“David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less, because the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky.” -1 Chronicles 27:23 Hundreds of years after Abraham, 1 Chronicles cited the promise of God to him to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky. We may not see the significance of this statement. Its words rest filled with power for our time. For example, the fulfillment... Read more

“As for the Hebronites, Jeriah was their chief according to the genealogical records of their families. In the fortieth year of David’s reign a search was made in the records, and capable men among the Hebronites were found at Jazer in Gilead.” -1 Chronicles 26:31 Family history was a big deal to the Israelites. Decision made based on genealogy included roles of service among Levites, the priesthood, musicians, gatekeepers, and much more. Yet Western culture often de-emphasizes the role of... Read more

“When David was old and full of years, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.” -1 Chronicles 23:1 Becoming a leader isn’t easy, but giving up leadership is often more difficult. David nearly lost his kingdom when he hesitated to hand over leadership to his son Solomon. Yet when the time was forced upon him, David took the necessary steps to transition his leadership to his son, knowing that his end was near. Today’s American evangelicalism is currently filled... Read more

“12 May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” -1 Chronicles 22:12-13 When David commanded his son Solomon to build the temple of the Lord, we find words of... Read more

“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” -1 Chronicles 21:1 David’s success was also David’s downfall. At the height of his kingdom, he chose to have every Israelite counted. Why? Not because of God’s command, but to evaluate his human accomplishments. Yet God was the one who gave David his kingdom. David’s success was from God, not his own deeds. In the end, this desire to count and measure success in human terms... Read more

“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.” -1 Chronicles 19:13 In one battle, Israel’s military commander Joab did not know what to do. When he faced a challenging battle, he simply said, “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.” When he was... Read more

“David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.” -1 Chronicles 18:14 David was king, yet he did what was just and right for all his people. Why? He recognized his role as a servant. True leadership always views the role of leader as one who serves. We later find Jesus revealing this principal through washing the feet of his followers. We often recognize this, but find servanthood as a leader difficult to apply.... Read more

16 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 17 And as if this were not enough in your sight, my God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You, Lord God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men.” -1 Chronicles 17:16-17 David, king of Israel, replied to God’s... Read more