Bible Reading Plan

Author: Jon Green

  • 1 Chronicles 13

    1 Chronicles 13

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    Bringing Back the Ark

    13 David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the Lordour God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us. 3 Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.” 4 The whole assembly agreed to do this, because it seemed right to all the people.

    5 So David assembled all Israel, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim. 6 David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (Kiriath Jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name.

    7 They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. 8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets.

    9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The Lord’s angerburned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.

    11 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.

    12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” 13 He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had.

    Go Deeper

    This chapter picks up right where the previous left off, right after King David assumes the throne over all of Israel. He is enjoying his place on the throne and morale is high. The people have feasted and celebrated their new king. Then, in this chapter, something goes wrong. 

    One important takeaway from this chapter is that how we work matters just as much as the work we do. The same is true for how we serve God. To do the right thing for the wrong reasons is a misstep; so, too, is it a misstep to do the right thing the wrong way. God wants our efforts in work and in service to be done with both excellence and obedience. One cannot come without the other.  

    In today’s passage, David learns this lesson the hard way. His intention is to move the ark back to Jerusalem and elevate God back to His rightful place in the minds and hearts of Israel. But in this well-intentioned effort, David moves the ark on a cart rather than having it carried by the appropriate priests. To us, that may seem like a minor detail. After all, the cart would be more efficient, especially for a long journey. But that’s beside the point. God had already laid out specific instructions on how to move the ark, and David either intentionally or unknowingly ignored them.  

    He did the right thing the wrong way, and it led to the death of someone close to him. For us, this calls for a heart-check. Are we working with both obedience and excellence in everything we do? As we go about the daily tasks God puts in front of us, what are our motives? It’s important for us to remember that we can do the exact right thing with the entirely wrong motivation and miss the point entirely. Let’s have this lesson from the beginning of King David’s reign be a learning lesson for us all.

    Questions

    1. How does David celebrate the return of the ark? 
    2. What causes Uzza to reach out and touch the ark? How does David react to the death of Uzzah? 
    3. Can you think of a recent time where you were doing the “right” thing with the wrong motive? What did you learn from that experience?

    By the Way

    To help understand this passage, read Numbers 4:15:

    “And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is set to go, then the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These are the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry.”

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  • 1 Chronicles 12

    1 Chronicles 12

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    Warriors Join David

    12 These were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the warriors who helped him in battle; 2 they were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin):

    3 Ahiezer their chief and Joash the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berakah, Jehu the Anathothite,4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the Thirty, who was a leader of the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite, 5 Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah and Shephatiah the Haruphite; 6 Elkanah, Ishiah, Azarel, Joezer and Jashobeam the Korahites; 7 and Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.

    8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains.

    9 Ezer was the chief,

    Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third,

    10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,

    11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

    12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

    13 Jeremiah the tenth and Makbannai the eleventh.

    14 These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand. 15 It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight everyone living in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

    16 Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold. 17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, I am ready for you to join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our ancestors see it and judge you.”

    18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said:

    “We are yours, David!
        We are with you, son of Jesse!
    Success, success to you,
        and success to those who help you,
            for your God will help you.”

    So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.

    19 Some of the tribe of Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (He and his men did not help the Philistines because, after consultation, their rulers sent him away. They said, “It will cost us our heads if he deserts to his master Saul.”) 20 When David went to Ziklag, these were the men of Manasseh who defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu and Zillethai, leaders of units of a thousand in Manasseh. 21 They helped David against raiding bands, for all of them were brave warriors, and they were commanders in his army. 22 Day after day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.

    Others Join David at Hebron

    23 These are the numbers of the men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, as the Lord had said:

    24 from Judah, carrying shield and spear—6,800 armed for battle;

    25 from Simeon, warriors ready for battle—7,100;

    26 from Levi—4,600, 27 including Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, with 3,700 men, 28 and Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 officers from his family;

    29 from Benjamin, Saul’s tribe—3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to Saul’s house until then;

    30 from Ephraim, brave warriors, famous in their own clans—20,800;

    31 from half the tribe of Manasseh, designated by name to come and make David king—18,000;

    32 from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;

    33 from Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, to help David with undivided loyalty—50,000;

    34 from Naphtali—1,000 officers, together with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears;

    35 from Dan, ready for battle—28,600;

    36 from Asher, experienced soldiers prepared for battle—40,000;

    37 and from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, armed with every type of weapon—120,000.

    38 All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king. 39 The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, for their families had supplied provisions for them. 40 Also, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisincakes, wine, olive oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.

    Go Deeper

    The purpose of this book is not just to repeat the stories of Samuel and Kings, but to set the stage to tell of the future hope of a Messianic king who would one day restore all things. Following the genealogies is the death of Saul, his failure as king, and the anointing of King David. The book transitions from the line of David to the reign of David. David’s reign was full of triumphs and tragedies, but overall he was Israel’s most celebrated king. Chronicles depicts David in a positive light and tells the more heroic stories throughout his life. Chapter 12 continues from the previous chapter listing out David’s army and the mighty men who joined him in battle. 

    The author of Chronicles categorizes David’s men into three different groups: the chiefs of David’s warriors (11:10-25), David’s warriors (11:26-47), and the warriors who joined David at Ziklag (12:1-22) and Hebron (12:23-40). Ziklag was a town in southern Judah. When Saul was the king of Israel, Ziklag was under Philistine control. Saul spent much of his time seeking to kill David. David proved that he was a man after God’s own heart and did not kill Saul, but waited for his appointed time. After the death of the prophet Samuel, David fled to Ziklag with six-hundred men (1 Samuel 27). While David was there, the Philistine king of Gath granted him the city of Ziklag. David ruled over this city for sixteen months until the death of Saul, and it became his military base. David then was anointed king of Judah and resided in a city called Hebron. 

    This chapter lists different groups of warriors who supported David during that time. They were the Benjaminites, the Gadites, the Manassites, and the numbers from the tribes who made David king at Hebron. These men were characterized as “brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear” (v. 8). They were men who day after day “came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God” (v. 22). This is a list of loyal warriors who were dedicated to sticking by David’s side. We learn from this that David was a leader worth following. These men recognized characteristics of David that made them want to rally around him. There was joy in Israel because of him (v. 40). They were all in.  

    This chapter shows us the overwhelming support and unity around King David. It is important to understand the context in which this book was written. The chronicles were historical accounts of events that took place. It was looking back on what had already happened in the history of the nation of Israel. At the time this was written, Israel had already returned from seventy years of captivity in Babylon following the decree of Cyrus. We learn from the books of Nehemiah and Ezra that things were not going well for them. There was a need for unity amongst the people. The author’s purpose was to remind the people of God’s faithfulness and the hope of a future Messianic King that would come through the line of David. The stories of David in the past pointed to a future hope for the people. God was going to restore all things through his line. 

    Questions

    1. What is something that stands out to you about this chapter?  
    2. What do you know about David in the Bible? What were some of his successes and failures as a leader?
    3. Who are the people in your life that would metaphorically “go to battle” for you?

    Keep Digging

    Interested in learning more about the “mighty men” of David? Check out this article from GotQuestions.org to learn more about them!

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  • 1 Chronicles 11

    1 Chronicles 11

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    David Becomes King Over Israel

    11 All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”

    3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the Lord had promised through Samuel.

    David Conquers Jerusalem

    4 David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites who lived there 5 said to David, “You will not get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.

    6 David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander in chief.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command.

    7 David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David. 8 He built up the city around it, from the terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city. 9 And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.

    David’s Mighty Warriors

    10 These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised— 11 this is the list of David’s mighty warriors:

    Jashobeam, a Hakmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.

    12 Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty warriors. 13 He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. 14 But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.

    15 Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 18 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the Lord. 19 “God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.

    Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.

    20 Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 21 He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.

    22 Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 23 And he struck down an Egyptian who was five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 24 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors. 25 He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

    26 The mighty warriors were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, 27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, 28 Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, Abiezer from Anathoth, 29 Sibbekai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,31 Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,32 Hurai from the ravines of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,35 Ahiam son of Sakar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur,36 Hepher the Mekerathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai,38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar son of Hagri,39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad son of Ahlai,42 Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,43 Hanan son of Maakah, Joshaphat the Mithnite,44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,45 Jediael son of Shimri, his brother Joha the Tizite,46 Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite,47 Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

    Go Deeper

    In this chapter we see David, the King of Judea, finally recognized as also the rightful King of Israel, unifying the divided kingdoms under one king. With how the events unfold, we also find two different groups of people that are remembered for starkly contrasting character qualities. To give some background to this chapter, in 1 Samuel 16:13, as a teenager, David was anointed to be the next king after King Saul. When Saul died, Judah anointed David as king at the age of 30 (2 Samuel 2:4), but it wasn’t until many years later that Israel admitted that David should be the rightful king and anointed him to the throne over Israel as well. 

    Israel had known for decades that David was to be the next king. The problem, however, was that their pride and selfish ambition led them to ignore God’s will. This wasn’t just a passive resistance to God’s plan for David to be king. Starting in 2 Samuel 2, following Saul’s death, we find Israel placing someone else as king and waging battles against David. Like so many other people in the Bible, Israel openly opposed God’s will and suffered greatly for it. Sadly, this correlates to how we can often find ourselves living in rebellion to God’s will in the form of sin. We knowingly let it persist in our life causing casualties along the way until it reaches a breaking point. At that point, we are faced with a choice: to either continue in habitual sin or to repent and turn away from our sin. In this passage, Israel personified a rebellious attitude.

    However, there is an alternative path to rebellion. The path of devotion. In this passage are the stories of David’s mighty men. The feats they accomplish are amazing! What’s even more praise worthy is their unwavering devotion to David that is put on display in one of the stories. Starting in v. 17, we find the three mighty men that risked their lives to bring him some water. Being in his stronghold, we know that David wasn’t starving of thirst! So, why did they do this then? These three men were eager to serve their king! Their devotion was so all-encompassing that they placed their lives on the line for what appeared to be (from the outside perspective) a trivial request–all because David asked. David recognized this level of devotion should only be given to God and poured out the drink. This is how our pursuit of our Lord’s will should look! How will you be remembered?

    Questions

    1. Where do you find yourself rebelling from God’s will?
    2. Are their parts of what we are called to do as Christians or the Christian walk that you purposefully avoid focusing on or thinking about?
    3. What next steps do you want to take to pursue God’s will further in your life?

    Pray This

    Lord,

    Please place in my heart a desire for the things you desire. Help me to see where I am straying and have the humility to confess and turn to You. Please help strengthen my devotion to You!

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  • 1 Chronicles 10

    1 Chronicles 10

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    Saul Takes His Life

    10 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. 3 The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him.

    4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and abuse me.”

    But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5 When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died. 6 So Saul and his three sons died, and all his house died together.

    7 When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them.

    8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 They stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news among their idols and their people.10 They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung up his head in the temple of Dagon.

    11 When all the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all their valiant men went and took the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. Then they buried their bones under the great tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.

    13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

    Go Deeper

    After nine chapters of detailed genealogy, the focus turns to the beginnings of the kingdom of Israel. The tragic end of King Saul’s life is revealed as we read of his fear of the Philistines and of his death inflicted by their arrows and his own sword. Amidst the description of the death of Saul and his sons is a summary of Saul’s reign. Ultimately, he was unfaithful to the Lord. This poignant statement will stand in stark contrast to God’s next king, David, described as a man after God’s own heart. Throughout the remaining chapters of Chronicles, the theme of faithfulness versus unfaithfulness will be presented.

    What can we take away from this description of Saul’s end? In a devotional of 1 Chronicles 10, pastor David Platt suggests that the necessity of avoiding Saul’s breach of faith is a strong message for us to consider. Saul disobeyed God’s word and failed to seek Him for guidance resulting in unfaithful actions and weak leadership. The result for Saul was God’s judgment and the kingship turned over to David. Clearly, to avoid breaking faith with God, we are encouraged to obey His commands. Only as we depend on God to enable us to obey and walk with Him continually will we avoid unfaithful steps.

    Saul’s disastrous decision to seek guidance from a medium, rather than the Lord, exposed his pattern to avoid seeking the Lord for direction. This breach of faith led to the tragic end of Saul and his sons. Again, the encouragement for us is clear. God alone is our perfect source of guidance and direction. As followers of Jesus Christ, our first best search for guidance is from our Lord. Our temptation to look elsewhere may not include a medium, but rather a search engine on our phone or computer. How do we resist the distractions that pull us away from seeking God’s wisdom first? Voicing a prayer to ask God for wisdom and direction is a start. May our eyes and heart and mind be fixed on Jesus as we face our daily decisions.

    Questions

    1. How does Saul’s demise prompt you to reflect and reorder your obedience to God’s
    2. Where is your first “go to” source when faced with a decision? Is it God? Google? Your wisest friend?
    3. How might your prayer life change if your initial source for guidance is the Lord instead of all the alternatives exist?

    Pray This

    Heavenly Father,

    Help me to live out the words of Proverbs 3:5-7 and to “trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways lead me to acknowledge You, confident that You will direct my paths. Keep me from being wise in my own eyes; may I fear You, God and turn away from evil.”

    Amen

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  • 1 Chronicles 9

    1 Chronicles 9

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    9 All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.

    The People in Jerusalem

    2 Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants.

    3 Those from Judah, from Benjamin, and from Ephraim and Manasseh who lived in Jerusalem were:

    4 Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, a descendant of Perez son of Judah.

    5 Of the Shelanites:

    Asaiah the firstborn and his sons.

    6 Of the Zerahites:

    Jeuel.

    The people from Judah numbered 690.

    7 Of the Benjamites:

    Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;

    8 Ibneiah son of Jeroham; Elah son of Uzzi, the son of Mikri; and Meshullam son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah.

    9 The people from Benjamin, as listed in their genealogy, numbered 956. All these men were heads of their families.

    10 Of the priests:

    Jedaiah; Jehoiarib; Jakin;

    11 Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the official in charge of the house of God;

    12 Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah; and Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer.

    13 The priests, who were heads of families, numbered 1,760. They were able men, responsible for ministering in the house of God.

    14 Of the Levites:

    Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a Merarite; 15 Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal and Mattaniah son of Mika, the son of Zikri, the son of Asaph; 16 Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berekiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.

    17 The gatekeepers:

    Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman and their fellow Levites, Shallum their chief 18 being stationed at the King’s Gate on the east, up to the present time. These were the gatekeepers belonging to the camp of the Levites. 19 Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his fellow gatekeepers from his family (the Korahites) were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the tent just as their ancestors had been responsible for guarding the entrance to the dwelling of the Lord. 20 In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar was the official in charge of the gatekeepers, and the Lord was with him.21 Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

    22 Altogether, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. The gatekeepers had been assigned to their positions of trust by David and Samuel the seer. 23 They and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the Lord—the house called the tent of meeting. 24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north and south. 25 Their fellow Levites in their villages had to come from time to time and share their duties for seven-day periods. 26 But the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. 27 They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.

    28 Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out. 29 Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices. 30 But some of the priests took care of mixing the spices. 31 A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread. 32 Some of the Kohathites, their fellow Levites, were in charge of preparing for every Sabbath the bread set out on the table.

    33 Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.

    34 All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem.

    The Genealogy of Saul

    35 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon.

    His wife’s name was Maakah, 36 and his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah and Mikloth. 38 Mikloth was the father of Shimeam. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.

    39 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.

    40 The son of Jonathan:

    Merib-Baal, who was the father of Micah.

    41 The sons of Micah:

    Pithon, Melek, Tahrea and Ahaz.

    42 Ahaz was the father of Jadah, Jadah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. 43 Moza was the father of Binea; Rephaiah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son.

    44 Azel had six sons, and these were their names:

    Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.

    Go Deeper

    As we near the end of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, we’re reminded that these lists aren’t just a history book but also a conveyance of the future for the people and tribes coming together to establish Israel again. The Chronicler (historically considered Ezra) ultimately wrote this after the exile to help those returning to Israel to guide the people on how to worship God and walk again in obedience. And although this is a clearly hopeful time, he issues a word of caution at the outset of this chapter, reiterating that the doom of Judah was not a result of warring empires or the geopolitical landscape, but that their exile was a direct result of their unfaithfulness to God.

    Of course, the crux of the human condition is our sinful nature conflicting with the perfect, unchanging nature of God is so well described by Paul in Romans 7:15 (“For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do”) and ultimately serves as the major thematic element throughout the Old Testament.

    And while this chapter can read as dry or even unimportant, especially as compared to the more emotive and narrative books of the New Testament, it reminds us that God knows each one of His creation individually and personally. We can live in confidence in the fact that who we are and what we do is etched on the heart of God. This book is also a reminder that God is faithful to His people and keeps His promises regardless of our own faithfulness to Him. In the following chapters of 1 Chronicles, we will see the fulfillment of God’s promise to David to become king over Israel.

    God cannot tolerate disobedience and must judge us in order to restore our fellowship with Him. When we look at the New Testament, we also find that obedience is also the ultimate desire of Jesus for us. John 15:5-8 says “I am the vine; you are the branches…If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

    Questions

    1. Do the consequences of disobedience ever change the course of your decision making?
    2. How can we see the story of Israel in the perspective of a love story of God’s pursuit rather than our broken, fickle hearts?
    3. In your life, do you feel like your heart is in more of a state of exile with God or more in a state of unity?

    Did You Know?

    After the tribes of people come out of exile and resettle in their land, they are all referred to as Israelites in 1 Chronicles 9 to mark the restoration of God’s people.

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  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence. Each Rest Day, we will also introduce a memory verse for the week. Meditate on this week’s verse and begin to memorize it.

    Jesus & Genealogies

    As we near the end of our genealogy reading in 1 Chronicles, check out this helpful blog post from The Bible Project called “Jesus & Genealogies.”

    Worship with us

    Join us in person or online at 9a, 11a, or 7p at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

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  • 1 Chronicles 8

    1 Chronicles 8

    Read 1 Chronicles 8

    The Genealogy of Saul the Benjamite

    8 Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn,

    Ashbel the second son, Aharah the third,

    2 Nohah the fourth and Rapha the fifth.

    3 The sons of Bela were:

    Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 5 Gera, Shephuphan and Huram.

    6 These were the descendants of Ehud, who were heads of families of those living in Geba and were deported to Manahath:

    7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who deported them and who was the father of Uzza and Ahihud.

    8 Sons were born to Shaharaim in Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara. 9 By his wife Hodesh he had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malkam, 10 Jeuz, Sakia and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of families. 11 By Hushim he had Abitub and Elpaal.

    12 The sons of Elpaal:

    Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its surrounding villages), 13 and Beriah and Shema, who were heads of families of those living in Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath.

    14 Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth, 15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16 Michael, Ishpah and Joha were the sons of Beriah.

    17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 18 Ishmerai, Izliah and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.

    19 Jakim, Zikri, Zabdi, 20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21 Adaiah, Beraiah and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.

    22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23 Abdon, Zikri, Hanan, 24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 25 Iphdeiah and Penuel were the sons of Shashak.

    26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 27 Jaareshiah, Elijah and Zikri were the sons of Jeroham.

    28 All these were heads of families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem.

    29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon.

    His wife’s name was Maakah, 30 and his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zeker 32 and Mikloth, who was the father of Shimeah. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.

    33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.

    34 The son of Jonathan:

    Merib-Baal, who was the father of Micah.

    35 The sons of Micah:

    Pithon, Melek, Tarea and Ahaz.

    36 Ahaz was the father of Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza.37 Moza was the father of Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son.

    38 Azel had six sons, and these were their names:

    Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

    39 The sons of his brother Eshek:

    Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second son and Eliphelet the third.40 The sons of Ulam were brave warriors who could handle the bow. They had many sons and grandsons—150 in all.

    All these were the descendants of Benjamin.

    Go Deeper

    This chapter continues with the genealogy and history of Israel. Chapter 8 is a detailed lineage of Saul (the first King of Israel). As we read through this list of names, we can think “What would the Chronicler want Israel to remember as they read these details about Saul’s family as they re-enter the Promised Land?” 

    We find Saul mentioned at the start of verse 33: “Ner was the father of Kish, Kish of Saul…” and then the chapter closes in verse 40 with the statement “All these were Benjamaninites.” A Benjamaninite refers to an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin. In Genesis 49, when Jacob was close to death, he gathered his twelve sons and gave them each a blessing. These sons were the originators of the twelve tribes of Israel and each blessing served as a prophesy of what would come of the tribes that each son established. 

    It’s important that we remember what it meant to be a Benjaminite. We can find Jacob’s blessing on Benjamin in Genesis 49:27: “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” The tribe of Benjamin became well known for being warriors. Even though it was the smallest of the twelve tribes, it was mighty. So, as you read through this list of seemingly meaningless names, you can imagine them as swordsmen and fighters who honorably defended their country. 

    The original Jewish audience would have recognized many of these names and remembered how they had contributed to their history. When they read Saul’s name, they would have remembered that when Samuel first revealed to Saul that he had been chosen by God as Israel’s King, Saul’s response was “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” (1 Samuel 9:21). Saul did not feel like his heritage and lineage as a member of the tribe of Benjamin qualified him to be King. Yet, more than 500 years later there is an entire chapter of scripture devoted to chronicling the lineage of Saul to remind the Israelites of their spiritual heritage.  

    Saul was far from a perfect King. The original readers of Chronicles would have been very aware of Saul’s disobedience and missteps. They would have also recognized that God’s intention was for all the Bejamanites to possess a fierceness that they would steward for God’s glory and that while Saul’s physical strength was very strong, his spiritual strength was lacking. God divinely inspired and preserved Saul’s lineage in scripture for us to recognize and remember that while the world saw someone who came from small and humble beginnings, God saw a mighty warrior with the ability to both devour and divide. May we seek to be warriors of the Lord who obediently look to him for our strength instead of relying on our own.

    Questions

    1. What do you think the writer of Chronicles would want the Jewish people to remember about Saul? 
    2. First Samuel 16:7 says “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” How did Saul’s outward appearance differ from his inward appearance? 
    3. Eight chapters into our reading through these genealogies, what is one theme or message that has stuck out to you the most?

    Did You Know?

    The genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin continues into the New Testament. In Romans 11:1, Paul writes “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.”

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  • 1 Chronicles 7

    1 Chronicles 7

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    Issachar

    7 The sons of Issachar:

    Tola, Puah, Jashub and Shimron—four in all.

    2 The sons of Tola:

    Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam and Samuel—heads of their families. During the reign of David, the descendants of Tola listed as fighting men in their genealogy numbered 22,600.

    3 The son of Uzzi:

    Izrahiah.

    The sons of Izrahiah:

    Michael, Obadiah, Joel and Ishiah. All five of them were chiefs.4 According to their family genealogy, they had 36,000 men ready for battle, for they had many wives and children.

    5 The relatives who were fighting men belonging to all the clans of Issachar, as listed in their genealogy, were 87,000 in all.

    Benjamin

    6 Three sons of Benjamin:

    Bela, Beker and Jediael.

    7 The sons of Bela:

    Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth and Iri, heads of families—five in all. Their genealogical record listed 22,034 fighting men.

    8 The sons of Beker:

    Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Beker. 9 Their genealogical record listed the heads of families and 20,200 fighting men.

    10 The son of Jediael:

    Bilhan.

    The sons of Bilhan:

    Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Kenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish and Ahishahar.11 All these sons of Jediael were heads of families. There were 17,200 fighting men ready to go out to war.

    12 The Shuppites and Huppites were the descendants of Ir, and the Hushites the descendants of Aher.

    Naphtali

    13 The sons of Naphtali:

    Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem—the descendants of Bilhah.

    Manasseh

    14 The descendants of Manasseh:

    Asriel was his descendant through his Aramean concubine. She gave birth to Makir the father of Gilead. 15 Makir took a wife from among the Huppites and Shuppites. His sister’s name was Maakah.

    Another descendant was named Zelophehad, who had only daughters.

    16 Makir’s wife Maakah gave birth to a son and named him Peresh. His brother was named Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.

    17 The son of Ulam:

    Bedan.

    These were the sons of Gilead son of Makir, the son of Manasseh.18 His sister Hammoleketh gave birth to Ishhod, Abiezer and Mahlah.

    19 The sons of Shemida were:

    Ahian, Shechem, Likhi and Aniam.

    Ephraim

    20 The descendants of Ephraim:

    Shuthelah, Bered his son,

    Tahath his son, Eleadah his son,

    Tahath his son, 21 Zabad his son

    and Shuthelah his son.

    Ezer and Elead were killed by the native-born men of Gath, when they went down to seize their livestock. 22 Their father Ephraim mourned for them many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. 23 Then he made love to his wife again, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. He named him Beriah, because there had been misfortune in his family. 24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth Horon as well as Uzzen Sheerah.

    25 Rephah was his son, Resheph his son,

    Telah his son, Tahan his son,

    26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son,

    Elishama his son, 27 Nun his son

    and Joshua his son.

    28 Their lands and settlements included Bethel and its surrounding villages, Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west, and Shechem and its villages all the way to Ayyah and its villages. 29 Along the borders of Manasseh were Beth Shan, Taanach, Megiddo and Dor,together with their villages. The descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns.

    Asher

    30 The sons of Asher:

    Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah. Their sister was Serah.

    31 The sons of Beriah:

    Heber and Malkiel, who was the father of Birzaith.

    32 Heber was the father of Japhlet, Shomer and Hotham and of their sister Shua.

    33 The sons of Japhlet:

    Pasak, Bimhal and Ashvath.

    These were Japhlet’s sons.

    34 The sons of Shomer:

    Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah and Aram.

    35 The sons of his brother Helem:

    Zophah, Imna, Shelesh and Amal.

    36 The sons of Zophah:

    Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, 37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran and Beera.

    38 The sons of Jether:

    Jephunneh, Pispah and Ara.

    39 The sons of Ulla:

    Arah, Hanniel and Rizia.

    40 All these were descendants of Asher—heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders. The number of men ready for battle, as listed in their genealogy, was 26,000.

    Go Deeper

    1 Chronicles 7 lists lots of names. But when is a name more than just a name? Each person is a complex being, with a story, emotions, thoughts, friends, and family members (just like you). So, too, are the names listed in 1 Chronicles 7, outlining the tribes of Issachar, Naphtali, half of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The listing in this chapter highlights two main points for the historian: the continuation of Israel and the number of “fighting men” from each tribe.

    In Genesis 22, we read that God told Abraham:

    “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

    The continuation of Israel through the tribes’ children demonstrates God’s faithfulness to Abraham. And the number of fighting men is one of the tools God uses to help Israel “take possession of the cities of their enemies.” The historian of Chronicles is listing more than names; he is listing evidence that God did what He said He would do. 

    In addition to the listing of names, the writer of Chronicles calls out a few, so let’s take a closer look at two of these. Verse 24 specifically mentions that Ephraim’s granddaughter, Sheerah, “built Lower and Upper Beth Horon, as well as Uzzen Sheerah.” Not only did she build these cities, she built them well. While many cities were destroyed or lost with time, Lower and Upper Beth Horon may be found as Beit Ur al-Fauqa and Beit Ur al-Tahta in Palestine. Beth Horon becomes an important place for Israel’s success over the Amorites (Joshua 10). The writer of Chronicles knows this is coming and knows its importance, so he sets the stage with the establishment of this location here in 1 Chronicles 7. 

    Verse 40 offers commentary on the descendants of Asher:

    “All these were descendants of Asher—heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders.” 

    The tribe of Asher played a crucial role in the conquest of Canaan and was among the first to receive its inheritance in the Promised Land. They settled along the Mediterranean Coast with excellent natural resources that became known for its abundance of olive trees, which provided them with a valuable resource for trade and commerce. The tribe provided warriors during the time of Judges, including the prophetess Deborah, who led the Israelites to victory against the Canaanites. During the reign of King David, the tribe of Asher was among the tribes that pledged their allegiance to him and supported him in his efforts to establish a unified kingdom of Israel. The writer of Chronicles foreshadows the importance of this tribe with this shoutout in this chapter.

    As you read more of Chronicles, reference these first few chapters of genealogy. These names will begin to mean more than just names. They will begin to take the shape of God’s promises and provisions.

    Questions

    1. The list of names in 1 Chronicles 7 is evidence of God’s faithfulness to Israel. What names would be on your list as evidence of God’s faithfulness in your life?
    2. If your name was on someone else’s list, how would you be described as contributing to the Kingdom of God?
    3. Pick one of the tribes listed to follow through 1 Chronicles. Draw a family tree, make notes, and see how God uses them in His bigger story.

    Watch This

    When studying history, it’s helpful to understand the end when you start to study the beginning. The tribes outlined in 1 Chronicles 7 all belong to the “lost tribes of Israel.” To learn more about these groups, check out this video on GotQuestions.org.

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  • 1 Chronicles 6

    1 Chronicles 6

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    Levi

    6 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 was the father of Phinehas,

    Phinehas the father of Abishua,

    5 Abishua the father of Bukki,

    Bukki the father of Uzzi,

    6 Uzzi the father of Zerahiah,

    Zerahiah the father of Meraioth,

    7 Meraioth the father of Amariah,

    Amariah the father of Ahitub,

    8 Ahitub the father of Zadok,

    Zadok the father of Ahimaaz,

    9 Ahimaaz the father of Azariah,

    Azariah the father of Johanan,

    10 Johanan the father of Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem),

    11 Azariah the father of Amariah,

    Amariah the father of Ahitub,

    12 Ahitub the father of Zadok,

    Zadok the father of Shallum,

    13 Shallum the father of Hilkiah,

    Hilkiah the father of Azariah,

    14 Azariah the father of Seraiah,

    and Seraiah the father of Jozadak.

    15 Jozadak was deported when the Lord sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

    16 The sons of Levi:

    Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

    17 These are the names of the sons of Gershon:

    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 listed according to their fathers:

    20 Of Gershon:

    Libni his son, Jahath his son,

    Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son,

    Iddo his son, Zerah his son

    and Jeatherai his son.

    22 The descendants 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 descendants of Elkanah:

    Amasai, Ahimoth,

    26 Elkanah his son, Zophai his son,

    Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son,

    Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son

    and Samuel his son.

    28 The sons of Samuel:

    Joel the firstborn

    and Abijah the second son.

    29 The descendants of Merari:

    Mahli, Libni his son,

    Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,

    30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son

    and Asaiah his son.

    The Temple Musicians

    31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there. 32 They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them.

    33 Here are the men who served, together with their sons:

    From the Kohathites:

    Heman, the musician,

    the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,

    34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham,

    the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,

    35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah,

    the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

    36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel,

    the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,

    37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir,

    the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

    38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath,

    the son of Levi, the son of Israel;

    39 and Heman’s associate Asaph, who served at his right hand:

    Asaph son of Berekiah, the son of Shimea,

    40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah,

    the son of Malkijah, 41 the son of Ethni,

    the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

    42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah,

    the son of Shimei, 43 the son of Jahath,

    the son of Gershon, the son of Levi;

    44 and from their associates, the Merarites, at his left hand:

    Ethan son of Kishi, the son of Abdi,

    the son of Malluk, 45 the son of Hashabiah,

    the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,

    46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani,

    the son of Shemer, 47 the son of Mahli,

    the son of Mushi, the son of Merari,

    the son of Levi.

    48 Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other duties of the tabernacle, the house of God. 49 But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

    50 These were the descendants of Aaron:

    Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son,

    Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son,

    Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

    52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son,

    Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son

    and Ahimaaz his son.

    54 These were the locations of their settlements allotted as their territory (they were assigned to the descendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clan, because the first lot was for them):

    55 They were given Hebron in Judah with its surrounding pasturelands. 56 But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh.

    57 So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), and Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, 58 Hilen, Debir, 59 Ashan, Juttah and Beth Shemesh, together with their pasturelands. 60 And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands.

    The total number of towns distributed among the Kohathite clans came to thirteen.

    61 The rest of Kohath’s descendants were allotted ten towns from the clans of half the tribe of Manasseh.

    62 The descendants of Gershon, clan by clan, were allotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Issachar, Asher and Naphtali, and from the part of the tribe of Manasseh that is in Bashan.

    63 The descendants of Merari, clan by clan, were allotted twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.

    64 So the Israelites gave the Levites these towns and their pasturelands. 65 From the tribes of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin they allotted the previously named towns.

    66 Some of the Kohathite clans were given as their territory towns from the tribe of Ephraim.

    67 In the hill country of Ephraim they were given Shechem (a city of refuge), and Gezer, 68 Jokmeam, Beth Horon, 69 Aijalon and Gath Rimmon, together with their pasturelands.

    70 And from half the tribe of Manasseh the Israelites gave Aner and Bileam, together with their pasturelands, to the rest of the Kohathite clans.

    71 The Gershonites received the following:

    From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh

    they received Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands;

    72 from the tribe of Issachar

    they received Kedesh, Daberath, 73 Ramoth and Anem, together with their pasturelands;

    74 from the tribe of Asher

    they received Mashal, Abdon, 75 Hukok and Rehob, together with their pasturelands;

    76 and from the tribe of Naphtali

    they received Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands.

    77 The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following:

    From the tribe of Zebulun

    they received Jokneam, Kartah, Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands;

    78 from the tribe of Reuben across the Jordan east of Jericho

    they received Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah, 79 Kedemoth and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands;

    80 and from the tribe of Gad

    they received Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, 81 Heshbon and Jazer,together with their pasturelands.

    Go Deeper

    As we encounter 1 Chronicles 6 today, it feels like another trip through ancestry.com, reading lists of mostly unfamiliar names in a genealogy. As we’ve established over the previous few days, this may present a challenge or an excuse to skim quickly. But there is a benefit to us, the readers, as we don’t just read, but study these names. 

    With context and recognition of the purpose of the list, this day’s reading can encourage and remind us of God’s never-failing plan to redeem and restore. God established a priestly line (or family) as He organized the Israelites through Moses’ instruction. The details of this lineage and a reminder of their roles was significant to the recipients of this chronicle: the returning exiles of Judah from seventy years of Babylonian captivity. It is not hard to imagine there would be a loss of memory or any understanding of their roles as they head back to Judah. Seventy years is at least two generations!

    Tracing their line as a member of the tribe of Levi gave the exiled family of Levi a designated role and a crucial purpose in the restoration of their nation. Those of Aaron’s line would serve as the priests who would present offerings in the Most Holy Place of the temple (to be rebuilt) and make atonement (payment) for the people of Israel’s sins as Moses prescribed by God. King David assigned certain Levites to minister with music as part of their worship. Two names recorded here, Heman and Asaph, are attributed to penning several of the Psalms. Other Levites contributed to the other duties related to the house of God.

    This list of names begins to come to life as we view it through the lens of context and purpose. How can this list encourage us today? The priestly duty of Aaron’s line included making atonement for the sins of God’s people. This provision, established by God, pointed to a better, eternal atonement offered by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins. Today, as we are reminded of God’s provision recorded through His people and their families, we can give thanks that His ultimate never-failing plan to restore and redeem us came through Christ Jesus, the better, superior priest.

    Questions

    1. Who do you recall from your past that has left a legacy of faith for you? If no one comes to mind, how could you begin that legacy for those that follow you?
    2. How have you benefited from the ministry of music as you worship? Take a moment to thank God for those who serve in this role.
    3. Who needs to know of God’s provision to redeem through Jesus? How will you share that great news this week?

    Did You Know?

    Asaph (referenced in v. 39) is credited with writing at least 11 psalms. Check out this article from GotQuestions.org for more information on Asaph.

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  • 1 Chronicles 5

    1 Chronicles 5

    Read 1 Chronicles 5

    Reuben

    5 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright, 2 and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph)— 3 the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel:

    Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.

    4 The descendants of Joel:

    Shemaiah his son, Gog his son,

    Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son,

    Reaiah his son, Baal his son,

    6 and Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria took into exile. Beerah was a leader of the Reubenites.

    7 Their relatives by clans, listed according to their genealogical records:

    Jeiel the chief, Zechariah, 8 and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in the area from Aroer to Nebo and Baal Meon. 9 To the east they occupied the land up to the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their livestock had increased in Gilead.

    10 During Saul’s reign they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands; they occupied the dwellings of the Hagrites throughout the entire region east of Gilead.

    Gad

    11 The Gadites lived next to them in Bashan, as far as Salekah:

    12 Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, then Janai and Shaphat, in Bashan.

    13 Their relatives, by families, were:

    Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jakan, Zia and Eber—seven in all.

    14 These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz.

    15 Ahi son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, was head of their family.

    16 The Gadites lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its outlying villages, and on all the pasturelands of Sharon as far as they extended.

    17 All these were entered in the genealogical records during the reigns of Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel.

    18 The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 men ready for military service—able-bodied men who could handle shield and sword, who could use a bow, and who were trained for battle. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. 20 They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trustedin him. 21 They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys. They also took one hundred thousand people captive, 22 and many others fell slain, because the battle was God’s. And they occupied the land until the exile.

    The Half-Tribe of Manasseh

    23 The people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous; they settled in the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon, that is, to Senir (Mount Hermon).

    24 These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel. They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families. 25 But they were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 26 So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria), who took the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. He took them to Halah, Habor, Hara and the river of Gozan, where they are to this day.

    Go Deeper

    In 1 Chronicle 5, Ezra continues capturing intricate details relating to the tribes of Israel, and in this chapter more specifically the three Transjordan tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Many times, we’re tempted to just skip over large portions of scripture that contain names we either can’t pronounce or which appear to have no significant story to tell.  In today’s passage, we might just want to do that, but sometimes it’s helpful to slow down and see the bigger story in what seems to be meaningless details. 

    We should remember that these people and their lives are each important to the whole story of God’s deliverance of mankind from the grip and power of sin in humanity. Maybe when we personalize it and remember that each one was born and experienced hunger, losing their first tooth, learning to speak, scraping their knees, puppy love, fear, rejection, wonder, excitement, loss, sickness and death. Each person played their part in God’s story, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Each one shares the honor of having had their name mentioned by God in his word (good or bad).

    One thing about the word of God is that it doesn’t hide the faults and failures of these men and women in history. God used, and still uses flawed people to accomplish his redemptive purpose and we get to see just how loving, kind, and gracious God is in the process. 

    This chapter begins with mentioning Reuben (Jacob’s first born through Leah), a man who defiled his father’s bed (Genesis 35:22), and we see in the story Jacob’s favoritism expressed by choosing Joseph (Rachel’s firstborn son) to receive Reuben’s birthright. We might be tempted to leave that part out; maybe just keep things G-rated and protect peoples’ reputation, etc., but it’s in the rawness and honesty where our loving God and his redemptive purposes are magnified. We see God’s grace demonstrated in the blessings Ruben’s offspring experience in spite of his failure. Scripture tells us that God multiplied their livestock and gave them victory in battle. 

    Each name mentioned is important in the big story of which God is the author (and you’re part of that story, too). Each person, like a cog in a gear, plays its specific role. One day, God will reveal this tapestry in which we have been woven and we’ll discover how God deserves all the glory in what may seem to be an insignificant story of our lives. 

    Questions

    1. Why do you think it is important to God to mention the names of all these people as well as highlighting their faithfulness or unfaithfulness?
    2. You may not be a preacher, evangelist, or teacher, but you’re a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, friend or mentor, etc. who has touched someone else’s life. How do you see God using you in His story?
    3. What’s an audacious prayer you can pray asking God to use you in His story?

    Try This

    Take a moment and look at the verses again. As you look at those names and small details given, consider why their names were mentioned. Find a trusted commentary and dive deeper into one of those names today!

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