Read 1
Chronicles 26-27 & John
11:18-46
To discover:
As you read consider what
individuals are commended for.
To ponder:
Having read of those doing the work
of the temple and praising God with music, we now see the other two roles of 23v4-5
detailed. First, the gatekeepers are listed, which included those in charge of the
treasuries (26v1-28, see 9v26-28). Here we see the great-grandsons of the
esteemed Asaph serving, and clarification of the order of Hosah’s sons. As
there were to be 4000 gatekeepers (23v5), the lists seem to be only of the
“chief men” or supervisors (26v12). Their gates were assigned by lot. Those in
charge of treasuries not only oversaw those of the temple, but the things
dedicated after battle by David and his commanders (some of which was given to
help repair the temple), and by Samuel, Saul and his commanders. There’s a
sense in which gospel ministers are now gatekeepers, guarding access to the
temple that is the church, and to the valuable truths of the kingdom (Matt
16v16-20, Matt 13v52). However, the New Jerusalem which is at the same time the
temple of God’s
presence has no gatekeepers, as the gates will always be open, and there will
be no danger of treasures being stolen (Rev 21v22-27).
Second, we read
of the officials and judges (26v29). We should probably understand the “work of
the LORD” and matters pertaining to “the king’s service” and “affairs” (26v30-32)
as the work of the officials and judges. In which case 26v29 refers to this
role east of the Jordan
with 26v30-32 referring to it on the west. These Levites would not only
administer God’s law and so the king’s justice, but judge disputes, collect
tithes etc. There is a sense in which the civil and religious spheres were
therefore combined in these individuals.
What is striking
throughout is that again and again we read of those who were leaders or were appointed
because they were “capable” or “able” men, with one being designated a “wise
counsellor.” Every Christian has their place in serving Jesus as their king
just as these Levites did with David. But he particularly looks for capable,
able and wise individuals “with strength to do the work,” and who are willing
to take responsibility and lead.
Chapter 27 first
records the twelve commanders of twelve divisions of 24,000 men. They were on a
rota so that a division would serve one month each year, enabling David to have
men ready in case of need. 27v1 seems to include commanders of hundreds and
their officers that are not actually specified. However the note that “Perez
was chief of all the army officers for the first month” (27v2) suggests the
author assumes these within the monthly groups and is only naming the overall
commanders. The list of “officers” or leaders of each tribe that follows may be
akin to the “heads of families” in 27v1. They were effectively princes.
An intriguing
note follows that in sinfully counting the men (ch. 21), David had limited the
counting to those over twenty in order not to imply he didn’t trust God’s
promise to make Israel
innumerable. This suggests David was aware he was doing wrong when commanding
the men be counted and so tried to somehow minimise his offence. However, the
author is clear “wrath” came on Isael because of what David did. We should therefore
guard against thinking we can somehow justify our sin by limiting it in degree
or even doing something good to offset it.
The chapter ends
showing the various spheres of responsibility David’s officials had, including
counsellors, a guardian for his sons, a close friend and his chief commander.
Like the church, his kingdom was a body of many parts in which each had its own
place and honour (1 Cor 12).
Praying it home:
Praise God for the way he builds
his kingdom through gifting everyday individuals. Pray that you would be
capable, able, wise and ready to take responsibility.
Thinking further:
None today.
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