April 25: 1 Chronicles 3-5

April 25, 1 Chronicles 3-5

1 Chronicles 3 We learn about the sons of David, first about his oldest kids that were born to him while he was King for seven and a half years. He had six sons born to him there between his wives. He reigned for 33 years in Jerusalem and he had a bunch more kids then as well. The Chronicler also takes time to introduce us to the children of Solomon, David’s son who becomes King and lists his lineage as well. As you can probably tell, the Chronicler takes great strides in introducing and explaining the lineage of Judah, as 1 & 2 Chronicles is a recap of Judah, as God is now focusing on the people of Judah and how He worked it all together. Pulling the good attributes of the tribe of Judah and reminds us in their obedient times, with a few stark reminders of their disobedience. 

1 Chronicles 4 Is where we learn about the sons of Judah. There is one name that gets a little bit more air time, and that is Jabez. If you recall, about 10 years ago a guy wrote an entire book about this little prayer of Jabez. All I am going to say is that Jabez, in faith, asked God for His protection and also His Divine hand in giving him a larger territory - and God did just that for him!

1 Chronicles 5 Do you remember Reuben? He was the firstborn of Israel (Jacob), and ‘While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine. And Israel heard of it.’ (Genesis 35:22) Because he did this, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph. Even though Judah became strong and David came from them, the actual birthright belonged to Joseph. 

When we learn about the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh (stayed on the other side of the Jordan) were great warriors and one time when they went into battle, and they fully trusted in God. That trust paid off, because God fought the war for them. But they didn't remember this for long, because soon they were whoring after other gods, so God gave them over to their enemies. 

To sum it all up:

• Have you ever screwed up? I have! These chapters are a reminder of God’s steadfast love for His kids and how He works everything out. 
• Always know that God is there for you. Trust him and pursue Him not, sin