I CHRONICLES

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:10    Cush was the father of Nimrod, who grew to be a mighty warrior on earth.

    Chronicles starts out as a list of descendants from Adam, so there is little editorial. The ONLY one in this chapter is in verse 10. Nimrod must have been very special to be mentioned as "mighty!" [Gen. 10:8] (DRM 8/29/88)

3:9+    The Kings of Judah (listed)

    After having just read of the kings of Judah, it was nice to have them all listed in 7 verses. There are 22 kings listed. (DRM 8/30/88)

4:10    Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let you hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.

    No one likes pain. Jabez's name sounds like pain in Hebrew (verse 9) as his mother had pain bearing him. God was very kind not to give Jabez pain. Hopefully my pains will not be major if I stay with Him. (DRM 8/31/88)

5:20b    . . . and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. 

    These three tribes had 44,760 men ready for service (verse 18), but must have had troubles and learned to trust in the Lord. Hopefully I will always trust in the Lord and do His will. (DRM 9/1/88)

7:40a    All these were the descendants of Asher - heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders.

    The chronicle of our ancestors continues. It is interesting to see men described as "choice, brave and outstanding," highlighting people's good sides rather than bad. (DRM 9/2/88)

8:8    Sons were born to Shaharaim in Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baaara.

    I was surprised to read of divorce in the Bible. This verse does not indicate if Old Testament divorce was acceptable, but the 10 Commandments do not lead me to think divorce was even then. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. . . we needed a Savior. . . (DRM 9/3/88)

9:13    The priests, who were heads of families, numbered 1,760. They were able men, responsible for ministering in the house of God.

    As I interpret this verse, all 1,760 (male) heads of families were "priests," thus they were responsible for the leadership and ministry to their families. Very few husbands would fit into that definition today. (DRM 9/4/88)

10:13    Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance.

    Saul did not obey the Lord or His commands but consulted the mediums instead. The Lord watches over each of us and either honors us for serving Him, or destroys us sooner or later. (DRM 9/5/88)

11:5    The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, "You shall not enter here." Nevertheless David captured the stronghold of Zion (that is, the city of David).

    This is how the city of Jerusalem became the City of David, as the residents did not want the new King to enter in. God was with David on this taking of the city - and He will also be with us (me) so long as our desire is to worship and serve Him. David sinned, as we all do, but God still loved him and us. (DRM 3/23/08)

11:9    And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.

    David became more and more powerful in battle against his enemies because he (David) continuously asked the Lord, by prayer, before making any decisions. (DRM 9/6/88)

11:10    Now these are the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong support in his Kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

    The mighty men who with David were great warriors and fought to protect and serve their leader - David. There were really serving David - with the example of verses 17 & 18 - to get David water.
    Jesus said we (I) are to be servants of the Lord - and that doesn't have to be only in BIG things, but even in getting a glass of water. (DRM 3/24/08)

12:17    David . . . said to them: "If you have come to me in peace, to help me, I am ready to have you unite with me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you."

    It most often is difficult to judge people's motives as to why they want to "help" you. David allowed people to join in his army, knowing that God would convict the evil ones. (DRM 9/7/88)

13:10    The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. 

    No one can understand God, but God. My only possible explanation for this act would be that perhaps Uzzah's motives were to topple the ark. God IS to be feared! (DRM 9/8/88)

14:16,17    So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. 17So David's fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him. 

    David was so special because before any decision was made, he consulted the Lord, and only did as the Lord directed. I should always be willing to do the same! (DRM 9/9/88)

15:2    Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister before him forever."

    Where would David have learned of all these things? The Bible! Again, David wanted only to do God's will for Israel. (DRM 9/10/88)

15:28    Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the horn, with trumpets, with loud-sounding cymbals, with harps and lyres.

    I can't think of many people in the Bible who loved music as David did - and I'm glad that he included it as an example of how he worshipped the Lord! Serving the Lord should cause happiness and this is a great example. As the Lord (Holy Spirit) fills me with His spirit, my desire is to please and serve only Him. (DRM 3/25/08)

16:8    Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
            Make known His deeds among the peoples.

    I wonder if this is truly the first Psalm of David? This is the first verse of the "Psalm of Thanksgiving" and I think everything that David wrote then applies to us today. We (I) are always to give thanks, to pray to the Lord and to tell others of all that He has done. I can't improve David's writing - the goal is to do the directive. (DRM 3/26/08)

16:9    Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
           Speak of all His wonders.

    God deserves our worship. All we have to think about is all that He has done for us. Even if you (we) have daily challenges, it is for our growth and dependence on Him all the more. Look at the stars and mountains and trees and remember that the Lord made them all.
    One of the best ways to worship is by singing - we have thousands of songs that bring Him glory. When we are done singing, we are to share His love with others - the best way is to tell them all that He has done for us - first person - then share what He has for them from the Bible. (DRM 12/22/13)

16:10    Glory in His holy name;
             Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.

    This is from a "Psalm of Thanksgiving."
    With all the things the Lord has done for us, we have plenty of reasons to praise and thank Him and give glory to His name - as He deserves it all!
    As we seek the Lord, and to do His will in our lives, we should be glad: for our salvation, eternal destiny, His everlasting love and protection and so many other things.
    Praise God for His love for us. Let us serve Him all the days of our lives. (earthly and heavenly) (DRM 9/18/14)

16:11    Seek the LORD and His strength;
             Seek His face continually.

    I like 'strong' verses. It reminds me of Jesus' strength - especially since I have so little physical strength myself.
    Jesus=God has both physical and spiritual strength. Once I read a book that stated Jesus' physical strength had to exist from being a carpenter and the abilities needed for that job.
    We must depend on the Lord for His spiritual strength. When we feel the need to call on Him for help, we have assurance that He can and will do whatever we ask if it is His will - but we have to ask!
    To "seek His face continually" makes me think of "pray without ceasing." God=Jesus doesn't have a "busy signal" when we call. (DRM 2/2/15)

16:14, 15    He is the LORD our God;
                   His judgments are in all the earth.
                 15Remember His covenant forever,
                   The word which He commanded
                   to a thousand generations, . . .

    God loves His children, but He also has enemies like Satan - who want His power. God has to judge the earth at times as the people go against His written word. If nations repented and followed Him this would be more like a preview of Heaven.
    A generation could be 40-70 years, so a thousand generations would be 40,000 - 70,000 years. The point is the word "forever" and not the number of years involved.
    While we do not rule the nations or the earth, we can worship our King and hope to avoid His judgments. (DRM 9/7/17)

16:21, 22    He permitted no man to oppress them,
                   And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying,
               22"Do not touch My anointed ones,
                   And do My prophets no harm."

    This is from the "Psalm of Thanksgiving" from Asaph (v. 7) or possibly David.
    These two verses emphasize the special relationship God had with the Israelite people  . . . at least during King David's time.
    Most of the Bible deals with what we call Israel today. While they have left and returned from God's direction, He has continued to love them.
    During modern times, He has allowed them to return to their homeland as prophesized in the past.
    No matter where we live, watch what happens in Israel, that will help us understand God better. (DRM 3/26/17)

16:24    Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

    God wants Christians to tell others of their faith when given the opportunity. Lord help me to be a willing "declarer" of Your word. (DRM 6/2/88)

16:29    Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.

    It seems that this section gives us clues on how to worship the LORD God and a little of what He is like (v. 27)
    Even when I was little we always got "dressed up" to go to church - and it perturbs me when others don't. The third part of this verse seems to agree with my thoughts; and I thought it was only a tradition. (DRM 3/27/08)

17:4    "Go and tell David My servant, 'Thus says the LORD, "You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in; . . .

    David had a plan. Since he was living in a home of cedar and God's dwelling was in curtains (v. 1), he should start building a dwelling for God.
    In this verse God clearly stated that David shouldn't build the place, and in the future a son of David would build the (temple). (v. 12)
    We have limited perception of God's plans. It just seems logical to me/us - but God wants it done His way. He knows why. He knows the future.
    Before doing anything for God, no matter what it is, ask Him first. (DRM 3/27/17)

17:11, 12    When your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up one of your descendants after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever.

    David contemplated building a house for the Lord - to hold the ark of the covenant. He told Nathan the prophet, then God responded to Nathan in the verses quoted above. Now that time has passed it is easy to see that God was referring to His Son, Jesus, Who would come from David's descendents and will rule FOREVER. (DRM 3/28/08)

17:13    I will be his father and he shall be My son; and I will not take My lovingkindness away from him, as I took it from him who was before you.

    Nathan the prophet (v. 3) gave this message to David from the Lord God when David wanted to build God a permanent home (v. 1).
    This verse clearly refers to Jesus, who would be a descendent (v. 11) of David, and was/is also God's son. Saul (David's predecessor) had God's lovingkindness taken away, but that would never be the case for Jesus.
    While we don't generally think of Jesus in the Old Testament, He is referred to several times if you look carefully. He deserves our worship. 

17:14    I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever. (see also 2 Samuel 7:13)

    Another prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ! Reference is given to Luke 1:32,33 in another Bible (KJV). David was told of the coming Messiah, but did he know it then? Thank you Lord, for showing me this! (DRM 9/11/88)

17:20    O LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

    This is just one part of  a prayer that David said to the Lord God. I would classify it as a prayer of appreciation for what He has done for David, and also praise. My goal and intent is to do the same in my prayers. Sometimes it's hard to comprehend why He has put me in certain places, but I know it is all to bring Him glory. (DRM 3/29/08)

17:21    And what one nation in the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make You a name by great and terrible things, in driving out nations from before Your people, whom You redeemed out of Egypt?

    David knew the Lord God and spoke to Him directly (v. 16). Generally he would do anything for the Lord - but he also sinned.
    David had insight in this verse that the people in Israel today seem to lack. He knew that the Lord would protect His people and had faith that He would live up to His word.
    While the people in Israel don't seem to trust in Jesus=God, as believers we know that God will protect a remnant of His people through the tribulation. (DRM 7/9/12)

17:23    "Now, O LORD, let the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house be established forever, and do as You have spoken. . .

    This is part of David's prayer after he was told by Nathan that his son would build God's temple (v. 12) and that his throne will be established forever - to be carried out by David's descendent - Jesus (vv. 13-14).
    In this verse, David was saying that he wanted God's will to be done - thus yielding his desire to build God's home-Temple to the next generation.
    When I/we clearly hear of God's will - possibly through others telling me/us (v. 3), we are first to be thankful to know His will, then to do it. Not my will, Lord, but Yours. (DRM 10/26/17)

18:8    From Tebah and Cun, towns that belonged to Hadadezer, David took a great quantity of bronze, which Solomon used to make the bronze Sea, the pillars and various bronze articles.

    Chronicles indicates "history" and this was a history book. It seemed interesting to see the perspective of how the bronze was obtained for the building of the temple. (DRM 9/12/88)

19:13    Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.

    It must have been a "tough job" to be a soldier for King David, with all the battles! Joab, the commander of the troops, properly had the soldiers know that they would do well if the Lord was with them! (DRM 9/13/88)

20:6    In still another battle, which took place at Gath, there was a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot - twenty four in all. He also was descended from Rapha.

    It seems that the Raphaites were big people and part of the Philistines whom David was at war with. Goliath was definitely with the Philistines, I recall. — but David, who was with God, won. (DRM 9/14/88)

21:17b    (David said to God). . . I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? O Lord my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family . . .

    When David sinned and God punished Israel for David's sin (killing 70,000 people in a plague), David asked the Lord to punish him and his family instead of the innocent. We shouldn't ask someone else to take punishment for us. (DRM 9/16/88) But Jesus did. (4/12/2004)

21:24    But King David said to Ornan, "No, but I will surely buy it for the full price; for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing."

    This seems to me to be the key verse in a story about King David taking a barn from a subject (Ornan) to use for building an altar for the Lord God. David didn't want the barn as a gift, but to pay for it.
    When I desire to give something to the Lord, it has to be something that I own and paid for - not something that cost me nothing in the first place. (DRM 3/30/08)

22:6    Then he (David) called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel.

    I think this is one of the most important verses of the history of the Old Testament. The Lord clearly told David that his son, Solomon, would build the temple. This is another way that the Lord clearly directed His people to do His will. (DRM 9/17/88)

22:9    Behold, a son will be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days.

    David had wanted to build the temple for the Lord, but he had waged great wars (v. 8), so God decided that Solomon should do the work. Still, David made the preparations and gathered the material. I think the point is that we have to listen and do the Lord's will for our lives - and not just our desires - I hope I'm dong that today. (DRM 3/31/08)

22:13    Then you will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed.

    This was part of the final statement to his son, Solomon - but I think it's also a good reminder to all people as to how to live a good life. A good goal would be to live closer to the Ten Commandments and to be courageous on sharing our faith without fear. It's a standard to work for - and hard to achieve - thus depending on the Holy Spirit. (DRM 4/5/08)

23:4a    David said, "Of these (38,000 Levites), twenty-four thousand are to supervise the work of the temple of the Lord . . . 

    While the size of the temple has not been described as yet, the thought of 24,000 supervisors makes me wonder how many workers were needed to build this structure and the great honor that God was to receive. (DRM 9/18/88)

24:19a,b    This was their appointed order of ministering when they entered the temple of the Lord, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their forefather Aaron . . . 

    Everything was done according to order and regulations set by the Lord - through Aaron in this case. As God is King, we should be servants. (DRM 9/19/88)

25:1    David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. 

    God, through David, choose people to minister to peoples needs ages ago. Music was an important part of Gods plan even then. (DRM 9/20/88)

25:6    All these were under the direction of their father to sing in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, harps and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the direction of the King.

    I have attended many churches since I became a Christian and have seen various types of musical "worship" at the different locations. At some locations I felt that I was truly singing to the Lord Jesus, and at others I felt I was being entertained and was observing their performance.
    The type of music doesn't matter as much as the attitude of the performers and congregation. We are to go with an attitude of worship to the Lord, the King, our Savior — God. (DRM 6/15/13)

26:27    Some of the plunder taken in battle they dedicated for the repair of the temple of the Lord. 

    Even before the temple was built, David (or God) had the fore-knowledge to think of putting things away for repairing the structure. I probably wouldn't have done that! (DRM 9/21/88)

27:33    Ahithophel was the king's counselor. Hushai the Arkite was the king's friend. 

    Hushai was the king's friend. A friend was needed even for King David! Thank you God for giving us friends. (DRM 9/22/88)

28:4    Yet, the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me from all the house of my father to be King over Israel forever. For He has chosen Judah to be a leader; and in the house of Judah, my father's house, and among the sons of my father He took pleasure in me to make me King over all Israel.

    The point of David's statement in this verse was that he was chosen by God to be the King - not that he earned the title by his works on the battlefields. This is a good reminder to me that I can't earn God's favor - that He chose me to be in His family - and He has a job for me to do. (DRM 4/6/08)

28:7    I will establish his kingdom forever if he resolutely performs My commandments and My ordinances as is done now.'

    This is the end of a statement that David quoted from the Lord God, which refers to His choice of Solomon as the future king of Israel.
    The most important word is the little word "if." Since we know the end of the story, we know that Solomon started well, then drifted away from the Lord later in life. God kept His promise, but Solomon didn't do the same.
    While problems will arise in my/your life, God wants us to stay with Him to the end of our earthly life - and it will all be worth it in the life to come. (DRM 3/19/13)

28:9b    (David to Solomon - serve God . . . )for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. 

    God knows our every desire and the reason for those desires - our motives. Our motives must be pure and totally yielding to God's will. (DRM 9/23/88)

28:11    Then David gave to his son Solomon the plan of the porch of the temple, its buildings, its storehouses, its upper rooms, its inner rooms and the room for the mercy seat; . . .

    God had told David that he would not be the person who would build the temple in Jerusalem, but rather his son, Solomon (v. 3).
    David had all the plans ready as described in this verse. All Solomon had to do was to have it built. The materials were even available.
    Still, Solomon had to make a commitment to follow/serve the Lord (v. 9).
    The Lord God=Jesus has a plan for each of us if we commit to follow/serve Him while on earth. Each of us has a different mission to do. He will direct you to do something you enjoy. (DRM 5/29/17)

29:3, 4    Moreover, in my delight in the house of my God, the treasure I have of gold and silver, I give to the house of my God, over and above all that I have already provided for the holy temple, 4namely, 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the buildings;

    While God did not permit David to build the temple for the Lord, David was permitted to accumulate the materials needed for the construction. In these two verses, he mentions what he gave to date, which was a motivation for the rest of the people to also give to the project/temple construction.
    David would do anything for the Lord at this point, as he probably knew of the Lord's forgiveness of past sins.
    Am I doing as much? No. What can I do for the Lord for his gift of Jesus and His forgiveness of my sins? (DRM 1/8/12)

29:9    Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly , for they made their offering to the LORD with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly.

    The attitude of the heart is of great importance to the Lord. Not only does He want us to serve Him, but He wants us to WANT to serve Him with all of our heart. Sometimes I've had an attitude that I 'had' to go to a church service - and then I needed an attitude correction - as I need to keep my priorities in order. (DRM 4/6/08)

29:11    . . . Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.

    David knew that he was not allowed to build the temple (28:3), but that didn't stop him from accumulating the materials that Solomon would need to build it later. The Israelites of the time also contributed to the cause (vv. 6-9).
    This verse is part of David's prayer at the dedication of the materials. David's words here showed his absolute faith and praise to the Lord God for who He is and all that He has done.
    I/we should remind ourselves more of Who we are talking to when we pray. He deserves all the honor and glory. (DRM 1/3/18)

    We see a striking similarity between the descriptions of the building materials and the descriptions of God in that both are written in terms that inspire awe. (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHT J.R. HUDBERG 1/3/18)

29:14    But who am I (David), and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 

    What an important verse! David points out that everything we are and everything we have is the result of God's love for us. How easy it is to forget what He does for us! (DRM 9/24/88)

29:15    For we are sojourners before You, and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope.

    This is part of David's prayer at the end of his reign over Israel in Jerusalem.
    As I/we get older, time seems to go faster and we realize that our days are quickly coming to an end on earth.
    David pointed out that our short time on earth should be spent under God's will/authority - sojourners before God - doing His commands as we hear them.
    David wrote "no hope" referring to the end of his days on earth - not that he wasn't going to Heaven.
    Our time on earth will end someday. It could be very soon - but, yes, as Christians, we have great hope for a future in Heaven. (DRM 9/8/16)

29:16    O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and all is Yours.

    David had the right attitude that God is the provider of ALL good things. David and the other people of Israel couldn't have donated all of the silver and gold and other building materials if God hadn't given them a way to acquire them. The same happens to my life and everyone else's to this day. (DRM 4/7/08)

29:24    All the officials, the mighty men, and also all the sons of King David pledged allegiance to King Solomon.

    God can choose a new ruler. David can announce the decision, but an important aspect of a change in leadership is the agreement of the subjects to authority. Without the submissiveness of the people, the ruler will fall. Christians also need to be submissive to our Ruler - Jesus - and do what He directs. (DRM 4/7/08)