May 27: 1 Chronicles 26-29, Psalm 127

May 27, 1 Chronicles 26-29, Psalm 127

1 Chronicles 26 Here David lines up the gatekeepers. This role was important as their primary duty was to keep the Sanctuary safe and take care of the building/items. They were decided by the casting of lots. Then, David went through the treasurers and other officials. 

1 Chronicles 27 To wrap up the selecting of leaders, we learn about the commanders of the army and their divisions. Joab was still the commander of the David’s army. 

Note out of all of these divisions and assignments, David did all of this to set up Solomon for success as the new king. 

1 Chronicles 28 Now, David goes public with his charge to Israel. He got all the leaders together and explained that he had wanted to build God a house, but he had too much blood on his hands. Besides that, God has chosen his son, Solomon, to build it and lead the Israelites. Solomon was promised success if he remained faithful to God. David charged all the leaders to observe and obey God’s commandments so that the following generations would also share in the inheritance as well of God’s faithfulness. 

Then David changes Solomon, “…know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it” Powerful charge to his son! Like Moses received the plans from God, David received the temple plans and gave them to Solomon. God had given David the plans, which is how David knew to prepare for it! “All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan.” That is amazing to me, God knows what He is doing and will make everything happen. David’s other charge to Solomon, I have to post it here, it is too good to pass up…“Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you…” What a great charge for all of us - Trust in God and do what He tells you to do, and stay loyal and faithful to Him. 

1 Chronicles 29 David publicly announced that Solomon was young and inexperienced, and needed help. Additionally, this is not a house for man, but a palace for God. David did his best to get things lined up for the building of the temple. Moreover, David contributed all of his gold and sliver to the temple, and the Israelites followed - freely giving to the Lord. They all rejoiced. David blessed Yahweh in front of everyone - proclaiming that God already owned everything that He gave to them, which they just gave back to God. God created all and owns all. With humility, they wanted to serve God and felt unworthy to receive His goodness. Part of David’s prayer for his son,  which we could pray over our kids, “Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.” Granted, our kids won’t be building God a home, but it is good to pray over our kids to have obedient hearts that want to pursue God! Then they offered a large sacrifice to God and praised Him!

Solomon was publicly anointed King, and Solomon sat on the throne. The Lord made Solomon great in all of Israel and blessed him richly. David died at an old age, after ruling Israel 40 years…

Psalm 127 This is a Psalm from Solomon where Solomon basically explains that you can work your tail off, and without God’s blessing - it is all worthless and in vain. 

There is not a better way to end this Psalm… “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!”

To sum it all up:

• David was straight and to the point. Know and serve God with everything in you. If you look for Him, you will find Him. If you go against Him, He will go against you.
• I know I said it earlier, but Trust in God and do what He tells you to do, and stay loyal and faithful to Him. 
• Humility. You don’t deserve to have God love you, instead be thankful that He does!