08 May

Bible In 365 Days                                                               

1 Chronicles 22-24

1 Chronicles 22

In the place where the mercy of God operated in staying the plague resulting from his sin, David chose to build the house of his God. The threshing floor of Oman the Jebusite was chosen as the site of the Temple. The days were rapidly passing, and the end of David's life was not far off. During these latter days his underlying desire became the supreme matter. In perfect acquiescence with the will of God, he gave up all thought of building, and set himself to preparing everything for another hand to carry out. "So David prepared abundantly before his death." His charge to his son is very beautiful. He frankly told him how God had refused to permit him to build, and named the reason. He was careful to teach Solomon that his appointment to build was of God, and thereby created a solemn sense of responsibility in the matter. Out of personal experience both of failure and of realization, David told his son that the condition of success in the enterprises of God is observance of the statutes and judgments of the Lord. He expressed his conviction, moreover, that the house of God must be "exceeding magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries."

This is a picture of a man who through stress and storm had found his way into the quiet calm assurance of his place in the divine economy. The heats and passions of earlier years were under perfect control, and burned to co-operation with the purpose of God, wholly within the limits of the divine will. It is a condition of peace and power.

1 Chronicles 23

David's interest in building the Temple and establishing it as the center of worship and of the nation is not only manifest in the material preparation he made in amassing treasure, and carrying out preliminary work in getting the stones ready. He practically abdicated the throne to Solomon, that he might supervise arranging the order of worship. In this chapter the duties of the Levites are set out, and it is declared that this was among David's last acts (1 Chronicles 23:27).

The specific work of the Levites is beautifully described by the chronicler in the closing verses of the chapter. They were the servants of the priest and of the house. They were also to stand at morning and evening to praise the Lord. High and holy calling, this.

The morning hour of praise expressive of confidence in God and gratitude to Him for all His grace and goodness. Then the busy hours of service, all in the power of that early praise. Finally, the hymn of adoration for the guidance and goodness of the day as the shadows of the evening fell.

It was a high national ideal, and the nation which realizes it will be great indeed. Israel sadly failed later in her history, but the purpose was noble. Never was the true kingliness of David more manifest than when in those last days and acts he sought to make arrangements to consolidate around the Throne of God the kingdom he was so soon to leave.

1 Chronicles 24

With great care and perfect democracy of choice the courses of the priests were next set in order. There was a tactful mingling in the arrangement of the older and the younger men, so that in this highest and holiest national service the experience of age and the enthusiasm of youth were naturally inspiring.

A description of these men in this chapter is very suggestive. They are called "princes of the sanctuary and princes of God." In neither half of the description is there any thought of their exercising rule. They had no authority over the sanctuary; nor, of necessity, over God. Yet they were princes, and were to exercise authority.

This description indicates the source of their authority rather than its sphere of operation. Their government consisted in their obedience in the sanctuary to the will of God. This is always the only authority of priests. By obedience to all the service of God in the holy places and things, they are to make possible the people's approach to God in order that they (the people) may by direct contact render obedience to His sovereign rule.

The true exercises of New Testament priesthood consists in this today. In proportion as we of the kingdom of priests exercise our holy service in perfect submission to the will of God in daily life we exercise the true authority among men of that mediation which attracts them to God, and makes possible their immediate dealing with Him.