David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” -1 Chronicles 14:10 David heard that his enemies the Philistines were on their way to attack. How would he respond? Fight? Defend? Run? Negotiate? What was the right response? The answer to David’s question was not to design a plan but to consult the Designer. When he did, God gave him an answer far better than he could have discovered on his... Read more

The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had. -1 Chronicles 13:14 When the ark fell, a man died. In fear, David refused to take the ark to Jerusalem, but left it with the family of Obed-Edom. The result? Obed’s family was blessed along with everything he had. Sometimes, God simply favors a person or family by association. A non-Christian living next to... Read more

All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king. -1 Chronicles 12:38 How did a shepherd boy named David become king of Israel? God anointed him, yet much took place in the hearts of the nation’s people to support the effort. The desire God placed in the hearts of... Read more

10 These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised— 11 this is the list of David’s mighty warriors: -1 Chronicles 11:10-11 Chronicles notes the lives of a small band of men whom David called his mighty warriors. These men both led Israel’s military as well as provided for his personal security. What did David value most about these men? It was... Read more

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, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. -1 Chronicles 10:13-14 Saul died in battle, but he died because of unfaithfulness to the Lord. How was he unfaithful? 1 Chronicles 10 notes he did not obey God’s word, sought... Read more

Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants. -1 Chronicles 9:2 The return to Israel occurred in stages. The first to return included priests, Levites, and temple servants. This note, likely written by Ezra, is significant. Without spiritual leaders, there is struggle for spiritual renewal. In the Jewish tradition, the Levites represented the tribe that provided spiritual leadership in Israel. Within this tribe were both priests (men... Read more

Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal. -1 Chronicles 8:33 Chapter 8 is all about the family line of King Saul. Why? His family was an essential part of his identity and leadership, just as our family is to ours. Think about it: Identity stems from knowing who we are, where we are from, and why we are here. Family addresses each of these areas. When... Read more

Ezer and Elead were killed by the native-born men of Gath, when they went down to seize their livestock. 22 Their father Ephraim mourned for them many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. 23 Then he made love to his wife again, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. He named him Beriah, because there had been misfortune in his family. -1 Chronicles 7:21-23 Kids are a treasure. When a child dies, a piece of the parents... Read more

31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there. 32 They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them. -1 Chronicles 6:31-32 The Bible is clear music is important. In fact, David put together an entire group of people who would minister... Read more