A Privilege and Honor to Serve

1 As for the divisions of the gatekeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. 2 And Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, 3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh. 4 And Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, 5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth, for God blessed him. 6 Also to his son Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers' houses, for they were men of great ability. 7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed and Elzabad, whose brothers were able men, Elihu and Semachiah. 8 All these were of the sons of Obed-edom with their sons and brothers, able men qualified for the service; sixty-two of Obed-edom. 9 And Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, able men, eighteen. 10 And Hosah, of the sons of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief), 11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.

12 These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties, just as their brothers did, ministering in the house of the Lord. 13 And they cast lots by fathers' houses, small and great alike, for their gates. 14 The lot for the east fell to Shelemiah. They cast lots also for his son Zechariah, a shrewd counselor, and his lot came out for the north. 15 Obed-edom's came out for the south, and to his sons was allotted the gatehouse. 16 For Shuppim and Hosah it came out for the west, at the gate of Shallecheth on the road that goes up. Watch corresponded to watch. 17 On the east there were six each day, on the north four each day, on the south four each day, as well as two and two at the gatehouse. 18 And for the colonnade on the west there were four at the road and two at the colonnade. 19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers among the Korahites and the sons of Merari.

20 And of the Levites, Ahijah had charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated gifts. 21 The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers' houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.

22 The sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and Joel his brother, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord. 23 Of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites— 24 and Shebuel the son of Gershom, son of Moses, was chief officer in charge of the treasuries. 25 His brothers: from Eliezer were his son Rehabiah, and his son Jeshaiah, and his son Joram, and his son Zichri, and his son Shelomoth. 26 This Shelomoth and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries of the dedicated gifts that David the king and the heads of the fathers' houses and the officers of the thousands and the hundreds and the commanders of the army had dedicated. 27 From spoil won in battles they dedicated gifts for the maintenance of the house of the Lord. 28 Also all that Samuel the seer and Saul the son of Kish and Abner the son of Ner and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated—all dedicated gifts were in the care of Shelomoth and his brothers.

29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to external duties for Israel, as officers and judges. 30 Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, 1,700 men of ability, had the oversight of Israel westward of the Jordan for all the work of the Lord and for the service of the king. 31 Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was chief of the Hebronites of whatever genealogy or fathers' houses. (In the fortieth year of David's reign search was made and men of great ability among them were found at Jazer in Gilead.) 32 King David appointed him and his brothers, 2,700 men of ability, heads of fathers' houses, to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king. – 1 Chronicles 26:1-32 ESV

While reading these closing chapters of the book of 1 Chronicles, one must remember that all of this was being done by David, a man who dreamed of building a house for the Lord but had been denied that privilege by God Himself. Instead, David's son, Solomon, would construct the Temple. But rather than pout, take his toys, and go home, David decided he would do the next best thing; he began gathering all the materials and establishing the organizational backbone that would make the Temple possible. Here he is, in the closing days of his administration and life, spending the vast majority of his time and wealth to ensure that everything needed to construct the temple was ready and available. He even put in place all the administrative and organizational aspects of building and maintaining the Temple – long before construction had even begun.

The amount of detail in these chapters is staggering. It can make for a difficult and somewhat boring read. But it reveals David's passion for God. Even though he would never see the completed temple or have the privilege of worshiping in it, he made sure that it would be built and would be worthy of the One who occupied it. David's passion for God is unparalleled. Having been denied by God the privilege of building the Temple, David could have gone about his life and let the weighty responsibility of this massive building project fall on the young shoulders of his son Solomon. But David was not going to risk taking his dream to the grave with him, never knowing if it ever got completed. He was determined to see that the Temple was built and his God honored.

He worked diligently and determinedly to make sure every aspect of its construction and ongoing maintenance was covered. His zeal for God's house reminds me of how Jesus reacted when He found the money changers operating inside the Temple when He arrived in Jerusalem for Passover. He became angry and physically threw them out of the place. He was not going to allow His Father's house to be defiled in such a way. Like Jesus, David had a passion for the things of God. You might even say he was obsessed. He was consumed with ensuring that the Temple would be a fitting dwelling place for God because God was worthy of it. David was determined to see that God got what He deserved, even if he never got to see it himself. That is dedication.

Dr. Thomas L. Constable puts it this way, "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."

Could the same be said of me? Do I put God's glory above my own personal ambitions? Is making God great and making Him known more important to me than anything else? Sadly, the answer is most often, "No." But these closing chapters of 1 Chronicles remind me to make God number one in my life, to give Him the glory He deserves. Am I willing to recognize His greatness and tell others about it? Am I prepared to make the reputation of God more important than my own?

For David to hire 24-hour guards to station at the gates of the temple and to employ the finest musicians and singers, would have cost him a great deal of money. It should not be overlooked that he did all this before the Temple had even been built. He would not even live long enough to see the Temple completed. There must have been some in his administration who looked at all his efforts and exorbitant expenses and questioned his sanity and wisdom. They wondered why he would waste so much time, money, and effort for the construction of a house that God had not even allowed him to build. But David loved His God and wanted to please Him; he wasn't concerned about what men thought about it all.

The apostle Paul shared David’s disregard for the approval of men.

…but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV

Paul lived his life in such a way that he could lay his head on the pillow at night, knowing that he had done what God had called him to do. He had been obedient and faithful. Rather than seek glory or the praise of men, he sought to bring pleasure and praise to God through the way he conducted his life.

We had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. – 1 Thessalonians 2:2 ESV

His life was not easy. Pleasing God did not come without its fair share of troubles and conflicts. There was always the not-so-subtle temptation to listen to the words of men and to seek their approval. Popularity and acceptance are strong urges in every human being. We want to be wanted. We desire to be accepted. But as children of God, our greatest desire must be to please God – not in an attempt to earn His favor or stay in His good graces. We can do nothing to make God love us more or force Him to love us any less. His great love for us has already been expressed in His Son's death on the cross in our place. But our desire to please Him must flow from grateful hearts for all He has done for us. Pleasing men is a futile game to play because they are fickle and their adoration and acceptance will come and go. But God's love for us is everlasting and unfailing. He deserves our willing desire to live obediently in response to His Word and in submission to His Spirit, not to please men, but to please Him.

One final thought: The men mentioned in this chapter were assigned the duty of serving as gatekeepers for the yet-to-be-constructed Temple. They were being hired for a seemingly menial job at a sacred site that didn’t even exist. They must have been jealous when they heard of David’s recruitment of other men to serve as the caretakers of the Temple treasury. He also handed out more cush-sounding assignments that included administrative responsibilities as officials and judges. Yet those chosen to serve as gatekeepers did not look down on their roles or consider their positions as inferior. They were honored to serve the king and their God as the protectors of the Temple.

Psalm 84 reflects the attitude of all those who were privileged to serve in any capacity within the Temple of the Lord. Written by the descendants of Korah, one of the sons of Levi, this Psalm gives a glimpse into the hearts of all those whom David chose to honor God with their lives.

A single day in your courts
    is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
    He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
    from those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    what joy for those who trust in you. – Psalm 84:10-12 NLT

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

David: A King of Contrasts

1 David built houses for himself in the city of David. And he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. 2 Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever. 3 And David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place, which he had prepared for it. 4 And David gathered together the sons of Aaron and the Levites: 5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, with 120 of his brothers; 6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, with 220 of his brothers; 7 of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, with 130 of his brothers; 8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, with 200 of his brothers; 9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, with 80 of his brothers; 10 of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, with 112 of his brothers. 11 Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, 12 and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.” 14 So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.

16 David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy. 17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari, their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 18 and with them their brothers of the second order, Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. 19 The singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were to sound bronze cymbals; 20 Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps according to Alamoth; 21 but Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres according to the Sheminith. 22 Chenaniah, leader of the Levites in music, should direct the music, for he understood it. 23 Berechiah and Elkanah were to be gatekeepers for the ark. 24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, should blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were to be gatekeepers for the ark.

25 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-edom with rejoicing. 26 And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as also were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers. And David wore a linen ephod. 28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.

29 And as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart. – 1 Chronicles 15:1-29 ESV

Having settled in his new capital city of Jerusalem, David began the process of constructing a house in which to live. Few details are provided about this new palace, but due to the generosity of a neighboring ruler, David’s home was likely fit for a king.

Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also masons and carpenters to build a house for him. – 1 Chronicles 14:1 ESV

But David wasn’t satisfied with one home; according to the chronicler, he “built houses for himself in the city of David” (1 Chronicles 15:1 ESV). David’s ambitious home-building effort mostly likely reflects his understanding of his status as God’s chosen leader.

David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had greatly blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. – 1 Chronicles 14:2 NLT

The number of homes he constructed probably had more to do with the size of his household than anything else. At this point in his reign, he had at least seven wives and a growing household of children. The various homes were intended to house his large and ever-expanding family.

But having completed his personal projects, David endeavored to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem a second time. His earlier attempt to bring the ark into the city had ended with the untimely death of Uzzah. This tragedy had taken place because David had disobeyed God’s commands concerning the transportation of the ark. Rather than having the ark carried by the Levites, David had ordered it to be placed on an ox-drawn cart. When the oxen stumbled and the ark began to fall, Uzzah reached out to steady it and was instantaneously killed. While Uzzah’s effort had been well-intended, it violated God’s command and resulted in his death. Angered by the death of Uzzah, David ordered the ark to be left in the care of Obed-edom. But three months later, he had second thoughts when he received word that the house of Obed-edom had been blessed because of the presence of the ark. He immediately ordered a second attempt to move the ark into his new capital, and this time he did it God’s way.

The prophet Samuel records, “…when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps” (2 Samuel 6:12 ESV). This time, there was no cart, no oxen, and no alternative method of transport used. David ensured that the ark was moved using God’s prescribed method.

Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever. – 1 Chronicles 15:2 ESV

David had learned a painful but valuable lesson from his first attempt to move the Ark and, on this occasion, he made sure to enlist the aid of the Levites.

“You are the leaders of the Levite families. You must purify yourselves and all your fellow Levites, so you can bring the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly.” – 1 Chronicles 15:12-13 NLT

The death of Uzzah had been tragic and unnecessary but it forced David to reflect on the error of his ways and the need for total obedience to the will of God. On this occasion, David not only ensured that the ark was carried properly but that the Levites observed all the prescribed ritual purification rites that God had commanded. He was taking no chances. He even “ordered the Levite leaders to appoint a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals” (1 Chronicles 15:16).

As the procession of priests and musicians made its way from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem, a great crowd of celebrants joined it, with David leading the way. Along the way, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. It was a joyful and worshipful event, accompanied by celebratory music, sacrifices of thanksgiving, and the sight of the king dancing at the head of the procession. But not everyone shared in David’s joyful exuberance. The chronicler states that David’s wife, Michal, was less than enthused by what she saw.

When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him. – 1 Chronicles 15:29 NLT

David had many wives, but Michal had the distinction of being his first. During his years of exile, David was forced to leave Michal behind and she ended up marrying another man. When David became king over the 11 tribes of Israel, he demanded that she be returned to him. Nothing is said of Michal’s feelings about being reunited with David, but her response to his very public display of unkingly behavior speaks volumes. The text states that “she was filled with contempt for him” (1 Chronicles 15:29 NLT). No reason is given for her deep disdain for David. Was it his choice of attire? Did his dancing embarrass her? Perhaps she was angry that he was bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. It’s clear from 1 Samuel 19:11-16 that Michal kept an idol of a false god in their home. So, it could be that she viewed the ark as an idol of David’s God and she resented him bringing it into the city.

While the motivation behind her anger is unstated, the Book of 2 Samuel makes her dissatisfaction crystal clear.

“How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” – 2 Samuel 6:20 NLT

She was disgusted with David’s embarrassing lack of decorum, but there was far more behind her anger and resentment toward David than just his choice of attire and dancing skills. Michal was a conflicted woman who was dealing with a great deal of emotional and psychological baggage. She had fallen in love with David when he was a young man serving in her father’s court. But when her father turned on David and he was forced to run for his life, she became an abandoned woman. During David’s years of exile, she was given to another man and started a new life. But when David ascended to the throne, she was forcibly taken from her husband and returned to David – only to find out that he had acquired many other wives.

Michal found herself living with her former husband and his growing harem of wives and their many children. This too may have added to Michal’s anger because it appears she was childless. which was not an attractive proposition for any woman in those days, especially the wife of the king. And Michal would remain childless. Because of her hostile reaction to David, it appears he lost any affection he still held for her. Their marriage was essentially over at that point. She would remain one of his queens but she would no longer enjoy his favor or ever bear him a son.

It is impossible to read this story and not see the stark contrast between celebration and disintegration. David was building his kingdom while at the same time watching his relationship with Michal fall apart. He was constructing a house in which he would rule and reign, but he was also multiplying a household in direct violation of God’s commands. His many wives and their multitude of children would eventually bring disorder and destruction to his kingdom.

His worship of God is contrasted with his propensity to flaunt the will of God. This man after God’s own heart exhibits a strange mix of humility and pride. He was obsessed with establishing his image as a king, but also willing to humble himself before the God who had placed him on the throne. In David’s response to Michal, you get a subtle sense of his pride mixed with humility.

“I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” – 2 Samuel 6:21-22 NLT

David knew that it was God who had made him king but he also enjoyed the fact that he was the king. He displays a subtle sense of superiority and pride in his statement. He had been chosen by God. He was the king. And while he was willing to humble himself before God, he was also counting on the fact that God was going to distinguish him as a king. Dancing and disdain. Pride and humility. Celebration and disintegration. Palaces and tents. Worship and wives. Blessings and barrenness. Burnt offerings and burned relationships.

But the other interesting insight gleaned from this chapter is that while David built a brick-and-mortar house for himself, he simply “pitched a tent” for the Ark of the Covenant. He would later regret this oversight and voice his desire to build a great house for God (2 Samuel 7). But at this point in his reign, it appears that David was busy establishing and solidifying his rule with all the trappings of kingly success; at least, according to the worldly standards of his day.

This is a passage of contrasts, and David’s reign would be one of contradictions and conflicts. There would be times of great blessing and significance, but there would also be times of pain, sorrow, and disobedience. David was going to continue to learn the truth found in the words of Samuel, spoken to David’s predecessor.

"What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” – 1 Samuel 15:22 NLT

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A breach of Faith

1 So all Israel was recorded in genealogies, and these are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith. 2 Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants. 3 And some of the people of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem: 4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, son of Omri, son of Imri, son of Bani, from the sons of Perez the son of Judah. 5 And of the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons. 6 Of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel and their kinsmen, 690. 7 Of the Benjaminites: Sallu the son of Meshullam, son of Hodaviah, son of Hassenuah, 8 Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, Elah the son of Uzzi, son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, son of Reuel, son of Ibnijah; 9 and their kinsmen according to their generations, 956. All these were heads of fathers’ houses according to their fathers’ houses.

10 Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin, 11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, son of Zadok, son of Meraioth, son of Ahitub, the chief officer of the house of God; 12 and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, son of Pashhur, son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, son of Jahzerah, son of Meshullam, son of Meshillemith, son of Immer; 13 besides their kinsmen, heads of their fathers’ houses, 1,760, mighty men for the work of the service of the house of God.

14 Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; 15 and Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal and Mattaniah the son of Mica, son of Zichri, son of Asaph; 16 and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, son of Galal, son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.

17 The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their kinsmen (Shallum was the chief); 18 until then they were in the king’s gate on the east side as the gatekeepers of the camps of the Levites. 19 Shallum the son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of his fathers’ house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the Lord, keepers of the entrance. 20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the chief officer over them in time past; the Lord was with him. 21 Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper at the entrance of the tent of meeting. 22 All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were 212. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and Samuel the seer established them in their office of trust. 23 So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. 24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south. 25 And their kinsmen who were in their villages were obligated to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with these, 26 for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God. 27 And they lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.

28 Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. 29 Others of them were appointed over the furniture and over all the holy utensils, also over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices. 30 Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices, 31 and Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes. 32 Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.

33 Now these, the singers, the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night. 34 These were heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, according to their generations, leaders. These lived in Jerusalem.

35 In Gibeon lived the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, and the name of his wife was Maacah, 36 and his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth; 38 and Mikloth was the father of Shimeam; and these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen. 39 Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. 40 And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal fathered Micah. 41 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz. 42 And Ahaz fathered Jarah, and Jarah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. And Zimri fathered Moza. 43 Moza fathered Binea, and Rephaiah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 44 Azel had six sons and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan; these were the sons of Azel.  – 1 Chronicles 9:1-44 ESV

In chapter nine, the seemingly endless lists of genealogies finally come to a close and the chronicler chooses to wrap up his painstaking record with an emphasis on the Temple in Jerusalem and those men who were responsible for its care. In this chapter, he covers the priests, Levites, and all those who served in various capacities within the Temple complex.

He opens this chapter with a brief summary statement that explains the source behind his fastidious record of Israel’s family trees and th

So all Israel was recorded in genealogies, and these are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. – 1 Chronicles 10:1a ESV

The chronicler wasn’t required to do painstaking research to come up with his lists of Israelite lineages; they were readily available in the historical record. This was his way of claiming that his records were accurate and trustworthy. But then he added a simple line that must have felt like a punch to the stomach to his original audience.

And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith. – 1 Chronicles 9:1b ESV

The chronicler wanted his audience of recently returned exiles to know two things: Their rich heritage as the chosen people of God and the reason behind their 70 years of captivity in Babylon.  Most of these people had been born in exile and had never set foot in the land of promise. During their long tenure in Babylon, it is likely that they forgot how they got there in the first place. Babylon had become their home; it was all they knew. But now that they had arrived back in Judah, they needed to understand why they had been cast out, to begin with. It was because of their unfaithfulness.

It’s interesting to note that the chronicler follows up his bombshell statement with a lengthy record concerning the Levites, priests, and Temple servants. These men had been tasked with overseeing the Temple and the nation’s spiritual well-being. Yet, as the chronicler so succinctly stated, “Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith” (1 Chronicles 9:1b ESV).

What makes this statement so significant is that it is tied directly to the role of the Levitical priesthood. Israel’s unfaithfulness began at the top. In fact, the very next chapter records the sin of Israel’s very first king.

“So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord.” – 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 ESV

The people of God had a faith problem that was the byproduct of their less-than-stellar leadership. Within Israel, there were three primary leadership positions: The king, the priests, and the prophets. God had ordained these three roles and expected those who held them to perform their responsibilities faithfully. But most of Israel’s kings proved to be far from successful in their role as the keepers of the faith. Sadly, the priests would not fare much better. In the Book of Ezekiel, we are given a less-than-flattering look into the poor track record of the priestly caste.

Ezekiel was a native of Judah who grew up in the capital city of Jerusalem. He lived through the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and was taken captive to Babylon along with King Jehoiachin about 597 BC. As a young man, Ezekiel had been preparing to become a priest in the Temple but his deportation to Babylon changed all that. While in Babylon, he received a commission from God to serve as a prophet to the exiled people of Judah. He describes his calling in the opening lines of the book that bears his name.

In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. – Ezekiel 1:1 ESV

While Ezekiel was trying to acclimate to his new surroundings in Babylon, God appeared and gave him a new appointment that carried with it a heavy responsibility.

“Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.” – Ezekiel 2:1-5 NLT

Stranded in the land of Babylon and surrounded by his fellow exiles, Ezekiel found himself with the unenviable task of serving as God’s prophet to a stubborn and rebellious people. His task would not be easy because his audience would be far from receptive to his message. God made that point painfully clear.

“Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.” – Ezekiel 2:6-7 NLT

But Ezekiel took his new commission seriously and delivered God’s message faithfully. His life was filled with visions and visitations from God that provided him with insights into Judah’s plight and God’s plans for them. At one point, he was transported by God to the Temple in Jerusalem where he received an eye-opening glimpse into the sorry state of the priesthood. As Ezekiel stood outside the gate of the Temple, God declared His anger at the atrocities taking place within its walls.

“Son of man, do you see what they are doing—the great abominations that the people of Israel are practicing here, to drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see greater abominations than these!” – Ezekiel 8:6 NLT

He was led to the entrance to the Temple court and ordered to enter.

“Go in and see the evil abominations they are practicing here.” So I went in and looked. I noticed every figure of creeping thing and beast—detestable images—and every idol of the house of Israel, engraved on the wall all around. – Ezekiel 8:9-10 NLT

The Temple of God was filled with idols. But the vision was far from over.

“Do you see, son of man, what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in the chamber of his idolatrous images? For they think, ‘The Lord does not see us! The Lord has abandoned the land!’” – Ezekiel 8:12 NLT

The leadership of Israel was involved in the sacrilegious and blasphemous activities taking place in God’s house. But Ezekiel was in for an even greater shock.

Then he brought me to the inner court of the Lord’s house. Right there at the entrance to the Lord’s temple, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the Lord’s temple, facing east—they were worshiping the sun toward the east! – Ezekiel 8:16 NLT

These idolatrous acts could not have taken place without the assistance of the priestly caste. These men were complicit and worthy of God’s judgment, having violated their role as God’s priests and allowing His house to be desecrated with images of false gods. As the people of Judah continued to face the threat of annihilation at the hands of the Babylonians, they had become equal opportunity idolaters, seeking the aid of any and all gods that might come to their rescue. But God was not pleased, and in chapter 10, Ezekiel is given a vision of God’s glory departing the Temple.

This look at the visions of the visions of Ezekiel is vital to understanding chapter nine of 1 Chronicles. Long after the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple, the people of Israel had lost sight of their guilt and the cause of their judgment. Yet, God had graciously returned them to the scene of the crime – the land of promise. Not only that, He had reminded them of their status as His chosen people. Now, in chapter nine, he lets them know that He will restore the Levitical priesthood to serve in the newly constructed Temple in the recently restored city of Jerusalem.

The nation of Judah broke faith with God and ended up a broken people living in exile in a foreign land. King Saul broke faith with God and not only lost a battle but also his son, Jonathan. Defeated and alone, the great king would end up taking his own life in a final act of faithlessness and desperation. He had abandoned God, not the other way around.

Broken faith always has its consequences. This wasn't just a case of a lack of faith. If we're not careful, we could easily conclude that Judah and Saul just couldn't muster up enough faith to trust God. But theirs was a sin of commission. It was more a case of what they had done, not what they had lacked. The nation of Judah had ended up in exile because they had committed acts of unfaithfulness against God. They had sinned. Unfaithfulness is always a sin. It involves disobedience and infidelity. The people of Judah had failed to live up to their responsibilities as the children of God. The priests had failed to fulfill their role as the servants of God.

God was not shocked or surprised by the failure of the priests or the people. He had not been caught off guard by their breach of faith. He had fully expected it and had even warned the people of Judah that their exile was coming. Their unfaithfulness had åbeen expected by God. He knew that they would find it impossible to keep His commands. And when the nation of Judah found themselves languishing in captivity, God had a plan for their ultimate restoration. He was not done with them yet. After 70 years of exile, He had brought them back to the land and orchestrated the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, the restoration of the Temple, and the repopulation of the city.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

No Detail Left Out

1 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 2 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 3 The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 4 Eleazar fathered Phinehas, Phinehas fathered Abishua, 5 Abishua fathered Bukki, Bukki fathered Uzzi, 6 Uzzi fathered Zerahiah, Zerahiah fathered Meraioth, 7 Meraioth fathered Amariah, Amariah fathered Ahitub, 8 Ahitub fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Ahimaaz, 9 Ahimaaz fathered Azariah, Azariah fathered Johanan, 10 and Johanan fathered Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem). 11 Azariah fathered Amariah, Amariah fathered Ahitub, 12 Ahitub fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Shallum, 13 Shallum fathered Hilkiah, Hilkiah fathered Azariah, 14 Azariah fathered Seraiah, Seraiah fathered Jehozadak; 15 and Jehozadak went into exile when the Lord sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

16 The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 17 And these are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. 18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. 19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites according to their fathers. 20 Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. 22 The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, 24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 25 The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth, 26 Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. 28 The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn, the second Abijah. 29 The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son.

31 These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord after the ark rested there. 32 They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they performed their service according to their order. – 1 Chronicles 6:1-32 ESV

This chapter marks the center point of the chronicler’s genealogical record. In it, he details the lineage of Levi, whose tribe had been set apart by God to serve as ministers in the Tabernacle. The Book of Numbers records God’s appointment of the Levites, along with Aaron, a grandson of Levi and the brother of Moses.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Call forward the tribe of Levi, and present them to Aaron the priest to serve as his assistants. They will serve Aaron and the whole community, performing their sacred duties in and around the Tabernacle. They will also maintain all the furnishings of the sacred tent, serving in the Tabernacle on behalf of all the Israelites. Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons. They have been given from among all the people of Israel to serve as their assistants. Appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood. But any unauthorized person who goes too near the sanctuary must be put to death.” – Numbers 3:5-10 NLT

This one tribe had been given the sacred responsibility of caring for the Tabernacle, God’s earthly dwelling place. God had commanded Moses to build the Tabernacle and provided the plans for its construction.

“Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.” – Exodus 25:8-9 NLT

But this sacred space would require special care and attention, a duty given solely to the tribe of Levi. They alone had been chosen by God to serve as priests and caretakers of His house.

Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You, your sons, and your relatives from the tribe of Levi will be held responsible for any offenses related to the sanctuary. But you and your sons alone will be held responsible for violations connected with the priesthood. Bring your relatives of the tribe of Levi—your ancestral tribe—to assist you and your sons as you perform the sacred duties in front of the Tabernacle of the Covenant.” – Numbers 18:1-2 NLT

The sons of Aaron were designated to serve as priests and only they could interact with the holy objects located within the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, They alone could “perform the sacred duties inside the sanctuary and at the altar” (Numbers 18:5 NLT). The rest of the Levites served as assistants to Aaron and his son, performing the various duties assigned to them by God.

The duties of the Levites continued all throughout the years Israel wandered in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. Even after conquering and occupying Canaan, the Tabernacle continued to serve as the central place of sacrifice and worship, where the Levites continued to perform their God-appointed duties. When Solomon constructed the Temple in Jerusalem, modeled after the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant was moved into the Holy of Holies and the Levites transitioned their allegiance from the Tabernacle to the new-and-improved Temple.

The chronicler is reminding his audience of the sacredness of God’s house and the set-apart nature of the Levitical priesthood. When the remnant of Israelites returned to Jerusalem after their 70 years of bondage in Babylon, they found the city in a dismal state and the once-glorious Temple completely destroyed. Yet, under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, they eventually restored the former capital and rebuilt the house of God. But without the Levitical priesthood, the newly reconstructed Temple would be of no use to the people of Israel. God had made it clear: “Any unauthorized person who comes too near the sanctuary will be put to death” (Numbers 18:7 NLT).

So, as the people of Israel stood once again on the land that God had promised and provided for them, the author of Chronicles wanted to remind them of two important facts: The role of the king and the importance of the priesthood to their lives. In his careful, if not boring, list of genealogies, he spent a great deal of time outlining the lineage of Judah, the tribe through which not only David the king and his descendants came, but through which the Messiah would come. In this chapter, he methodically presents the lineage of the tribe of Levi, the tribe appointed by God to serve as priests to Him. While the people were in exile, the priesthood had effectively been suspended. The Levites could serve only as long as Israel remained in the promised land and the Temple remained standing. The Holy of Holies within the Temple was the dwelling place for God’s Shekinah glory. When the Temple had been destroyed, the presence of God had vacated the premises.

At the dedication of the original Temple, God told Solomon, “I have set this Temple apart to be holy—this place you have built where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart” (1 Kings 9:3 NLT). But God also gave Solomon a solemn warning:

“But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the commands and decrees I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot Israel from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor my name. I will make Israel an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations. And though this Temple is impressive now, all who pass by will be appalled and will gasp in horror. They will ask, ‘Why did the Lord do such terrible things to this land and to this Temple?’” – 1 Kings 9:6-8 NLT

And God kept His word. The day came when He sent the Babylonians to punish His people for their sins against Him. The returning exiles knew only too well the details of that sad story; they had lived it for seven decades. Now they were being given a God-ordained chance to begin again. But they would need to do everything God’s way, including reinstituting the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system.

This would serve as one of the most significant benefits of their return to the land. During their years in exile, the sacrificial system would have been suspended, which means they would have had no way of receiving atonement for sin. With their return to Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple, that would all change. But it was essential that they do things God’s way. The priesthood was essential to the restoration of community life and the people's covenant relationship with God. The priests and the Temple were central to life in Israel and had been missing for more than 70 years. This chapter reemphasizes their importance.

This list also reminds the people that it was God who had chosen Aaron and his sons to serve Him as priests. When God rescued the people out of captivity in Egypt, He claimed the firstborn son as His by right. They were to be dedicated to His service for their lifetimes. But instead, God had chosen to allow the Levites to serve in their place. They were His hand-picked representatives and this chapter clearly indicates their importance in the covenant community.

Remember, this book was written to a people returning from Exile. Many, if not most, had been born in Babylon and were ignorant of the history and unique relationship that God had with the people of Israel. This is the author's attempt to remind them of their uniqueness as God’s people. God had been intimately involved in the history and daily life of the people of Israel and these newly released exiles needed to be reminded of that fact. As they surveyed the landscape of Judah and the less-than-ideal nature of their circumstances, it would have been easy for them to lose hope. They would have been tempted to cut corners and make compromises. But when it came to God’s house and the sacrificial system that took place within its gates, there was no room for concessions and quick fixes. The Temple had always been intended to remind the people of God’s presence. He was never confined to a building or relegated to operating within the walls of the Holy of Holies, but He had agreed to provide them with tangible and visible proof of His presence so they would honor and obey Him. Now that they were back in the land, God was willing to renew His relationship with them but it would require that they recognize His power and remember the weight of their calling as His chosen people.

Sometimes we need a refresher course on just how unique we are as the people of God. Tainted by the world and numbed by constant contact with the things of the world, we lose sight of the reality of our unique position as God's chosen people. Christ is to serve as priest and king in our lives. He is our Savior and sovereign Lord. He is the one we are to worship and obey. We are not like any other people group on earth. We have a High Priest who has offered the ultimate sacrifice for our sins – His own life. We have a King who rules and reigns from His throne in heaven and who is one day going to return to reestablish His rule here on earth. Those two facts should change the way we live and think.

The Israelites had been given a second chance. God had graciously rescued them from captivity in Babylon and restored them to the land He had promised them. He had provided them with leadership, resources, and the assurance of His presence. He would be with them and He would continue to care for them. But they would need to live in accordance with His will.

Decades earlier, when Solomon dedicated the newly-constructed Temple, he prayed a prayer that was prophetic in nature. Speaking hypothetically, he spoke of a day when the people of Israel might so offend God with their sins that they incur His wrath and suffer defeat at the hands of their enemy. He describes a time of forced exile but then he portrays the people calling out to God in repentance.

“If they sin against you—and who has never sinned?—you might become angry with them and let their enemies conquer them and take them captive to their land far away or near. But in that land of exile, they might turn to you in repentance and pray, ‘We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly.’ If they turn to you with their whole heart and soul in the land of their enemies and pray toward the land you gave to their ancestors—toward this city you have chosen, and toward this Temple I have built to honor your name— then hear their prayers and their petition from heaven where you live, and uphold their cause. Forgive your people who have sinned against you. Forgive all the offenses they have committed against you. Make their captors merciful to them, for they are your people—your special possession—whom you brought out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt.” – 1 Kings 8:46-51 NLT

Little did Solomon know that his hypothetical scenario would become a painful reality. But his prayer had been answered. God had done exactly what Solomon had requested. He heard the cries of His people and showed them mercy. He graciously restored them to the land. He kept a remnant of the Levites alive. He allowed them to rebuild the Temple. Now, they would need to live in accordance with His will and worship Him in a way that honored His name and reflected their status as His chosen people.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Relentless Will of God

1 These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite, 2 the third, Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith; 3 the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah; 4 six were born to him in Hebron, where he reigned for seven years and six months. And he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 5 These were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, four by Bath-shua, the daughter of Ammiel; 6 then Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, 7 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 8 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine. 9 All these were David’s sons, besides the sons of the concubines, and Tamar was their sister.

10 The son of Solomon was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, 11 Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, 12 Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, 13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 14 Amon his son, Josiah his son. 15 The sons of Josiah: Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. 16 The descendants of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son; 17 and the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, 18 Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah; 19 and the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister; 20 and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed, five. 21 The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, his son Rephaiah, his son Arnan, his son Obadiah, his son Shecaniah. 22 The son of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. And the sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six. 23 The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three. 24 The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven. – 1 Chronicles 3:1-24 ESV

At this point, the chronicler picks up his genealogical record with the line of David and takes it all through way through the post-exilic period. This chapter provides important details concerning God’s miraculous preservation of the Davidic line despite the nation’s seven-decades-long exile in Babylon. God had made a covenant promise to David and nothing, including the fall of the kingdom of Judah and the deportation of its people to Babylon, would prevent Him from keeping His word.

“‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’” – 2 Samuel 7:11-16 NLT

After the people of Israel returned to Judah under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, they had to wonder whether God was going to be able to keep David’s line alive. As they assessed their situation, it was not difficult to see that they had no king, Davidic or otherwise. God’s promise to secure David’s throne forever seems to have come to an abrupt and ignominious end when Zedekiah was dethroned and blinded by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The Book of 2 Kings provides the sordid details.

So on January 15, during the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon led his entire army against Jerusalem. They surrounded the city and built siege ramps against its walls. Jerusalem was kept under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah’s reign. – 2 Kings 25:1-12 NLT

They captured the king and took him to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment upon Zedekiah. They made Zedekiah watch as they slaughtered his sons. Then they gouged out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. – 2 Kings 25:6-7 NLT

Yet, the chronicler wanted his readers to know that God had not forgotten His promise and had preserved the line of David all throughout their years in exile. Verses 17-24 of 1 Chronicles contain the David line as traced through Jehoiachin. His reign preceded that of Zedekiah and was short-lived. Ascending the throne of David at the age of 18, Jehoiachin reigned for only three months and “did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, just as his father had done” (2 Kings 24:9 NLT). It was during Jehoiachin’s reign that Nebuchadnezzar began his siege of Jerusalem and it didn’t take long for the young king to lose hope and surrender.

Nebuchadnezzar led King Jehoiachin away as a captive to Babylon, along with the queen mother, his wives and officials, and all Jerusalem’s elite. He also exiled 7,000 of the best troops and 1,000 craftsmen and artisans, all of whom were strong and fit for war. Then the king of Babylon installed Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, as the next king, and he changed Mattaniah’s name to Zedekiah. – 2 Kings 24:15-17 NLT

It’s interesting to note that Jehoiachin (also known as Jeconiah and Coniah) had received a prophecy from Jeremiah that detailed his eventual capture by Nebuchadnezzar.

“As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “I will abandon you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. Even if you were the signet ring on my right hand, I would pull you off. I will hand you over to those who seek to kill you, those you so desperately fear—to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the mighty Babylonian army. I will expel you and your mother from this land, and you will die in a foreign country, not in your native land. You will never again return to the land you yearn for.

“Why is this man Jehoiachin like a discarded, broken jar?
    Why are he and his children to be exiled to a foreign land?
O earth, earth, earth!
    Listen to this message from the Lord!
This is what the Lord says:
‘Let the record show that this man Jehoiachin was childless.
    He is a failure,
for none of his children will succeed him on the throne of David
    to rule over Judah.’” – Jeremiah 22:24-30 NLT

According to Jeremiah, God decreed that Jehoiachin would be childless, yet the chronicler states that seven sons were born to him during his exile in Babylon.

The sons of Jehoiachin, who was taken prisoner by the Babylonians, were Shealtiel, Malkiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. – 1 Chronicles 3:17-18 NLT

This isn’t a typo or a so-called contradiction in Scripture, it was God’s way of saying that none of Jehoiachin’s sons would become heirs to his throne. Jeremiah makes that point quite clear when he writes that “none of his children will succeed him on the throne of David to rule over Judah” (Jeremiah 22:30 NLT). Yet, the chronicler states that Pedaiah, one of Jehoiachin’s sons, fathered two boys named Zerubbabel and Shimei. The first of these sons would end up playing an important role in the return of the exiles to Judah.

Here is the list of the Jewish exiles of the provinces who returned from their captivity. King Nebuchadnezzar had deported them to Babylon, but now they returned to Jerusalem and the other towns in Judah where they originally lived. Their leaders were Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. - Ezra 2:1-2 NLT

According to the prophet Haggai, Zerubbabel went on to become the governor of Judah (Haggai 2:21). So, while he did not inherit his grandfather’s throne, he did play an important role in providing leadership within the restored kingdom of Judah. More importantly, Zerubbabel’s name appears in the lineage of Jesus.

After the Babylonian exile:
Jehoiachin was the father of Shealtiel.
Shealtiel was the father of Zerubbabel.
Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud.
Abiud was the father of Eliakim.
Eliakim was the father of Azor.
Azor was the father of Zadok.
Zadok was the father of Akim.
Akim was the father of Eliud.
Eliud was the father of Eleazar.
Eleazar was the father of Matthan.
Matthan was the father of Jacob.
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. – Matthew 1:12-16 NLT 

Of course, this passage presents another seeming contradiction. It lists Zerubbabel as the son of Shealtiel, while the chronicler states that Pedaiah was his father. The books of Haggai, Nehemiah, Ezra, Matthew, and Luke also list Shealtiel as the father. So, was the chronicler mistaken? While it would be easy to write this off as a scribal error, it makes more sense to consider the possibility that Zerubbabel was the byproduct of levirate marriage. If Shealtiel died without having a son, his brother Pedaiah would have been obligated by law to take Shealtiel’s widow as his wife so that she could bear an heir to her deceased husband’s line. Shealthiel would have been Zerubbabel’s legal father, while Pedaiah was his biological father. During their exile in Babylon, Shealtiel served as the second Exilarch (or king-in-exile). With the return to Judah, Zerubbabel assumed his father’s leadership role, serving as governor.

But the most important detail to consider is that Zerubbabel is included in the line of Jesus, the Messiah. God would use this descendant of David and the grandson of the discredited Jehoiachin to bring about the birth of the Messiah. Not only that, Zerubbabel would be used by God to rebuild the destroyed Temple in Jerusalem.

“This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’” – Zechariah 4:6-7 NLT

Zechariah went on to say, “Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand” (Zechariah 4:9-10 NLT).

The Temple would be rebuilt and the sacrificial system would be reinstituted. God had taken His rebellious people and restored them to the land and graciously allowed them to renew their relationship with Him. But He was far from done. From those small beginnings, God would accomplish greater things than they could ever imagine. Even while they were in exile, God spoke to His people through the prophet Jeremiah, assuring them of His unwavering love and unstoppable plans for them.

“You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” – Jeremiah 29:10-14 NLT

Little did the returned exiles know the extent of the plans God had in store for them. They had no way of knowing that their temporary governor, who happened to be the grandson of the evil and discredited Jehoiachin, would be used by God to bring about their long-awaited Messiah. Zerubbabel would be instrumental in rebuilding the Temple so that the people of Israel could enjoy a restored relationship with God. But it would be Zerubbabel’s descendant, Jesus, who would become the living Temple and provide the final sacrifice needed to restore sinful men to a right relationship with the Father. Jesus alluded to this in His message to the religious leaders of His day.

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. – John 2:18-22 NLT

From this lengthy and somewhat boring list of names comes a stunning reminder that God is sovereign over all things. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and in complete control over the affairs of men. Wicked kings cannot thwart His plans. The deportation of an entire nation cannot alter His will or derail His intentions. His will will be done. And as the Book of Revelation reminds us, the Messiah, the descendant of Zerubbabel, will one day become the true and everlasting Temple of God on earth.

I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. – Revelation 21:22-27 NLT

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Who Am I?

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God!” – 2 Samuel 7:18-20 ESV 2 Samuel 7:18-29

David desired to build a temple for God. He had enjoyed great success and his kingdom had grown strong and prosperous. As a show of gratitude, he wanted to construct a suitable house for his God. But Nathan the prophet, under instructions from God Himself, informed David that he would not be building a temple. First, God made it clear that He had never asked for anyone to build Him a permanent dwelling place. “In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’” (2 Samuel 7:7 ESV). Not only that, God told David that He would build his house. But instead of talking about a dwelling place, God was speaking of David's dynasty or lineage. God told David, “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son” (2 Samuel 7:12-14 ESV). God was speaking of David's son, Solomon. It would be he who would build the temple David envisioned. But it would be God who made it all possible, providing Solomon with a prosperous and peace-filled reign. And as a final word of promise to David, God said, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16 ESV).

While David's initial reaction to this news was probably disappointment, because he was not going to get to fulfill his dream of building a temple for God, his prayer reflects his amazement and gratitude at the grace of God. His immediate response was one of awe, leading him to ask, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” God had reminded David of how he had gotten to where he was. “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth” (2 Samuel 7:8-9 ESV). David's rise to prominence had been totally God's doing. He had taken an obscure shepherd boy and transformed him into a mighty warrior-king. And this reminder led David to wonder out loud why God would have ever chosen him as the recipient of such an amazing blessing. God had done great things for David and that fact had not escaped the king. And now God was promising David a dynasty – an ongoing, unbroken succession of kings who would be his own descendants. This was a first for Israel. Saul had been their first king, but David had succeeded him. Now David was being told, “your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16 ESV). This was an incredible piece of news for David. He was being promised by God that his throne or kingdom would have no end. David knew that for that to happen, it would have to be the work of God. No dynasty lasted forever. No earthly kingdom went on without interruption or end. So God was promising something extraordinary and seemingly impossible, and David reacted accordingly.

But little did David know what this covenant really meant. God had something far greater in store than even David could imagine. We know that Solomon's reign would not end well. In fact, his disobedience to God would end up splitting the kingdom in half. The coming years would see a succession of kings, most of whom would not serve the Lord faithfully. Eventually, the northern kingdom of Israel would be defeated and taken captive by the Assyrians. Not long afterwards, the southern kingdom of Judah would fall to the Babylonians. And then there would be a long period of time where no king reigned over Israel. It would appear as if God's promise to David had failed. But God was not done. It was all part of His divine plan of redemption. Because eventually, He would send His own Son, born to Mary, a descendant of David, making Jesus a legitimate heir to the throne of David. God made this clear to Mary when He gave her news of her unexpected and miraculous pregnancy. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33 ESV).

God had chosen an unknown shepherd boy and made him a king. He chose an obscure peasant girl and making her the mother of the Messiah. God is always the instigator. As Paul reminds us, “None is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10 ESV). No one deserves God's blessing. No one merits God's salvation. All of us who have experienced the joy of forgiveness of sins and restoration with God through faith in Jesus Christ could say along with David, “Who am I?” We must never forget our own undeservedness and the reality that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 ESV). Our salvation is the work of God and of His Son Jesus Christ. It is not our doing. Which is why we should never cease to be amazed that God chose to extend His love, grace and mercy to us.

God's Will and Our Sin.

1 Chronicles 21-22, Colossians 4

Then David said, “Here shall be the house of the Lord God and her the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” – 1 Chronicles 22:1 ESV

David was enjoying tremendous success. God's hand was on him and he was having a field day against his enemies. But then something went terribly wrong. When you compare the two accounts of this event found in 1 Chronicles 21 and 2 Samuel 24, there appear to be some discrepancies. In the passage in 2 Samuel, we are told that God was angry with Israel, so he incited David to take a census. We are not told why this action was wrong. It could have been that David's desire to take a census of the people was in order to determine the size of his army. He could have begun to believe that his recent victories were due to his incredible leadership and powerful army. Knowing exactly how many soldiers he had at his disposal would have given David great pride and appealed to his ego. Rather than trust God, he would have been tempted to trust in his army. David would learn an invaluable lesson through this experience and later write, “Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:6-7 ESV). But at this point, David was trusting in his own military might.

Interestingly enough, in the 1 Chronicles passage, we get a different take on this scenario. It says that “Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel” (1 Chronicles 21:1 ESV). In both cases, David gave in to the temptation and ended up taking the census, against the advice of Joab, his military commander. While these two passages seem to be in conflict with one another, it is probably nothing more than a matter of perspective. Either way, God was in control. He was the one doing the enticing, but the chronicler makes it clear that God used the “adversary” to accomplish His will. God wanted David to learn a lesson he would never forget.

What does this passage reveal about God?

But there was something even greater going on behind the scenes. This whole chain of events appears to be nothing more than David's unwitting obedience to the enticement of the enemy, but God was actually accomplishing His divine will through everything that happened. After David numbered the people, he immediately had second thoughts and realized what he had done. He admitted his guilt and asked God to take away his iniquity. But God was going to something even more significant. As a result of David's sin, God gave him three options from which to choose his punishment. First, he could choose three years of famine in the land of Israel. Or he could choose option number two and settle for three months of devastation at the hands of his foes. And lastly, he could decide to let God bring pestilence on the land for three days. Not exactly great choices. But David decided to take his chances with God, because he believed that God would show him mercy.

God did bring pestilence and many died that day. On top of that, God was poised to destroy the city of Jerusalem, but “relented from the calamity” (1 Chronicles 21:15 ESV). He stayed the hand of the angel of the Lord, who happened to be standing on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Then God commanded David to build an altar on the threshing floor – right where the angel of the Lord was standing with his sword drawn. So David bought the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite and “built an altar to the Lord and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the Lord, and the Lord answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering” (1 Chronicles 21:25-26 ESV). And then God commanded the angel of the Lord to put his sword back in his sheath. God provided the means by which the sins of David could be atoned for and His own divine wrath satisfied. It would be on this very spot that Solomon would build the temple. “Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite” (2 Chronicles 3:1 ESV).

What does this passage reveal about man?

Man's sin is no match for God's mercy and grace. David had angered God and there was nothing he could do to escape God's holy anger and judgment. So God stepped in and stopped the destruction long enough to provide a means of atonement. In the midst of the devastation and destruction, God extended mercy and grace. He is the one who told the angel to stop right on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. He is the one who told David to build an altar there. He is the one who answered David with fire from heaven, consuming the offering and accepting David's sacrifice. He is the one who forgave David's sin and restored the people of Israel. David's response was the begin an aggressive campaign to gather all the materials and develop the plans for the Temple. He knew God would not allow him to build it, but he would do all he could to make sure that it was a fitting structure for His gracious God. 

How would I apply what I’ve read to my own life?

There are times when I think my sins are too much for God. I can easily convince myself that my screw-ups somehow mess up things for God. But this story reminds me that God is always working in ways of which I am ignorant and could not understand even if I knew about them. He is greater than my biggest spiritual failure. He can and does use me, oftentimes in spite of me. It is comforting to realize that I can't out-sin God. I can't screw up the plan of God. He is always interested in providing atonement, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. He may let me experience some loss and go through some pain, but He will always lead me back to Himself. I must allow God to complete what He is doing in my life. When David arrived at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he was dressed in mourning clothes and pleading for God to turn His wrath fully on him instead of the people. He was willing to take full responsibility and complete blame for what had happened. But little did he know that this place of eminent destruction was going to become God's place of atonement and forgiveness for generations to come. The words of Paul in Colossians 4:1 seem appropriate in this context: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Prayer that God would keep me from presumptuous, prideful sin. Prayer to thank Him for His incredible, inexhaustible grace and mercy.

Father, You are amazing. My greatest sin is not match for Your powerful mercy and grace. When I screw up, You step in and provide atonement for my sins and restoration for my soul. You work behind the scenes in ways that I can't see. You are always working, even using my sin to accomplish Your will. Never let me forget that. Amen

Living Within God's Will.

1 Kings 5-6, 2 Corinthians 1

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. – 2 Corinthians 1:12 ESV

Solomon was going to have the unique opportunity to fulfill the lifelong dream of his father, David, and build a temple for God. At one point in his reign, when David had established his kingdom and was living in a palace made of stone, he determined to build a suitable house for God, so that the Ark of the Covenant would no longer have to be housed in a tent. But God denied David the privilege of building the temple. Instead, God reminded David that it was He who had made David great. He had called him, established him and would continue to make his kingdom significant. God would raise up a son who would fulfill David's dream of a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant and become the dwelling place for the presence of God. Now Solomon was going to fulfill that promise. This was all part of God's divine will. And chapters 5 and 6 of 1st Kings go into great detail describing just how Solomon went about fulfilling the will of God regarding the construction of the temple. But God also makes it clear that His main concern regarding Solomon and the people of Israel was their obedience. God had told David, “Would you build me a house to dwell in?  I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling.  In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’” (2 Samuel 7:5-7 ESV). God didn't need or demand that David build Him a house. But He would allow a house to be built. On one condition. “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel” (1 Kings 6:12-13 ESV).

What does this passage reveal about God?

God's ultimate will for Solomon and the people of Israel was their obedience. The building of a great temple was not going to replace that obligation. While a great deal of detail is given about the intricate design and expensive trappings of gold and exotic woods that went into the construction of the temple, God's real concern was the people live in obedience to His laws. It was their obedience that would set them apart as His people. God knew that the temple would become a symbol of God's presence and would even tempt the people to believe that God was always with them, whether they lived in obedience to His laws or not. This impressive structure would almost become a status symbol, providing them with a false sense of God's presence and blessing. But God made it clear that it was their obedience to His laws that would determine and guarantee His presence among them. In his speech before the Sanhedrin recorded in Acts 7, Stephen reminded them, “…it was Solomon who built a house for hi. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?’” (Acts 7:47-50 ESV). God did not require that Solomon build the temple. But he did require that Solomon live in obedience to His commands.

What does this passage reveal about man?

Stephen went on to tell the Jews of his day, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51 ESV). The people of Israel would continue to live in rebellion against God, in spite of having a magnificent building in which they worshiped the presence of God among them. They never seemed to understand that it was their hearts that God wanted. Stephen would die as a result of his scathing words. He would be stoned to death for speaking truth to the people of Israel. Their response to his words revealed the true condition of their hearts. “They were enraged and they ground their teeth at him” ( Acts 7:54 ESV). The amazing thing is that Stephen was doing the will of God and it resulted in his death. He lived obediently to God's will and died as a result. In his second letter to the believers living in Corinth, Paul speaks a great deal about comfort and affliction. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV). Paul knew from first-hand experience what it meant to suffer for Christ. He knew what it meant to endure affliction. But he also knew what it meant to receive comfort from God in the midst of that affliction. Paul's afflictions made him increasingly more dependent upon God. “On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again” (2 Corinthians 1:10 ESV). For Paul, living in obedience to God was the most important thing in his life. The way he lived his life may not have always made sense to those around him. In fact, the Corinthians were accusing him of indecisiveness because he kept saying he was going to come visit them, but then he wouldn't show up. But Paul assured them that he did not make his plans according to the flesh. In other words, he was not the one who was in charge of his life. He depended upon God and viewed any perceived setback or delay as the will of God for his life. His main concern was “that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God” (2 Corinthians 1:12 ESV).

How would I apply what I’ve read to my own life?

Paul didn't want his life to be marked or characterized by hypocrisy or insincerity. He wanted to live honestly and openly in obedience to God's will for his life. He wanted to live in godly sincerity or purity, motivated by the grace of God, not the wisdom of men. He knew that he was completely dependent upon God's grace, as made available through Jesus' death on the cross and the indwelling presence of God's Spirit. He was incapable of living the godly life without God's supernatural help. Yes, he longed to visit the Corinthian believers again. But he longed more to live in obedience and subjection to the will of God for his life. And that is how God wants me to live. God is less concerned about all my accomplishments for Him, than He is with my obedience to Him. He wants me to live without hypocrisy and in godly sincerity, completely dependent upon Him. Building “temples” for God may impress others, but God is much more concerned with our hearts. He knows that our accomplishments mean nothing if our hearts are far from Him. Obedience and submission to His will are still the object of our existence and the ultimate expression of our love for Him.

Father, You didn't need Solomon or David to build You a house. You don't need me to accomplish great things for You. All You really want is my heart. You desire my obedience and submission to Your will for my life. Help me to live without hypocrisy and in godly sincerity, completely dependent upon You. Amen

Ken Miller Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Something Greater.

Genesis 23-24, Matthew 12

The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord and said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the Lord has led me in the way to the house of my master's kinsmen.”  – Genesis 24:26-27 ESV

It's fascinating to read the book of "beginnings" alongside the Gospel of Matthew. In them we see both the promise being unfolded and finally revealed. Through the life of Abraham, we see God sovereignly orchestrating the plan by which the "seed" will one day come. Then Matthew records His arrival on the scene hundreds of years later. It would be easy to read the Genesis account as merely history in the making and lose sight of the fact that it is a record of God's promise to man being fulfilled over time and in real life. For Jesus to arrive on the scene, thousands of seemingly isolated, yet intimately connected events had to occur. And these were not left up to luck, fate or happenstance. Sarah's barrenness was not just a random physical infirmity. It was part of God's plan so that He might reveal His power and prove His capacity to accomplish what He had promised, regardless of the odds. The birth of Isaac was divinely planned and essential to the ultimate fulfillment of His promise to bless the nations. It was through Isaac that the "seed" would come. Even the death of Sarah was well within God's timing and used by Him to prompt Abraham to make plans for the future. Her death caused him to start thinking about his own mortality and the need to provide Isaac with a wife so that the line might continue. And yet, all along, God was working behind the scenes in order to unveil His plan and accomplish His will, not only for Abraham, but for mankind.

What does this passage reveal about God?

This entire story is about God. It was God whose chose Abraham to begin with. "The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and from the land of my kindred…" (Genesis 24:7a ESV). It was God who made a covenant with Abraham and promised to give him a land, a seed, and a blessing. Abraham acknowledge that it was God who, "spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’" (Genesis 24:7b ESV). And Abraham knew that God would provide a wife for his son, Isaac. "…he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there" (Genesis 24:7b ESV).

And just as He had done in the past, God provided again. Abraham sent his servant all the way back to Haran in order to find a wife for his son from among his own people. Abraham did not want Isaac marrying a woman from among the Canaanites orother people groups who occupied the land. And this story reinforces for us God's sovereign control over all things, including this seemingly dicey attempt to find a woman who would be willing to leave her household, travel hundreds of miles into unknown territory to marry a man she had never met. And yet, God was there. He miraculously orchestrated the events to sovereignly provide a wife for Isaac so that from his lineage might come the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Every one of the stories recorded in the book of Genesis points toward a future event that would have eternal implications. The creation of Adam, while unbelievable, is nowhere near as critical. The rescue of Noah, while spectacular, falls short in importance.  The call of Abraham, while significant, pales in comparison. The birth of Isaac, while miraculous, isn't nearly as amazing.

In the Gospel of Matthew we read of the coming of Jesus, but also His ministry among men. It portrays a conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of men. It slowly reveals the growing controversy between the people of God, the Israelites, and the Son of God, their long-awaited Messiah. Over time, these people, the descendants of Abraham and Isaac, had placed far more stock in their own heritage than they did God Himself. They had ended up worshiping their status as God's chosen people and placing their hope in Hispresence among them because they falsely believed the Temple guaranteed it. And yet Jesus Himself had to remind them, "I tell you, something greater than the Temple is here" (Matthew 12:6 ESV). Someone greater than Abraham was among them. Someone more significant than Isaac was standing right in front of them. The greater sacrifice had arrived. The ultimate Lamb of God was in their presence. Everything that had happened from Adam all the way to Isaac had been a preamble, point toward the one to come. This was all part of God's divine plan.

What does this passage reveal about man?

It is so easy for us to miss the point. God would provide a wife for Isaac. He would give Isaac a son named Jacob. And from his family tree, God would ultimately raise up a king named David. But these are single acts in a divine play that has a plot of far greater significance and import. The stories contained in the Bible are not about the individuals whose names they contain. It isn't all about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, Nehemiah, Daniel, Paul or even John the Baptist. It's all about Jesus. And yet I so often want to make it all about me, or at least, all about man. It is tempting to try and make the story about us. But it is about God and His divine plan to redeem what sin destroyed. It is about God restoring what has been damaged by the fall. It is about the God of the universe sending His own Son as the remedy for the chaos, confusion and justified condemnation hovering over the world He has made. I need to remember that something greater is here. Jesus has come and He offers a better way. The writer of Hebrews reminds me that "Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses" (Hebrews 3:3 ESV). He is not only greater than the high priest, He is the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:13 ESV). He is the greater sacrifice, having "offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins" (Hebrews 10:12 ESV). There is nothing and no one greater than Jesus. In the book of Revelations, He refers to Himself as "the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 22:14 ESV). And while man would like to make it all about himself, God will not allow it. While we might want to turn the Bible into a self-help manual designed to provide us with our best life now, God will not tolerate it. Something greater has come. Someone greater is here.

How would I apply what I’ve read to my own life?

I want to make my life all about Jesus, not me. I want to see Him as the central figure in the story of my life, not me. I want to understand that my life as a part of God's plan, not the other way around. I exist for God's glory, not He for mine. I want my life to point to Jesus. I want my life to mimic His. I want my life to reflect His saving power, not my own sad self-sufficiency. I need to continually learn to read the Scriptures with a focus on God and His Son, not on me.

Father, keep my eyes on You. Keep my hope focused on You. Help me find my strength in You. Never let me forget that my life is dependent on You. Constantly remind me that, without Your Son, I would have no relationship with You. You are in complete control of my life, this world, my circumstances, and the future of all men. Never let me forget that. Something greater is here and I can rest in that fact. Amen.