1 Chronicles 14:1 King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters to build a palace for him. 1 Chronicles 14:2 Then David knew that Yahveh had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been exalted for the sake of his people Israel. 1 Chronicles 14:3 David took more wives in Jerusalem, and he became the father of more sons and daughters. 1 Chronicles 14:4 These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 1 Chronicles 14:5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 1 Chronicles 14:6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 1 Chronicles 14:7 Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet. 1 Chronicles 14:8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all went in search of David; when David heard of this, he went out to face them. 1 Chronicles 14:9 Now the Philistines had come and raided in the Valley of Rephaim, 1 Chronicles 14:10 so David inquired of God, “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” Yahveh replied, “Attack, and I will hand them over to you.” 1 Chronicles 14:11 So the Israelites went up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated the Philistines there. Then David said, “Like a bursting flood, God has used me to burst out against my enemies.” Therefore, they named that place Yahveh Bursts Out. 1 Chronicles 14:12 The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David ordered that they be burned in the fire. 1 Chronicles 14:13 Once again, the Philistines raided the valley. 1 Chronicles 14:14 So David again inquired of God, and God answered him, “Do not pursue them directly. Circle around them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. 1 Chronicles 14:15 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God will have gone out ahead of you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 1 Chronicles 14:16 So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 1 Chronicles 14:17 Then David’s fame spread throughout the lands, and Yahveh caused all the nations to be terrified of him.
trusting God for the details
In each of the battles described in this chapter, the Philistines made a raid in the valley, and David responded by first praying for God’s will. In each case, God’s will was the same, but the means of obeying it was different. Often when we come to the LORD seeking his will, we do not stay on our knees long enough to discover his way – the means of obeying his will. It takes faith to trust God not only for a “yes” or “no”answer, but for the details.
1 Chronicles 13:1 David consulted with all his leaders, the commanders of hundreds and of thousands. 1 Chronicles 13:2 Then he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is from Yahveh our God, let us spread out and send the message to the rest of our relatives in all the districts of Israel, including the priests and Levites in their cities with pasturelands, that they should gather together with us. 1 Chronicles 13:3 Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of him in Saul’s days.” 1 Chronicles 13:4 Since the proposal seemed right to all the people, the whole assembly agreed to do it. 1 Chronicles 13:5 So David assembled all Israel, from the Shihor of Egypt to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 1 Chronicles 13:6 David and all Israel went to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah) to take from there the ark of God, which bears the name of Yahveh who is enthroned between the cherubim. 1 Chronicles 13:7 At Abinadab’s house they set the ark of God on a new cart. Uzzah and Ahio were guiding the cart. 1 Chronicles 13:8 David and all Israel were dancing with all their might before God with songs and lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 1 Chronicles 13:9 When they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzzah reached out to hold the ark because the oxen had stumbled. 1 Chronicles 13:10 Then Yahveh’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had reached out to the ark. So, he died there in the presence of God. 1 Chronicles 13:11 David was angry because of Yahveh’s outburst against Uzzah, so he named that place Outburst Against Uzzah, as it is still named today. 1 Chronicles 13:12 David feared God that day and said, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” 1 Chronicles 13:13 So David did not bring the ark of God home to the city of David; instead, he diverted it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. 1 Chronicles 13:14 The ark of God remained with Obed-edom’s family in his house for three months, and Yahveh blessed his family and all he had.
good intentions are not enough
It seemed like a good idea at the time. David enlisted the support of his kingdom to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. They built a new cart, got two drivers, and accompanied the procession with rejoicing and musical instruments. Then something went wrong. The oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the ark, and ZAP — the LORD breaks out against him. One of the lessons God’s people have to keep learning is that good intentions are not enough. God is holy, and his work must be done the right way. Lack of preparation in this case cost a life, and delayed the mission for three months.
LORD, help us to take your work seriously, for you are a serious God.
1 Chronicles 12:1 The following were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still banned from the presence of Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who helped him in battle. 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow. They were Saul’s relatives from Benjamin: 1 Chronicles 12:3 Their chief was Ahiezer son of Shemaah the Gibeathite. Then there was his brother Joash; Jeziel and Pelet sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu the Anathothite; 1 Chronicles 12:4 Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a warrior among the Thirty and a leader over the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite; 1 Chronicles 12:5 Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite; 1 Chronicles 12:6 Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites; 1 Chronicles 12:7 and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from Gedor. 1 Chronicles 12:8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were valiant warriors, trained for battle, expert with shield and spear. Their faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles on the mountains. 1 Chronicles 12:9 Ezer was the chief, Obadiah second, Eliab third, 1 Chronicles 12:10 Mishmannah fourth, Jeremiah fifth, 1 Chronicles 12:11 Attai sixth, Eliel seventh, 1 Chronicles 12:12 Johanan eighth, Elzabad ninth, 1 Chronicles 12:13 Jeremiah tenth, and Machbannai eleventh. 1 Chronicles 12:14 These Gadites were army commanders; the least of them was a match for a hundred, and the greatest of them for a thousand. 1 Chronicles 12:15 These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks and put to flight all those in the valleys to the east and to the west. 1 Chronicles 12:16 Other Benjaminites and men from Judah also went to David at the stronghold. 1 Chronicles 12:17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you, but if you have come to betray me to my enemies even though my hands have done no wrong, may the God of our ancestors look on it and judge.” 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the Breath enveloped Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: We are yours, David, we are with you, son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to him who helps you, for your God helps you. So, David welcomed them and made them leaders of his troops. 1 Chronicles 12:19 Some Manassites defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. However, they did not help the Philistines because the Philistine rulers sent David away after a discussion. They said, “It will be our heads if he defects to his master Saul.” 1 Chronicles 12:20 When David went to Ziklag, some men from Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. 1 Chronicles 12:21 They helped David against the raiders, for they were all valiant warriors and commanders in the army. 1 Chronicles 12:22 At that time, men came day after day to help David until there was a great army, like an army of God. 1 Chronicles 12:23 The numbers of the armed troops who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, according to Yahveh’s word, were as follows: 1 Chronicles 12:24 From the Judahites: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears. 1 Chronicles 12:25 From the Simeonites: 7,100 valiant warriors ready for war. 1 Chronicles 12:26 From the Levites: 4,600 1 Chronicles 12:27 in addition to Jehoiada, leader of the house of Aaron, with 3,700 men; 1 Chronicles 12:28 and Zadok, a young valiant warrior, with 22 commanders from his father’s family. 1 Chronicles 12:29 From the Benjaminites, the relatives of Saul: 3,000 (up to that time the majority of the Benjaminites maintained their allegiance to the house of Saul). 1 Chronicles 12:30 From the Ephraimites: 20,800 valiant warriors who were famous men in their ancestral families. 1 Chronicles 12:31 From half the tribe of Manasseh: 18,000 designated by name to come and make David king. 1 Chronicles 12:32 From the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command. 1 Chronicles 12:33 From Zebulun: 50,000 who could serve in the army, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, with one purpose to help David. 1 Chronicles 12:34 From Naphtali: 1,000 commanders accompanied by 37,000 men with shield and spear. 1 Chronicles 12:35 From the Danites: 28,600 trained for battle. 1 Chronicles 12:36 From Asher: 40,000 who could serve in the army, trained for battle. 1 Chronicles 12:37 From across the Jordan– from the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh: 120,000 men equipped with all the military weapons of war. 1 Chronicles 12:38 All these warriors, lined up in battle formation, came to Hebron wholeheartedly determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of Israel was also of one mind to make David king. 1 Chronicles 12:39 They spent three days there eating and drinking with David, because their relatives had provided for them. 1 Chronicles 12:40 In addition, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came and brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen — abundant provisions of flour, fig cakes, raisins, wine and oil, herds, and flocks. Indeed, there was joy in Israel.
supporting God’s King
This chapter shows the strong support David received from the tribes of Israel after it became clear that he was God’s choice for king. Thousands came to him, even from Benjamin – Saul’s tribe. It was obvious that he was the focal point of the future of Israel. Those who helped him would be helped by the LORD. The mighty men who took up the sword in the name of David were ensuring a secure future for their families. There were no guarantees that they – personally – would survive the wars with God’s enemies. There was only faith that the LORD and his people would survive, and accomplish God’s will. The mighty men had the courage to do the right thing, even if they personally would not benefit from it. The world was watching to see if they would do the right thing.
We have just celebrated the birth of Christ, who was heralded as God’s newborn king. He is God’s king. Every day you and I are given the choice to serve and support God’s king. Will we do the right thing? The world is watching.
1 Chronicles 11:1 All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. 1 Chronicles 11:2 Even previously when Saul was king, you were leading Israel out to battle and bringing us back. The Lord your God also said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will be ruler over my people Israel.'” 1 Chronicles 11:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. David made a covenant with them at Hebron in Yahveh’s presence, and they anointed David king over Israel, in keeping with Yahveh’s word through Samuel. 1 Chronicles 11:4 David and all Israel marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus); the Jebusites who inhabited the land were there. 1 Chronicles 11:5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Yet David did capture the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 1 Chronicles 11:6 David said, “Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will become chief commander.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became the chief. 1 Chronicles 11:7 Then David took up residence in the stronghold; therefore, it was called the city of David. 1 Chronicles 11:8 He built up the city all the way around, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding parts, and Joab restored the rest of the city. 1 Chronicles 11:9 David steadily grew more powerful, and the Lord of Armies was with him. 1 Chronicles 11:10 The following were the chiefs of David’s warriors who, together with all Israel, strongly supported him in his reign to make him king according to Yahveh’s word about Israel. 1 Chronicles 11:11 This is the list of David’s warriors: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the Thirty; he wielded his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time. 1 Chronicles 11:12 After him, Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite was one of the three warriors. 1 Chronicles 11:13 He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines had gathered there for battle. There was a portion of a field full of barley, where the troops had fled from the Philistines. 1 Chronicles 11:14 But Eleazar and David took their stand in the middle of the field and defended it. They killed the Philistines, and the Lord gave them a great victory. 1 Chronicles 11:15 Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while the Philistine army was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 1 Chronicles 11:16 At that time David was in the stronghold, and a Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 1 Chronicles 11:17 David was extremely thirsty and said, “If only someone would bring me water to drink from the well at the city gate of Bethlehem!” 1 Chronicles 11:18 So the Three broke through the Philistine camp and drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem. They brought it back to David, but he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 11:19 David said, “I would never do such a thing in the presence of my God! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” For they brought it at the risk of their lives. So he would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three warriors. 1 Chronicles 11:20 Abishai, Joab’s brother, was the leader of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men and killed them, gaining a reputation among the Three. 1 Chronicles 11:21 He was more honored than the Three and became their commander even though he did not become one of the Three. 1 Chronicles 11:22 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was the son of a brave man from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. Benaiah killed two sons of Ariel of Moab, and he went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 1 Chronicles 11:23 He also killed an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Even though the Egyptian had a spear in his hand like a weaver’s beam, Benaiah went down to him with a club, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and then killed him with his own spear. 1 Chronicles 11:24 These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who had a reputation among the three warriors. 1 Chronicles 11:25 He was the most honored of the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. David put him in charge of his bodyguard. 1 Chronicles 11:26 The best soldiers were Joab’s brother Asahel, Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, 1 Chronicles 11:28 Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, 1 Chronicles 11:30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, 1 Chronicles 11:31 Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjaminites, Benaiah the Pirathonite, 1 Chronicles 11:32 Hurai from the wadis of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, 1 Chronicles 11:33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 1 Chronicles 11:34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite, 1 Chronicles 11:35 Ahiam son of Sachar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur, 1 Chronicles 11:36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, 1 Chronicles 11:37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai, 1 Chronicles 11:38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar son of Hagri, 1 Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer for Joab son of Zeruiah, 1 Chronicles 11:40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 1 Chronicles 11:41 Uriah the Hethite, Zabad son of Ahlai, 1 Chronicles 11:42 Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, 1 Chronicles 11:43 Hanan son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite, 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 1 Chronicles 11:45 Jediael son of Shimri and his brother Joha the Tizite, 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite, 1 Chronicles 11:47 Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.
perseverance pays off
David showed three signs of successful godly leadership. He had the LORD’s appointment as demonstrated by his anointing. He had the recognition of the people as demonstrated by their following him into the conquest of Jebus. He had the support of those already in leadership as demonstrated by all his Mighty Men. Of course, when David started out he had neither of these. Successful leaders stay in the race long enough to become what God has in store for them. The most crucial character trait is perseverance.
LORD, help us to trust you long enough for us to become what you want of us.
1 Chronicles 10:1 The Philistines fought against Israel, and Israel’s men fled from them. Many were killed on Mount Gilboa. 1 Chronicles 10:2 The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons and killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. 1 Chronicles 10:3 When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers spotted him and severely wounded him. 1 Chronicles 10:4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me.” But his armor-bearer would not do it because he was terrified. Then Saul took his sword and fell on it. 1 Chronicles 10:5 When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his own sword and died. 1 Chronicles 10:6 So Saul and his three sons died — his whole family died together. 1 Chronicles 10:7 When all the men of Israel in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled. So, the Philistines came and settled in them. 1 Chronicles 10:8 The next day when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his sons dead on Mount Gilboa. 1 Chronicles 10:9 They stripped Saul, cut off his head, took his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to spread the good news to their idols and the people. 1 Chronicles 10:10 Then they put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung his skull in the temple of Dagon. 1 Chronicles 10:11 When all Jabesh-gilead heard of everything the Philistines had done to Saul, 1 Chronicles 10:12 all their brave men set out and retrieved the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons and brought them to Jabesh. They buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted for seven days. 1 Chronicles 10:13 Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the Lord because he did not keep Yahveh’s word. He even consulted a medium for guidance, 1 Chronicles 10:14 but he did not inquire of the Lord. So, the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Saul’s suicide
Saul’s suicide brought shame to Israel and gave the Philistines a reason to gloat. What was the root cause of such a tragedy in a kingdom that God promised to bless? Perhaps knowing the answer to that question will keep the leaders who follow the LORD today from taking the wrong step — a step that could end in personal failure, and shame for the movement. Saul died for his breach of faith. Saul’s breach of faith is found in his disobedience to the command of the LORD, and in the fact that he failed to seek guidance from the LORD through prayer (13-14).
LORD, on this special day when we remember the birth of Christ, help us to keep the faith by obeying your words and seeking your guidance.
1 Chronicles 9:1 All Israel was registered in the genealogies that are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. 1 Chronicles 9:2 The first to live in their towns on their own property again were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. 1 Chronicles 9:3 These people from the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh settled in Jerusalem: 1 Chronicles 9:4 Uthai son of Ammihud, son of Omri, son of Imri, son of Bani, a descendant of Perez son of Judah; 1 Chronicles 9:5 from the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons; 1 Chronicles 9:6 and from the descendants of Zerah: Jeuel and their relatives — 690 in all. 1 Chronicles 9:7 The Benjaminites: Sallu son of Meshullam, son of Hodaviah, son of Hassenuah; 1 Chronicles 9:8 Ibneiah son of Jeroham; Elah son of Uzzi, son of Michri; Meshullam son of Shephatiah, son of Reuel, son of Ibnijah; 1 Chronicles 9:9 and their relatives according to their family records — 956 in all. All these men were heads of their ancestral families. 1 Chronicles 9:10 The priests: Jedaiah; Jehoiarib; Jachin; 1 Chronicles 9:11 Azariah son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, son of Zadok, son of Meraioth, son of Ahitub, the chief official of God’s temple; 1 Chronicles 9:12 Adaiah son of Jeroham, son of Pashhur, son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, son of Jahzerah, son of Meshullam, son of Meshillemith, son of Immer; 1 Chronicles 9:13 and their relatives, the heads of their ancestral families — 1,760 in all. They were capable men employed in the ministry of God’s temple. 1 Chronicles 9:14 The Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah of the Merarites; 1 Chronicles 9:15 Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah, son of Mica, son of Zichri, son of Asaph; 1 Chronicles 9:16 Obadiah son of Shemaiah, son of Galal, son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, son of Elkanah who lived in the settlements of the Netophathites. 1 Chronicles 9:17 The gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; 1 Chronicles 9:18 he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. 1 Chronicles 9:19 Shallum son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah and his relatives from his father’s family, the Korahites, were assigned to guard the thresholds of the tent. Their ancestors had been assigned to Yahveh’scamp as guardians of the entrance. 1 Chronicles 9:20 In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been their leader, and the Lord was with him. 1 Chronicles 9:21 Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 1 Chronicles 9:22 The total number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their settlements. David and the seer Samuel had appointed them to their trusted positions. 1 Chronicles 9:23 So they and their sons were assigned as guards to the gates of Yahveh’s temple, which had been the tent-temple. 1 Chronicles 9:24 The gatekeepers were on the four winds: east, west, north, and south. 1 Chronicles 9:25 Their relatives came from their settlements at fixed times to be with them seven days, 1 Chronicles 9:26 but the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of God’s temple. 1 Chronicles 9:27 They spent the night in the vicinity of God’s temple, because they had guard duty and were in charge of opening it every morning. 1 Chronicles 9:28 Some of them were in charge of the utensils used in worship. They would count them when they brought them in and when they took them out. 1 Chronicles 9:29 Others were put in charge of the furnishings and all the utensils of the sanctuary, as well as the fine flour, wine, oil, incense, and spices. 1 Chronicles 9:30 Some of the priests’ sons mixed the spices. 1 Chronicles 9:31 A Levite called Mattithiah, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread. 1 Chronicles 9:32 Some of the Kohathites’ relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the Bread of the Presence every Sabbath. 1 Chronicles 9:33 The singers, the heads of the Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other tasks because they were on duty day and night. 1 Chronicles 9:34 These were the heads of the Levite families, chiefs according to their family records; they lived in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 9:35 Jeiel fathered Gibeon and lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah. 1 Chronicles 9:36 Abdon was his firstborn son, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 1 Chronicles 9:37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth. 1 Chronicles 9:38 Mikloth fathered Shimeam. These also lived opposite their relatives in Jerusalem with their other relatives. 1 Chronicles 9:39 Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, and Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. 1 Chronicles 9:40 Jonathan’s son was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal fathered Micah. 1 Chronicles 9:41 Micah’s sons: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz. 1 Chronicles 9:42 Ahaz fathered Jarah; Jarah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; Zimri fathered Moza. 1 Chronicles 9:43 Moza fathered Binea. His son was Rephaiah, his son Elasah, and his son Azel. 1 Chronicles 9:44 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were Azel’s sons.
recovery
This chapter records representative genealogies of those who returned to Jerusalem after the exile. Of particular interest to the chronicler is the maintenance and watching of the temple area. The detail in which the chronicler describes these security guards, maintenance workers and cooks tells us much about what was deemed important. As they began the process of restoring order to the city, the temple and what it represented came first. While the history of Israel did record times of neglect of the things of God, time in exile seems to have taught the people how wrong that was.
Sometimes, in our zeal to better ourselves, we focus on the wrong priorities. We think that we have to get our families and financial lives in order, and then we will be free to concentrate on fellowship and worship with other believers. But a strong relationship with God and other believers should be our first goal. Then, we will find that other kinds of recovery will come in time.
1 Chronicles 8:1 Benjamin fathered Bela, his firstborn; Ashbel was born second, Aharah third, 1 Chronicles 8:2 Nohah fourth, and Rapha fifth. 1 Chronicles 8:3 Bela’s sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 1 Chronicles 8:4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 1 Chronicles 8:5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 1 Chronicles 8:6 These were Ehud’s sons. These were the heads of the families living in Geba and who were deported to Manahath: 1 Chronicles 8:7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera. Gera deported them and was the father of Uzza and Ahihud. 1 Chronicles 8:8 Shaharaim had sons in the territory of Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara. 1 Chronicles 8:9 His sons by his wife Hodesh: Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, 1 Chronicles 8:10 Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, family heads. 1 Chronicles 8:11 He also had sons by Hushim: Abitub and Elpaal. 1 Chronicles 8:12 Elpaal’s sons: Eber, Misham, and Shemed who built Ono and Lod and its surrounding villages, 1 Chronicles 8:13 Beriah and Shema, who were the family heads of Aijalon’s residents and who drove out the residents of Gath, 1 Chronicles 8:14 Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth. 1 Chronicles 8:15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 1 Chronicles 8:16 Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were Beriah’s sons. 1 Chronicles 8:17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 1 Chronicles 8:18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were Elpaal’s sons. 1 Chronicles 8:19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, 1 Chronicles 8:20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 1 Chronicles 8:21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were Shimei’s sons. 1 Chronicles 8:22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 1 Chronicles 8:23 Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, 1 Chronicles 8:24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 1 Chronicles 8:25 Iphdeiah, and Penuel were Shashak’s sons. 1 Chronicles 8:26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 1 Chronicles 8:27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were Jeroham’s sons. 1 Chronicles 8:28 These were family heads, chiefs according to their family records; they lived in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 8:29 Jeiel fathered Gibeon and lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah. 1 Chronicles 8:30 Abdon was his firstborn son, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 1 Chronicles 8:31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, 1 Chronicles 8:32 and Mikloth who fathered Shimeah. These also lived opposite their relatives in Jerusalem, with their other relatives. 1 Chronicles 8:33 Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, and Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. 1 Chronicles 8:34 Jonathan’s son was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal fathered Micah. 1 Chronicles 8:35 Micah’s sons: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 1 Chronicles 8:36 Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri, and Zimri fathered Moza. 1 Chronicles 8:37 Moza fathered Binea. His son was Raphah, his son Elasah, and his son Azel. 1 Chronicles 8:38 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were Azel’s sons. 1 Chronicles 8:39 His brother Eshek’s sons: Ulam was his firstborn, Jeush second, and Eliphelet third. 1 Chronicles 8:40 Ulam’s sons were valiant warriors and archers. They had many sons and sons of sons — 150 of them. All these were among Benjamin’s sons.
where we have been planted
This list adds more detail to the genealogy of Benjamin that had begun in chapter 7. It is appropriate to provide more details on this tribe, as Benjamin and Judah were the two “surviving” tribes that figured predominantly into the postexilic community. In other words, the readers who first read or heard these words were most likely from these tribes. While the whole list is their family tree, they would find themselves here.
We believers belong to an extended community of faith that incorporates all those who are in Christ. But we are also part of a local community of faith – a local church. That is not a mere accident of chance. Our LORD who brought us to himself also placed us just where he wanted us. He either wants us to take roots here, or he wants to use our local community of faith to launch us into ministry elsewhere. Either way, our local body is important.
LORD, thank you for where we have been planted. Use us for your glory.
1 Chronicles 7:1 Sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron — four. 1 Chronicles 7:2 Sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, the heads of their ancestral families. During David’s reign, 22,600 descendants of Tola were recorded as valiant warriors in their family records. 1 Chronicles 7:3 Son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. Sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, Isshiah. All five of them were chiefs. 1 Chronicles 7:4 Along with them, they had 36,000 troops for battle according to the family records of their ancestral families, for they had many wives and children. 1 Chronicles 7:5 Their tribesmen, who were valiant warriors belonging to all the families of Issachar, totalled 87,000 in their genealogies. 1 Chronicles 7:6 Three of Benjamin’s sons: Bela, Becher, and Jediael. 1 Chronicles 7:7 Bela’s sons: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri– five. They were valiant warriors and heads of their ancestral families; 22,034 were listed in their genealogies. 1 Chronicles 7:8 Becher’s sons: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth; all these were Becher’s sons. 1 Chronicles 7:9 Their family records were recorded according to the heads of their ancestral families– 20,200 valiant warriors. 1 Chronicles 7:10 Jediael’s son: Bilhan. Bilhan’s sons: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. 1 Chronicles 7:11 All these sons of Jediael listed by family heads were valiant warriors; there were 17,200 who could serve in the army. 1 Chronicles 7:12 Shuppim and Huppim were sons of Ir, and the Hushim were the sons of Aher. 1 Chronicles 7:13 Naphtali’s sons: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum– Bilhah’s sons. 1 Chronicles 7:14 Manasseh’s sons through his Aramean concubine: Asriel and Machir the father of Gilead. 1 Chronicles 7:15 Machir took wives from Huppim and Shuppim. The name of his sister was Maacah. Another descendant was named Zelophehad, but he had only daughters. 1 Chronicles 7:16 Machir’s wife Maacah gave birth to a son, and she named him Peresh. His brother was named Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rekem. 1 Chronicles 7:17 Ulam’s son: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead son of Machir, son of Manasseh. 1 Chronicles 7:18 His sister Hammolecheth gave birth to Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. 1 Chronicles 7:19 Shemida’s sons: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam. 1 Chronicles 7:20 Ephraim’s sons: Shuthelah, and his son Bered, his son Tahath, his son Eleadah, his son Tahath, 1 Chronicles 7:21 his son Zabad, his son Shuthelah, also Ezer, and Elead. The men of Gath, born in the land, killed them because they went down to raid their cattle. 1 Chronicles 7:22 Their father Ephraim mourned a long time, and his relatives came to comfort him. 1 Chronicles 7:23 He slept with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. So he named him Beriah, because there had been misfortune in his home. 1 Chronicles 7:24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth-horon and Uzzen-sheerah, 1 Chronicles 7:25 his son Rephah, his son Resheph, his son Telah, his son Tahan, 1 Chronicles 7:26 his son Ladan, his son Ammihud, his son Elishama, 1 Chronicles 7:27 his son Nun, and his son Joshua. 1 Chronicles 7:28 Their holdings and settlements were Bethel and its surrounding villages; Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west, and Shechem and its villages as far as Ayyah and its villages, 1 Chronicles 7:29 and along the borders of the descendants of Manasseh, Beth-shean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor with their surrounding villages. The sons of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns. 1 Chronicles 7:30 Asher’s sons: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah, with their sister Serah. 1 Chronicles 7:31 Beriah’s sons: Heber, and Malchiel, who fathered Birzaith. 1 Chronicles 7:32 Heber fathered Japhlet, Shomer, and Hotham, with their sister Shua. 1 Chronicles 7:33 Japhlet’s sons: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s sons. 1 Chronicles 7:34 Shemer’s sons: Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah, and Aram. 1 Chronicles 7:35 His brother Helem’s sons: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. 1 Chronicles 7:36 Zophah’s sons: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, 1 Chronicles 7:37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. 1 Chronicles 7:38 Jether’s sons: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. 1 Chronicles 7:39 Ulla’s sons: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia. 1 Chronicles 7:40 All these were Asher’s descendants. They were the heads of their ancestral families, chosen men, valiant warriors, and chiefs among the leaders. The number of men listed in their genealogies for military service was 26,000.
because He lives on
By the time the chronicler records this genealogy, it is all history – gone. The northern kingdom is no more, and all of these mighty warriors listed are dead. That is the way things are now. Nothing is permanent. God lives on, but no one else does. The best that anyone could hope for was to make their mark, either as a soldier, or as a builder, or as a leader. Yet, these names are recorded exactly because the God they served lives on. Because He lives on, eternal life is a true hope. Because He lives on, what we do can be significant. If there is no God, nothing matters. Since there is a God, we all matter.
LORD, give us eyes to see the eternal significance of our mundane lives.
1 Chronicles 6:1 Sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 1 Chronicles 6:2 And sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 1 Chronicles 6:3 And children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 1 Chronicles 6:4 Eleazar fathered Phinehas; Phinehas fathered Abishua; 1 Chronicles 6:5 Abishua fathered Bukki; Bukki fathered Uzzi; 1 Chronicles 6:6 Uzzi fathered Zerahiah; Zerahiah fathered Meraioth; 1 Chronicles 6:7 Meraioth fathered Amariah; Amariah fathered Ahitub; 1 Chronicles 6:8 Ahitub fathered Zadok; Zadok fathered Ahimaaz; 1 Chronicles 6:9 Ahimaaz fathered Azariah; Azariah fathered Johanan; 1 Chronicles 6:10 Johanan fathered Azariah, who served as priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem; 1 Chronicles 6:11 Azariah fathered Amariah; Amariah fathered Ahitub; 1 Chronicles 6:12 Ahitub fathered Zadok; Zadok fathered Shallum; 1 Chronicles 6:13 Shallum fathered Hilkiah; Hilkiah fathered Azariah; 1 Chronicles 6:14 Azariah fathered Seraiah; and Seraiah fathered Jehozadak. 1 Chronicles 6:15 Jehozadak went into exile when the Lord sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. 1 Chronicles 6:16 Sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 1 Chronicles 6:17 These are the names of Gershom’s sons: Libni and Shimei. 1 Chronicles 6:18 Sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. 1 Chronicles 6:19 Sons of Merars: Mahli and Mushi. These are the Levites’ families according to their fathers: 1 Chronicles 6:20 Of Gershom: his son Libni, his son Jahath, his son Zimmah, 1 Chronicles 6:21 his son Joah, his son Iddo, his son Zerah, and his son Jeatherai. 1 Chronicles 6:22 Sons of Kohath: his son Amminadab, his son Korah, his son Assir, 1 Chronicles 6:23 his son Elkanah, his son Ebiasaph, his son Assir, 1 Chronicles 6:24 his son Tahath, his son Uriel, his son Uzziah, and his son Shaul. 1 Chronicles 6:25 Sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth, 1 Chronicles 6:26 his son Elkanah, his son Zophai, his son Nahath, 1 Chronicles 6:27 his son Eliab, his son Jeroham, and his son Elkanah. 1 Chronicles 6:28 Sons of Samuel: his firstborn Joel, and his second son Abijah. 1 Chronicles 6:29 Sons of Merari: Mahli, his son Libni, his son Shimei, his son Uzzah, 1 Chronicles 6:30 his son Shimea, his son Haggiah, and his son Asaiah. 1 Chronicles 6:31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in Yahveh’stemple after the ark came to rest there. 1 Chronicles 6:32 They ministered with song in front of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built Yahveh’s temple in Jerusalem, and they performed their task according to the regulations given to them. 1 Chronicles 6:33 These are the men who served with their sons. From the Kohathites: Heman the singer, son of Joel, son of Samuel, 1 Chronicles 6:34 son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, 1 Chronicles 6:35 son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, 1 Chronicles 6:36 son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, 1 Chronicles 6:37 son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, 1 Chronicles 6:38 son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel. 1 Chronicles 6:39 Heman’s relative was Asaph, who stood at his right hand: Asaph son of Berechiah, son of Shimea, 1 Chronicles 6:40 son of Michael, son of Baaseiah, son of Malchijah, 1 Chronicles 6:41 son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah, 1 Chronicles 6:42 son of Ethan, son of Zimmah, son of Shimei, 1 Chronicles 6:43 son of Jahath, son of Gershom, son of Levi. 1 Chronicles 6:44 On the left, their relatives were Merari’s sons: Ethan son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch, 1 Chronicles 6:45 son of Hashabiah, son of Amaziah, son of Hilkiah, 1 Chronicles 6:46 son of Amzi, son of Bani, son of Shemer, 1 Chronicles 6:47 son of Mahli, son of Mushi, son of Merari, son of Levi. 1 Chronicles 6:48 Their relatives, the Levites, were assigned to all the service of the tabernacle, God’s temple. 1 Chronicles 6:49 But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the most holy place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offerings and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 1 Chronicles 6:50 These are Aaron’s sons: his son Eleazar, his son Phinehas, his son Abishua, 1 Chronicles 6:51 his son Bukki, his son Uzzi, his son Zerahiah, 1 Chronicles 6:52 his son Meraioth, his son Amariah, his son Ahitub, 1 Chronicles 6:53 his son Zadok, and his son Ahimaaz. 1 Chronicles 6:54 These were the places assigned to Aaron’s descendants from the Kohathite family for their settlements in their territory, because the first lot was for them. 1 Chronicles 6:55 They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:56 but the fields and settlements around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. 1 Chronicles 6:57 Aaron’s descendants were given: Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah and its pasturelands, Jattir, Eshtemoa and its pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:58 Hilen and its pasturelands, Debir and its pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:59 Ashan and its pasturelands, and Beth-shemesh and its pasturelands. 1 Chronicles 6:60 From the tribe of Benjamin they were given Geba and its pasturelands, Alemeth and its pasturelands, and Anathoth and its pasturelands. They had thirteen towns in all among their families. 1 Chronicles 6:61 To the rest of the Kohathites, ten towns from half the tribe of Manasseh were assigned by lot. 1 Chronicles 6:62 The Gershomites were assigned thirteen towns from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan according to their families. 1 Chronicles 6:63 The Merarites were assigned by lot twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun according to their families. 1 Chronicles 6:64 So the Israelites gave these towns and their pasturelands to the Levites. 1 Chronicles 6:65 They assigned by lot the towns named above from the tribes of the descendants of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. 1 Chronicles 6:66 Some of the families of the Kohathites were given towns from the tribe of Ephraim for their territory: 1 Chronicles 6:67 Shechem (a city of refuge) with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer and its pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:68 Jokmeam and its pasturelands, Beth-horon and its pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:69 Aijalon and its pasturelands, and Gath-rimmon and its pasturelands. 1 Chronicles 6:70 From half the tribe of Manasseh, Aner and its pasturelands, and Bileam and its pasturelands were given to the rest of the families of the Kohathites. 1 Chronicles 6:71 The Gershomites received: Golan in Bashan and its pasturelands, and Ashtaroth and its pasturelands from the families of half the tribe of Manasseh. 1 Chronicles 6:72 From the tribe of Issachar they received Kedesh and its pasturelands, Daberath and its pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:73 Ramoth and its pasturelands, and Anem and its pasturelands. 1 Chronicles 6:74 From the tribe of Asher they received Mashal and its pasturelands, Abdon and its pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:75 Hukok and its pasturelands, and Rehob and its pasturelands. 1 Chronicles 6:76 From the tribe of Naphtali they received Kedesh in Galilee and its pasturelands, Hammon and its pasturelands, and Kiriathaim and its pasturelands. 1 Chronicles 6:77 The rest of the Merarites received: From the tribe of Zebulun, they received Rimmono and its pasturelands and Tabor and its pasturelands. 1 Chronicles 6:78 From the tribe of Reuben across the Jordan at Jericho to the east of the Jordan, they received Bezer in the desert and its pasturelands, Jahzah and its pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:79 Kedemoth and its pasturelands, and Mephaath and its pasturelands. 1 Chronicles 6:80 From the tribe of Gad they received Ramoth in Gilead and its pasturelands, Mahanaim and its pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:81 Heshbon and its pasturelands, and Jazer and its pasturelands.
worship and grace
The Levites (along with the tribe of Judah) are given the central part of this genealogical record. They were assigned the two aspects of worship before and during the Israelite monarchy: sacrifice and song. The song was the human expression of God’s worth-ship. The sacrifices were a message from God to the worshippers. It spoke of the serious nature of sin, but also of a God who seeks reconciliation. Unlike the sacrifices of the other nations, those of the Mosaic law were not a means of manipulating God. They were symbols of grace. God provides the lamb for the sacrifice.
LORD, we worship you because you are worth it. You have provided your own solution to the sin problem in Christ. thank you for your grace.
1 Chronicles 5:1 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. He is not listed in the genealogy according to birthright. 1 Chronicles 5:2 Although Judah became strong among his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright was given to Joseph. 1 Chronicles 5:3 The sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 1 Chronicles 5:4 Joel’s sons: his son Shemaiah, his son Gog, his son Shimei, 1 Chronicles 5:5 his son Micah, his son Reaiah, his son Baal, 1 Chronicles 5:6 and his son Beerah. Beerah was a leader of the Reubenites, and King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria took him into exile. 1 Chronicles 5:7 His relatives by their families as they are recorded in their family records: Jeiel the chief, Zechariah, 1 Chronicles 5:8 and Bela son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel. They settled in Aroer as far as Nebo and Baal-meon. 1 Chronicles 5:9 They also settled in the east as far as the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their herds had increased in the land of Gilead. 1 Chronicles 5:10 During Saul’s reign they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated by their power. And they lived in their tents throughout the region east of Gilead. 1 Chronicles 5:11 The sons of Gad lived next to them in the land of Bashan as far as Salecah: 1 Chronicles 5:12 Joel the chief, Shapham the second in command, Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan. 1 Chronicles 5:13 Their relatives according to their ancestral houses: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber– seven. 1 Chronicles 5:14 These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, son of Jaroah, son of Gilead, son of Michael, son of Jeshishai, son of Jahdo, son of Buz. 1 Chronicles 5:15 Ahi son of Abdiel, son of Guni, was head of their ancestral family. 1 Chronicles 5:16 They lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its surrounding villages, and throughout the pasturelands of Sharon. 1 Chronicles 5:17 All of them were registered in the genealogies during the reigns of Judah’s King Jotham and Israel’s King Jeroboam. 1 Chronicles 5:18 The descendants of Reuben and Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors who could serve in the army– men who carried shields and swords, drew bows, and were trained for war. 1 Chronicles 5:19 They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. 1 Chronicles 5:20 They received help against these enemies because they cried out to God in battle, and the Hagrites and all their allies were handed over to them. He was receptive to their prayer because they trusted in him. 1 Chronicles 5:21 They captured the Hagrites’ livestock– fifty thousand of their camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep, and two thousand donkeys– as well as one hundred thousand people. 1 Chronicles 5:22 Many of the Hagrites were killed because it was God’s battle. And they lived there in the Hagrites’ place until the exile. 1 Chronicles 5:23 The descendants of half the tribe of Manasseh settled in the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon (that is, Senir or Mount Hermon); they were numerous. 1 Chronicles 5:24 These were the heads of their ancestral families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were valiant warriors, famous men, and heads of their ancestral houses. 1 Chronicles 5:25 But they were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors. They prostituted themselves with the gods of the nations God had destroyed before them. 1 Chronicles 5:26 So the God of Israel roused the breath of King Pul (that is, Tiglath-pileser) of Assyria, and he took the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh into exile. He took them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and Gozan’s river, where they are until today.
hope amid brokenness
The record of the descendants of Israel here includes the Transjordan tribes, even though by the time the chronicler writes this, they had been broken up and deported by Assyria. From beginning to end, this record manifests evidence of brokenness. It starts with the fact that Reuben lost his birthright as Jacob’s firstborn due to incest. It concludes with the exile, brought on because these tribes whored after other gods, so God gave them into their enemies’ hands. The Bible does not sugar-coat these realities. It reveals the dark background and that accentuates the brilliance of God at work by his grace. It was to this Israel: condemned, broken, dysfunctional, hopeless, that the Messiah was promised.
LORD, thank you for the promise of your coming king.
Devotions 