Read 1
Chronicles 17-19 & John
10:1-21
To discover:
As you read note what we learn
about David.
To ponder:
Now settled, David is concerned the
ark rests under a tent, feeling it deserves something more noble just as he
himself lives in a palace. His thoughts are of a temple, and Nathan is not
against the idea. But God is clear it is not for David to do this for him.
Rather, he is concerned with what he can do for David! And so he enters into
the Davidic covenant. The LORD reveals he has never needed a house nor asked
for one. Instead, his desire is to make David’s name like that of the greatest
men of the earth, and provide a place of security and peace for Israel.
To this end he promises a “house” (ie. dynasty) for David. What differs to the
account in 2 Samuel is the replacement of references to God giving David rest
from his enemies to David “subduing” them (17v10, 18v1). The Chronicler’s
emphasis is on David’s greatness. He also omits God’s declaration that he will
punish David’s offspring when they do wrong (2 Sam 7v14). So the author is less
concerned with the failure of subsequent kings than looking straight to David’s
supreme offspring whose kingdom and throne would last forever, fully fulfilling
God’s promise.
David’s
response is to be overwhealmed, humbly marvelling that God would do this for
him, and praising God for displaying his supremacy in redeeming Israel
for himself. He then prays God would fulfil his promise so that people would not
only know how great a God he is, but that he is Israel’s
God. Reflecting his strong faith, David then reflects that because of God’s
promise to build his house, he has courage to pray that God would do just that,
and is confident his house will be blessed. We can be certain God will fulfil
our prayers when they are in line with his promises.
The
following chapters prove God is fulfilling his promise. He promised David would
“subdue” his enemies, and that’s just what he does (18v1) with the Philistines,
Moabites, Zobahites, Arameans, Edomites and Ammonites. It is stressed that “the
LORD” gave David “victory wherever he went” (18v6, 13). These victories portray
David as potentially the promised “star” of Jacob (Num 24v17-18), the ruler
whom the nations would obey (Gen 40v10) – even the long-awaited serpent-crusher
(Gen 3v15). But because God’s covenant with him looked to an everlasting
kingdom under one of his offspring, it is hinted that he is actually being
portrayed as a model of what that king would achieve. This is probably why
these chapters omit his failings and sins (as well as much else) which we read
of in 2 Samuel. The author knew they were well known, but had a different
purpose in writing. So we see these subjected nations bringing David tribute
(18v2, 6), some of which is bought to Jerusalem
and even used in the later temple. The king of Hamath seeks peace by sending
his son to congratulate David. And we read David did “what was just and right”
for his people. This looks us longingly for when Christ will subject all his
enemies to himself, including death itself; and those who are reconciled to him
will be raised to enjoy his eternal kingdom, which he will reign in all
righteousness (1 Cor 15v24-28).
The
events with the Ammonites are probably included to demonstrate the size of
victory David could have by God’s hand (see the size of the enemy in 19v6-7).
Key is the result: Hadadezer’s vassal kings ended up subject instead to David,
and at peace with him. Moreover, the Arameans were then unwilling to assist his
enemies. It is through the gospel that Christ brings those whose allegiance is
to Satan, false gods or simply their own desires into subjection and peace with
him (2 Cor 10v3-6). Indeed, this Son of David will wrest the entire creation
from these false rulers and make it his own.
Praying it home:
Praise God that he will bring all
evil into subjection under Christ. Pray that you thoughts, desires and actions
would increasingly brought into obedience to him.
Thinking further:
None today.
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