09 May

Bible In 365 Days                                            

1 Chronicles 25-27

1 Chronicles 25

It is easy to imagine what joy the poet king would take in arranging the song service of the new Temple. Music played a very important part in his career. His musical skill had been his first introduction to Saul, and had put his life in peril in Saul's presence. Then the psalms attributed to him in our collection breathe out the spirit of the varied experiences through which he passed. The days of his simple life as a shepherd, the period of his exile and suffering, the hours of battle and weariness, the triumph of his crowning, the agony of his sin, the joy of pardon, these and many other experiences are reflected in the great collection.

The man of poetic nature would naturally take great delight in making such arrangements for that "magnificent" house of God as would ensure proper and skilful attention in its service of praise. Again, from among the trained the courses were so arranged as to ensure perfect use of all classes, "as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar."

This work of praise is thrice described by a somewhat singular, and, in this connection, arresting word, "prophecy." The use of this word here is a revelation of the true value of the service of music in the sanctuary of God. There is no doubt that it is used in its broadest sense of forthtelling rather than its more restricted sense of foretelling. Therefore, music is at once the medium of expressing praise to God, and telling forth that praise in the hearing of men for their instruction and blessing. This includes the whole sphere, and the two thoughts interact. That is true praise of God which instructs the hearers. That is true musical prophesying which sets forth the praise of God.

1 Chronicles 26

In no particular did the arrangements of the king fall short. Not only Levites, priests, and singers were arranged for, but porters also, and such as had charge of all the stores set apart for the sacred work. These, moreover, were sons of the first of the nation, as well as of others less known; and the same principle of democratic selection is casting the lots-"as well the small as the great" took part.

It is interesting in this section to note, moreover, how long men had looked forward to building the Temple. In the statement that the dedicated treasure was in the care of Shelomoth, some is specified as set apart by Samuel, some by Saul, some by Abner, and some by Joab. In giving to Solomon the charge to build David had spoken of the treasure he had gathered and said, "Thou mayest add thereto." Now it appears that others before himself also had made contributions to the great whole.

These facts are suggestive and helpful. None of us can ever do a complete thing for God. All His works are too great. Nothing we touch is other than a piece of work begun and dropped ere the weary hands had completed their task. And, in turn, nothing we take up can we complete. But there are always others coming on who will continue the toil, for God's work must be done. Let us count it greatest honor to have touched the work at all, and be content to have put in one day's work thereon between morning and sunset.

1 Chronicles 27

This chapter gives us an idea of the internal order of the kingdom under the government of David. The courses mentioned in the opening part of the chapter are not mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. They may have been the toilers who wrought in some specific work. Perhaps this refers to arrangement made for the labor necessary to build the Temple. Then the rulers of the tribes are named. Following this is a significant statement that in the numbering necessary to organization David was careful not to sin again. He had learned a lesson from experience. Next the rulers of departments are named, and, finally, a list of the chief men in David's household is given.

The chapter is a striking revelation of the fact that David's greatness as a king was not confined to his victories in war. He was no less great in peaceful administration. Tilling the soil, careful cultivation, raising cattle and all that pertained to the internal welfare of his people had his attention, and were arranged for under duly qualified and appointed oversight. There is no room for doubt that under the reign of David the Hebrew people realized their greatest strength, even if they did not reach the height of their magnificence. Truly a wonderful man was David. Fundamentally a man of God, he was also a warrior, a poet, an administrator. With his passing, the day of Hebrew greatness passed its meridian.