1 Chronicles

Theme 1: (1-9): The Lord is generous and merciful and he is faithful to fulfill his promises to us. All of the first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles contain lists of genealogies which tell how land was given to all of the tribes of Israel and to individual clans and families out o f the goodness and mercy of the Lord to them. Chronicles 7 tells of how the descendants of Simeon multiplied greatly and were given more territory as they conquered the people dwelling in the land.(7:38-40).

Theme 2: (10-20): The Lord is holy and to be revered and those who honour and obey him, will experience his blessing. From the story of the death of Saul on Mt. Gilboa ( 1 Chronicles 10), I am reminded that we are judged for our actions and punished for our disobedience. David trusted in the Lord and obeyed him , being given victory when he conquered Jerusalem and made it Israel’s capital. ( 1 Chronicles 11). From David’s continued success and his attracting loyal followers , I can see God’s blessing on David’s life. ( 1 Chronicles 12). In the tale of sorrow , when a man called dies for touching the Ark of the Covenant , I am reminded that the Lord must be honored and his commands obeyed. ( 1 Chronicles 13). David trusted in the Lord and obeyed him and for his devotion , he was given victory over his enemies and fame among the nations. ( 1 Chronicles 14). From the story of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem, I am reminded that worshipping the Lord involves surrendering ourselves to him and it is the reason for our existence. ( 1 Chronicles 15). From David’s song of praise , written after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, I am reminded that the Lord is faithful and merciful and that I can wholly surrender myself to him , for he is gracious to me. ( 1 Chronicles 16). I am reminded from David’s desire to build a temple for the Lord , that he is pleased with us when we desire to honour him. ( 1 Chronicles 17). The stories of David’s military victories ( 1 Chronicles 18 &20), remind me that the Lord is faithful to keep his promises to us. The story of David’s initial gesture of goodwill to the new King of the Ammonites , in remembrance of the kindness shown by his Father, reminds me that the Lord blesses the seeking of peace as it pleases him. ( 1 Chronicles 19).

Theme 3: ( 21-29): It is vital to remember the work of the Lord in the past and his faithfulness, so that we continue to follow him and experience his guidance in our lives. The Lord answered David’s prayer of intercession after he built an altar to intercede for his nation and people during the pestilence. In fact the Lord was merciful to David , in the first place as he allowed him to choose his punishment for relying on military might and taking a census instead of trusting in him. David knew that he could trust the Lord and so he choose the pestilence rather than famine or being invaded by enemies. He stated that he would let the Lord punish him rather than men for he is merciful to me. ( 1 Chronicles 21: 13). David showed his gratitude and respect for the Lord by preparing for the temple building and gathering supplies after he was told that he would not be the one to build the temple. ( 1 Chronicles 22). From the records of the priests and their temple functions (1 Chronicles 23-26) and the records of David’s administrators ( 1 Chronicles 27) , I am reminded that the Lord prospers and blesses the work of those who serve him. From David’s final charge to his hier Solomon , ( 1 Chronicles 28), I am reminded that it is vital to pass on a fear of the Lord to the next generation as David did. From the story of the people of Israel giving additional gifts for the temple after seeing David’s example and from David’s prayer of thanksgiving ( 1 Chronicles 29), I am reminded that giving is just one way of showing our gratitude to the Lord for his work in our lives.