Let's read the Bible

This week we will read I Chronicles. This book begins with genealogies tracing all the way back to Adam. Most of the men we have read about can be found here. Genealogy was important to people at the time Jesus lived. Combining the genealogy from Matthew with that found in I Chronicles provides a solid perspective for understanding many of the events and issues of Jesus’ time.

Chronicles also retells some of the events of the kings of Israel. David is told that Solomon will build the temple in Jerusalem. David accepts this and spends the rest of his reign gathering gold, silver, and precious stones for Solomon to use. David also appointed men and their families to be singers, gatekeepers, and for every priestly duty.

David finally brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. First the Ark is on a cart, which was not how God commanded it be moved, and a man dies. Then David prepares everything correctly as God commanded and all is well. The latter years of David’s reign are a time when he is very close to God, and he leads the people to be obedient as well. He truly was a man after God’s own heart.

In Genesis Moses told the people and Joshua to be strong and courageous. David says the same thing to Solomon, be strong and courageous. These were both times when the Israelites were obedient, doing well, but a change of leadership was imminent, and an uncertain future was ahead. Good advice for all of God’s people at any time, be strong and courageous.