05 May

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1 Chronicles 12-14

1 Chronicles 12

Here the story is continued; it thrills with the enthusiasm of the multitudes as they marched under the standard of the new king. Over the list of names flashes light from certain outstanding statements concerning them. In verse two it declares that these men "could use both the right hand and the left." This speaks of the careful training they had received. A little later we have a poetic and remarkable description of the companies gathered around David (1 Chronicles 12:8). They were "mighty men of valour . . . trained for war." This suggests disciplined strength. They were men who could use shield and spear, that is, who were able to act on both the defensive and the offensive. Their faces were like lions; they had become a kingly race. They were "as swift as the roes upon the mountains," which describes their perfect fitness. They were, moreover, men of differing capacities, all of which were consecrated to David. Among the sons of Issachar were men who had understanding of the times. Among the sons of Zebulun were men able in the art of war and incapable of treachery.

All these were united by common devotion. Thus the new king entered on his kingdom under the most auspicious circumstances.

1 Chronicles 13

David's consciousness of the true strength of the kingdom is manifest in his anxiety concerning the Ark of God. This had been at Kirjathjearim, and neglected for long years. He now set himself to bring it into the midst of the people as a recognition of the nation's relationship to Jehovah.

In connection with this action a terrible event taught David a lesson of deep solemnity. If God's order is to be restored, it must be done in His way. The long neglect of the Ark would seem to have rendered these men unfamiliar with all the particular regulations for its removal, which they attempted by a device of their own. The swift death of the man who stretched out a hand to save the Ark was evidence at once of the presence of God among the people, and of the necessity for perfect conformity to His minutest instructions. David was at once angry and afraid. The whole movement was stayed, and the Ark was carried for shelter to the house of Obed- edom.

Most graphically does this story set forth a truth never to be lost sight of by the people of God, that zeal for Him must be according to knowledge. When divine arrangements are made for methods of worship and service, no circumstances must be allowed to be an excuse for a change in such methods.

1 Chronicles 14

In this chapter a most interesting reference is made to the long commercial friendship with Hiram which commenced with David and was continued into the reign of Solomon. Here again the chronicler is silent concerning the sin of David. It is stated boldly that he took more wives at Jerusalem, and a list of his sons is given. Among these are the sons of Bathsheba. Two victories over the Philistines are described. In each case David took counsel of God whether he should go up to battle against them. In the first case he was told to do so, and victory resulted. It is stated in this connection, which we shall do well to ponder, that the defeated Philistines left their gods behind them. David at once recognized the peril of leaving them among the people, and they were destroyed by fire.

Again, before the second victory David took counsel of God, and was forbidden to go until there should be granted to him the supernatural indication of the sound of marching in the mulberry trees. This would have a twofold effect on the king, first, to keep him conscious of his dependence on God; and, second, to maintain his confidence by the evidence of the presence and activity of God.