1 Chronicles 27 "King David's Army"

"This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all that concerned the army divisions that were on duty month by month throughout the year. Each division consisted of 24,000 men.” (v.1)

The military force of Israel numbered twelve divisions of 24,000 each. Every man served one month a year. This made king David’s continual standing army 24,000 strong each month and could be increased to 288,000 when needed. Concerning David’s leaders, officers, and military advisors, they were men who had proven themselves faithful to him in the past. King Solomon would later write, “For by wise counsel you shall make war: and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 24:6) He knew that the strength of wisdom isn’t solitary; it (wisdom) understands and relies upon the wisdom of others. It knows how to use the wise counsel of others and the safety of a multitude of counselors.

In today’s day and age, military readiness and good council are absolutely necessary. They provide a feeling of security and peace to all under their umbrella. It also says to those who would try and do us harm, we are watchful, ready and prepared. Similiarly as Christians, we need to stand armed, ready to do battle against Satan’s assaults on our personal lives, having received good council from God’s Holy Word daily.

The Truth

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

1 Chronicles 26 "The Gatekeepers"

"And they cast lots for each gate, the small as well as the great, according to their father’s house. The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and his lot came out for the North Gate; to Obed-Edom the South Gate, and to his sons the storehouse. To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came out for the West Gate, with the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway; watchman opposite watchman. " (vv.13-16)

Here we see that the order and arrangement of the service for the gatekeepers was arrived at the same way that they determined the order and arrangement for the priests in their service, by the casting of lots. This means that David let the LORD decide when it came to organizing and ordering these offices, and he did not let prestige or position determine their appointments. 

These gatekeepers had the responsibility for security, both in a practical and spiritual sense. They made sure that only those who were ready to serve and worship God could come to the temple and its associated building. Their work had to be organized and arranged just as much as the work of the priests who officiated at the sacrifices.

And, in our churches today there are many who work to carryout these same responsibilities insuring both order and security for all who come to worship. So, how are these men to be selected today?

J.P. Morgan writes concerning the selection of gatekeepers, “Our method is not that of casting lots, but of seeking the direct guidance of the Spirit. But we need to remember that in our choice of men for office in the work of the Church of God, the things of privilege, which too often count in human affairs, must have no weight with us.” (Morgan)

F.B. Meyer also writes, "But chiefly we are concerned with the temple of the heart. We surely need the doorkeeper there, for in the history of the inner life there is so much going and coming; such troops of thoughts pour into the shrine of the soul, and pour out. And often, in the crowd, disloyal and evil thoughts intrude, which, before we know it, introduce a sense of distance and alienation from God.” (Meyer)

Churches today would do well to follow David's example in selecting the gatekeepers of the church, look to the heart not to prestige or position.

The Truth: "But the LORD said unto Samuel, "Look not on his countenance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him; for the LORD sees not as a man sees. For man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

 

1 Chronicles 25 “Selection Of The Musicians”

The number of them (Musicians), with their brethren who were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty- eight.” (v.7)

This chapter deals with the musicians, those who were skilled or gifted in music and prophesy. These musicians were divided into twenty-four companies, with twelve in each compamy, totaling two hundred and eighty eight who served in the temple (v.7). Once again we see that lots were casted to determine order of service (v.8), which is specificly laid out in verses 8-31.We find two purposes for these musicians in our text; 1) “to prophesy with harps” and 2) “to give thanks and direct praise to God” (v.3). 

Although we seldom see prophesy being fulfilled through music in the church today, this doesn’t mean it can’t be. Prophedic songs can be given by the Spirit and should be sought by all musicians in prayer to God, who gives us eyes to see His good and perfect will. 

Praise and thanksgiving on the other hand, are still alive and well within the music ministry of the church today. This long and blessed task of bring the congregation into a Holy reverence of a Holy God is an awesome responsibility, and one that must be balanced in so many ways. Bringing a congregation into a spirit of thankfulness and praise by putting the focus on God and not on one’s self, should be the task of all who minister in music. 

The Truth

Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.” (Psalm 134:1-2)

1 Chronicles 24 “The Division Of The Priests”

“They divided them impartially by casting lots…” (v.5)

This chapter deals with the division of the priests, their order, and rotation of service in the temple. These decendances of Aaron were seprated into twenty-four courses, 6,000 men in each course, and each course served two weeks in the temple. Their order of service was determined by lot, throwing title and rank right out the window, and any contention along with it.   

Churches today, and individuals as well, can get hung up on this very thing; order, rank, position, title, badges, reserved seating, causing contention and even a haughty spirit within the body. Order, responsibility, accountability, dependability are all vital when serving in the ministry, but check your ego and your motivations for service through prayer.  

Remember, we all serve the same God and He is no respector of persons, title, or position.  

The Truth

 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16)

1 Chronicles 23 “The Levites Given New Responsibilities”

David had said, “Since the Lord, the God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service.” (vv.25-26)

From the earliest days of the wilderness wanderings, the Levites had the job of caring for and transporting the tabernacle. But, with the establishment of a permanent place of worship, David now gives new duties to the Levites and lowers the age to begin at twenty (v.27). The complete list of their duties can be found in verses 28-31, but they center around helping Aaron’s descendants in the service of the temple of the LORD (v.28).  

Today every church needs helping hands to perform the practical work of its ministry. So much so, that men and women of all ages should have no problem finding an area in which to serve. Therefore, prayerfully seek how you might be of service to Him in your church, maybe even in a new area of responsibility previously not conducted.

The Truth

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

1 Chronicles 22 “Seek The Lord”

 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise, therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord God..” (v.19)

Here in chapter 22 David had given Solomon everything he would need to build the temple; the location, materials, workmen, and even charging the Israelite leaders with the responsibility of aiding Solomon after he (David) died (v.19). All Solomon needed to provide was the action of building.

However, before turning this monumental task over to his son, David encourages Solomon to “seek the Lord” with his heart and soul for wisdom and guidance. What great spiritual and fatherly advice we see here from king David. This advise is also relevant to us, espically the order. Seeking should always come before serving. 

Before charging ahead into any direction in our lives we should slow down, spend some time at the feet of Jesus, wait on His direction, and we will be blessed.

The Truth

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

1 Chronicles 21 “Misdirected Leadership”

So David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know their number.” (v.2)

David’s sin in this chapter,  is of the spirit of pride and display. He boasted in the growing numbers of Israel, and credited them to himself, as the result of his own mastery. All such public displays of boasting are very despicable to God, who will not give His glory to another. Therefore, David’s misdirected leadership would cost Israel greatly. Because he had publicly shown his pride and faithlessness, God's punishment would be public as well. 

As leaders of families, businesses, churches or any position of overseer, we need to depend on God and rely on His strength and guidance – not our own. We need to give Him the glory for the gifts He has entrusted us with, not brag or put on some public display of boasting. Because in so doing, we are setting up ourselves and those around us for a fall. King David was a “shepherd” when he went astray, so it was inevitable that the nation or “sheep,” would suffer too (v.17). 

Sin will always affect those around us, like a pebble dropped into a pond, the ripples of sin go out carrying their consequences with them. Therefore, we must be careful not to publicly brag about the success of our business, our company investments and securities, nor miserly count our assets, or survey the growing treasures and power in our lives. These gifts, entrusted to our care, are to be held in gratitude, not pride - which could be gone in a moment, affecting not just us but others as well. 

The Truth

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)

1 Chronicles 20 “Redeem Your Idel Time”

Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem.” (1 Chronicles 20:1)

Spring was the time when kings went out to battle (to protect and preserve their kingdoms), as the weather was favorable to man and beast. David should have been in battle with Joab, but he wasn’t. Instead, he stayed in Jerusalem, in the comforts of the palace, while all the mighty men of Israel were at war. This was the point in David’s life where he became vulnerable to his encounter with Bathsheba.

What we do with our idle time: where we go, what activities we get involved in, who we spend time with, what we choose to look at, can go a long way in either; 1) leading us to, or 2) keeping us from, a compromising situation. Had David been about his kingly duties, with the other men of valor, protecting his kingdom and its people, he would have had plenty to keep him occupied. 

The same holds true for us. Therefore, redeem your idle time my friends. Put yourselves in the service of our King, king Jesus – for there is plenty of work to be done in His service.  

The Truth: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)