Recap

So far in 1-2 Chronicles we’ve read through the introductory genealogies and started king David’s reign. While separate books in our Bible 1-2 Chronicles tell one story, giving a recap of the Old Testament from Adam to the Jews' return from exile.

We read through the opening chapters of the book dedicated to the genealogies of God's people. This started with Adam and followed his descendants down to Jacob. Then, from Jacob, we explored the genealogies of each of his twelve sons as the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. There was a large focus on the tribes of Judah, the tribe of the royal family, and Levi, the tribe of the priests. We also looked at the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe of the first king Saul.

Then we jumped forward to look at the genealogies of the people who had returned from exile, to show that these people were indeed connected to Israel's rich history. This was followed by king Saul's genealogy and how his reign was cut short while in battle with the Philistines, opening the way for David to take over.

As we moved into the section of the book focused on David, we saw the author use David as a model for what an ideal future king will look like. David was described as a shepherd of God's people, and a military ruler who led them to defeat their enemies. He claimed Zion, God's holy city, and built it up. Supporting David were his mighty men, men of great renown who achieved great feats at battle. These men were from every tribe in Israel because David was able to unite God's people under himself.

Having claimed Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel, David attempted to move the Ark of the Covenant, God's presence, into the city. But due to an accident that cost a man his life, David left the Ark in a nearby house. As long as the Ark was there, that house was filled with blessing. God continued to bless David as well, providing resources for David to build a great house for himself.

The Philistines came up to kill David, but David sought God's will before going out. God then helped David not only defeat his enemies, but destroy many of the idols they used to worship their foreign gods as well. David was victorious in spiritual battles as well as physical ones. 

1 Chronicles 15-17

Having finished his house, David realises it is time to bring back the Ark of the Covenant. This time he makes sure to do it properly, placing the Levites in charge as they were the ones allowed into God's presence. David recruits many who could play instruments, and they bring the Ark back with celebration and rejoicing.

It's often talked about that David danced naked before the Lord, and when people say this, they are referring to this passage and its equal in 2 Samuel 6. This is often because his wife challenged him afterwards for embarrassing himself in front of all the people (2 Samuel 6:20-23).

But if we read carefully, we see he wasn't dancing naked. He was wearing "a robe of fine linen", "a linen ephod" (1 Chronicles 15:27). These were the clothes that were often worn by the priests when they were performing the priestly duties. David is, in part, serving as a priest, bringing God's presence into the city. The king is serving as a priest.

David brings the Ark into the tent he had made for it and blesses all the people. Then he appoints the Levites to look after it and begins to praise God. He starts with an encouragement for the people to seek God and praise him. To remember all he has done and keep faithful to their covenant with him.

Then he goes through Israel's history, reminding them of the covenant that God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. How God led them during the wilderness, keeping them safe as they travelled through different nations.

Therefore, the people should sing, for God is good. He is great and mighty, far above any other gods of the other nations. So let all the earth worship and exult God for his greatness. Then David appoints a few more roles concerning the Ark and goes home to bless his family.

Filled with passion for God, David turns to the prophet Nathan, saying that he wants to build God a house, a temple, to live in. At first Nathan thinks this is a great idea, but after hearing from God, he changes his mind. God has lived in tents up until now and has never asked for a temple. God's focus is not a temple for himself, but his people. He has wandered wherever his people have wandered, like a shepherd with his sheep.

Now he has planted his people here in this land, and he has taken David from his place amongst the sheep and placed him as shepherd over God's people. God will go before David, defeating his enemies, and God will establish David's house. One of David's sons will be king after him, and God will claim him as a son.

The king is like a son of God. This son will establish God's temple, and they will reign forever. Here, the author is talking about Solomon and his descendants, but I want you to see the imagery he is using to describe them. A king, described as the son of God, will establish God’s temple on earth. So David once more praises God, thanking him for his blessing, and declaring his greatness over all things.

Psalm 65

This psalm is attributed to king David and falls into the category of praise psalm. Psalms 65-68 are often grouped together as a mini-cluster. They are all communal praise psalms that talk about ‘we’ and ‘us’.

Psalm 65:1-3 - Praise God for his forgiveness

Psalm 65:4 - Entering the house of God

Psalm 65:5-8 - Awe at God’s power

Psalm 65:9-10 - God waters the earth

Psalm 65:11-13 - God causes abundance

The psalmist opens with praise to God. Why? Because he atones for our transgressions. He forgives our failings.

Now, because our transgressions have been forgiven, the psalmist is able to enter God’s house. His presence. There, we shall be satisfied with God’s goodness and holiness.

And then the psalmist turns to God’s great deeds, which will carry through to the end of the psalm. The psalmist is in awe of God’s power.

God is the one who puts the mountains in place and organises the chaotic seas. Likewise, he brings peoples into line when they start to get chaotic and tumultuous. Because of God’s order, all peoples across the earth will be in awe and will rejoice.

Next, the psalmist looks to God’s provision. First, God provides water in rivers and in rain. Water is the source of life. With it, things grow.

And so the psalmist points to the abundance that God has provided. There is much crop, everything is green, and the flocks grow large. Because of this, there is much singing and rejoicing.

These praise psalms serve a few purposes. Firstly, they give God the praise he’s rightly due. Secondly, they remind the readers of where their abundance comes from. It’s all from God.

Finally, it also allows the people to remind God of who he is. Multiple times in the Bible, we see people appeal to God’s character in prayer. Like Abraham with the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, or Moses with the Israelites.

If the people are struggling and the harvest is poor, this psalm gives them language to pray to God to remind him that he’s the God of plenty and asks that he once again provide them with abundance.