiness and reputation than his brothers."[65]

"As a Judahite and ancestor of David, it seems quite likely that Jabez was a type of David and that his fervent appeal was made in anticipation of God's selection and blessing of the yet unborn house of David."[66]

2.     The family of Simeon 4:24-43

The writer may have listed Simeon's descendants next because the Simeonites shared the tribal territory that God gave to Judah. The Judahites absorbed many of them through intermarriage shortly after settlement in the land.

This section can be subdivided as follows: (1) the five founding families of Simeon (vv. 24-27; cf. Gen. 49:10; Exod. 6:15; Num. 26:12-14), (2) the 18 towns of Simeon (vv. 28-33; cf. Josh. 19:2-6), and (3) the emigrations of Simeonite families into other districts (vv. 34-43).

3.     The families of Transjordan ch. 5

Reuben (vv. 1-10), Gad (vv. 11-17) and the first (eastern) half-tribe of Manasseh (vv. 23-24) settled east of the Jordan River. Between these genealogies of the Gadites and the Manassites, the writer recorded the war between the Transjordanian tribes of Israel and certain Arabic tribes (vv. 18-22). He concluded with an account of the Assyrian captivity of all three Transjordanian groups (vv. 25-26).

Reuben would have normally been the son of Jacob through whom the greatest blessing would come, since he was the first-born. However, because of his sin (v. 1), God passed him over. God blessed Joseph with the double portion of the birthright. He did this by elevating Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to equality among Jacob's other sons, Joseph's brothers.

God's blessing of Judah with leadership over the Israelites was contrary to natural order. It was pure grace for those tribes.

"The term Sharon [v. 16] was applied as descriptive of any place of extraordinary beauty and productiveness. There were three places in Palestine so called. This Sharon lay east of the Jordan."[67]

God was not only faithful to bless as He had promised, but He also judged sin as He had said He would (vv. 25-26). This is the reason the Transjordanian tribes went into captivity.

4.     The family of Levi ch. 6

This list clearly defines the priests' and the Levites' line of descent. Its purpose seems to be to legitimate and clarify their role and service in the temple.[68] Only the descendants of Aaron, namely, the priests, could serve in the temple by offering sacrifices on the incense altar (v. 49; cf. Num. 3:5-38). Nehemiah correctly barred priests who could not demonstrate that they were descendants of Aaron from serving in the rebuilt (second) temple (Neh. 7:63-65).

The priests could only function when Israel resided in the Promised Land and as long as the tabernacle or temple that God had blessed with His presence stood. With the return from exile, the ritual of covenant worship was again possible. Consequently, the priesthood was very important to the restoration community (the company of Israelites restored to the land from Babylonian exile).

God had given the special privilege of being priests to Aaron and his sons as a gracious blessing. Normally the first-born son acted as priest of the family in the ancient Near East. This was one of the privileges of having ithe birthright. Reuben had forfeited this, too, by his sin.

Verses 1-15 trace Aaron's descendants, the high priests, to the Babylonian exile.

"Some writers have wanted to portray the high priest in postexilic times in an exalted position. But it is striking how little attention the Chronicler gives to the role of high priest. … Further, in a number of passages he put considerable emphasis on faith in God as the way to blessing but rarely on ritual perfection."[69]

Beginning with Aaron (6:3), the writer listed 23 successive high priests in Israel's history, the last being Jehozadak (6:15-16), who went into Babylonian captivity.[70] There may have been others who are not named.[71]

Verses 16-30 give a short list of the descendants of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The Levites received the privilege of assisting the priests as a result of God's grace (Num. 3:12-13, 45; 8:14). Verses 31-48 contain the genealogies of the Davidic musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan. Verses 49-53 give a register of the high priests from Eleazar to Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. God's physical provision for the Levites concludes this chapter (vv. 54-81). Verses 54-65 list the towns that were given to the Levites, and the rest of the chapter contains a list of the cities of refuge that were given to the Kohathites (vv. 66-70), the Gershonites (vv. 71-76), and the Merarites (vv. 77-81).

Samuel (vv. 28, 33) was an Ephraimite by residence (cf. 1 Sam. 1:1) but a Levite by tribe (vv. 33-38). Being a Levite, he could receive training from Eli in the tabernacle (1 Sam. 2:11), and he could officiate at services that included sacrifices (1 Sam. 9:13; 10:8). One of Samuel's descendants (his grandson?) was Heman, who was a prominent musician under David (cf. 15:17, 19; 16:41-42; 25:1, 4-6; 2 Chron. 29:14; 35:15; Ps. 88:title).

"The priests and Levites occupied not only houses within the city walls, but they owned and worked fields immediately adjacent to the cities as well [cf. v. 55]. These common-lands extended out from the perimeters of the city walls for a thousand cubits (about 1,500 ft.) in every direction (Num. 35:4, 5) and could be used for farming and grazing (Num. 35:3). This does not mean that the priests and Levites supported themselves by farming, for the Law is clear that they were to live on the tithes and offerings of the other tribes (Num. 18:21-32). The produce they received from the common-lands was a bonus."[72]

The writer placed Levi's genealogy at the heart of the chiastic (crossing) structure that he used to set forth these genealogies. In this way he drew attention to Levi's central importance in Israel.[73]

A       The lineage of David (chs. 1—3)

B       Judah and Simeon in the South (4:1-43)

C       The Transjordanian tribes to the north (ch. 5)

D       Levi (ch. 6)

C'      The other northern tribes (ch. 7)

B'      Benjamin in the South (ch. 8)

A'      The lineage of Saul (ch. 9)

"The emphasis on Judah and Levi in the genealogies marks the center of the Chronicler's hope and faith. Two things marked the true Israel: the king and the priest."[74]

As we compare parallel genealogies in various parts of Scripture, we observe that some lists contain omissions and additions. This shows that genealogical lists are not always complete.

5.     The remaining families of Israel ch. 7

The tribes that the writer discussed in this chapter were Issachar (vv. 1-5), Benjamin (vv. 6-12), Naphtali (v. 13), the second (western) half-tribe of Manasseh (vv. 14-19), Ephraim (vv. 20-29), and Asher (vv. 30-40). Why did he omit Dan and Zebulun? The inclusion of these tribes would have resulted in a total of 14 tribes since he had counted Levi and had dealt with both halves of Manasseh separately. Evidently to keep the whole number of tribes at 12 he omitted these.[75] Another possibility is that perhaps the tribes of Dan and Zebulun had little influence or relevance among the Jews who made up the returned exiles.[76] That there were 12 tribes seems to have been more important to the writer than how he counted them as 12. The writers of both the Old and New Testaments used many different combinations of tribes, each totaling 12, in the many lists of the 12 tribes that appear in Scripture. By listing 12 tribes, the Chronicler emphasized that the whole nation was intact. The term "all Israel" occurs over 40 times in Chronicles, and there are also many occurrences of the phrases "all the house of Israel" and "all the tribes of Israel."

"At a time when the northern tribes had long been in exile, the Chronicler provides a genealogical listing for all the tribes (except Zebulun and Dan); in giving such a list, the Chronicler is (1) expressing his awareness of continuity with the larger number, (2) showing his concern to include the northern tribes rather than to exclude them, (3) suggesting that he regarded the schism as neither permanent nor desirable, and (4) possibly giving some expression to an eschatological hope for a revival of the nation in its largest extent."[77]

"Individuals without lineage in the course of time took their names from the cities in which they were located, and their names were enrolled genealogically among the ancestors of Israel."[78]

These are not complete lists of the descendants in each tribe. For example, the writer only recorded the descendants of one of Issachar's sons, Tola, in his list of that tribe (vv. 1-5). The unusually brief genealogy of the tribe of Naphtali (v. 13) may reflect its greatly reduced size and influence following the Assyrians' invasion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel by Tiglath-Pilesar III (cf. 2 Kings 15:29).[79]

In chapters 4—7, the writer stressed the following central features of God's covenant relationship with Israel: The leadership of Judah, that even swallowed up another tribe, came to a head in David and his descendants. The Transjordanian tribes experienced the results of unfaithfulness to God. The tribe of Levi enjoyed the privilege of priesthood in Israel. The writer also drew attention to the 12-tribe structure of the one Israelite nation.

C.     The Lineage of Saul chs. 8—9

This list obviously parallels to some extent David's genealogy (chs. 1—3). Saul came from the tribe of Benjamin, not from the tribe of Judah that God had promised leadership of the nation. One reason that the writer had an interest in the tribe of Benjamin (ch. 8) was that it was the only tribe other than Judah to remain loyal to the Davidic line. The tribe of Benjamin "ranked second only to Judah in postexilic society."[80] Furthermore, Jerusalem stood in the Benjamin tribe's territory.

"From the lengthy genealogy provided, we may see that centuries later there remained families of Israelites who pointed with pride to their descendancy from Israel's first kings."[81]

Chapter 8 can be broken down as follows: the sons of Benjamin (8:1-2), the sons of Bela, Benjamin's firstborn (8:3-5), the sons of Ehud, who was apparently a descendant of Benjamin (8:6-7), the sons of Shaharaim, another apparent descendant of Benjamin (8:8-12), the heads of father's houses in the tribe of Benjamin (8:13-28), and the genealogy of King Saul, who was a Benjamite (8:29-40).

There were Benjamites who lived in Jerusalem (8:28; 9:34) and others who lived in Gibeon (8:29; 9:35). Both of these towns were important religious centers. Gibeon was where the central sanctuary stood during most of Saul's reign and from then on until Solomon built the temple. Nonetheless it was not God's chosen place of worship. The ark was never in the sanctuary at Gibeon. Rather, the Gibeon site was the people's choice, even as Saul was. God's choice was Jerusalem (2 Chron. 6:6). God did not choose Saul or Gibeon, but He had chosen David and Jerusalem. David and Jerusalem are the two major pieces in God's plan of salvation and blessing in Chronicles.

Chapter 9 brings the genealogical roots of Israel down to real life in postexilic Jerusalem. It records the former inhabitants of Jerusalem and the family of King Saul. Verses 1 through 3 are transitional and introductory. "The Book of the Kings of Israel" (v. 1) was probably not the canonical Book of Kings but another book that contained official genealogical records.[82] The temple servants (Heb. nethinim, lit. "given ones," 9:2) were probably originally strangers and captives, including the Gibeonites of Joshua's day (cf. Josh. 9:21, 23, 27).

"Though the Nethinim, like the Levites and priests, were freed from all taxation (Ezra 7:24), and perhaps also from military service,[83] the Rabbinists [later Jewish scholars] held them in the lowest repute—beneath a bastard, though above a proselyte—forbade their intermarrying with Israelites, and declared them incapable of proper membership in the congregation."[84]

The rest of the chapter is organized as follows: heads of important families from the tribe of Judah that used to live in Jerusalem (9:4-6), similar heads of leading families of Benjamin (9:7-9), priestly family heads (9:10-13), Levitical family heads (9:14-16), the family heads of the city gatekeepers (9:17-27), the family heads that were responsible for other temple service (9:28-34), and finally the family of King Saul (9:35-44).

"It should seem, some companies [of singers, v. 33] were continually singing, at least at stated hours, both day and night. Thus was God continually praised."[85]

The section on Saul's family forms a transition to the account of Saul's death that follows (ch. 10), and to the reign of David (chs. 11—29). The emphasis in this chapter (ch. 9) is again mainly on the temple: the priests (vv. 10-13), the Levites (vv. 14-16), and the temple servants (vv. 17-34).

"The Chronicler established Israel's place in the world through the lengthy genealogies of chaps. 1—9 so that his audience might understand anew their role among the nations."[86]

These nine chapters of genealogy prepare for the narrative section of the book that follows and the very next section: the record of Saul's death (10:1-14). God permitted leadership by Saul and worship at Gibeon, but His plan called for leadership by David and worship at Jerusalem. Thus the Chronicler reminded his readers that their forefathers' premature insistence that God give them a king like all the other nations was a serious mistake. They should learn from their history and not seize the initiative from God again, but simply follow Him faithfully.

"With his first nine chapters the Chronicler has introduced his ambitious re-presentation of Israel's history as a sermon. Drawing on ancient material, much of which is familiar to us from the earlier books of the Bible, he has already indicated his major concerns. He will be focusing on the kingship and the priesthood—that is, as it will turn out, on the throne of David and the temple of Solomon—and he will be selecting and simplifying, as he preaches on the story of these things, so as to bring out unchanging principles and ultimate truths."[87]

II.     THE REIGN OF DAVID chs. 10—29

In all of Chronicles the writer assumed his readers' acquaintance with the other Old Testament historical books. This is especially true regarding what Samuel and Kings contain. These books, or at least the information in them, appears to have been well known by the Jews who returned to Canaan after the Babylonian Captivity: the restoration community.

"The reigns of Saul, David and Solomon over a united Israel are central to the concerns of the Chronicler, about half his narrative material being devoted to these three kings alone. Nearly all the many themes of his work are developed here, and it is in their light that the subsequent history of the people is assessed."[88]

"While it is customary to relate 1 Chr 10—29 exclusively to David, and to define the writer's intentions almost exclusively with respect to him, our study indicates that the work of David and Solomon is to be considered a unity reaching its goal in the dedication of the temple."[89]

A.     The Death of Saul ch. 10 (cf. 1 Sam. 31)

"Having established the remnant's genealogical link with the Davidic and priestly lines, he [the writer] focused on the groundwork of the Davidic promises. His design was to show how the kingly and priestly concerns came together in David. David is then seen as a model for the postexilic community as they look forward to One like David."[90]

Chapter 10 is an almost verbatim repetition of Saul's defeat as the writer of the Book of Samuel recorded it in 1 Samuel 31. Its purpose here is to introduce David and to show how David became king.

The Chronicler's presentation of Saul supplied a backdrop and a contrast for his portrayal of David. Saul was the king that the people had demanded prematurely. He was the king after the people's heart. His name means "He Who Was Requested." Saul failed to submit to Yahweh's authority and to obey His Word as God had revealed it in the Mosaic Law—and through the prophet Samuel (vv. 13-14).

Saul had failed to respond appropriately to God's elective grace in placing him on the throne. He had no heart for God. Consequently, God brought discipline on Saul and on Israel under him. Because Saul failed to listen to God, God eventually stopped listening to him (cf. Jer. 7:13-16). Finally God killed him (v. 14). This is the only place in Chronicles where we read that the LORD directly intervened to substitute one king for another.

The reason the writer recorded the death of Saul at such length seems to have been to show that David had no hand in it.[91] Disloyalty to God always results in catastrophe, especially for His servants (cf. Luke 12:48). Another reason may have been to present Saul as a prototype of all the evil kings that follow, and to present David as a prototype of all the good kings that follow.[92]

First Samuel 28:6 says that "Saul inquired of the LORD," but 1 Chronicles 10:14 says that he "did not inquire of the LORD." I think Saul inquired of the LORD before he visited the witch of Endor, but he did not inquire of the LORD typically.

By recounting Saul's death, the writer intended to bring many of the lessons connected with the people's demand for a king, and Saul's history, back to the minds of his restoration readers. Hopefully it will do the same for us.

"From the triumph of the men of Jabesh-Gilead in the rescue of the bodies of Saul and his sons [v. 12] we learn that there is a respect due to the remains of the deceased."[93]

"For the Chronicler, the disobedient Saul (v. 13) was if anything a foil meant to show the faithfulness of David."[94]

In contrast to Saul, David was God's choice for Israel. His reign resulted in blessing, not blasting.

"One of the striking features of the Chronicler's theology is his attempt to correlate blessing with faithfulness and judgment with disobedience. He returned to the theme again and again …"[95]

A comparison of this chapter with 1 Samuel 31:6-10 shows how the Chronicler heightened the disastrous nature of Saul's death in subtle ways.[96] In this, and the following chapters, four themes interweave. These themes are: the nation, the ark, the testimony, and the temple, as the following chart illustrates:[97]

B.     David's Coronation and Capital 11:1-9

David is really the hero of both 1 and 2 Chronicles. The heart of Chronicles is the rise of David and the establishment of the Davidic kingdom, which begins with chapter 11.

"They [1 and 2 Chronicles] look forward with anticipation to the coming King who will bring in God's final salvation and blessing."[98]

"The … Chronicler, the composer of the original work, structured his history around the figure of David and his dynasty, focusing attention on the religious activity of the monarch and his successors."[99]

"David's heroic personality exemplifies the success that God bestows on those who trust in him, whether in the Chronicler's time or any other."[100]

In 1 Chronicles the writer documented David's greatness as God's faithful vice-regent. In 2 Chronicles he evaluated all David's successors in terms of David's successes. In the chapters that unfold from this point forward, the writer wove his hope for Israel's future together with God's love, as demonstrated in His past faithfulness, in order to encourage faith and obedience in his readers.

David's eventual coronation was inevitable because God had chosen him as king long before Saul died. The Chronicler began his history of David with his coronation over all 12 tribes (cf. 2 Sam. 5:1-5). This fact probably reflects the writer's concern for the unity of God's chosen people. The people recognized David as the appropriate king because he had led Israel. Furthermore, God had anointed him to shepherd the people (his function) and to be prince over them (his office under Yahweh, vv. 1-2). David's elevation happened as God had announced through Samuel (v. 3). God was leading the nation. These verses provide solid evidence that David, not Saul, was God's preference as king of Israel.

David's capture of Jerusalem was foundational to all the political and religious events that followed (cf. 2 Sam. 5:6-10). The earliest reference to Jerusalem (also called Salem, Jebus, Zion, the city of David) that archaeologists have found so far occurs in the Ebla tablets that date from about 2400 B.C.[101] Joab's deed shows that he was a mighty warrior (11:6).

By fortifying Jerusalem, David established a secure base of operations at a politically neutral site between Israel and Judah. This led to his succeeding, though the real reason for his greatness was that the LORD of armies was with him. God was with David because David was with God, as well as because God had chosen David as His vice-regent. Payne believed that David established a "constitutional" monarchy, which was unique in the ancient Near East.[102]

C.     David's Mighty Men 11:10—12:40

This list of great warriors reflects the greatness of David (cf. 2 Sam. 23:8-39). People know something about a man or woman by the company that he or she keeps. The writer identified three groups of David's warriors: the chiefs among David's mighty men (11:10-25), the mighty men in David's army (11:26-47), and the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag (ch. 12).

There are several differences between the numbers in Chronicles and those in parallel passages in Samuel, Kings, and elsewhere. A case in point is 11:11, where we read that Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, killed 300 at one time. But 2 Samuel 23:8 says that Joshebbassebeth, a Tahchemonite, killed 800 at one time. The number in Samuel is apparently the correct one in this case, and the difference was evidently due to a scribal error in copying. Other explanations are that Jashobeam slew 800 on one occasion and 300 on another, or that he attacked 800 and killed 300, and the rest fled.[103]

David was a leader who had won the confidence and support of the strongest men in Israel as well as Judah. The episode in 11:15-19 shows why men such as these pledged their loyalty to David: He showed unusual sensitivity to the dangers that his men faced.

Chapter 12 has no parallel in Samuel. Its unique emphases are these: Men from Israel as well as Judah followed David, and there was a very large number of them (v. 22). David also had many other supporters (vv. 39-40). Even Saul's relatives followed him (vv. 2, 16, 29).[104] God sanctioned the plan of these men to turn the kingdom of Saul over to David (v. 23).

Verses 1 through 22 list the valiant men who went over to David before Saul's death. Of this group, some were Benjamites (Saul's tribe) who joined David in Ziklag (vv. 1-7), others were Gadites (vv. 8-15), Judahites and other Benjamites (vv. 16-18) who joined David while he was in the wilderness of Judah, and Manassites who joined David in Ziklag after his return from fighting the Amalekites (vv. 19-22). The rest of this chapter lists the fighting men who participated in David's anointing as king in Hebron (vv. 23-40).

 

The number of tribes represented in this list is 14, rather than the usual 12. The writer's purpose seems to have been to show that all the Israelites, in the fullest and widest sense, supported David.[105]

With regard to the men of Issachar "who understood the times" (v. 32), Keil wrote:

"The statement in question … affirms nothing more than that the tribe of Issachar (in deciding to raise David to the throne) followed the judgment of its princes, who rightly estimated the circumstances of the time."[106]

Popular enthusiasm for David was overwhelming (v. 38; cf. v. 18). Verse 18 is poetry (cf. 16:8-36 for the only other poetry in 1 Chronicles).[107] The writer named all the tribes, proving broad-based support (vv. 24-37). This emphasis is much stronger in Chronicles than it is in Samuel.

Chapters 11 and 12 give evidence of what God told David later in 17:8, namely, "I have been with you wherever you have gone." They also provide hope that God would do for David what He promised in 17:10, namely, "I will subdue all your enemies."

D.     David and the Ark chs. 13—16

"In the Chronicler's eyes David's reign consisted of two great religious phases, his movement of the ark to Jerusalem (chs. 13—16) and his preparations for the building of the temple (chs. 17—19 or at least 17—22, 28, 29). The intent of the parallelism seems to be to mark the ends of these two phases with praise and prayer that both glorified Yahweh and spelled out his relationship to his people in theological terms appropriate to the Chronicler and his constituency."[108]

"Prayer plays an important role in 1 & 2 Chronicles. We find five major prayers (whose contents are given) included in the books. These prayers are all by good kings—David (2), Solomon, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah—and their inclusion performs at least two functions: first, they reinforce the positive picture that the Chronicler wants to paint of these kings; second, their contents provide us with rich insights into God Himself, His desires for His people, and ways of properly relating to God."[109]

The ark of the covenant plays a central role in chapters 13—16 (cf. 2 Sam. 6). It was not only a symbol of God's grace and presence, but it was the actual place where God had chosen to reside among His people (Exod. 25:22). The Chronicler showed great interest in the location of the ark, because that was where God was and where He manifested His grace. David's desire to bring the ark into Jerusalem shows his concern that God would dwell among His people (cf. Exod. 19:3-6; 25:8). It also reveals his desire that the people would again have ritual access to God. They had not had this during Saul's reign, when the Philistines held the ark captive, or when the Israelites kept it in a private residence (13:3). God blessed David and his kingdom in many ways for bringing the ark into Jerusalem. David's desire to honor Yahweh as Israel's Head served as a model for the postexilic community. The Chronicler probably related the ark's movement to Jerusalem in stages in order to heighten anticipation in the reader. I counted 48 references to the ark in 1 and 2 Chronicles.

1.     The removal of the ark from Kiriath-jearim ch. 13 (cf. 2 Sam. 6:1-11)

The lesson that the writer intended this incident to teach the readers is that Yahweh is holy, so His people should not take His presence among them lightly (cf. Lev. 10:1-11; Num. 16). God's presence is real, and His people must deal with Him in harmony with His character (cf. Exod. 25—31). It would have been tempting to regard the rituals and physical objects used in worship as common. The writer warned his readers not to make this fatal mistake.

"In a real sense Yahweh was wherever His Ark was. It crystallized His immanence, bearing witness to both His nearness and His sovereignty."[110]

In contrast to this account in 2 Samuel, the Chronicler related that the people played an important part in moving the ark (v. 4). This is understandable since his purpose was to encourage the Israelites of his day to do what was right, since there was no king on Israel's throne. This democratization characteristic appears several times elsewhere in Chronicles.

Even though there was much joy and worship as the people transported the ark, they did not obey God's orders for its proper treatment (vv. 7, 9; cf. Num. 4:15). Worship can never replace obedience to God's revealed will (cf. 1 Sam. 15:22-23).

"Today there are many folk who are putting their hands in the Lord's work where they should not be putting them. They are interfering with the Lord's work. I could tell you of many instances of men, probably meaning well, but not doing it God's way. As a result, blessing does not come. Just so in the case of the ark—the man who interfered was put out of the way."[111]

"If God's order is to be restored, it must be done in His way."[112]

Where God's presence abode there was power—as always (v. 14).

2.     Restoring fellowship with Yahweh ch. 14 (cf. 2 Sam. 5:11-25)

God blessed David and his kingdom because David had honored God by seeking to bring the ark into Jerusalem. The Chronicler recorded three instances of divine blessing in this chapter. First, God gave David favor in the eyes of his neighbor allies. This resulted in his kingdom experiencing great honor in the ancient Near East (vv. 1-2). Second, God increased David's personal fertility by giving him many children (vv. 3-7).

"The blessing of offspring is one of the most generally recognized signs of blessing in the OT, and Chronicles is no exception."[113]

A problem that bothers some students of David's life is this. In view of the high moral standards that God requires for qualification as an elder in the church, why did God bless David as He did since he had many wives (v. 3)?

First, an appreciation of the Holy Spirit's ministry in the Old Testament is crucial to understanding this apparent inconsistency. References to the Holy Spirit's ministry to select Old Testament saints connect with His enabling them to gain military victories to deliver His people from their enemies (e.g., Judg. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6, 19; 1 Sam. 11:6; et al.). The Spirit's indwelling ministry to every Christian after the day of Pentecost focuses on the transformation of the believer's character into Christ's image (e.g., Gal. 5:16-24; et al.).

Second, an appreciation of God's different purposes in Israel and the church is helpful. In Old Testament Israel, God was manifesting His glory primarily through the uniqueness of Israel and through its national institutions. In the New Testament church, God is glorifying Himself primarily through the lives of the individual and corporate temples that He indwells. These are Spirit-controlled people and churches. God was more merciful with David's polygamy in view of His purposes then. In view of His purposes now, He requires a higher degree of personal holiness.

Third, the progress of revelation helps us understand this issue. Old Testament saints had revelation concerning the sin of polygamy (Gen. 2:24; Deut. 17:16-17). However, they did not have the added privilege and responsibility of the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles on this subject (Matt 5; 19; 1 Cor. 7; Eph. 5; Col. 3; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1; Heb. 13; 1 Pet. 3).

Greater privilege always results in greater responsibility. David's understanding of God's will was not as comprehensive as ours is, and consequently God did not hold him as culpable as He holds us in this particular matter.

The third instance of God's blessing in this chapter is that God gave David victory over his enemies, the Philistines (vv. 8-17).

"This talk of stepping out on faith may not be faith at all. It may be presumption. Instead of trusting God, we may be tempting God. We need to wait for the Lord to give the signal, for that sound in the tops of the mulberry trees [v. 15]. We need to be careful that what we call stepping out on faith isn't simply a foolish move. Sometimes we are tempting God instead of trusting Him."[114]

Since Saul's death the Philistines had dominated Canaan. Finally David brought them under his control. The result was that other nations feared David (v. 17).

"The Davidic victories determined unequivocally his position as an independent king, completely free of any subordination to Philistine patronage. However, these victories were not final, and military encounters with the Philistines were to continue for some time (II Sam. 8.1//I Chron. 18.1, etc.)."[115]

In the renaming of Baal-perazim (v. 14), as well as Perez-uzza (13:11), David and the Chronicler emphasized God breaking into the life of His people. In the first instance it was for judgment, but in the second it was for blessing. This record would have encouraged the restoration community to remember that God could do the same for them.

"Let David's thankful acknowledgment of the hand of God in his successes direct us to bring all our sacrifices of praise to God's altar."[116]

3.     The importance of the priests and Levites 15:1-15

"The Levites are referred to 98 times and the priest(s) 111 times [in 1 and 2 Chronicles]."[117]

David had learned that he had to handle the ark as God had prescribed (cf. 2 Sam. 6:12-23). He had to relate to God on His terms. His preparation of a tent for the ark in Jerusalem was in harmony with God's instructions (Exod. 26). David scrupulously observed the Mosaic Law as he brought the ark into Jerusalem (vv. 13, 15). His obedience was worship, but David also provided for other expressions of worship: namely, music and praise.

"One cannot … understand the theology of Chronicles without understanding the centrality of worship and its formal apparatus to the life of the theocratic people."[118]

4.     The joy produced by God's presence 15:16—16:6

David provided for a full orchestra and choir to sing God's praises at his new worship center. He originated musical guilds and services.[119] God's presence in Israel's capital symbolized His leadership over the nation, and it brought great joy to all the godly. This incident (15:16) marked the beginning of the Levitical singers' ministry in Israel (16:7).

Michal possessed a different spirit, however (15:29). Her concept of kingship in Israel was her father's, namely, that the human king was the ultimate authority in Israel as in other ancient Near Eastern countries. It was her attitude, rather than David's actions, that was despicable.

"Anyone who is enthusiastic and excited about a football game is called a fan, but a person who feels that way about religion is called a fanatic!"[120]

According to the Mosaic Law, individual Israelites were to bring their sacrificial animals to the sanctuary and slay them themselves (Lev. 1:3-5; 3:2; 1 Chron. 16:1-2). Only the priests were to place the blood and other parts of the animals on the altar (Lev. 1:5; 3:2, 5). How could David, clothed in a priestly garment (15:27), offer sacrifices to God since he was not an Aaronic priest? Evidently he did so as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, fulfilling the provisions of the Abrahamic Covenant, rather than as an Aaronic priest serving under the Mosaic Covenant.[121] David realized he was the king promised to the patriarchs (Gen. 17:6; 49:10; et al.) for whom Israel had been looking (cf. 1 Sam. 2:10).[122]

"David functioned as the type for the Messiah as a king who is also a priest."[123]

David personalized God's blessing on Israel by giving each participant bread, meat, and fruit, which were emblems of fruitfulness (16:3).

5.     David's concern for the universal worship of Yahweh 16:7-43

This hymn (vv. 8-36) was probably one of many that the people sang on this occasion. It expressed the hopes and thoughts of the Israelites assembled that the returned exiles needed to emulate. This thanksgiving song is a medley of several psalms (96:1-13; 105:1-15; 106:1, 47-48). It stresses that the intended result of Israel's worship was the salvation of the nations so that they, too, might come and worship Yahweh (cf. Exod. 19:5-6; Isa. 42:6; Zech. 2:10-11).

The hymn began with a call to worship that embraced the nations (vv. 8-13; cf. Isa. 12:4).

"Do you seek His face continually [v. 11]? What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning? When you go to bed at night, what is the last thing you think about? Do you think about God all during the day?" Or do you just leave God behind when you go to work or go to school or go to a social gathering?"[124]

The people next extolled God's greatness and glory (vv. 14-22). They stressed God's unmerited favor toward Israel's patriarchs in this section. Another call to worship (vv. 23-24) led to another section of praise that emphasizes Yahweh's superiority over the nations' gods (vv. 25-26) and His creative power (vv. 27-30). The final part of the hymn called on all people to turn to Yahweh in trust and obedience in view of His coming to judge and save (vv. 31-36).[125] Throughout this hymn the emphasis rests on God's deeds, God's words, God's greatness, and God's worth.

David let the sanctuary (the Mosaic tabernacle) remain at Gibeon and provided for worship and sacrifice to continue there (vv. 37-42). He appointed Zadok as the priest in charge of that tabernacle. Throughout Israel's history, the ark was a symbol of God's grace and the altar was a symbol of human response to that grace. Normally they were together, but in Saul's day they were separate.[126] The ark was in Philistia, Bethshemesh, or Kiriath-jearim, and the tabernacle was at Shiloh or Gibeon.

Chapters 13—16 help the reader focus on the presence of God as what is essential, rather than on ritual that, though important, is only a means to an end. Worship is appropriate in view of who God is, but for worship to be acceptable, God's people must worship Him as He has prescribed. Furthermore, worship must be God-centered rather than man-centered.

E.     God's Covenant Promises to David chs. 17—29

The dominating theme in 1 Chronicles is the Davidic Covenant, the receiving of which was the most important event in David's life. God promised to give him an eternal kingdom, and He formalized that promise by making a covenant with him. The writer repeated three times that David's descendants would be God's instruments for bringing salvation to the nations.

The Chronicler referred to the Davidic Covenant seven times in his book (1 Chron. 17:11-14; 22:8-13; 28:6-7; 2 Chron. 6:8-9, 16; 7:17-18; 13:5; 21:7). Many students of Chronicles have regarded the Davidic Covenant as the heart of these books because it established David's kingly line with promises that relate to the temple and the priesthood. The temple and the priesthood are two major themes of these books. God brought them under Davidic rule forever, as the Chronicler revealed. Another unifying theme is the steps taken toward the building of the temple.

"These [steps] include identification of the builder (ch. 17), the necessary political conditions (18—20), site (21), materials and plans (22, 28—29), and the personnel (the primary layer in 23—27)."[127]

1.     The first account of God's promises to David chs. 17—21

In some particulars, the promises God gave David related to him personally. However, other promises pertained to his descendants and, in particular, to one descendant who would do for Israel much more than David could do. In chapters 17—21 the emphasis is on the promises that related to David personally. The writer evidently wanted to establish God's faithfulness in fulfilling these to encourage his readers to trust God to fulfill the yet unfulfilled promises concerning David's great Son. Chapter 17 is similar to 2 Samuel 7.

In 17:8, God promised David victory over his enemies. The writer recorded that victory in chapters 18—20. In 17:9-12, God promised David that He would establish a place for Israel and a place for Himself within Israel (v. 12; cf. Deut. 12:1-11). The Chronicler documented the selection of that place in chapter 21. These verses contain promises central to the Chronicler's emphasis and purpose.

The promises of the Davidic Covenant 17:1-15

The main reason that God did not allow David to proceed with his plans to build Him a house (temple) was that God, not David, was sovereign (v. 12). A secondary reason was that David was a man of war (22:8; 28:3). God reserved the right to choose who should build such a place, as well as when and where it should be built. It was inappropriate for David to decide these things, though his desire to honor God in this way was certainly commendable. David's plans were premature and presumptuous (cf. Israel's desire to have a king like all the other nations), though pardonable because he sought to glorify Yahweh.

"In Near Eastern thought there was a widely recognized relationship between the earthly kingship and the temple of the protecting deity of the city-state. The state was seen as a reflection of the cosmic reality of the divine government, which stood behind the state. The state, with its various hierarchies, culminated in the earthly kingship at its apex. This was thought to be parallel to a cosmic state of affairs with its own gradations in which the major deity headed a pantheon of lesser deities. The ultimate kingship of the protecting deity was thought to be expressed through, and paralleled by, the empirical kingship exercised by the ruler of the city-state on earth. This concept was given concrete expression in the relationship that existed between the temple of the city-state and the palace of the king of the city-state. The temple was the earthly residence of the deity, and the palace was the residence of the earthly representative of the deity, that is, the king."[128]

"Often we may have to accept that the work which we would dearly like to perform in terms of Christian service is not that for which we are best equipped, and not that to which God has in fact called us. It may be, like David's, a preparatory work, leading to something more obviously grand. Recognition and acceptance of our true measure is the first and necessary step towards seeing the significance of what, in God's purposes, we really can achieve and have achieved."[129]

God's plan was that David's son would build Him a house, and He revealed this to David (vv. 11-15). However, these words look beyond Solomon to One who would not fail to fulfill all God's purposes as David's descendant.

"This verse [13] along with Psalms 2:7, 12, is one of the major OT revelations on the deity of the Messiah. It foretells Jesus' being uniquely God's son (Heb. 1:5; cf. Acts 13:33; Heb. 5:5), for it is not really applicable to Solomon (cf. comment on 22:10) or to any other of David's more immediate successors …"[130]

Verse 14 likewise points to a more than merely human successor. It also clarifies that Yahweh was the real King of Israel, even though He exercised His rule on earth through human mediators.

In 2 Samuel 7, the warnings of discipline if David's descendants failed God focused attention on Solomon and the kings that followed him through Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 17 those warnings are absent. This fact probably indicates that the Chronicler was looking beyond the kings of Judah who had failed and died to the King who was yet to come. This King would carry out God's will perfectly (cf. Isa. 9:6; John 4:34). This would have given the restoration community renewed hope.[131]

"Though there can be little argument that the covenant with David was unconditional both in its granting and in its perpetuity, the benefits of that covenant to David and to the nation depended on their obedience to the terms of the Mosaic Covenant within which the monarchy functioned. In this respect and only in this respect was the Davidic Covenant conditional."[132]

David's response to God's promises 17:16-27

David manifested and attitude of humility (v. 16) and trust (v. 27) in his prayer.[133] Most of what he prayed was thanksgiving for what God had promised (vv. 20-27). David's idea that the Israelites were Yahweh's "own people" (v. 22) reflects Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 7:6 and 14:2.

"The erection of the temple was an assertion of the divine control over the political and religious life of the state (v. 22)."[134]

David's response was a model for the returned exiles, and it is for us.

David's victories over his enemies chs. 18—20

These chapters record the fulfillment of God's promised victory over David's enemies as part of the Davidic Covenant (17:8). David was successful because God was with him and helped him (18:6, 13; cf. 19:19).[135] Human kings only defeat themselves when they oppose the LORD and His anointed (cf. Ps. 2:1-2). The evidence that God gave David victory bolsters confidence that He will do the same to David's great Son: Messiah.

The Chronicler recorded David's victories over the Philistines (18:1), the Moabites (18:2), the Arameans (18:3-11), the Edomites (18:12-13), and the Ammonites (19:1—20:3). Compare chapter 18 with 2 Samuel 8, and chapter 19 with 2 Samuel 10, where accounts of these victories occur.

"While in the book of Samuel David's wars are scattered throughout the narrative, in Chronicles they are all gathered into this one pericope [section of text]. This immediately presents David as 'the great warrior' of Israel's history. It should be emphasized, however, that in Chronicles, and for that matter also in Samuel, this is but one aspect of David's multi-faceted character, and does not diminish his role as the king who prepared for the building of the Temple and ruled over all Israel in justice."[136]

"God gives men power, not that they may look great with it, but that they may do good with it."[137]

"The story [of David setting aside treasure for the building of the temple, in 18:9-11] suggests to us the possibility of our helping very really the work of God to which, in some respects, we may not be permitted to put our hands. The passion of the heart may have been to go into the foreign field of service, and for some reason the way is blocked, evidently by God. The temptation is to think that therefore we are excluded from that work. Let us rather set ourselves to gather treasure for the work, and so keep the passion burning."[138]

The Mesopotamia in 19:6 was probably not the large land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, which was inhabited by the Assyrians and Babylonians, but the district on the upper western Euphrates known as Aram Naharaim (or Aram-maacah), where the Arameans, or ancient Syrians, lived. Maacah (19:7) was a small kingdom located between Damascus and the Sea of Galilee.[139]

Kings normally waged war at the end of the spring of the year (20:1; cf. 2 Sam. 11:1, 26-31) for two reasons: the spring rains had ended and drier weather had begun, and the spring barley harvest was over, so the farmers could get away from their lands and go to war.[140]

The crown of the Ammonite king weighed a talent of gold (over 66 pounds) and it was placed on David's head (v. 2). He must have worn it for only a short time, since it was so heavy. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown wrote that such crowns were normally suspended by gold chains over a king's throne.[141]

The Chronicler also noted David's defeat of the giants who came from the home of his first great adversary: Goliath (20:4-8; cf. 2 Sam. 21:15-22). David's wars were both aggressive and defensive (cf. ch. 19).[142]

The writer portrayed David as having acted decisively to rid his kingdom of internal and external threats. He set up garrisons in Israel's neighbor states by which he extended his influence beyond his own borders (18:6, 13). God's blessing of Israel paralleled His blessing of David. Both nation and king had begun in humility with lowly origins but had expanded because of God's grace and David's appropriate trust and obedience in view of that grace (cf. 17:7).

These chapters also help clarify why David did not build the temple himself: He was a man of war who had shed much blood, and his reign was not a period of rest, which was necessary for the establishment of a central sanctuary. Also these chapters show the economic prosperity that would have been needed for temple building, which characterized Solomon's reign more than David's.[143]

God's provision of a place for Israel ch. 21 (cf. 2 Sam. 24)

Chapter 21 records the fulfillment of God's second personal promise to David, namely, that He would appoint a place where Israel could dwell securely (17:9). This was a promise of peace for Israel, but as the verses following 17:9 make clear, God had more than this in mind. He intended to dwell among His people in the house Solomon would build (17:11-12). God's presence was the real source of Israel's security. By giving Israel a place, God would provide for Himself a place where He would dwell, specifically the temple. Chapter 21 records God's choice of the place where He would dwell, the site of the temple. There David's successor would build a house for Yahweh (17:12).

"It may also be said that having empowered Israel to defeat their human foes, God provided a place of atonement and divine manifestation whereby they could defeat (or hold at bay) their nonhuman enemy, Satan."[144]

The writer gave much attention to detail and background events because of the importance of the temple site.[145] All these events point to God's ultimate purpose for the temple: that it would draw the Israelites and the Gentiles to Himself.

"Here, by divine command, is to be the site of the temple. It is a gift not from Ornan but from God. The grace of God, in giving this to His people as the place where ark and altar are to be brought together, is a thing to be wondered at."[146]

David paid "600 shekels of gold by weight for the site [lit. place]"—probably all of Mt Moriah (v. 25).[147] But the price that he paid, perhaps previously, for Ornan's threshing floor and his oxen was only "50 shekels of silver" (2 Sam. 24:24).

One explanation of David's decision to number the people is that he wanted to institute a regular and permanent system of taxation.[148] Another is that David wanted to take pride in the large number of his people. Apparently David's lack of faith in God's ability to save and/or provide for His people led him to number the people (vv. 1-7).

"My friend, you don't feel the need of God when you have one million men [cf. v. 5]. When you have only a slingshot and five stones, you know you need Him."[149]

God did not approve of David's attitude, and even though David confessed his sin and God removed his guilt, the consequences of his sin followed (vv. 8-12). Notice that David did not try to cover up his sin, as he tried to do when he sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah. Instead, he readily confessed it (v. 8). He had evidently learned the importance of quick confession. David's words to Gad again model a proper response to God (v. 13).

"Experience had taught him that human passion and vengeance had no bounds, whereas our wise and gracious Father in heaven knows the kind, and regulates the extent, of chastisement which every one needs."[150]

By referring to Gad as a "seer" (v. 9), the writer implied that Gad served David primarily by seeking and inquiring of God, and getting divine revelation back to David (cf. 1 Sam. 22:5; 2 Sam. 24:11-19). In contrast, the "prophet" Nathan's primary role appears to have been announcing messages from the LORD to the king (cf. 2 Sam. 7:2-17; 1 Chron. 17:1-15).[151] God's compassion is also evident in His relenting and reducing His originally intended judgment (v. 15; cf. Exod. 32:14; et al.).

David volunteered to bear God's judgment in place of the innocent Israelites (vv. 16-17). However, God instructed him to build an altar at the place of God's judgment and to offer the sacrifice that the Mosaic Law required. That was the site God chose for His house (21:18—22:1). That place forever after, as long as Israel occupied the land, would be where the priests would atone for the Israelites' sins by sacrifice. God demonstrated His approval of David's offerings by sending fire from heaven (v. 26; cf. Lev. 9:24; 1 Kings 18:38). The primary reason for including this incident involving David's sin was that it explains the site chosen for the temple.[152] This is the only place in the Bible where God offered someone a choice of punishment.

The Hebrew word transliterated "Satan" (satan; v. 1) means "Adversary". Adversary would be a better translation here. This is the first time in Scripture the word appears without the definite article as a proper noun. It seems that the adversary God permitted to worry David into numbering the people was a foreign enemy (v. 12; cf. 1 Sam. 29:4; 2 Sam. 19:23; 24:1-25; 1 Kings 5:4; 11:14, 23, 25).[153] Of course Satan played a role in this temptation, but it was evidently fear of one of his neighbors that disturbed David's mind.[154]

"The major reason for taking a census in Israel was to lay the basis for levying taxes (Exod 30:12; Num 3:40-51) or registering men for military service (Num 26:1-4)."[155]

"The version of the incident in the Book of 2 Samuel [24:1] gives an underlying theological perspective, while the Chronicler simply describes what happened from a human perspective."[156]

David's response to Gad's instructions indicated his true repentance. He left the decision about punishment entirely in God's hands and did not seek to control it.

"Perhaps the one thing that impresses more than David's sins in his life are his repentances (cf. 2 Sam. 12:13ff., and, associated in its heading with the same incident, Ps. 51). We do well to let his willingness to come fully to terms with his deficiencies inform our own responses to our moral failures before God."[157]

Chapters 17—21 give the writer's first account of what God promised David in the Davidic Covenant. The things that God promised, He provided in David's lifetime and shortly after that. They included victory in battle, expanded influence, and a glorious reputation. The record of this promise is in 17:8, and the fulfillment is in chapters 18—20. The second promise was a secure, peaceful place for Israel that made necessary a place for Yahweh to dwell among His people in fellowship. The record of this promise is in 17:9-12, and chapter 21 guarantees its fulfillment. These promises and their fulfillments would have given the original readers of Chronicles great confidence. They would have encouraged them that Yahweh would yet fulfill those promises in the Davidic Covenant that had not yet materialized but were still future for them. The record should have the same effect on us today.

"Up to this point [i.e., 1 Chron. 21:27] the narrative has been about 'David consolidating his rule,' leading to his supreme and final act, in his regal capacity, of acquiring a site where the temple might be built. Chr[onicler]H[istorian] is prepared now [in 1 Chron. 21:28—2 Chron. 9:31] to tell how the resources of David's kingdom, sacred and profane, would be mobilized for the actual occurrence of this supreme event."[158]

2.     The second account of God's promises to David chs. 22—27

In this group of chapters we have David's preparations for the fulfillment of those aspects of the covenant that extended beyond his reign. We can see David's belief that God would fulfill the rest of His promises in the ways that he prepared for their fulfillment. He prepared in two ways: by gathering materials for the construction of the temple (ch. 22), and by appointing the officials who would guide Israel after his death (chs. 23—27). Chapters 28 and 29 continue this theme of David preparing for a smooth transition of power, and they are almost entirely unique to 1 Chronicles.[159]

David concerned himself with what God had promised. In this he was a godly example to the restoration Jews, and he is to us. He wanted to see God's kingdom come, namely, the kingdom that God had promised (cf. Matt. 6:10). The focus of the promise was the house for God that Solomon would build. David did all that he could to pave the way for its coming into reality (cf. Ps. 69:9; John 2:17). The postexilic remnant demonstrated little zeal to rebuild the temple or to reestablish God's kingdom on earth (Hag. 1:2). The Book of Chronicles was one instrument that God used to stir them up to action (cf. Hag. 2:20-23; and Zech.).

Preparations for temple construction ch. 22

This chapter records David's plans to assemble building materials and workers for the construction of the temple (vv. 2-5).

"Most striking in these verses [vv. 3-4] are the enormous quantities of the materials."[160]

David instructed Solomon carefully in what God had promised so his son would carry out the work as God wanted it done (vv. 6-16). He then called upon the chiefs of the people to give Solomon their support in the work (vv. 17-19). This is the first of three speeches by David that the Chronicler recorded: vv. 2-19; 28:1-21; and 29:1-9. Since David did so much to prepare for the temple's construction and maintenance, we could justifiably refer to it as David's temple, rather than as Solomon's temple.[161]

The writer provided another reason that God did not permit David to build the temple himself: God wanted a man characterized by peace to build His house (v. 8). David not only shed blood in obedience to God (14:10; 19:13), but he had also been guilty of excessive violence (cf. 2 Sam. 8:2; 11:4, 15). Solomon not only ruled in peaceful times, after David had subdued Israel's enemies, but his name even relates to the Hebrew word for peace (shalom). Shalom does not just mean the absence of war, however. It includes the fullness of Yahweh's blessing that Israel enjoyed because of David's reign.

If God's revelation to David (v. 8) took place at the same time as the one mentioned in 2 Samuel 7:2, Solomon's birth appears to have followed the giving of the Davidic Covenant (cf. v. 9). However, it seems probable that God gave the revelation in verse 8 to David before Solomon was born (v. 9). He evidently repeated it after Solomon's birth when He gave David the covenant (2 Sam. 7:2). Such a repetition is very probable in view of David's great desire to build a house for the LORD. This was the passion of his life at the time that he became king and from then on.

David also mentioned a qualification on God's promise: obedience to God's will (v. 13). Solomon would only prosper as he submitted obediently to God's authority. Solomon and all who followed him failed God to some extent. Consequently, the original readers of Chronicles anticipated a Son of David who would yet come and complete what Solomon and the other kings of Judah could not. These promises were still unfulfilled in the returned exiles' day, as they are in ours.

"David is here to Solomon much like Moses was to Joshua. David could do all the preparations for the temple but could not build it, just as Moses could not lead Israel into Canaan."[162]

"Both in the Masoretic text and in the Septuagint this remarkably large figure of '100,000 talents of gold and 1,000,000 talents of silver' [v. 14] is given. Such a sum as this might have been beyond the resources of the Caesars themselves. It would be quite possible to commit an error in textual transmission in the act of copying out large numbers of this sort. … Perhaps the original figure was '10,000 talents of gold'; perhaps the silver total of 1,000,000 was miscopied from an original 100,000. … At the same time it should be observed that the Masoretic text figure cannot be excluded from the realm of possibility."[163]

"It seems incredible, but the king said he had amassed 3,750 tons of gold and 37,500 tons of silver, and that there was so much bronze and iron that it couldn't be weighed. At least Solomon wouldn't have to take up any collections!"[164]

"In the capitals of the Asiatic kingdoms of antiquity, enormous quantities of the precious metals were accumulated."[165]

Preparations for temple service chs. 23—26

Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 23 provide an outline for what follows in chapters 23—27, but in reverse order. After David appointed Solomon as his coregent in 973 B.C., he began the preparations that the writer described here.

"These four chapters [chs. 23—26] give a connected view of the condition of the Levites towards the end, i.e. in the fortieth year, of David's reign (cf. xxiii. 1 and xxvi. 31), and of the sections into which they were divided according to their various services."[166]

The Levites ch. 23

David adapted the service of the Levites, who assisted the priests, to the new temple ritual. This form of worship was a combination of tabernacle and divinely approved revised worship (vv. 3-32; Num. 3). The Chronicler gave the number of the Levites and the names of the family heads in Levi's tribe first (vv. 3-24). This list provides the number of the Levites and the division of their duties (vv. 3-5), the three branches of Levi's family (v. 6), and the descendants of the Gershonites (vv. 7-11), Kohathites (vv. 12-20), and Mararites (vv. 21-23). After a summary statement (v. 24), the writer explained the duties that David prescribed for the Levites (vv. 25-32). When the Israelites left Egypt, the Levites who were between the ages of 30 and 50 numbered 8,580 (Num. 4:47-48). In David's day, the Levites "from 30 years old and upward" numbered 38,000 (v. 3).

In all his planning, David was careful to abide within the guidelines of the Mosaic Law and other instructions that he had received from the LORD (cf. 28:19). Previously the Levites had served mainly by carrying the tabernacle and its furnishings from place to place (Num. 2—4) and by instructing the people in the Law (Lev. 11—27). Now their duty was also to maintain the temple and its worship, with the exception of matters reserved for the priests (vv. 28-32).

"To entitle this section the 'organization of the Levites' is to make it sound like bureaucratic regimentation. It is rather to be seen as a scaffolding for that house, a structure to enable God's people to function as they ought."[167]

The high priest supervised the priests in their temple service (v. 28; 24:1-19). Priests were descendants of Aaron and constituted only one branch of the Levitical family (Num. 18:7). The priests continued to offer sacrifices and offerings on the brazen and incense (golden) altars (Num. 18:1-7). David organized the priests into 24 groups, each of which served for one week at a time (2 Chron. 23:18).

"Archaeological discoveries show … that the critic has no right to say that David could not have developed the temple music [cf. vv. 5-6], for the excavations show a definite development of music and musical instruments not only in David's time (c. 1000 B.C.), but also very much earlier …"[168]

The priestly divisions ch. 24

Chapter 24 records introductory background information (vv. 1-6) and the 24 divisions of the priests (vv. 7-19), and groups the Levites and their order of service (vv. 20-31). The casting of lots determined this order. Zadok and Ahimelech served as high priests (v. 6). Ahimelech, a descendant of Eli, served at the Jerusalem tent that David had erected for the ark, until Zadok replaced him. Zadok originally oversaw the sanctuary at Gibeon until David brought him into Jerusalem to take Ahimelech's place. Abiathar, Ahimelech's son, rebelled against Solomon, and from then on Zadok served as high priest alone.

Every detail of temple service was important to David. This shows his heart for God and how he lived in the present with the future that God had promised clearly in view.

"The phrase 'with a perfect heart' or 'with all the heart' occurs 21 times in Chronicles, whereas it is found only three times in the parallel passages in Kings."[169]

David lowered the age required for Levitical service from 30 to 20. He may have done this because there was a need for many more Levites under the new system of worship (vv. 24, 27; cf. v. 3).[170]

The musicians ch. 25

David also organized some of the Levitical families as temple musicians. Asaph was a Gershonite (6:39-43), Heman a Kohathite (6:33), and Jeduthun (Ethan) a Merarite (6:44-47). They and their descendants were responsible for singing praises to God and leading the people in doing the same (vv. 1-8). This is what "prophesying" included (v. 1; cf. Exod. 15:20-21; 1 Sam. 10:5; 19:20).[171]

"There is no doubt that it is used in its broadest sense of forthtelling rather than its more restricted sense of foretelling. Therefore, music is at once the medium of expressing praise to God, and telling forth that praise in the hearing of men for their instruction and blessing."[172]

These musicians, too, served in 24 divisions (vv. 9-31). The re-establishment of temple worship was important in postexilic Israel, and music played a large part in it. Consequently, David's organization would have been of great interest then.

Miriam, Deborah, and Philip's four daughters are all called prophetesses in the Bible (Exod. 15:20-21; Judg. 4:4; Acts 21:8-9). Miriam and Deborah both composed songs recorded in Scripture; they did not just lead the people in singing, though Miriam did that, too. The sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun (v. 1) also composed some of the psalms. We do not know if Philip's daughters composed songs, but in view of the other examples that we have of prophets and prophetesses, they may have. In any case, the definition of "prophet" should probably be understood to mean "worship leader," not in the restricted sense of a song-leader, but of a person who also passed along messages (songs) that God had inspired.

The organization of a temple choir (v. 7) is surprising, since the Chronicler elsewhere presented Israel's worship as done in compliance with the Mosaic Law, which made no provision for a choir. However, the prophets Nathan and Gad had authorized this choir (2 Chron. 29:25). Furthermore, this choir was in harmony with other legislation in the Law directing praise of the LORD (cf. Num. 10:10; Deut. 10:8; 18:5). Also, the general scriptural admonition to rejoice in God's presence encouraged creative expressions of worship in harmony with God's Word.[173]

"David was Israel's Mozart, a consummate genius. He provides the libretto of his psalms to accompany the ritual in connection with musical scores; elaborates the liturgy's staging in the magnificent temple that he envisioned and his son built; and gave the liturgy a choreography that includes dances and processions. With David, the Mosaic liturgy comes to life, reaching its aesthetic zenith."[174]

Other temple personnel ch. 26

David also organized the officers of the Levites as gatekeepers (vv. 1-19), treasurers (vv. 20-28), and leaders in external affairs ("officers and judges," vv. 29-32). The gatekeepers were the temple guards (cf. vv. 7-8).[175] David even specified the number of guards at each temple gate (vv. 17-18).

"Whatever service God calls men to he either finds them fit or makes them so."[176]

The "annex" (v. 18; "Parbar," AV) may refer to a court or colonnade, or to a suburb.[177] There were 24 guard stations manned 24 hours a day. In view of the wealth in and on the temple, security needed to be tight (cf. vv. 27-28).

"There were more Levites employed as judges with the two tribes and a half on the other side Jordan than with all the rest of the tribes; there were 2,700; whereas on the west side of Jordan there were 1,700, v. 30, 32. Either those remote tribes were not so well furnished as the rest with judges of their own, or because they, lying furthest from Jerusalem and on the borders of the neighbouring nations, were most in danger of being infected with idolatry, and most needed the help of Levites to prevent it."[178]

Preparations for governmental order ch. 27

David also organized his army (vv. 1-15), Israel's tribal leaders (vv. 16-24), his administrators (vv. 25-31), and his counselors and advisers (vv. 32-34).

"Apparently a professional standing army is being described here [vv. 1-15], one broken up into twelve corps that served a month at a time on a rotating basis."[179]

David did all this to ensure future stability so what God had promised could happen without unnecessary opposition or confusion. Again the writer mentioned 12 tribes, but in this list these included Levi and the two halves of Manasseh. He omitted Gad and Asher in this tally (vv. 16-24; cf. ch. 7).

"The mention of the tribes and their leaders brought to mind David's ill-fated census (21:1-17; 2 Sam. 24). This extra piece of information helps us understand why the numbers differ in the two accounts (24:9; 21:5), because Joab didn't finish the census and not all the numbers were recorded."[180]

An interesting name in the list of tribal leaders is Jaasiel the son of Abner (v. 21). Abner was, of course, King Saul's commander-in-chief. It is to David's credit that he made Abner's son the head of Jaasiel's tribe of Benjamin. This was a wise decision politically, in that it made a potential trouble-maker a high-ranking official, but it also reflects David's characteristic spirit of forgiveness.

"His [David's] uncle, who was a wise man and a scribe, not only well skilled in politics, but well read in the scriptures, was his counsellor, v. 32."[181]

Chapters 22—27 record David's preparation for the fulfillment of those Davidic Covenant promises that would come after he passed off the scene. His preoccupation with God's promises and his preparations for their fulfillment served as a good example for Chronicles' original readers. David's zeal for the house of the LORD reflected his zeal for the reputation of the LORD. He truly put God's glory before his own personal ambitions.

3.     The third account of God's promises to David chs. 28—29

A primary concern of the Chronicler, the evidence of which is his selection of material and emphases, was the promise of a King who would eventually come and rule over God's people. God had fulfilled some of the Davidic Covenant promises in David's lifetime. He fulfilled others during Solomon's reign. Still others remained unfulfilled. For a third time the writer recorded the promises God gave to David. In the first case, God spoke to David (17:1-27). In the second, David spoke to Solomon (22:1-19). In the third, David spoke to Solomon and Israel's other leaders (28:1).

David may have thought that Solomon would fulfill the rest of the promises in the covenant (28:5-7). He must have realized that to do so Solomon would have to obey God faithfully (28:7). Solomon, however, was not completely obedient. Consequently, if God is faithful to His promises, a faithful Son of David had to arise. The Chronicler looked forward to this future hope.

In describing David's plans for building the temple, the Chronicler seems to have wanted to present David as a second Moses. He also seems to have wanted to present Solomon as a second Joshua to some extent.[182]

The public announcement of Solomon's succession 28:1-10

The earlier Old Testament historical books did not record this announcement.

"These verses [4-5], although subordinate in the speech to the theme of the building of the Temple, contain some of the book's most important views on the concepts of the Israelite monarchy in general and the Davidic dynasty in particular."[183]

David directed his charge to remain faithful to Yahweh (vv. 7-9) to all the assembled leaders, not just Solomon, as is clear from the plural imperatives in the Hebrew text. David stressed obedience from the heart (v. 9), not just external conformity to the ritual he had established. Like Solomon, the people also failed here (Isa. 29:13).

"In a number of passages unique to Chronicles (i.e., not found in the parallel text of Samuel-Kings) the author specifically articulates the theme of an immediate divine response to precipitating events (1 Chron. 28:8-9; 2 Chron. 12:5; 15:2; 20:20)."[184]

The temple plan 28:11-19

"Having informed the assembly why Solomon would be the one to build the temple (vv. 1-8), and having exhorted Solomon to be strong and forthright in accepting his responsibility (vv. 9-10), David makes a move of strategic importance in getting the work started (vv. 11-21). He hands over three plans for the temple's preparation."[185]

God had revealed detailed plans for the temple to David (v. 19). Evidently God had instructed David as He had Moses (Exod. 25—31). The writer did not include all the details of the plan that David received from the LORD any more than the writer of Kings did. Nevertheless God revealed the instructions for the temple as specifically as He had revealed the instructions for the tabernacle. The postexilic Jews must have had more detailed plans than are available to us today.

"… the Temple of Old Testament Israel was not essentially a 'religious' center where religious activities such as sacrifice and worship were carried out; it was the house of Yahweh, the palace of the Great King who could and must be visited there by His devoted subjects. Losing sight of this downplays the centrality of covenant as a fundamental theological principle. When one understands that Yahweh had redeemed and made covenant with His elect people Israel as a great king makes covenant with a vassal, the role of the Temple as the focal point of Israel's faith becomes immediately apparent. It is the palace of the Sovereign, the place to which they make periodic pilgrimage to proffer their allegiance and to offer up their gifts of homage. Seen as such, the care with which even its most minute details are revealed and executed is most intelligible, for as the visible expression of the invisible God, the Temple with all its forms and functions becomes a sublime revelatory vehicle of the character and purposes of the Almighty."[186]

Today it is generally recognized that the design of the Temple was not completely unique. Archaeological evidence has been found showing that temples of similar design existed in Phoenicia and Syria at this time.[187] As with Israel's Tabernacle, the Temple was built in the pattern of some similar worship structures, though, of course, it had unique features.

"A problem in many churches today is the failure to recognize that corporate worship is an experience to be governed to a certain degree by order and propriety. David did not concoct the design of the temple by his own imagination, nor could Solomon build it as he pleased. The very architecture of the place was intended to teach Israel important lessons about the glory, grandeur, and awesomeness of their God. Christian worship that does less should be called into serious question."[188]

Solomon's duty 28:20-21

This chapter concludes with David's charge to Solomon: "Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you …" (vv. 20-21; cf. Deut. 31:6, 8; Josh. 1:5).

The preparations for construction 29:1-9

David next appealed to Israel's leaders to join him in contributing from their resources toward the construction of the temple (vv. 1-5). This appeal was effective (vv. 6-9), and it provides a model for modern fundraisers.

Haggai echoed David's words of encouragement to begin building—which David addressed to Solomon and Israel's leaders—hundreds of years later to Israel's leaders in his day (Hag. 2:4-5). David sought to instill his own zeal for God's glory in his hearers (29:1). The people donated a freewill offering of more gold, silver, bronze, and other materials to make Yahweh's house reflect the glory of His greatness (cf. Hag. 2:6-9).[189]

"According to 22:14, the spoils of battle devoted to the Lord amounted to 3,750 tons of gold and 37,500 tons of silver. David added from his own wealth 110 tons of gold and 260 tons of silver (v. 4). This means that David was responsible for providing 3,860 tons of gold and 37,760 tons of silver. But the king then urged his leaders to give generously to the 'building fund' (vv. 6-9), and they contributed 190 tons of gold, plus another 185 pounds, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, and 3,750 tons of iron, as well as precious stones."[190]

The Israelites of Moses' day had been similarly generous in providing building materials for the tabernacle (Exod. 25:1-7; 35:4-9, 20-29).

"Often the extent to which we are prepared to put at risk our material well-being is a measure of the seriousness with which we take our discipleship. … People are closest to God-likeness in self-giving, and the nearer they approach God-likeness the more genuinely and rightly they become capable of rejoicing."[191]

"To have real delight in the work of God one must give to it. The real pleasure of a great work is consecrated co-operation."[192]

David's blessing of God 29:10-22a

"The climax of David's reign, as portrayed by the Chronicler, has now been reached. All the preparations for building the temple have been completed, and Solomon, chosen by God as the one who shall bring the plans to fruition, is about to be proclaimed as king over all Israel. And at this point the Chronicler reveals his true heart: the proper response to such a situation is a prayer which breathes joyful faith and simple humility."[193]

These were some of David's last official words to his nation and his son Solomon. Ancient Near Easterners regarded such statements as extremely important, as indeed they were. In this address David reviewed the major lessons he had learned in life. David's prayer had three parts: praise (vv. 10b-13), presentation (vv. 14-17), and petition (vv. 18-19).

First, he acknowledged that everything belonged to Israel's great God (vv. 11-13).

"The truth that 'everything' we have 'comes from' God is the foundation for the doctrine of stewardship. Its basis is this: since our property is his (Ps. 24:1), and since we hold it only temporarily and in trust (1 Chron. 29:15-16), it should therefore be used for him (Luke 17:10 …)."[194]

God's universal kingdom includes all that exists in space and time (v. 12). God had made it possible for His people to build an unusually magnificent temple. He had also caused Israel to grow from a small family of insignificant shepherds to become a mighty nation (vv. 14-17).

Second, David saw a parallel between Israel's growth and Yahweh's elevation of him (v. 17). God had graciously blessed both David and Israel. Their prosperity was not a result of their own merits.

"Verses 14-17 constitute a confession, not of guilt, but of utter dependence on the Yahweh whose greatness has been extolled in vv. 11-12."[195]

Third, David also spoke of the importance of a heart devoted to God (vv. 18-19; cf. 1 Sam. 16:7). The people's lavish donation revealed hearts God had touched. David prayed that that heart attitude might remain in God's people forever.

"Three important attitudes were expected in Israel—not merely obedience but obedience with a perfect heart (1 Chr 28:9; 29:9, 17); not merely contributions to the temple for its repair and upkeep and the support of its personnel but willing contributions (1 Chr 29:1-9, 14, 17); and not merely temple rituals but ritual participation with joy (1 Chr 29:9, 17, 22)."[196]

These emphases are even more prominent in 2 Chronicles than they are in 1 Chronicles.[197]

Solomon's accession and success 29:22b-25

Two years after David's blessing (vv. 10-22a), Solomon mounted the throne as sole king of Israel (v. 22b; cf. 1 Kings 1:32-40).[198] He had been David's co-regent for the two previous years (cf. 23:1). The events surrounding Adonijah's rebellion (1 Kings 1) were of no significance to the Chronicler, since they had no bearing on his purpose. His interest lay in Solomon as a focus of the Davidic Covenant promises and the builder of the temple.

David's death 29:26-30 (cf. 1 Kings 2:10-12)

The writer highlighted David's greatness again and cited documentation for the sources he had used in researching David's life and reign. Altogether, the Chronicler identified 32 sources that he used in writing 1 and 2 Chronicles. Most of these were official annals, genealogical records, or prophetic records.[199] Compare the summary of Moses' life in Deuteronomy 34:7.

"A Russian proverb says, 'Even the greatest king must at last be put to bed with a shovel.' True, but some bring glory to God even from the grave! From that day on, the Jewish kings were all measured against David (1 Kings 3:3; 15:5; 2 Kings 18:3; 22:2; 14:3; 15:3, 34; 16:2; 18:3; 20:3)."[200]

As the reign of David closed, God had already fulfilled many of His promises in the Davidic Covenant. Yet many remained unfulfilled. On the basis of God's faithfulness thus far the Chronicler had built a solid base of confidence that He would also fulfill those that remained. This fulfillment motif is one he carried through his history of David and Solomon's successors that follows in 2 Chronicles.

"The Chronicler presents not one but two great kings as the ideal for Israel. The one was David, the warrior-king, who subdued the enemies of the people of God and established a secure domain. He was now passing, and the other, Solomon, was taking his place. Solomon was a man of peace who would build up the prosperity of the nation. These two things together—victory over enemies and a reign of peace—are both essential. For Christian readers these two ideals are fulfilled in the one man, Jesus Christ. He conquers all his foes but at the same time establishes a reign of peace for his own people. In this the tandem of David and Solomon are a type of Christ.[201]

Conclusion

What Deuteronomy is to the Pentateuch, and John is to the Gospels, Chronicles is to the Historical Books of the Old Testament: a selective history designed to teach spiritual lessons.

Here are some contrasts of Samuel and Kings with Chronicles.

• In style, Samuel and Kings are more biographical, while Chronicles is more statistical.
• In approach, Samuel and Kings are more personal, whereas Chronicles is more official.
• In viewpoint, Samuel and Kings are prophetic, while Chronicles is priestly.
• In emphasis, Samuel and Kings stress the throne, but Chronicles focuses on the Temple and the ark.
• In purpose, Samuel and Kings provide indictment for sin, and Chronicles tries to incite to godliness.
• The history in Samuel and Kings deals mainly with the civil and political life, whereas the history in Chronicles emphasizes the sacred and ecclesiastical aspects.
• Samuel and Kings give the history of both Israel and Judah, with more space given to Israel, but Chronicles gives only the history of Judah.

Appendix 1

 

Appendix 2

 

There is a total of 19 disagreements out of 213 paralleled numbers. Note that K repeats I above.

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