Study Notes Ed Underwood

God’s Special People; God’s Special King!

“O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all.”

(King David before the assembly, 1 Chronicles 29:11)

The third major unit within the seventeen Historical Books is referred to as the United Kingdom Period. These four books—1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1-11, and 1 Chronicles—record the United Kingdom under three rulers, Saul, David, and Solomon. The events reported during this era cover a period of 170 years, from the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20) to the death of Solomon (1 Kings 11:43).

By the end of the chaotic period of the judges, God’s people are crying for a king. Samuel, the last judge and first great prophet in Israel, anoints the people’s choice for their first king—Saul. Though Saul’s political credentials are impressive, his indifferent heart attitude toward God causes him to lose his kingdom to the young king-elect—David. But David, whose heart is dedicated to God, must wait for his kingdom. Saul rebels against God’s will, becoming insanely jealous of the young king to be. David flees for his life and learns many lessons of faith. Finally, Saul and his sons meet death on Mount Gilboa, setting the stage for 2 Samuel and the prosperity of Israel under righteous King David.

The first half of 1 Kings (1-11) reports the life of Solomon, the last king of the United Kingdom era. Solomon reigned 40 years during the Golden Era of Israel’s history. During his monarchy Israel rose to the peak of her wealth and influence in the world. His greatest accomplishment was building the Temple in Jerusalem, and his wisdom and wealth brought him worldwide fame. But his heart for God waned when he disobeyed God’s warning and married pagan wives. God’s wisdom proved greater than Solomon’s. God knew these pagan wives would turn his heart toward their idols. Sure enough, the king’s divided heart left behind a divided kingdom

1 Chronicles provides the divine commentary on the United Kingdom era. Written to the remnant returning to the Promise Land from Babylonia under Ezra and Nehemiah before 500 B.C., the Chronicler (Ezra, Nehemiah or a contemporary) focuses on God’s faithfulness to His promises to Israel in electing and preserving His people (Judah) and His king (David). This selective and theological history is designed “to rally the returned remnant to hopeful temple worship...by demonstrating their link with the enduring Davidic promise.” (Jeffrey Townsend, “The Purpose of 1 and 2 Chronicles,” Bibliotheca Sacra 145:575 (July-September 1987): 99-126.

1 and 2 Chronicles cover a broader period of history than any other Old Testament book. 1 Chronicles gives a priestly perspective on the genealogy and reign of David. The emphasis on the Temple exhorts them to reestablish worship as guided by the Mosaic Law. And the record of King David’s prosperity and righteousness remind them of their special status as God’s chosen people through whom He would establish His kingdom forever.

I. ISRAEL’S HISTORICAL LINEAGE: These nine chapters are the most comprehensive genealogical tables in the Bible. They are highly selective. The family tree of Judah and Benjamin dominate because the Chronicles are not concerned with the northern kingdom but with the southern kingdom and the Davidic dynasty. (1-9)

Messiah: The tribe of Judah is placed first in the national genealogy because the monarchy, temple, and Messiah (Genesis 49:10) will come from this tribe. Since Chronicles are the last books of the Hebrew Bible, the genealogies in chapters 1-9 are a preamble to the genealogy of Christ in the first book of the New Testament, Matthew.

1 Chronicles: The best way to celebrate the past is by trusting God for the future! II. REIGN OF DAVID: Compared with Second Samuel, David’s life is seen in an entirely different light. There are both omissions and additions. (10-29)

A. Don’t live in the past but do learn from the past.

B. Don’t judge significance by human standards but by the promises of God.

C. Remember what God remembers about your sin and failures! (2 Samuel-Psalm 51-1 Chronicles)

D. Get on with your life by trusting God for what He’s asking you to do right now!

“Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” –CS Lewis

DAVID BECOMES KING: Chronicles completely omits David’s struggles with Saul. In fact Saul is only given one chapter. The emphasis is on David as God’s sovereign choice as king. (10-12)

DAVID BRINGS THE ARK TO JERUSALEM: David’s deep spiritual commitment, courage and integrity stand out. His concern for the things of the Lord and heart for God are evident as the ark returns to its people. (13-17)

DAVID’S VICTORIES: The kingdom is strengthened and expanded during his reign. His sin with Bathsheba—the event that hurt the rest of his life—is omitted. His passion for the temple shines. (18-27)

DAVID’S LAST DAYS: David is not allowed to build the temple, but he designs the plans, gathers the materials, prepares the site, and recruits the workers. The book closes with his beautiful public prayer of praise and the accession of Solomon. (27-29)

Chronicles and You: 1 Chronicles is a fascinating study of God’s perspective on history. The returning remnant bemoaned the meager dimensions of the Temple God was asking them to build in comparison to the grand Temple Solomon built (Ezra 3:11-13). I believe 1 Chronicles was God’s response to their fears, doubts, and regrets.