There is a plethora of books, archived magazine articles, along with online sound bites on social media on how to be a great leader. Most are written and published by great leaders who have been given a platform after their successes to tell us how they got there only after proving themselves to be great by the world around them. Yes, that was along sentence. Seriously, though, isn’t that what we look for first in a leader—a person who has already succeeded?
Who isn’t curiousto know how they did what you are trying to do now as a leader? I confess; I was and I still am a questioner. I question, not to criticize, but to relentlessly glean from those I trust. In my interviewing, I am seeking to learn. My questions are intended to go beyond what we see on the surface of a leader’s persona of success to discover their deeper motives, true feelings, asking about their past history that brought them to where they are now as revered, trustworthy leaders who others listen to and follow.
David is one of those leaders who I would have loved to sit down and interview.Wouldn’t you? The chronicles of his life show why God chose him to be the next king. God knew the boy, David, sent by his father to do the lowliest job of all in the family—tend the sheep. He was the youngest male, not worthy of much else, until God decided otherwise. God saw and knew his heart. As David cared for the sheep; he would sing songs of praise to His Shepherd who watched over him with power and might.
Though chosen, anointed, and set apart from among David’s older brothers to be king; the pathway to the throne would not be easy. Over the years, of gathering knowledge from leaders in various parts of the world, leaders who were considered trusted and revered, one characteristic stood out—they walked humbly with God. But they became humbled by God through past difficulties in their lives. Those humbled by past sufferings learned to fully rely on God to walk with them through the challenging times. It was those humbly experiences that drew them closer to God. They become more and more equipped by God as men and women who served rather than seeking to be served. They had a heightened awareness of others’ needs with empathy and compassion.
Godly leaders successfully recognize and realize more quickly than others the plight and needs of others and come to their aid with real help because they, too have suffered and know where their help came from—God! They also know what anxious fear feels like and can share from the heart the One and Only who can relieve fear and anxious thoughts!
To walk humbly with God is what the prophet Micah says God requires of all of us. Suffering leads us to walk humbly with God. Perseverance through suffering leads us to strong, relentless faith in God. (James 1) The resulting outcome: Godly leaders trust and obey God with all that is within them without thinking how it will benefit them but as the way to love God back for all He has done for them (and us). The person who seeks justice for others in God’s view of life, who loves His mercy and is merciful to others seem to be prerequisites for walking humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)
God notices humility and opposes the proud. God sees the heart of those who are undivided in loyalty and of one mind, committed fully to Him and supports them. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
People notice the one who pursues God and are attracted to leaders who know God and follow what He says. Most people are distracted to arrogant, know-it-alls, who live only for themselves and demand self-glorification. (James 4:6)
1 Chronicles 12
Warriors Join David
These were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the warriors who helped him in battle; 2 they were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin):
3 Ahiezer their chief and Joash the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berakah, Jehu the Anathothite, 4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the Thirty, who was a leader of the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite, 5 Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah and Shephatiah the Haruphite; 6 Elkanah, Ishiah, Azarel, Joezer and Jashobeam the Korahites; 7 and Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.
8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains.
9 Ezer was the chief, Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third, 10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 13 Jeremiah the tenth and Makbannai the eleventh.
14 These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand. 15 It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight everyone living in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
16 Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold. 17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, I am ready for you to join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our ancestors see it and judge you.”
18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said:
“We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.”
So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.
19 Some of the tribe of Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (He and his men did not help the Philistines because, after consultation, their rulers sent him away. They said, “It will cost us our heads if he deserts to his master Saul.”) 20 When David went to Ziklag, these were the men of Manasseh who defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu and Zillethai, leaders of units of a thousand in Manasseh. 21 They helped David against raiding bands, for all of them were brave warriors, and they were commanders in his army. 22 Day after day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.
Others Join David at Hebron
23 These are the numbers of the men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, as the Lord had said:
24 from Judah, carrying shield and spear—6,800 armed for battle;
25 from Simeon, warriors ready for battle—7,100;
26 from Levi—4,600, 27 including Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, with 3,700 men, 28 and Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 officers from his family;
29 from Benjamin, Saul’s tribe—3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to Saul’s house until then;
30 from Ephraim, brave warriors, famous in their own clans—20,800;
31 from half the tribe of Manasseh, designated by name to come and make David king—18,000;
32 from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;
33 from Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, tohelp David with undivided loyalty—50,000;
34 from Naphtali—1,000 officers, together with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears;
35 from Dan, ready for battle—28,600;
36 from Asher, experienced soldiers prepared for battle—40,000;
37 and from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, armed with every type of weapon—120,000.
38 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. 39 The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, for their families had supplied provisions for them. 40 Also, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, olive oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
The Holy Spirit of God makes all the difference!
One of the distinct differences between God’s dealings with people during Old Testament times and New Testament times has to do with the work of the Holy Spirit. In this passage of David’s life as a new leader; we read how God’s Spirit coming on Amasai to bless David and declare the allegiance of the thirty elite warriors. God moved in the lives of particular people to carry out detailed, specific actions knowing David would trust and obey Him!
We can rely on God’s Holy Spirit to make a difference always!
As believers in Jesus; we can expect and rely on God’s Holy Spirit’s presence at the exact point of saying yes to Jesus! (1 Corinthians 12–14). Today, God’s Spirit continues His intimate work in us, enabling all by His power working in us to live abundantly and free as redeemed people (Romans 8:2) as we spread the gospel (Acts 1:8) of Jesus Christ!
God guides; God provides. God gives exactly what we need when we need it most. God did it for David and He still does it for us! Trust and obey for there’s no other way—to walk humbly with our God.
Lord,
Thank you for the chronicled facts of the lives you led to accomplish your will and purposes then—leading to the coming of our King Jesus! There is no one like our God! You are Sovereign. You are Savior, Protector, Provider, Healer, Counselor and You are the peace we seek and the love we cherish. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
To you be the glory, honor, and praise forevermore!
If you are reading and studying along with us; you might be wondering what the word chronicle means. I looked it up for us. The simple definition has been provided so the word, chornicle, does not get in the way of our understanding of God’s Word for us today. A chronicle record is a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence. It is not an analysis or interpretation of those events but merely a historical record of account arranged in chronological order of the time and occurrences. A later example would be reading a chronicle of the Civil War that took place in our country. Those who stood out above the rest because of their acts of bravery that changed the outcome of their nation are typically listed.
Now we come to the chronicle summary of King David’s reign, the shepherd boy who became King of Israel because he was known as a “man who ran after the heart of God.” David had to fight a lot of battles even after the fall of King Saul before becoming God’s newly appointed King and taking the throne.
It is good to note that Our King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus, our Savior will be born to Mary and Joseph who both born in the hereditary line of David. It was foretold that the Messiah would come from the “line of King David.” Chronicles of the wars, battles, thrones of great men and women who ruled for a time, riches given and taken, along with all manmade kingdoms will all pass away when Jesus comes back to claim His own as the Kingdom of God forever. Hold that thought as we read.
1 Chronicles 11
David Becomes King Over Israel
All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”
3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the Lord had promised through Samuel.
David Conquers Jerusalem
4 David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites who lived there 5 said to David, “You will not get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.
6 David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander in chief.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command.
7 David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David. 8 He built up the city around it, from the terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city. 9 And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.
David’s Mighty Warriors
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:
Jashobeam, a Hakmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
12 Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty warriors. 13 He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. 14 But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.
15 Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 18 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the Lord. 19 “God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?”Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.
Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.
20 Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 21 He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
22 Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 23 And he struck down an Egyptian who was five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 24 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors. 25 He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
26 The mighty warriors were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, 27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, 28 Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, Abiezer from Anathoth, 29 Sibbekai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, 30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, 31 Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, 32 Hurai from the ravines of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, 33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite, 35 Ahiam son of Sakar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur, 36 Hepher the Mekerathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, 37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai, 38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar son of Hagri, 39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, 40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad son of Ahlai, 42 Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,
43 Hanan son of Maakah, Joshaphat the Mithnite, 44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 45 Jediael son of Shimri, his brother Joha the Tizite, 46 Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite, 47 Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
By the time David moved to capture Jerusalem, he had already been king of Israel for seven years. The Lord must have guided David in a special way when he chose Jerusalem to be his capital because Jerusalem would play a strategic role in the working out of God’s great plan of salvation. God had promised the Israelites that He would appoint a place where they could come to worship Him (Deuteronomy 12:1–7). Jerusalem was that place before Jesus came to teach of the Kingdom of God.
Zion is the New Jerusalem; the City in the Kingdom of God!
The writer of Hebrews explains;
“You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm;to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:18-24
The church now sees the earthly Jerusalem as a divided city, a city of traditions in conflict; but the heavenly Jerusalemas a symbol of the covenant of gracein Christ Jesus and the eternal home of His people.
See Revelation 21–22 for more chronicles of true facts from Jesus who revealed Truth to John! God has set His King, Jesus, on the throne (Psalm 2:6), and one day He will speak in His wrath and judge those who oppose Him and His truth.
Here is a glimpse of our future written down in John’s Revelation from Jesus;
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”—John from Jesus, Revelation 21:1-5
“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” Psalm 2:6
God is speaking of Jesus, His Son, who was, is, and always will be our eternal king—written bythe Psalmist, David, centuries earlier!
Yes, God has everything under His sovereign control—even if we don’t see, hear, or feel it, God IS in the details of our lives. Gods love never changes. God never fails. And God is always with us. That’s the Truth! And Jesus? He is at the Center of it all!
Lord,
Our prayer this morning; Open our eyes, help us to intentionally listen for your voice with determined, relentless focus on what we have learned through your Word. May we see you at work, fulfilling Your Plan of redemption in each one You have created. Here is my life. Use me as your physical hands and feet to point the Way to Your salvation and help to overcome. You are King of my life! You are the One I trust because you are Life to me! May the Kingdom of God dwell in me.
Saul, a Benjamite son, the tribe listed last among the twelve tribes of Israel, was chosen to be the first King of Israel. The people clamored, begged, and pleaded with God to give them a king to rule over them. God advised through his prophets that His people knew not what they are doing for a king would bring on them more troubles. But still they pleaded so God gave them a king. Saul was a humble herder of donkeys, living in a remote area. Saul knew God and revered Him—until he didn’t.
God stepped in and chose Saul to be anointed by Samuel as the first king God’s people longed for, thinking a king would solve all their problems. God was with Saul and helped him win the battles necessary to secure the land and freedom for God’s people. With great successes, however, Saul’s ego became his god. He no longer trusted or obeyed God’s specific directions and guidance through the prophet Samuel. (See 1 Samuel)
In a few paragraphs a great man (in his own eyes) fell to the enemy he formerly defeated. But God stepped in and chose a new king; David— “a man after the heart of God.” King David is the new ruler who had to fight his way through battles of evil control, the jealousies of his older brothers at home, and others who didn’t think a shepherd boy could rule a kingdom. But God stepped in and gave David all he needed to fight all the “giants” who defiled God and His plan.
Remember, what is written at the end of each king’s reign in First and Second Kings? The reign ends with “all that was accomplished is written in the annuals”. The books of Chronicles are the result of God’s people precisely writing it all down. That’s why we can dig for the riches of the realty of how God worked in the lives of ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary Plan. His people didn’t always get it completely right because each one was a fallible human with flaws. But we learn great lesson from our God who used their mistakes and sins for His glory and our good!
When God steps in, course corrections are made to fulfill His Plan. God’s love, compassion, and mercy never change for his beloved. We learn that forgiveness is His character and habit of behavior for those who humble themselves before Him. God’s story is relevant to us as it shows our weaknesses, given to Him, are made strong by God’s mighty power. God is sovereign which means God is in all and over all. Nothing escapes God’s notice. God will always want his best for us in all circumstances as we wait for His will. We also learn that God disciplines those He loves by stepping in to provide the way back to Him.
The Bible is the story of God and His Plan to save us from ourselves and from the evil hovering around us whose desire is to enslave us in sin. When God steps in, life is seen from a new perspective–God’s view of us. He sees us as redeemed, free, loved, children of the Father, full of His glory. Yes, citizens of the Kingdom of God are full of people whose hearts are fully committed to God with eagerness to trust and obey Him.
Life changes when God steps in!
Saul Takes His Life
Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. 3 The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him.
4 Saul said to his armor-bearer,“Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and abuse me.”
But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5 When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died. 6 So Saul and his three sons died, and all his house died together.
7 When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them.
8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 They stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news among their idols and their people. 10 They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung up his head in the temple of Dagon.
11 When all the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all their valiant men went and took the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. Then they buried their bones under the great tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.
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.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
“After Saul’s death, David was anointed king of Judah. Even so, it was more than seven years later before he ruled over all of Israel. That seven-year period was marked by civil war and Philistine domination.
Failure results when people forsake God. We must choose to follow and fight for the kingdom that follows God rather than the one that forsakes him.
Make God your refuge. Not your job, your spouse, your reputation, or your retirement account. Make God your refuge. Let him, not Saul, encircle you. Let him be the ceiling that breaks the sunshine, the walls that stop the wind, the foundation on which you stand.
A cave dweller addressed our church recently. He bore the smell of Adullam. He’d just buried his wife, and his daughter was growing sicker by the day. Yet, in the dry land he found God. I wrote his discovery on the flyleaf of my Bible: “You’ll never know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.”
Wilderness survivors find refuge in God’s presence.
They also discover community among God’s people.
Strong congregations are populated with current and former cave dwellers, people who know the terrain of Adullam. They told a few lies in Nob. They went loopy in Gath. And they haven’t forgotten it. And because they haven’t, they imitate David: They make room for you.
Are you in the wilderness? Crawl into God the way a fugitive would a cave. Find refuge in God’s presence.
Find comfort in his people. Cast your hat in a congregation of folks who are one gift of grace removed from tragedy, addiction, and disaster. Seek community in the church of Adullam.
Refuge in God’s presence. Comfort in God’s people. Your keys for wilderness survival. Do this, and, who knows, in the midst of this desert you may write your sweetest psalms.
Which side are you on? Which kingdom do you fight for? Speak for? Pray for? Pray for the fortitude to stand for God’s kingdom, even if it brings personal loss to you.” –Max Lucado, The Encouraging Word Bible
Lord,
Because I am overwhelmed by your Word; I’m praying the Psalm of David to you,
Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.
Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
“All present and accounted for, sir!” If counting was not important to God, the book of Numbers and Chronicles might not have made it among the collection of books called God’s Word, the Bible. “Count the cost before you build,” “count the men able to fight before you go to war” against the enemy. Count the heads of all the families. Count the utensils and tools for worship in the Tent of Meeting as they go in and out. Place guards at all the doors—north, south, east, and west. We might trust God but it seems we cannot trust always trust other humans so we count. So, maybe God tells us to count to hold each other accountable to Him.
The families of Israel who lived in Jerusalem after the captivity were counted and recorded. God holds his people accountable for the stewardship of their belongings. Each person must contribute to God’s work and to the upkeep of his house. Yes, counting is important to God and to us!
The returning exiles were not great in number, but each person counted. The priests were “very able men.” The long, difficult journey back to the homeland had a definite, defining effect on the nation in exile. Those willing to endure the hardship tended to be the kind of people who could be counted on to help restore the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. Endurance builds and increases our faith, writes James;
“Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Coming home after years of exile by those willing to endure the journey were counted because each one counted to God.
1 Chronicles 9
All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.
The People in Jerusalem
2 Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants.
3 Those from Judah, from Benjamin, and from Ephraim and Manasseh who lived in Jerusalem were: 4 Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, a descendant of Perez son of Judah.
5 Of the Shelanites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons.
6 Of the Zerahites: Jeuel.
The people from Judah numbered 690.
7 Of the Benjamites: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah; 8 Ibneiah son of Jeroham; Elah son of Uzzi, the son of Mikri; and Meshullam son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah. 9 The people from Benjamin, as listed in their genealogy, numbered 956. All these men were heads of their families.
10 Of the priests: Jedaiah; Jehoiarib; Jakin; 11 Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the official in charge of the house of God; 12 Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah; and Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer.
13 The priests, who were heads of families, numbered 1,760. They were able men, responsible for ministering in the house of God.
14 Of the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a Merarite; 15 Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal and Mattaniah son of Mika, the son of Zikri, the son of Asaph; 16 Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berekiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.
17 The gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman and their fellow Levites, Shallum their chief 18 being stationed at the King’s Gate on the east, up to the present time. These were the gatekeepers belonging to the camp of the Levites. 19 Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his fellow gatekeepers from his family (the Korahites) were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the tent just as their ancestors had been responsible for guarding the entrance to the dwelling of the Lord. 20 In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar was the official in charge of the gatekeepers, and the Lord was with him. 21 Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
22 Altogether, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. The gatekeepers had been assigned to their positions of trust by David and Samuel the seer. 23 They and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the Lord—the house called the tent of meeting. 24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north and south. 25 Their fellow Levites in their villages had to come from time to time and share their duties for seven-day periods. 26 But the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God.27 They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.
28 Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out. 29 Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices. 30 But some of the priests took care of mixing the spices. 31 A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread.32 Some of the Kohathites, their fellow Levites, were in charge of preparing for every Sabbath the bread set out on the table.
33 Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.
34 All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem.
The Genealogy of Saul
35 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maakah, 36 and his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah and Mikloth. 38 Mikloth was the father of Shimeam. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.
39 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.
40 The son of Jonathan: Merib-Baal, (also known as Mephibosheth) who was the father of Micah. 41 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melek, Tahrea and Ahaz. 42 Ahaz was the father of Jadah, Jadah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. 43 Moza was the father of Binea; Rephaiah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son. 44 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
One couple in a church we served years ago became our faithful good friends who served alongside us as God led us. We lived near each other and helped each other. So when we saw smoke rising from the location of their home, knowing they were away for the weekend, we drove to their home to check on their property. Sure enough, fire engulfed most of their home. Most of their belongings were lost or damaged by fire. We waited at their home for our friends to come back from their trip. Some of their family were also summoned. We wanted to be with them when they arrived to help them process what happened. But this couple blessed us and those around them!
Being a couple of strong faith, their first words were; “Was anyone hurt”? We told them no. The next comment through tears, “Good. Stuff can be replaced and restored.” Followed by, “I’m glad we were not home and that all who fought the fire are safe.”“Thanks to God and to each one of you who helped.”
Thoughts of restoring what was lost with God’s help guided their journey in the coming days and months. Their worry and anxious thoughts came forward as they took inventory as a count for their insurance company. But they turned to God in prayer over the paperwork, and God gave them peace. That’s what God does as we place all our trust in Him as we work “to endure through trials” here on earth. Everyone will go through trials in an imperfect world. Trials can teach us or make us joyless and dull. Our response to trials matters. God uses these temporary trials to build a forever faith in Him! Endurance is the doable strength by faith in God’s Holy Spirit power living and working deep within us.
From our trials on earth, we might be able to get a taste of how these returning exiles, oppressed by their Babylonian captors, may have felt as they returned home to devastation. All they once knew was gone. But those who endured, faced with the seemingly overwhelming restoration and rebuilding of their homeland, with all they once knew being burned and destroyed, sought the Lord for help.
“Trusted or entrusted” is used often in this chapter as leaders were appointed. One of the timeless marks of faith maturity in people is a strong commitment to personal integrity upon which others can rely. We might pause to ask ourselves, “Can I be counted on?”
Trust Me first, says God. God never fails and always does what He says. We cannot use the words always and never with humans but we can with God! Trust God to raise up His called out leaders who trust Him with hearts are fully committed to Him! God knows!
Lord,
Thank you for lessons of endurance through trials, disappointments of life here, with your amazing power to turn ashes into beauty over and over again. Why would we trust, fully trust, anyone else but you? I do not know. Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, refresh our souls, and restore the joy of your salvation within us—no matter that the circumstances or our present trials! I trust you, God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! To you be the glory, honor, and praise forever and ever, Amen
We see many humble people rise to greatness as leaders because they love God, know His ways and tell the truth. Humbled beginnings keeps their hearts in check to put others interests above their own. Humble people are trustworthy because have been where you are now—living humbly content with what you have been given to manage. They know what you are going through to survive. But relationships, character, integrity, and that once embedded humility turns sour when they forget where they came. The life of contentment, the desire to help others because of your love for them is replaced with wanting more for yourself. Pride with the side effects of envy, jealousy, and greed overcomes their being and floods their hearts, minds, and souls with wanting to be served by all who come into their presence. All that was good goes bad when self-satisfaction takes over.
The devil applauds the arrogance of once humbled people as it breaks God’s heart.
Speaking of arrogance, where did the first king of Israel come from? The lowly, last tribe mentioned of Benjamin! Benjamin was Jacob/Israel’s youngest son so his tribe is listed last. The first king of Israel, Saul, came from this tribe, so the genealogy quickly narrows to Saul’s family background. We previously read Saul’s story, his relationship with God, his arrogant disobedience of God because he wanted to be the god of the world which would lead to his demise in the book of Samuel. Here is were he came from;
1 Chronicles 8
The Genealogy of Saul the Benjamite
8 Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second son, Aharah the third, 2 Nohah the fourth and Rapha the fifth.
3 The sons of Bela were: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 5 Gera, Shephuphan and Huram.
6 These were the descendants of Ehud, who were heads of families of those living in Geba and were deported to Manahath: 7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who deported them and who was the father of Uzza and Ahihud.
8 Sons were born to Shaharaim in Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara. 9 By his wife Hodesh he had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malkam, 10 Jeuz, Sakia and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of families. 11 By Hushim he had Abitub and Elpaal.
12 The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its surrounding villages), 13 and Beriah and Shema, who were heads of families of those living in Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath.
14 Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth, 15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16 Michael, Ishpah and Joha were the sons of Beriah. 17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 18 Ishmerai, Izliah and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.19 Jakim, Zikri, Zabdi, 20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21 Adaiah, Beraiah and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei.
22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23 Abdon, Zikri, Hanan, 24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 25 Iphdeiah and Penuel were the sons of Shashak. 26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 27 Jaareshiah, Elijah and Zikri were the sons of Jeroham. 28 All these were heads of families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem.
29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maakah, 30 and his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zeker 32 and Mikloth, who was the father of Shimeah. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.
33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.
34 The son of Jonathan: Merib-Baal, (Also known as Mephibosheth), who was the father of Micah.
35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melek, Tarea and Ahaz.
36 Ahaz was the father of Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. 37 Moza was the father of Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son.
38 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
39 The sons of his brother Eshek: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second son and Eliphelet the third. 40 The sons of Ulam were brave warriors who could handle the bow. They had many sons and grandsons—150 in all.
All these were the descendants of Benjamin.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
Where we come from is not as important as Who we love, admire, trust, and obey.
The story of Saul is also the story of Jonathan, his son. The story of Saul’s rise to the throne and his eventual fall from God’s favor is told in 1 Samuel 9–31.
Saul’s son Jonathan is one of the most outstanding characters in the Bible. Jonathan’s friendship with David was one of the constants in David’s life until Jonathan was killed in battle alongside his father. Jonathan’s story saturates 1 Samuel 14–31 with integrity, genuine friendship, and exemplary loyalty. Having a friend like Jonathan is one of life’s greatest treasures.
Think about it—Saul came from the lowly, last tribe mentioned, with humble beginnings. We knew God and followed what He said until he didn’t. With God’s success through him as King of Israel; Saul developed a taste for being served rather than being of service to God’s people. Saul felt like he knew better than God and would not totally obey what God told him to do. Jonathan, however, born a Prince as the King’s Son had every physical need met but lived a life of integrity.
What is our response to God?Is our response based on our circumstances or our faith and commitment to God? Does it really matter where we came from? Or is it more important where we are going—with God in the lead?
Romans 12:1-2 tells us what to be first (on offering to God) and then do (God’s perfect, pleasing will) guided by God’s Holy Spirit. This is walking humbly with God—one of His requirements. “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”. Micah 6:8. The prophet speaks God’s words so that we will know God more so we can be more like Him in His characteristics of righteous actions, compassion, with a humble relationship God. Our relationship with God will affectively govern our relationship with others whom God loves and created—all over the world!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3;16-17
Remember it was God’s people who cried for a king to lead them. They wanted to be like the nations around them who did not know or trust God as God. God gave them what they asked for but allowed them to live the consequences of putting all their worship and dependence in a human king.
For us, only Jesus, who was without sin, sent to redeem us, is King. Jesus willingly obeyed God as he laid down His life to die for our sins. Jesus put others interests ahead of his own. He came to serve; not to be served. Jesus was born to a carpenter and his espoused wife who humbly walked with God. Jesus lived humbly and walked with God, too. He was God in flesh. Jesus met with God often, communed with God in prayer conversation, asking God for His will and direction first before doing anything of significance for others.
Jesus completed His mission on earth to seek and to save the lost while fulfilling every detail The Law by becoming the once and for all Sacrifice for the sins of the world—as written centuries earlier by God’s prophets! Jesus gave his life so we could live freely without the bondage of our sins. God gave Jesus all authority in heaven and on earth upon rising from death to life as KING of kings and LORD of lords.
Jesus is our Hope of eternal life now and forever. With God’s authority in His Son, Jesus commands (not suggests as a church activity) but commands all who believe; “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Jesus gives this command with a promise: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We can count on this blessed assurance! God’s Holy Spirit who lives in us gives us the words to say with His spirit of love, mercy, and grace! Jesus in us also guides us to think and behave more like Him as LORD of our lives!
Speaking of Hope—
Chapter 9 is a bit of a leap forward in history, bypassing the years of kingly rule and the years of captivity in Babylon to list the families that returned to Judah from exile. This accounting would fit best at the end of this book, but this flash forward serves as an encouraging note that the cycle of unfaithfulness and sinfulness that accompanied the monarchy and the painful punishment of exile finally ended.
Words of hope for the returning exiles were as significant as the promises we have about Christ’s return. And seeing how God kept His promises in the past renews our own sense of hope.
Lord,
Thank you for being with us always. Thank you for listening to us and then teaching us truth that enriches our thoughts and affects our responsive behaviors to You. Thank you for living in us to guide us first to Truth—You; and then shaping us to Your will and purpose for us. There is no one like you in all the earth! That is why I want to be more like you in every way. I love you, Lord, with all my heart, mind, and soul. You are God alone; I am not.
Chronicles is a great place to look for a name with meaning and significance! Names were not just plucked from previous family names it seems; but original names. What a father named his son was influenced by what was occurring in his life at the time of his son’s birth. Where, when, and how he was born “named” the son.
Consider Jabez, for example, whose birth was uber painful and difficult for his mother. So, the parents named him Jabez which meant “he causes pain.” Pain with childbirth is to be expected, so this pain must have been tremendous to have been named “Pain”! (See 1 Chronicles 4:9-10) Not wanting to be known as a “pain”; Jabez prayed to God asking “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” God answered Jabez’s plea as he was known as “more honorable than his brothers.” People respected Jabez who honored and revered God! Bruce Wilkenson made the story of Jabez famous as he was led by God to pause in the named descendants to center on the word said about this person who caused pain. Read Wilkenson’s book, “The Prayer of Jabez,” his personal testimony, and may you will be as encouraged as I was when I read it. (The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life, by Bruce Wilkinson published in 2000 by Multnomah Books)
But what about daughters? There was a man named Zelophehad, “who only had daughters”—five of them! We don’t know their names but from the records kept; we learn that these are the bold daughters from the tribe of Manasseh who petitioned a land allotment from Moses after their father died in the wilderness with no male heirs (see Numbers 27:1–11). Moses heard their plea, asked God for wisdom, and formed a plan for their care.
These five bold daughters, their story hidden within the named descendants of the original sons of Jacob who composed the twelve tribes of Israel, petitioned Moses (and God) to change the laws concerning land ownership so they would be protected. God, through Moses listened and a new provision made!
Later, their case came up before Moses again because the people in their tribe foresaw that they might marry outside their clan and transfer land ownership to outsiders. God settled the matter in Numbers 36:1–12.
Two significant social principles were established:Women could inherit land, and the lands belonging to one tribe had to remain that tribe’s territory.
But, that’s not all…
Sheerah was a descendant of Ephraim who built two towns. She joins Deborah the judge (Judges 4), Miriam the worship leader (Exodus 15:20, 21), the daughters of Zelophehad, and the diligent woman of Proverbs 31 as women who achieved much in a male-dominated society. God’s Word reports the efforts and accomplishments of these women as worthy in themselves, not just because they were accomplished by women. To God be the glory who shows no favorites. God deeply loves every person He has created, both male and female. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Among the meaningful names, look for the significance of a life dedicated to God.
1 Chronicles 7
Issachar
The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub and Shimron—four in all.
2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam and Samuel—heads of their families. During the reign of David, the descendants of Tola listed as fighting men in their genealogy numbered 22,600.
3 The son of Uzzi:Izrahiah.
The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel and Ishiah. All five of them were chiefs. 4 According to their family genealogy, they had 36,000 men ready for battle, for they had many wives and children.
5 The relatives who were fighting men belonging to all the clans of Issachar, as listed in their genealogy, were 87,000 in all.
Benjamin
6 Three sons of Benjamin: Bela,Beker and Jediael.
7 The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth and Iri, heads of families—five in all. Their genealogical record listed 22,034 fighting men.
8 The sons of Beker: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Beker. 9 Their genealogical record listed the heads of families and 20,200 fighting men.
10 The son of Jediael: Bilhan.
The sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Kenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish and Ahishahar. 11 All these sons of Jediael were heads of families. There were 17,200 fighting men ready to go out to war. 12 The Shuppites and Huppites were the descendants of Ir, and the Hushites the descendants of Aher.
Naphtali
13 The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem—the descendants of Bilhah.
Manasseh
14 The descendants of Manasseh: Asriel was his descendant through his Aramean concubine. She gave birth to Makir the father of Gilead. 15 Makir took a wife from among the Huppites and Shuppites. His sister’s name was Maakah. Another descendant was named Zelophehad, who had only daughters.16 Makir’s wife Maakah gave birth to a son and named him Peresh. His brother was named Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rakem.
17 The son of Ulam: Bedan.
These were the sons of Gilead son of Makir, the son of Manasseh. 18 His sister Hammoleketh gave birth to Ishhod, Abiezer and Mahlah. 19 The sons of Shemida were: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi and Aniam.
Ephraim
20 The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, 21 Zabad his son and Shuthelah his son.
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. 24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth Horon as well as Uzzen Sheerah.
25 Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son, 26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, 27 Nun his son and Joshua his son.
28 Their lands and settlements included Bethel and its surrounding villages, Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west, and Shechem and its villages all the way to Ayyah and its villages. 29 Along the borders of Manasseh were Beth Shan, Taanach, Megiddo and Dor, together with their villages. The descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns.
Asher
30 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah. Their sister was Serah.
31 The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malkiel, who was the father of Birzaith. 32 Heber was the father of Japhlet, Shomer and Hotham and of their sister Shua. 33 The sons of Japhlet: Pasak, Bimhal and Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s sons. 34 The sons of Shomer: Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah and Aram. 35 The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh and Amal. 36 The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, 37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran and Beera. 38 The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispah and Ara. 39 The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel and Rizia. 40 All these were descendants of Asher—heads of families, choice men, brave warriors, and outstanding leaders. The number of men ready for battle, as listed in their genealogy, was 26,000.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
Names have meaning; people have significance in God.
Jesus came to fulfill the law of God by being The Law that removes our sins by His once and for all sacrifice. For all who believe God’s Son redeemed us and set us free from our sins are given a new life with new names of significance—Beloved, Sons and Daughters of the most High God, children of God, the Father, Forgive, Redeemed, and most of all, “joint heirs with Jesus Christ”! That’s who we are as new citizens of the Kingdom of God where Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords! Can I get an amen!?!
In the final fulfillment and restoration of the people of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, there are no disenfranchised “minorities”—all God’s people receive their inheritance of God’s promises in Christ Jesus. How do I know?The Bible tells me so:
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26–29.
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17
Lord,
Thank you for your encouraging words this morning that real meaning to our ordinary lives lived for you. It is you who does extraordinary miracles through lives whose hearts are fully committed to you. I am one of them. I love you with all my heart, mind, and soul. To you be the glory! Lead me, Lord. Be in every detail of my life today. May others see your glory in me.
If you are still reading this daily manna blog, you among those with strong faith with endurance as we plough through all the names listed in Chronicles! Thank you! I know this has been laborious; but I also think that each name needs to be read as this was a person God created and loved deeply.
Whether these people fully trusted Him or not; God loved them. Whether each one obeyed Him or turned from Him to do their own thing—God mentions them in His Word as a demonstration of His love and discipline for His created whom He loves. Names represent someone God loves.
Their names are “on record” as being part of a bigger picture. Not all are mentioned who walked the earth in any given era. But those who are listed are mentioned for a specific reason sometimes known only to God. We must realize that as we read the names of real people, often with their response to God in certain circumstances; we learn that their story of imperfect living in relationship with a perfect God has meaning for us today.
Here is the big picture, plain and simple enough for a Kindergarten student to understand. God wants us to know the basics of life with Him:
God was first. Jesus was with Him from the first. God’s Holy Spirit was there as well.
God/Jesus/Holy Spirit—all God in One Person—The Holy Trinity.
God created the world—from the heavens to the depths of earth.
God created male and female. He created them in “His own image” with a created place in our hearts to love and commune with Him freely.
God’s love and compassion for his created humans never changes or fails us. It is not in His nature or character.
God guides and provides for His created. God desires His best which is always greater than what we can produce on our own.
There is an angel, Satan, who was kicked out of heaven for trying to be God. He and his warring demons are the number one Enemy of God and His created. Mankind will forever be tempted by the Enemy of God. However, those who believe, love, trust and obey God will overcome the Enemy.
From the beginning; God had a Plan of rescue and redemption from this Enemy who will say and do anything to distract us from God and destroy our faith in God. The first humans to fall for the enemy’s lies were Adam and Eve. They fell for evil; but God had a plan for their new way of life. They were kicked out of the garden but God’s love form them never gave up on them. He had a plan. The Plan included sacrifice of their best for God’s atonement for their sin.
God’s people were specifically instructed to give their “first” and best lamb, born without blemish, from their flocks, to the appointed Levite priests who were given even more specific directions of how to sacrifice this lamb in the process to “cover” over the sins of His people who offered their lamb to God.
For today’s passage we learn that an individual’s lineage was very important in Bible times. A person’s tribe determined where that person would live or what occupation he or she would pursue. The Levites were designate, set apart by God to serve in the temple. The prophets of God will proclaim the coming of the Messiah (One who saves) from the line of David. Though careful records were kept, the genealogical listings in 1 Chronicles were considered a condensed version, with certain names, lines, and generations omitted. Rather than merely listing names, several times the genealogy reveals glimpses into individuals’ lives. It mentions small acts of faith, small deeds of kindness, and even “small” sins. Many of these people used their years on earth to serve God.
1 Chronicles 6
Levi
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
2 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
3 The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses and Miriam.
The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
4 Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, Phinehas the father of Abishua, 5 Abishua the father of Bukki, Bukki the father of Uzzi, 6 Uzzi the father of Zerahiah, Zerahiah the father of Meraioth, 7 Meraioth the father of Amariah, Amariah the father of Ahitub, 8 Ahitub the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Ahimaaz, 9 Ahimaaz the father of Azariah, Azariah the father of Johanan, 10 Johanan the father of Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem),
11 Azariah the father of Amariah, Amariah the father of Ahitub, 12 Ahitub the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Shallum, 13 Shallum the father of Hilkiah, Hilkiah the father of Azariah, 14 Azariah the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah the father of Jozadak. 15Jozadak was deported when the Lord sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
16 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
17 These are the names of the sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei.
18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi.
These are the clans of the Levites listed according to their fathers:
20 Of Gershon: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son and Jeatherai his son.
22 The descendants of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, 24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son and Shaul his son.
25 The descendants of Elkanah: Amasai, Ahimoth, 26 Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son and Samuel his son.[e]
28 The sons of Samuel: Joel the firstborn and Abijah the second son.
29 The descendants of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son and Asaiah his son.
The Temple Musicians
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.
33 Here are the men who served, together with their sons:
From the Kohathites: Heman, the musician, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, 34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, 35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, 36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; 39 and Heman’s associate Asaph, who served at his right hand:
Asaph son of Berekiah, the son of Shimea, 40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malkijah, 41 the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, 43 the son of Jahath, the son of Gershon, the son of Levi; 44 and from their associates, the Merarites, at his left hand: Ethan son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluk, 45 the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, 46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, 47 the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.
48 Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other duties of the tabernacle, the house of God.49 But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.
50 These were the descendants of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son and Ahimaaz his son.
54 These were the locations of their settlements allotted as their territory (they were assigned to the descendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clan, because the first lot was for them):
55 They were given Hebron in Judah with its surrounding pasturelands. 56 But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh.
57 So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), and Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, 58 Hilen, Debir, 59 Ashan, Juttah and Beth Shemesh, together with their pasturelands. 60 And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands.
The total number of towns distributed among the Kohathite clans came to thirteen.
61 The rest of Kohath’s descendants were allotted ten towns from the clans of half the tribe of Manasseh.
62 The descendants of Gershon, clan by clan, were allotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Issachar, Asher and Naphtali, and from the part of the tribe of Manasseh that is in Bashan.
63 The descendants of Merari, clan by clan, were allotted twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.
64 So the Israelites gave the Levites these towns and their pasturelands. 65 From the tribes of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin they allotted the previously named towns.
66 Some of the Kohathite clans were given as their territory towns from the tribe of Ephraim.
67 In the hill country of Ephraim they were given Shechem (a city of refuge), and Gezer, 68 Jokmeam, Beth Horon, 69 Aijalon and Gath Rimmon, together with their pasturelands.
70 And from half the tribe of Manasseh the Israelites gave Aner and Bileam, together with their pasturelands, to the rest of the Kohathite clans.
71 The Gershonites received the following: From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh they received Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands;
72 from the tribe of Issachar they received Kedesh, Daberath, 73 Ramoth and Anem, together with their pasturelands;
74 from the tribe of Asher they received Mashal, Abdon, 75 Hukok and Rehob, together with their pasturelands;
76 and from the tribe of Naphtali they received Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands.
77 The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following: From the tribe of Zebulun they received Jokneam, Kartah, Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands; 78 from the tribe of Reuben across the Jordan east of Jericho they received Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah, 79 Kedemoth and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands;
80 and from the tribe of Gad they received Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, 81 Heshbon and Jazer, together with their pasturelands.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
God’s Word teaches us how to do it right with demonstrations of how others did it wrong. If we read God’s Word, asking for His Spirit to guide us to what God wants us to know and learn; we discover that God does indeed provide all the “hows” with His “you should and you shall.”
“You have heard it said; but I say to you…” Not only did Jesus come to earth to save the lost without God and be the ultimate, willingly sacrifice for our sins once and for all the world; Jesus taught us how to live humbly with God with each step we take! Yes, God knew mankind needed clarification of His Law because over centuries; the overly religious, without a real relationship with God, Levites fell for unholy practices that muddy the waters of Truth. (Matthew 5-7)
Jesus who is God and is Truth lovingly taught men, women, and children with compassionate, uncondemning love. He taught us “how to live” as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Over centuries of abusing the first plan of sacrifice as a way to line the pockets of priests and others; God had the ultimate Plan in place.
The ultimate Plan from the beginning of time was to send Jesus, His Son, a part of Himself, to earth to seek and to save the lost without God. The Plan was foretold by God’s prophets but most people didn’t understand the words or meaning because their faith was weak, ears dulled by the noise of the world, and their hearts hardened by sin.
Jesus did not come to earth with the pageantry of a royal king but as a venerable infant born to two loving parents who loved, trusted, and obeyed God. What a lesson Jesus taught us in humility with even His birth! It was a miraculous birth, as God’s Spirit hovered over Mary and made it happen inside her womb. Some still have hard time believing this, but God does not hold back His love or faithfulness even when we are not faithful to Him. God’s Plan to save us happened because what God says always happens! Great is His faithfulness!
God demonstrated His love and compassion for us by giving us His Son, a part of Himself, to be the final, once and for all sacrifice for our sins. This too is elementary teaching: Our sin blocks our view of and relationship with our Holy God. Our sins hold us in bondage until we repent of them to Jesus who removes them and sets us free! Get a grip on Jesus. Let go of everything else. Jesus changes everything!
So, what is our response to a loving Father who gave His Son to die for our sins?
Pause, pray, repent, believe, love Him back, trust and obey for there’s no other way to live with expectant hope for eternal life that can begin right now, where you are, in the middle of life’s circumstances. Thank God for names of people we did not know but had had a place in God’s heart.
Come to Jesus, know God to know real love. Love God, love each other as commanded, go tell others the Truth they are dying to hear! May God’s Holy Spirit lead us to Truth daily! May His peace rule our hearts today! Open up all lines of communication with God—Jesus IS coming back, you know! To God be the glory!
What is in a name placed upon an infant at birth? Plenty! It is interesting how many people will go to the Bible to find a name for their soon to be born child. Believers in God and follow in His ways look for names that hold special meaning. They look for people who trusted and obeyed God. Names are associated with stories in God’s Word. Names are who God created, molded, and shaped to give meaning to the lives of others while giving glory to His Name!
Names are significant and easily recognized by all the world as names of strength, power, and wisdom. Adam, for example, means “first man” created. Eve means the first female. What human wouldn’t want to be an Adam or an Eve and be considered important simply because their names mean “first”? How about being named Samson whose name is synonymous with great strength? How about Mary whose name means purity, the one who delivered our Lord? Or a Moses who was a Friend of God, Joshua a man of God who relied on God for courage and strength? How about a David (most common name along with John in our family), “a man after the heart of God”? John, a fisherman, called himself the “beloved” disciple of Jesus even though all Jesus’ disciples and followers were His beloved—even Judas who betrayed him. Not very many people name their children Judas! (Or Benedict Arnold, another traitor in history!)
Throughout history names are important and have meaning to those who named them. God name His Son, Jesus. Everyone may not know Jesus personally but most have heard of His Name! In fact, God named quite a few of His people, who He would use to declare His glory and help people reconnect with Him! Remember the aging Abraham and Sarah, and much later Zechariah and Elizabeth? These parents would find out from God that they were miraculously “with child.” God told aging Zecharaiah, that they would have a child who would “prepare the way of the Lord, and his name was to be John. Mary, mother of Jesus, was Elizabeth’s cousin. They would console, comfort, and encourage each other as they praised God together over the birth of their sons, John and Jesus! God is such a good God who provides and protects those He has called—by Name!
:
Yes, names are important and hold special meaning. How amazing are these names in the Bible when we fully realize that these humans are real people with true stories of God’s strength, wisdom, power, redemption, restoration, peace, joy within them—all because of His unending, relentless, unconditional love and faithfulness for all who believe, love, and follow Him.
We are created by God in His own image. He knows us by name! Don’t ever forget that!
1 Chronicles 5
Reuben
The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright,2 and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph)— 3 the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.
4 The descendants of Joel:Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6 and Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria took into exile. Beerah was a leader of the Reubenites. 7 Their relatives by clans, listed according to their genealogical records:
Jeiel the chief, Zechariah, 8 and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in the area from Aroer to Nebo and Baal Meon. 9 To the east they occupied the land up to the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their livestock had increased in Gilead. 10 During Saul’s reign they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands; they occupied the dwellings of the Hagrites throughout the entire region east of Gilead.
Gad
11 The Gadites lived next to them in Bashan, as far as Salekah: 12 Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, then Janai and Shaphat, in Bashan.
13 Their relatives, by families, were: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jakan, Zia and Eber—seven in all. 14 These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz. 15 Ahi son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, was head of their family.
16 The Gadites lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its outlying villages, and on all the pasturelands of Sharon as far as they extended. 17 All these were entered in the genealogical records during the reigns of Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel.
18 The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 men ready for military service—able-bodied men who could handle shield and sword, who could use a bow, and who were trained for battle.19 They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. 20 They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.21 They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys. They also took one hundred thousand people captive, 22 and many others fell slain, because the battle was God’s. And they occupied the land until the exile.
The Half-Tribe of Manasseh
23 The people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous; they settled in the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon, that is, to Senir (Mount Hermon).
24 These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel. They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families. 25 But they were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 26 So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria), who took the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. He took them to Halah, Habor, Hara and the river of Gozan, where they are to this day.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
An individual’s lineage was very important in Bible times. A person’s tribe determined where that person would live or what occupation he or she would pursue (for example, Levites served in the temple). Prophecies stated that the Messiah would come from the line of David. Though careful records were kept, the genealogical listings in 1 Chronicles were considered a condensed version, with certain names, lines, and generations omitted. Rather than merely listing names, several times the genealogy reveals glimpses into individuals’ lives. Jabez, for instant, whose name meant “pain” cried out to God and asked not to cause pain to others but to be blessed by God; God granted his request! (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). This is what we look for among those listed! In the “chronicled records” are mentioned small acts of faith, small deeds of kindness, and even sins committed. We learn much by these named people! Many used their years on earth to serve God!
Pause, Pray, Respond
How will we be remembered? When they say our name, what will they think?
What will our names represent to succeeding generations? Faith, love, trust, and obedience to God or falling for all the Deceiver tells us to be and do?
What we truly believe will be reflected in our behaviors. Will we be known, not as perfect, but as perfectly forgiven and grateful to God?
Take all the time you need to think this over—I am.
Lord,
Thank you for give life along with names with meaning and significance. Names are important to you. But the named people are even more precious to you. The world may call us many things, but when you speak, you call us beloved. Thank you, thank you, thank you! May your glory be seen in me.
Do any of you reading this, remember the Family Bible displayed in the home of your grandparents or great grandparents? If you do, like me, you discovered that there was a section in the middle of that huge, heavy Bible, between the Old Testament and New Testament, with pages specified for listing births, deaths, marriages, and even baptisms for each family member! It is a fact that genealogical organizations look for and rely on these Bibles now to fill in the blanks in ancestry searches! It was of huge importance to fill out those pages long ago!
It was of huge importance on that day I found my name written there! Susan Lynn Kellerby, daughter of Vernon and Evelyn Kellerby, born August 7, 1951. I was named and accounted for in Grandpa and Grandma Lacquement’s Holy Bible, the book they read and prayed over every night of their lives on earth. Tears come, as I remember this moment and immediately thank God for the legacy of faith they gave to me.
God created humans. “In the image of God,” He created Adam and Eve, His first humans. This male and female were given everything they needed, including a beautiful, loving intimate relationship with God, and told to populate the earth. The obeyed the “populate the earth” part; but not before, when tempted by evil, ruptured their intimate relationship with God by falling for the lies of the Deceiver, the Enemy of God. Kicked out of their perfect garden of Eden, God clothes them and sends them to work other places on earth filled with weeds and later with wars between the people who will populate the earth. Here is the record—named and accounted for from Adam to Abraham to David!
According to Bible scholars, First and Second Chronicles are among the last penned words of the Old Testament. The writer scoured the records of Israel’s pastand composed an account of God’s plan from the beginning of the nation until their return from years of exile in the East. First Chronicles, particularly chapters 10–29, parallels the account given in 2 Samuel, that’s why some stories of God, displayed in the lives of His created will be familiar if you have stayed with us through our journey through the Bible, beginning with Genesis— “the beginning”!
The first nine chapters give us a review with a big picture view to see how God’s plan narrowed in scopeuntil it focused on a people He had chosen with a royal dynasty that would represent God’s ultimate promises. God chose a man named David who demonstrated uncommon faithfulness to the first Israelite king, whose throne he would eventually occupy.
To keep us focused, thought it is a lot of names, we have listed the first half of those real people whose names are accounted for in 1 Chronicles 1-4. If you are an ancestry searcher, you will love this and see the connections. If you are not, bear with us as we see the names and recall how God guided each one for “such a time as this in their lives” that made a difference in the lives of others. We give God the glory as we find ourselves in the story of God!
1 Chronicles 1
Historical Records: From Adam to Abraham
To Noah’s Sons
1 Adam, Seth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah.4 The sons of Noah: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
The Japhethites
5 The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshek and Tiras.
6 The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath and Togarmah.
7 The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites and the Rodanites.
The Hamites
8 The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put and Canaan.
9 The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raamah and Sabteka.
The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan.
10 Cush was the father of Nimrod, who became a mighty warrior on earth.
11 Egypt was the father of the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites, 12 Pathrusites, Kasluhites (from whom the Philistines came) and Caphtorites.
13 Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, 14 Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, 15 Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, 16 Arvadites, Zemarites and Hamathites.
The Semites
17 The sons of Shem: Elam, Ashur, Arphaxad, Lud and Aram.
The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether and Meshek.
18 Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah the father of Eber.
19 Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his time the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan.
20 Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 21 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 22 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 23 Ophir, Havilah and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan. 24 Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah,
25 Eber, Peleg, Reu,26 Serug, Nahor, Terah 27 and Abram (that is, Abraham).
The Family of Abraham
28 The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael.
Descendants of Hagar
29 These were their descendants: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 30 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, 31 Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael.
Descendants of Keturah
32 The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan.
33 The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.
Descendants of Sarah
34 Abraham was the father of Isaac.
The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel.
Esau’s Sons
35 The sons of Esau:Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah.
36 The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam and Kenaz;
by Timna: Amalek.
37 The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah.
The People of Seir in Edom
38 The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer and Dishan.
39 The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister.
40 The sons of Shobal: Alvan,[l] Manahath, Ebal, Shepho and Onam.
The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah.
41 The son of Anah: Dishon.
The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran and Keran.
42 The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan and Akan.
The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.
The Rulers of Edom
43 These were the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned:
Bela son of Beor, whose city was named Dinhabah.
44 When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah succeeded him as king.
45 When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites succeeded him as king.
46 When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, succeeded him as king. His city was named Avith.
47 When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah succeeded him as king.
48 When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the river succeeded him as king.
49 When Shaul died, Baal-Hanan son of Akbor succeeded him as king.
50 When Baal-Hanan died, Hadad succeeded him as king. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-Zahab. 51 Hadad also died.
The chiefs of Edom were: Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, 52 Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, 53 Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 54 Magdiel and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.
1 Chronicles 2
Israel’s Sons (Became the Twelve Tribes of Israel/Jacob)
2 These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, 2 Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.
Judah
To Hezron’s Sons
3 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah. These three were born to him by a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shua. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death. 4 Judah’s daughter-in-law Tamar bore Perez and Zerah to Judah. He had five sons in all.
5 The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.
6 The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Kalkol and Darda]—five in all.
7 The son of Karmi: Achar, who brought trouble on Israel by violating the ban on taking devoted things.
8 The son of Ethan: Azariah.
9 The sons born to Hezron were: Jerahmeel, Ram and Caleb.
From Ram Son of Hezron
10 Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, the leader of the people of Judah.11 Nahshon was the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz,12 Boaz the father of Obed and Obed the father of Jesse.
13 Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; the second son was Abinadab, the third Shimea, 14 the fourth Nethanel, the fifth Raddai, 15 the sixth Ozem and the seventh David.16 Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah’s three sons were Abishai, Joab and Asahel. 17 Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite.
Caleb Son of Hezron
18 Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah (and by Jerioth). These were her sons: Jesher, Shobab and Ardon. 19 When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore him Hur. 20 Hur was the father of Uri, and Uri the father of Bezalel.
21 Later, Hezron, when he was sixty years old, married the daughter of Makir the father of Gilead. He made love to her, and she bore him Segub. 22 Segub was the father of Jair, who controlled twenty-three towns in Gilead. 23 (But Geshur and Aram captured Havvoth Jair, as well as Kenath with its surrounding settlements—sixty towns.) All these were descendants of Makir the father of Gilead.
24 After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, Abijah the wife of Hezron bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.
Jerahmeel Son of Hezron
25 The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron: Ram his firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem and Ahijah. 26 Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.
27 The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin and Eker.
28 The sons of Onam: Shammai and Jada.
The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur.
29 Abishur’s wife was named Abihail, who bore him Ahban and Molid.
30 The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim. Seled died without children.
31 The son of Appaim: Ishi, who was the father of Sheshan. Sheshan was the father of Ahlai.
32 The sons of Jada, Shammai’s brother: Jether and Jonathan. Jether died without children. 33 The sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the descendants of Jerahmeel.
34 Sheshan had no sons—only daughters. He had an Egyptian servant named Jarha. 35 Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore him Attai. 36 Attai was the father of Nathan, Nathan the father of Zabad, 37 Zabad the father of Ephlal, Ephlal the father of Obed, 38 Obed the father of Jehu, Jehu the father of Azariah, 39 Azariah the father of Helez, Helez the father of Eleasah,40 Eleasah the father of Sismai, Sismai the father of Shallum, 41 Shallum the father of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah the father of Elishama.
The Clans of Caleb
42 The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and his son Mareshah, who was the father of Hebron.
43 The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem and Shema. 44 Shema was the father of Raham, and Raham the father of Jorkeam. Rekem was the father of Shammai. 45 The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth Zur.
46 Caleb’s concubine Ephah was the mother of Haran, Moza and Gazez. Haran was the father of Gazez.
47 The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah and Shaaph.
48 Caleb’s concubine Maakah was the mother of Sheber and Tirhanah. 49 She also gave birth to Shaaph the father of Madmannah and to Sheva the father of Makbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Aksah. 50 These were the descendants of Caleb.
The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim, 51 Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth Gader.
52 The descendants of Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim were: Haroeh, half the Manahathites, 53 and the clans of Kiriath Jearim: the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites and Mishraites. From these descended the Zorathites and Eshtaolites.
54 The descendants of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites, 55 and the clans of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, Shimeathites and Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the Rekabites.
1 Chronicles 3
These were the sons of David born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel; the second, Daniel the son of Abigail of Carmel; 2 the third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; 3 the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah. 4 These six were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months.
David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years, 5 and these were the children born to him there: Shammua,Shobab, Nathan and Solomon. These four were by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel. 6 There were also Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet, 7 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 8 Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet—nine in all. 9 All these were the sons of David, besides his sons by his concubines. And Tamar was their sister.
The Kings of Judah
10 Solomon’s son was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, 11 Jehoram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, 12 Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, 13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 14 Amon his son, Josiah his son.
15 The sons of Josiah: Johanan the firstborn, Jehoiakim the second son, Zedekiah the third, Shallum the fourth. 16 The successors of Jehoiakim: Jehoiachin his son, and Zedekiah.
The Royal Line After the Exile
17 The descendants of Jehoiachin the captive: Shealtiel his son, 18 Malkiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah.
19 The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei.
The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah. Shelomith was their sister.
20 There were also five others: Hashubah, Ohel, Berekiah, Hasadiah and Jushab-Hesed.
21 The descendants of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, and the sons of Rephaiah, of Arnan, of Obadiah and of Shekaniah.
22 The descendants of Shekaniah: Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah and Shaphat—six in all.
23 The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah and Azrikam—three in all.
24 The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah and Anani—seven in all.
1 Chronicles 4
Other Clans of Judah
The descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Karmi, Hur and Shobal.
2 Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites.
3 These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma and Idbash. Their sister was named Hazzelelponi. 4 Penuel was the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah.
These were the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah and father of Bethlehem.
5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. 6 Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah. 7 The sons of Helah: Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan, 8 and Koz, who was the father of Anub and Hazzobebah and of the clans of Aharhel son of Harum.
9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”And God granted his request.
11 Kelub, Shuhah’s brother, was the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 12 Eshton was the father of Beth Rapha, Paseah and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These were the men of Rekah.
13 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah.
The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai. 14 Meonothai was the father of Ophrah.
Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of Ge Harashim. It was called this because its people were skilled workers.
15 The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.
16 The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria and Asarel.
17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher and Jalon. One of Mered’s wives gave birth to Miriam, Shammai and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 (His wife from the tribe of Judah gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soko, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.) These were the children of Pharaoh’s daughter Bithiah, whom Mered had married.
19 The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham: the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maakathite. 20 The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-Hanan and Tilon.
The descendants of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-Zoheth.
21 The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lekah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth Ashbea, 22 Jokim, the men of Kozeba, and Joash and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Jashubi Lehem. (These records are from ancient times.) 23 They were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah; they stayed there and worked for the king.
Simeon
24 The descendants of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah and Shaul; 25 Shallum was Shaul’s son, Mibsam his son and Mishma his son. 26 The descendants of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zakkur his son and Shimei his son.
27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children; so their entire clan did not become as numerous as the people of Judah.28 They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar Shual, 29 Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30 Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31 Beth Markaboth, Hazar Susim, Beth Biri and Shaaraim. These were their towns until the reign of David. 32 Their surrounding villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Token and Ashan—five towns— 33 and all the villages around these towns as far as Baalath. These were their settlements. And they kept a genealogical record.
34 Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah, 35 Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 36 also Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 37 and Ziza son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah.
38 The men listed above by name were leaders of their clans. Their families increased greatly, 39 and they went to the outskirts of Gedor to the east of the valley in search of pasture for their flocks. 40 They found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful and quiet. Some Hamites had lived there formerly.
41 The men whose names were listed came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites in their dwellings and also the Meunites who were there and completely destroyed them, as is evident to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks. 42 And five hundred of these Simeonites, led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, invaded the hill country of Seir. 43 They killed the remaining Amalekites who had escaped, and they have lived there to this day.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
God created us. God knew us before we were born. God knows our name and hears us when we call out to Him. God loves everything about us for He created us. God loves all His created and longs to have an intimate, loving, beneficial relationship with us. God sings over us as we sleep. He delights in all the details of our lives. Invite Him in and tell Him all your deepest concerns and wonderings; He will draw nearer still to listen to you. Who does THAT these days? Practically no one—unless you pay professional listeners to hear you! There is no one like our God! Our response to our God is to worship Him by listening to Him, loving Him back, with hearts of trust and obedience.
There is another book in which our names are written if we believe in Jesus! In the book of Revelation, chapter 20 to exact, there is the Book of Life, a divine record of all the names of individuals who will be saved and enter heaven. This Book is also called the “Lamb’s Book of Life,” indicating salvation is only through Jesus Christ, Son of God. From Chronicles to Matthew, who will list the ancestry from David to Jesus, we learn that these names and people are real; the stories written so that God’s glory will be seen in our own lives more readily. We must also bear in mind as we read the Story of God, that from the beginning;Jesus was there. Jesus is part of God, the Father. Upon Jesus resurrection; He was appointed by God to be King of kings and Lord of lords because Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s Plan to save us once and for all. Wow, just wow.
Lord,
Help us to lean into the stories of truth to see you more clearly who is Truth.
The phrase, “I am your God and you shall be my people,” appears in various forms throughout the Bible, most notably in Leviticus 26:12, Jeremiah 30:22, and Ezekiel 37:27. These words command attention and reverence for the words are God’s covenant promise from Him to His chosen people, symbolizing a relationship of protection, guidance, and belonging.
However, down through the ages, the people wanted more than God. God’s people were distracted by the power, riches, and influence that the kings of other nations around them seem to have and hold. They cried out to God for a king like that to rule over them! How this must have grieved the heart of God. Who is like the Lord God? He supplied all they needed and knew them from the inside out! God protected them with The Law given to Moses for the purpose to govern each other with included His character of love, mercy, justice, grace, peace, and joy! But they thought they knew better than God!
“We want a king!” they kept demanding. So God, through his prophets, gave them exactly what they wanted—a human to rule over them. Those chose a human to follow over the God of all, who knows all, and is in all because He created all. There is no one like our God. God/Jesus/Holy Spirit is King of kings and Lord of lords but they wanted someone they could see even if it meant this person made life miserable for them—and most times that is exactly what happened.
Thinking with kings they would be self-sufficient, life took a turn for the worse. The Kingdom of Israel was split in two. Other kings who had once impressed them warred against them. Kings were at war with each other as part of their “job description.” God stood by, helping when they asked, as He waited for them to return to Him. God allowed His people to live with the consequence of their decision of having a king rule over them instead of God, Himself.
After the house of Israel in Samaria fell to the enemy; God’s people in Judah carried on with life. (God protected this lineage of Judah. From the line of Judah, Jesus, promised Messiah, would be born!) But most of Judah’s kings were evil. Some, like Josiah were as dedicated to God as David was but most were not. Soon selfishness and pride took over their hearts. The sins of their fathers were passed down so evil gave birth to the sin of forgetting God completely. “Doing what was evil in the eyes of the Lord” was their way of life. The relationship God sought from the beginning to be their God and for them to be His people was broken.
Turning to evil was the rejection of God and became their way of life. This independent-of-God lifestyle rejected God and His Law. They worshiped everything but God. They worshiped their evil kings. They worshiped the stuff of life that turned them away from their God who provided the stuff for them! Some combined idol worship with thoughts of God but adding their idols to the pure worship of God alone was unholy and detestable to God. God’s Law that told them how to live in peace with each other was not only set aside, it was hidden and never spoken of until a young king’s workers found it in the rubble of the Temple in need of repair. Finding it caused a revival but soon the fire was extinguished with the kings that followed.
The people and their leaders became so hard hearted against God, they stop listening to God. God was so far out of mind they could no long hear His voice. It is time to end the foolishness of their own desires. Kings who had impressed God’s people now enslaved them. God’s chosen were now exiled to Babylonia—a kingdom of evil governed by an evil king, Nebuchadnezzar. This chapter and verse will end our study of the kings of God’s people. What will happen next? Stay turned—God is not finished yet!
2 Kings 25
So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. He encamped outside the city and built siege works all around it. 2 The city was kept under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah.
3 By the ninth day of the fourth month the famine in the city had become so severe that there was no food for the people to eat. 4 Then the city wall was broken through, and the whole army fled at night through the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden, though the Babylonians were surrounding the city. They fled toward the Arabah, 5 but the Babylonian army pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his soldiers were separated from him and scattered, 6 and he was captured.
He was taken to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where sentence was pronounced on him. 7 They killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.
8 On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, an official of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. 9 He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. 10 The whole Babylonian army under the commander of the imperial guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. 11 Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the rest of the populace and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon. 12 But the commander left behind some of the poorest people of the land to work the vineyards and fields.
13 The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the Lord and they carried the bronze to Babylon. 14 They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, dishes and all the bronze articles used in the temple service. 15 The commander of the imperial guard took away the censers and sprinkling bowls—all that were made of pure gold or silver.
16 The bronze from the two pillars, the Sea and the movable stands, which Solomon had made for the temple of the Lord, was more than could be weighed. 17 Each pillar was eighteen cubits high. The bronze capital on top of one pillar was three cubits high and was decorated with a network and pomegranates of bronze all around. The other pillar, with its network, was similar.
18 The commander of the guard took as prisoners Seraiah the chief priest,Zephaniah the priest next in rank and the three doorkeepers. 19 Of those still in the city, he took the officer in charge of the fighting men, and five royal advisers. He also took the secretary who was chief officer in charge of conscripting the people of the land and sixty of the conscripts who were found in the city. 20 Nebuzaradan the commander took them all and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. 21 There at Riblah, in the land of Hamath, the king had them executed.
So Judah went into captivity, away from her land.
22 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to be over the people he had left behind in Judah. 23 When all the army officers and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah as governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan son of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, Jaazaniah the son of the Maakathite, and their men. 24 Gedaliah took an oath to reassure them and their men. “Do not be afraid of the Babylonian officials,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.”
25 In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood, came with ten men and assassinated Gedaliah and also the men of Judah and the Babylonians who were with him at Mizpah. 26 At this, all the people from the least to the greatest, together with the army officers, fled to Egypt for fear of the Babylonians.
Jehoiachin Released
27 In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. He did this on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month. 28 He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. 29 So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. 30 Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
God warned the people for over one hundred years that continued disobedience would lead to disaster. We get into trouble when we forget what God has done for us along with who He is! Namely, the One in control and is sovereign over all He has created!
Moses wrote a song about God; “Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11) These words of questioning are rhetorical, used to declare God’s unique greatness. David wrote many songs of the greatness of God, too. Psalm 113:5 also uses a similar phrase to express God’s exalted position;
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? Psalm 113:4-6
There is no one like our God! If you know, you know! Many others whose hearts are fully committed to the heart of God in relationship with Him know!
Those who listened to God’s prophets, certainly knew the promise the Lord had given through Jeremiah that the captivity would last seventy years and then the exiles would be allowed to return to Judah. God’s purpose was to give them “a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11), but they must accept that promise by faith and live to please Him.
Our response has only two choices:
God, who sent His Son, Jesus who is now King of kings and Lord of lords who provides salvation and freedom with life eternal. God is all knowing and loves beyond our wildest dreams.
Or door number two, evil who distracts, deceives, with the sole purpose to destroy our faith in God who leads us to the captivity of darkness to be exiled to eternal death.
Who is King of your life? Choose wisely—it truly is a matter of life or death!
After all the kings and kingdoms, God sent Jesus to reconnect us to a relationship with Him. Here’s how:
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:6-11
Justified, saved, redeemed, reconciled to have a forever beautiful relationship with God!
There is NO ONE like our God! God or a human king? I choose God.
Lord,
You loved each one of us, who live all over your created world, enough to die for us! Yes, there is no one like you! Why trust anyone but you? I cannot. I love you because you first loved me. I trust you above anyone else. I worship you alone for you are the One and Only worthy to be praised. Lead me, Lord.
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 