10 May

Bible In 365 Days                                                                            

1 Chronicles 28 - 2 Chronicles 1

1 Chronicles 28

Here begins the final charge of the greatest of the Hebrew kings to his son Solomon, and to the princes and captains and mighty men of the nation. He first made an impressive declaration of his recognition of the government of God in his own appointment to kingship, and that of his son. This, however, was but the background against which he made the declaration which was nearest his heart concerning the house of God. What evidently gave him unqualified satisfaction was that it was to be built. His rejection as builder and Solomon's appointment, were matters of minor importance.

Therein is seen the deepest stratum in his make-up, that which had compelled even his sins to his ultimate making. Out of this conviction came his charge to his son on the principles which were to govern him in the future. The charge was twofold, "Know God," and "Serve God." This was followed by a promise and a warning equally clear and forceful, "Seek Him, and He will be found of thee." "Forsake Him, He will cast thee off for ever." And again the Temple was uppermost in David's thinking, more important to his heart than the welfare of his son. "Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it."

After the charge David solemnly gave to Solomon the pattern of the house in all its details, ending with the tender assurance that in his obedience Solomon would have the presence of God and the help of willing men. Solomon entered on his reign and work with the highest and best advantages.

1 Chronicles 29

This is the account of the final stage in the greatest work of David's life, namely, his preparation for building the Temple. The king had a treasure of his own, over and above what he had gathered for the house of God.

Because of his affection for the work of God, this treasure also he dedicated thereto. This is illuminative, showing the true method of giving. It is when "my affection" is set on the work of "my God" that "my treasure" is at His Disposal. And yet, again, it is when such is the case that any appeal I make to others is likely to be productive of results. Heart-inspired generosity is the most contagious grace. Notice very carefully how this section ends. "Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord." To have real delight in the work of God one must give to it. The real pleasure of a great work is consecrated co-operation.

The king now stood amidst his people and exercised a priestly function. He voiced his own and the people's joy in a psalm of great beauty. First, it ascribes all inherent excellencies to Jehovah, and recognizes His throne and Kingdom. Then it recognizes that all the riches and honor which men possess are from Him. Thus it acknowledges the fitness of their giving their best to Him, and at the same time confesses that their very gifts have &st been received from Him. This thought is then elaborated in a confession of personal poverty and unworthiness, together with a great outpouring of gladness that of His gifts they had given to Him. The praise merges into a prayer that the state of mind in which they have given may be kept in their remembrance, and for Solomon that he may be kept with perfect heart to accomplish the great work.

In connection with this glad and solemn season of worship and sacrifice Solomon was crowned the second time. Finally, the chronicler declares that David "died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour." In very truth it had been a great reign. Through varied experiences the king had come at last to the highest that was in him, and, as Paul declared, "David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of God, fell on sleep" (Acts 13:36).

2 Chronicles 1

After all the careful preparations for building the Temple which we considered in our survey of the previous Book, we now come to the period in which Solomon entered into full possession of his kingdom and took up the great work entrusted to him. He commenced by gathering his people with him at a sacred act of worship. There God met with him in a special vision at night, and tested him by commanding him to ask of Him what he desired. The condition of his heart was clearly manifest in that he sought for the wisdom necessary to accomplish his work in the best possible way. His request showed a sense of responsibility, and also his realization that he could fulfil that responsibility only as he was divinely guided.

God's answer was a beautiful instance of the overflowing love and grace of the divine heart. All the things Solomon set aside for the sake of wisdom also were given him. It is impossible to read this story without the words, "Greater than Solomon," being recalled to the mind, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." So far as Solomon was concerned, it was a fine beginning.

In the closing verses of the chapter we see on the divine side the fulfillment of the promise of material prosperity. These were the days of Israel's greatest glory in this respect. The language of the chronicler is pictorial and forceful. Gold and silver were as common as stones; and the precious cedar timber was as plenteous as the commoner sycamore. There was nothing wrong in all this, but it created a very subtle peril. Prosperity is always a more insidious danger to men of faith than adversity. It is more than likely that the glamor of such affluence was already working evil in the king's heart, as he multiplied his horses and chariots by traffic with Egypt. Commerce with Egypt is always dangerous to the people of God, and it is a very easy stage from the purchase of horses to the procuring of a wife.