A Lutheran Bible Study of 1 & 2

Chronicles
Sources for the Study
The sources for this study are the Holy Bible (ESV & NIV), the Concordia Self-Study
Commentary, and the Concordia Self-Study Bible.

Author of Chronicles
The author of Chronicles is unknown. Many believe that Ezra is author of Chronicles,
as well as, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Normally the author is referred to as
the Chronicler.

Context for the Writing of Chronicles

After Solomon was King, the nation of Israel was divided into the Northern Kingdom
(called Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (called Judah). Later the Assyrians rose to
power and defeated the Northern Kingdom. The people of the Northern Kingdom
that survived where hauled off to foreign lands. Some of the poor people who were
allowed to stay mixed with foreigners who were brought in by the Assyrians. These
people intermarried and would later become known as the Samaritans. The
Northern Kingdom ceased to exist and would never rise again.
Some time later the Babylonians came to power and conquered the Assyrians. They
overtook Judah, the Southern Kingdom, and hauled the people away to exile. They
destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. For 70 years the people of Judah lived in far off
lands. Then the Persians came to power and defeated the Babylonians. The Persian
King Cyrus wanted to appease the gods of the nations he ruled. So he decreed that
the Israelites could return to their home land and rebuild their Temple. A small group
would return and begin the rebuilding process (see Ezra and Nehemiah).
It was at this time and this group of people that Chronicles was written.

The Recipients of Chronicles

The people of Israel had been Gods chosen people. From them God promised that
the whole world would be blessed. But now only a small remnant of people had
returned after exile. Their cities and temple were in ruins. They were ruled by a
foreign power, the Persians. They didnt have much hope. They wondered about
their relationship with God. Did he still care about them? Why had all of this
happened? The future looked bleak at best. The Chronicler wrote an explanation of
what happened. He wrote to give them hope. He wrote to show that God still cared
for them. His plans for them were not doused in the fiery troubles they had
experienced. The Messiah would still come from Israel as God had promised.

Introduction and Themes of Chronicles

Chronicles covers the same time period as all of the books that precede it (Gen. 2
Kings). It covers creation, the patriarchs, the chosen people Israel, the Promised
Land, the Judges, the Kings, and the Babylonian captivity. The Chronicler does not
recapitulate the early contents of these books. Rather, the Chronicler has special
interests. A brief outline of Chronicles reveals who the Chroniclers interests revolve
around.
1 Chr 1 9 Creation to the reign of Saul
(9 chapters covering eons of time)
1 Chr 10 29 King David
(20 chapters covering 40 years)
2 Chr 1 9 King Solomon
(9 chapters covering xx years)
2 Chr 10 36 The Divided Kingdom
(27 chapters covering 400 years)
So the Chronicler spends almost as many pages covering King David and King
Solomon as he does the rest of history of the world and the history of Israel. But
within the chapters on David and Solomon he narrows his focus even more. He is
not concerned with their political achievements or their personal lives. He is
concerned with how, at the height of Israels glory, Israel worshipped. He goes into
great detail on the planning, building, and dedication of the temple; how they
promoted true worship; how music became an important part of worship; and how
only authorized people officiated in the temple. Israel had abandoned worship of
Yahweh and had worshipped other gods along side of Him. This is what led to their
problems. They must return to the true worship of the one true God.
The Chronicler has his reasons for these points of focus. He is speaking to a people
returned from exile and still under Persian rule. To give them hope he provides the
genealogies of 1 Chr 1 9. In them he is saying that despite all appearances, the
Creator of the universe has chosen you out of all the nations in order to bless all the
families of the earth. The line of chosen people stretched from Abraham to that
present day. Gods grace experienced in the past will continue in the restored
community.
The Chronicler uses Gods election of Israel to give them hope. Yahweh had elected
Abraham to be the father of the nation of Israel through whom the world would be
blessed. Yahweh had elected the tribe of Levi to serve before the Ark of the
Covenant. He elected David and Solomon over others as king over Israel and to
build the Temple. Jerusalem was chosen by Yahweh as the city where he would live
amongst His people as He caused His name to dwell in the holy Temple. These were
all divine acts. Gods election of these people and places would not be for nothing.
His election would stand and His purposes would be fulfilled even in this small band
of people, who live under foreign rule, in a land that has been devastated.
In David and Solomons planning and building of the temple, the Chronicler told of
what once was the heart and center of Israels relationship with Yahweh: their
worship of Yahweh, the one true God. They worshipped in the ways prescribed by
Yahweh, using officiants appointed by Yahweh, in the place designated by Yahweh.
This once magnificent temple now stood in ruins. Their neglect of the worship of
Yahweh led to their downfall. They must return to Yahweh and worship Him only and
do it in the way that He prescribes.

Another focus of the Chronicler was the Law and the Prophets. Every faithful Davidic
king attempted to bring about compliance with the law and heed the prophetic
word. The unfaithful kings ignored Gods law and his prophets. The Chronicler shows
that their response determined their destiny. So in the future, Israels response to
the law and prophets was more crucial to Israels relationship with Yahweh than the
presence or absence of a king. They must learn Gods law and word and remain
faithful to it.
The Chronicler further demonstrates the importance of obedience to Gods law and
His prophetic word by showing that disobedience brings judgment and disaster,
while obedience brings peace, victory, and prosperity. They have a choice as their
ancestors did, to hold God in high regard and obey his word or to disregard Him and
it. The Chronicler made clear which was the better choice.
The Chronicler viewed the remnant of Israel as the faithful from all of the tribes of
Israel. The Chronicler views them this way because he records several occasions
when there was a movement of people from the north to the south from Israel to
Judah. These movements were made for religious reasons, to worship the one true
God at the place where He caused His Name to dwell. Therefore the returning
remnant is pictured as the faithful remnant with people from all twelve tribes of
Israel. From the returning people from all Israel, Yahweh would fulfill His promises.
Lastly, the Chronicler provides hope in the promised Messiah, the Son of David. He
references Gods pledge to David and then keeps referring back to it. The idealized
(doesnt say bad things about) David, Solomon, and the good kings show what the
promised Messiah would be like. He would promote godliness and covenant
faithfulness. Gods favor would rest upon Him giving Him victory, deliverance, and
prosperity. He would sit on the throne of the Lord and rule over His kingdom. The
promised Savior would provide peace and joy and true worship of the one true God.
If you remember these things while reading Chronicles it will make more sense and
tie into the NT as well. The Chronicler is not writing a book of history. The Chronicler
is writing a book that explains why the exile happened. He also writes to give hope
to the Israelites. Keep this in mind.

Overview of the Major Sections of Chronicles to Provide Better

Understanding
Concerning the genealogies:
1) He uses the genealogies to show the returning exiles that Yahweh
chose Abraham out of all the people in the world. He then chose Isaac
and Jacob. From Jacob Yahweh created twelve tribes which became the
nation of Israel. Through this nation Yahweh intended to bless the
earth, by sending a promised Savior. 2) Through the genealogies he
shows that the exile has not wiped out these chosen people. Even
though they are small in number, they are returning to reestablish

themselves. 3) The genealogies also show that Davidic kingship which

Yahweh established has also survived the exile. The royal family
continues on. From this family Yahweh will raise up a Davidic King who
will have an everlasting kingdom. 4) God has also established the
Levitical priesthood to serve Him first in the tabernacle and then in the
temple. The genealogies show that the Levitical priesthood has
survived the exile. The line of high priest continues on. And one day
Yahweh will raise up His eternal High Priest who will be not only the
High Priest but also the Sacrifice who turns aside Gods wrath.
So from this nation that God built will come the promised Savior. He
will be the Son of David, a Davidic King with an everlasting reign. He
will be the eternal High Priest who represents Israel (the church) before
God and is the Sacrifice that appeases Gods anger.
Concerning the Davidic kingship:
Like Saul, Israel was unfaithful and therefore they were sent into exile.
But the end of Sauls kingdom was not the end of the kingdom that
God created. Yahweh raised up a new king for his people. He raised up
David who all the people supported, who held high the one true God.
During his reign David and all Israel worshipped Yahweh alone in the
ways that He prescribed. David fought for his people and made the
kingdom into a great kingdom. From of old Yahweh has promised to
send the Seed who would crush the enemy. From this returning people,
Yahweh would send the Son of David who would battle and defeat the
enemies of God and His faithful people. Through His life-giving victory,
this One would establish Gods eternal kingdom and fight to expand it
throughout the whole world. Under His rule, as David promoted true
worship of the one true God at the temple using the means that God
had provided, so Davids greater Son, who would be God in the flesh,
would take the place of the temple. He would be Gods presence on
earth. And He would be the means through which God comes to and
provides forgiveness for all people.
So the idealized David that the Chronicler presents is done to point the
Israelites forward to a greater David. One even greater than a nearly
perfect David will come and do even greater things than David. They
must not give up hope; they must look to Him.
Concerning the reign of Solomon:

David turned the kingdom over to his son, Solomon. Under Solomon
Israel lived at the peak of its glory. Its borders were as large as they
would ever be. They enjoyed the riches of this world. World leaders
came showing great respect. But most importantly Solomon built the
temple for Yahweh. In the temple the King of kings would sit upon his
throne and reign over all the earth. With the exile the temple had been
destroyed. But upon the return of the exiles, they would rebuild the
temple. Yet the rebuilt temple, like the temple of old, would only be a
shadow of the eternal temple that the Promised One would rebuild in
three days (in Jesus resurrection). The One to come would be the
Temple; He would be Immanuel, God with us. At Solomons temple
sacrifices would be made for the sins of the people. But these
sacrifices were only a shadow of the one great sacrifice that would be
made by the coming eternal King. He would literally give up His life so
that all people might be fully forgiven once and for all. Under Solomon
Israel lived in peace and safety. Under the One greater than Solomon,
all people will live in peace and safety forever.
So the idealized Solomon that the Chronicler presents is done to point
the Israelites forward to a greater Solomon. One even greater than a
nearly perfect Solomon will come and do even greater things than
Solomon. While Solomon will build the temple, the Greater Solomon
will build an eternal temple in which God dwells with His people
forever. They must not give up hope; they must look to Him.
Concerning the Divided Kingdom:
The Chronicler uses the divided kingdom to explain why the exile has
happened. He uses each king to illustrate how faithfulness and
obedience to Yahweh brings blessing and victory and how
unfaithfulness and disobedience to Yahweh brings punishment and
defeat. For the Chronicler, the standard for kingship is king David. The
kings are compared to David to see if they measure up. Compared to
the coming King, no one will measure up, for he will be completely
faithful and completely obedient. In fact, He would be obedient unto
death, even death on a cross. He would give of Himself completely in
order to save His people.
So the divided kingdom also looks forward to the promised Messiah. He
can be fully trusted because He is faithful and obedient to God the
Father. He will give all to save His people.

In the end, the hope that the Chronicler provides rests upon the
promised One who in the fullness of time will be raised up by God. He
will be the eternal and perfect King. He will be the eternal and perfect
High Priest. He will be the eternal and perfect Temple where God will
dwell with His people. He will be the perfect Sacrifice for His people. He
will be completely faithful and completely obedient. He is the hope of
all Israel. The true people of God ultimately are those who put their
trust in the promised Messiah, Jesus, for he will save His people from
their sins. The key to understanding Chronicles, as it is to
understanding all the books of the Bible, is Jesus.
Luke 24 - All of the books of the OT are written about Jesus.

Then he said to them, (BE) "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still
with you,(BF) that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets
and the Psalms must be fulfilled." 45Then(BG) he opened their minds to understand the
Scriptures, 46and said to them, "Thus(BH) it is written,(BI) that the Christ should suffer
and on the third day(BJ) rise from the dead, 47and that(BK) repentance and forgiveness
of sins should be proclaimed(BL) in his name(BM) to all nations,(BN) beginning from
Jerusalem.
44

John 5 The Scriptures bear witness to Jesus

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life;
and(C) it is they that bear witness about me, 40yet(D) you refuse to come to me that
you may have life.
39(B)

Summary of How Chronicles Looks Forward to Messiah-Jesus

Saul
Unfaithfulness
Death

David

Solomon
Faithful to Yahweh
Builds Temple
Defeats Enemies
Peace and Security

Israel
Unfaithful
Exile

New/Greater David
Faithful to Yahweh
Defeats Enemies

New/Greater Solomon
Is the Eternal Temple
Eternal Peace and Security

Chronicler Uses David and Solomon to Look Forward to the Messianic

Era
United Kingdom David defeats enemies
United Kingdom Solomon builds temple, peace
Divided Kingdom
Southern Kingdom (Judah)
Babylonian Exile
Return from exile
Period of waiting/anticipating for Messiah
New Davidic Era, NT era (Messiah
defeats enemies)
New Solomonic Era (Heavenly
temple, eternal peace and
security)

Special Note on the Application of the Text

In this study:
When application is made to the returning exiles the text is highlighted in green.
When application is made to Jesus and the church today the text is highlighted in
blue.
When application is made to all people at all times the text is highlighted in purple.

Types in Chronicles
One of the primary ways that we in the NT can connect and make sense of the OT is
through "types." A type is a person, place, or institution that is like something else.
In Chronicles there are many types of Christ. There are several types in Chronicles
that give us a glimpse and inform us on what the coming Savior will be like. Some of
the most important types in 1 Chronicles are:
King David is like Jesus.
David's defeat of enemies is like Jesus.
David as a priest/king is like Jesus.
In prayer David is like Jesus.
The temple is like Jesus.
The high priests were like Jesus.
The worship system is like Jesus.
The ark is like Jesus.

The site of the temple is like Jesus.

The faithful Israelites/exiles are like the church.
All of these types help us see Jesus in this OT book. The Chroniclers message for the
returning exiles was one of hope. They can especially look to the coming Messiah
who is like David but greater, who is like the temple and true worship but greater.
The Savior that they looked to is our Savior as well. These OT persons, places, and
things give us a glimpse of what Jesus is like.

Outline of Chronicles (based on Concordia Self-Study

Commentary)

I. 1:1 9:34 Israels Ancestral History

A. 1:1 27 Genealogy from Adam to Abraham
1. 1:1-4 Primeval Ancestors Before the Deluge
2. 1:5-27 Descendants of Noah to Abraham

B. 1:28 54 Isaac and Non-Israelite Descendents of

Abraham
1. 1:28-33 Descendants of Ishmael and Keturah
2. 1:34-54 Esau and the Edomites

C. 2:1 7:40 Jacobs Sons: The Tribes of Israel

1. 2:1-4:23 Judah: Davids Line
2. 4:24-43 Simeon
3. 5:1-10 Reuben
4. 5:11-22 Gad
5. 6:1-81 Levi: Temple Officiants
6. 7:1-5 Issachar
7. 7:6-12 Benjamin (Dan, Zebulun)
8. 7:13 Naphtali
9. 7:14-19 Manasseh
10. 7:20-29 Ephraim
11. 7:30-40 Asher

D. 8:1 40 Sauls Benjaminite Ancestry

1. 8:1-28 Benjamin
2. 8:29-40 Sauls Ancestors and Descendants

E. 9:1 34 Repatriated Families in and Near Jerusalem

1. 9:1-9 Judah and Benjamin
2. 9:10-13 Priestly Families
3. 9:14-34 Levitical Families

II. 9:35 29:30 History of David

A. 9:35 10:14 Saul, His Predecessor
1. 9:35-44 Genealogy of Israels First King
2. 10:1-7 Sauls Death in Battle
3. 10:8-12 Sauls Burial
4. 10:13-14 Reason for Sauls Rejection

B. 11:1 12:40 David, King of All Israel

1. 11:1-3 Coronation at Hebron
2. 11:4-9 Capture of Jerusalem
3. 11:10-47 Davids Mighty Men
4. 12:1-40 Growth of Davids Military Power

C. 13:1 14 Attempt to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem

1. 13:1-4 Proposal Approved by Leaders
2. 13:5-8 Joyous Procession from Kiriath-Jearim
3. 13:9-14 Uzzahs Death; Project Abandonded

D. 14:1 17 Consolidation of Davids Regime

E. 15:1 16:43 Transfer of the Ark; Worship Directives
1. 15:1-15 Instructions to Priests and Levites
2. 15:16-24 Directives for Processional Music
3. 15:25-16:3 Davids Participation; Sacrifices and Festivities
4. 16:4-43 Ritual Regulations after Transfer of Ark

F. 17:1 27 Davids Desire to Build Gods House; Gods

Promise to Build Davids House
G. 18:1 20:8 David, Ruler of an Empire
1. 18:1-13 Subjugation of Five Neighboring Peoples
2. 18:14-17 State Officials
3. 19:1-20:3 Victory over Ammonites and Allies
4. 20:4-8 Philistine Giants Felled by Davids Men

H. 21:1 27:34 Davids Concern for Future Temple and

Worship
1. 21:1-22:1 Purchase of Building Site after Census
2. 22:2-5 Building Material Stockpiled
3. 22:6-16 Construction Entrusted to Solomon
4. 22:17-19 Leaders Admonished to Cooperate
5. 23:1-27:34 Organization of Administrative Personnel
a. 23:1-32 Levites
b. 24:1-19 Priests
c. 24:20-31 Supplementary List of Priestly Assistants
d. 25:1-31 Levitical Singers, Musicians
e. 26:1-19 Levitical Gatekeepers
f. 26:20-28 Levitical Treasurers
g. 26:29-32 Officers and Judges

I. 28:1 29:25 Davids Last Official Acts Before Assembled

Israel
1. 28:1-8 Successor Presented to Leaders
2. 28:9-21 Building of Temple Committed to Solomon
3. 29:1-9 Building Fund Increased
4. 29:10-22a Davids Prayer at the Assembly

5. 29:22b-25 Solomon Made King

J. 29:26-30 Davids Death

III. 1:1 9:31 History of Solomon, Builder of the Temple

A. 1:1 17 New King Accepted by People; Blessed by God
1. 1:1-6 Nation United in Inaugural Worship
2. 1:7-13 Promise of Wisdom and Riches
3. 1:14-17 Military Power; Wealth through Trade

B. 2:1 7:22 Building and Dedication of the Temple

1. 2:1-18 Preliminary Steps
2. 3:1-17 Temple Under Construction
3. 4:1-22 Temple Furnishings and Equipment
4. 5:1 Davids Contributions Deposited
5. 5:2-7:22 Temple Dedication

C. 8:1 9:28 Miscellaneous Ventures and Incidents

1. 8:1-10 Cities Built with Conscripted Labor
2. 8:11 New Dwelling for Egyptian Wife
3. 8:12-16 Worship in Completed Temple
4. 8:17-18 Maritime Enterprises
5. 9:1-12 Visit of Queen of Sheba
6. 9:13-21Solomons Lavish Use of Gold
7. 9:22-28 Wisdom and Wealth Widely Acclaimed

D. 9:29 31 Solomons Death

IV. 10:1 11:4 Division of the Kingdom

A.10:1 - 15 Unfruitful Negotiations with Northern Tribes

1. 10:1-5 Rehoboam Asked to Lighten Burdens

2. 10:6-15 Harsh Measures Adopted

B. 1016 11:4 Secession of the Northern Tribes

V. 11:5 36:23 Davidic Rulers in Judah

A. 11:5 12:16 Rehoboam
1. 11:5-12 Cities Fortified
2. 11:13-17 Migration of Levites to Judah
3. 11:18-23 Rehoboams Wives and Sons
4. 12:1-12 Unfaithfulness Punished by Egyptians
5. 12:13-16 Conclusion of Rehoboams Reign

B. 13:1 22 Abijah
1. 13:1-2a Introductory Summary
2. 13:2b-22 War with Jeroboam

C. 14:1 16:14 Asa

1. 14:1-8 Religious Zeal; Prosperity
2. 14:9-15 Victory Over Ethiopian General
3. 15:1-19 Reform Measures
4. 16:1-10 Foreign Alliance Against Israel
5. 16:11-14 Concluding Summary

D. 17:1 20:37 Jehoshaphat

1. 17:1-19 Review of Good Features
2. 18:1-19:3 Cooperation with Israel
3. 19:4-11 Justice in Courts
4. 20:1-30 Victory Over Invaders
5. 20:31-34 Summary of Jehoshaphats Reign

6. 20:35-37 Maritime Disaster

E. 21:1 20 Jehoram
1. 21:1-7 His Violence and Apostasy
2. 21:8-10 Loss of Territory
3. 21:11-20 Retribution

F. 22:1 9 Ahaziah
1. 22:1-6 Partner to Israels Apostasy
2. 22:7-9 Slain by Jehu

G. 22:10 23:21 Athaliah, Ahaziahs Mother

1. 22:10-12 Purge of Royal Family Except Youngest Prince
2. 23:1-21 Counterrevolution by High Priest

H. 24:1 27 Joash
1. 24:1-3 Personal Data
2. 24:4-14 Temple Repairs
3. 24:15-24 Apostasy in Later Years
4. 24:25-27 Joash Assassinated

I. 25:1-28 Amaziah
1. 25:1-4 Good Beginning of Reign
2. 25:5-13 Edomites Defeated Without Israelite Troops
3. 25:14-16 Lapse Into Idolatry Reproved
4. 25:17-24 Disastrous War with Israel
5. 25:25-28 Slain by Conspirators

J. 26:1 23 Uzziah (Azariah)

1. 26:1-5 Good Beginning of Reign
2. 26:6-15 Victory in Wars; Military Preparedness
3. 26:16-21 Pride and Punishnment

4. 26:22-23 Death and Burial

K. 27:1 9 Jotham
L. 28:1 27 Ahaz
1. 28:1-4 Idolatrous Abominations
2.28:5-7 Invasion by Israel and Syria
3. 28:8-15 Captives Released by Israel
4. 28:16-21 Appeal to Assyria
5. 28:22-27 Progressive Religious Decline; Death

M. 29:1 32:33 Hezekiah

1. 29:1-2 Accession; Personal Data
2. 29:3-31:21 Hezekiahs Reforms
a. 29:3-36 Restoration of Temple and Worship
b. 30:1-27 Restoration of Passover
c. 31:1 Nationwide Destruction of Idols
d. 31:2-21 Restoration of Regular Worship
3. 32:1-23 Deliverance from Assyrian Assault
4. 32:24-26 Recovery from Sickness and Pride
5. 32:27-33 Hezekiahs Wealth, Projects, Trial

N. 33:1 20 Manasseh
1. 33:1-9 Rampant Idolatry
2. 33:10-13 Imprisonment, Repentance, Restoration
3. 33:14-17 Building Projects; Idols Removed
4. 333:18-20 Concluding Summary

O. 33:21 25 Amon
P. 34:1- 35:27 Josiah
1. 34:1-7 Early Reform Measures

2. 34:8-28 Discovery of Book of Law

3. 34:29-33 Covenant Renewal
4. 35:1-10 Passover Celebration
5. 35:20-27 Josiahs Death in Battle

Q. 36:1 4 Jehoahaz
R. 36:5 8 Jehoiakim
S. 36:9 10 Jehoiachin
T. 36:11 23 Zedekiah; Babylonian Exile
1. 36:11-14 Apostasy; Rebellion
2. 36:15-21 Jerusalem Destroyed; People Exiled
3. 36:22-23 Exile Ended by Cyrus

Lesson 1
Text: Chr. 1:1-54 The Genealogy From Adam to Jacob (Israel)
Parallel texts:
1:5-7 Gen. 10:2-5 The Japhethites
1:8-16 Gen. 10:6-20 The Hamites
1:17-23 Gen. 10:21-31; 11:10-27 The Semites
1:29-31 Gen. 25:12-16 Descendants of Hagar
1:32-33 Gen. 25:1-4 Descendants of Keturah
1:35-37 Gen. 36:10-14 Descendants of Sarah
1:38-42 Gen. 36:20-28 The People of Seir in Edom
1:43-54 Gen. 36:31-43 The Rulers of Edom
1. Who does the genealogy in 1:1-4 begin and end with?

2. Many more people lived during this time. Why were these particular people
that are listed in 1:1-4 chosen? What do they have in common?

3. Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth (1:4). The genealogy for each
son is given in 1:5-27. This genealogy comes from the table of nations in Gen.
10:2-29. The total number of nations listed is 70 (Japheth=14, Ham=30, and
Shem=26). 70 is a multiple of 7, the number of completeness in the Bible. So
this list represents the total or complete number of descendants that came
from Noah; that is, all the people that lived in the world at that time. Who
does the genealogy of Shem end with (see 1:27) and whose genealogy
begins in 1:28?

This genealogy then telescopes. It peers through the generations of people

beginning with Noah and it finds one particular person Abraham. Abraham
is the father of the Jewish people. Abraham was the one that God chose out
of all the people in the world. Through him God would create the nation of
Israel and from that nation would come the promised Savior.

4. Of the nations that would come from Ham (1:8-16), which nations would
sound familiar to the Bible student and why?

5. The descendants of Shem (1:17-27) are called the Semites. It is from this line
of people that Gods plan of salvation would be carried forward. From the line
of Shem would come Abraham (1:27).
6. Abraham became the father of many nations. The descendants of Abraham
are listed in 1:28-54. Abraham had children by three women. He had a son
named Ishmael by his maidservant Hagar. Ishmaels sons are listed first in
1:29-31.
After Sarah, Abrahams wife, died, Abraham married Keturah and had six
sons. They and their sons are listed in 1:32-33.
Sarah, in her old age, gave Abraham one son, who was Isaac. And Isaac had
two sons who were twins. They were Esau and Israel (Jacob). They are listed
in 1:34. Of all of Abrahams children, Isaac was the son of promise. Yahweh
promised Abraham that he and Sarah would have a son after Sarah was well
past her child-bearing years and He kept His promise. Yahweh also told Isaac
that his younger son would take precedence over the older son. Normally it
was the other way around. The oldest son was given greater privileges and a
double inheritance. But in salvation history, Gods ways are not mans ways.
God chooses (elects) who He wishes to carry out His plan. The story of Gods
elect people will continue in chapter two of Chronicles with Israels (Jacobs)
descendants.
7. Before the Chronicler continues with Israels descendants, he has a rather
large section on Esaus descendants (1:35-54). (Another name for Esau is
Edom (which means red, Esau had red hair). Esau is also sometimes referred
to as Seir. Seir was a mountainous territory that was once inhabited by the
Horites. These mountains may have been named after one of the Horites
whose name was Seir. The Edomites later drove out the Horites and lived in
the caves of Seir.)
Why would the Chronicler include so much on Esaus descendants when he is
cutting through the generations of the world and focusing on ancestors of the
Israelite nation? The only explanation Ive found is that the Edomites were a
thorn in Israels side throughout their existence, from the time they left Egypt
and entered the Promised Land to the time when the Chronicler wrote
Chronicles. See the following verses in Chronicles that refer to Edomites: 1
Chr. 18:11-13; 2 Chr.8:17; 21:8; 25:20; 28:17.

8.

Summary: From Adam came all the nations of the world. Yet, God chose one
person from all these people through whom he would begin to carry out His
plan of salvation. That person was Abraham. The genealogy of chapter 1
draws a straight line through the generations from Adam to Noah to Shem to
Abraham to Isaac to Jacob. God made promises to Abraham and his son Isaac
and his son Israel (Jacob). From Jacob God would build the nation of Israel.
They were to be His covenant people. God chose them and was faithful to
them. In return He expected them to be faithful to Him. But they broke the
covenant with God. God sent prophets to warn His people, but they would not
listen. So He sent them into exile in Babylon. After 70 years He allowed them
to return. Now that they had returned, what was their status before God?
Were they still His special people? Would God still be with them? Was
everything that God did for them in the past for naught? The Chronicler
writes the book of Chronicles to answer these questions.

Lesson 2
Text: Chr. 2:1-55 The Beginning of Judahs Genealogy
Parallel texts:
2:1-2 Gen. 35:23-26
2:5-15 Ruth 4:18-22; Mt. 1:3-6
1. In the genealogies of chapter 1 the author highlighted the chosen people
from Adam to Jacob (Israel). In chapters 2 7 he provides the genealogies of
Jacobs sons, who would become the twelve tribes of Israel. One might expect
him to start with the oldest son and work his way down to the youngest son,
but he doesnt. Which tribe does he start with (2:3a)?

2. He starts with this tribe and gives it three chapters (chapters 2-4) because
this is the most important tribe to the Chronicler. What important figure does
the genealogy of Judah lead to in 2:15b?

What are the names of the descendants of Judah that lead to David (see 2:115)?

The Chronicler not only mentions Davids ancestors here, but in chapter 3 he
goes on to tell of Davids descendants all the way down to the postexilic
period. He telescopes to David and he treats David differently than the rest
because he is important for the Chronicler because he uses David to show the
significance of Israels covenant relationship with God, the underlying theme
of Chronicles.
Look at Mt. 1:2-6, the genealogy of Jesus. Do you see any similarities
between it and the genealogies we are studying in Chronicles?

3. Who was the mother of the first three sons born to Judah (2:3a)?

The author specifically mentions that the woman was a Canaanite, a nonIsraelite. The author also does not hide the fact of Judahs incestuous

relationship with his daughter-in-law Tamar (2:4) who was also a Canaanite
(see Gen. 38). Why does God cause first Moses (in Genesis) and now the
Chronicler to point out and make special mention of these things?

4. The important name in Calebs genealogy (2:18-24) is Bezalel (2:20b). What

was he known for (See Ex. 31:1-11)?

The Chronicler uses the Moses - Bezalel relationship in building the

tabernacle as a model for the Solomon - Huram-Abi relationship in building
the temple, thereby emphasizing his major themes of king and temple.
5. The arrangement of the materials in chapters 2 and 3 (2:10-3:24) shows us
that the line of David is most important to the Chronicler. Davids ancestors
and descendants appear as book ends encasing the descendants of Hezron
(Judah, Perez, Hezron, Ram). From the line of Hezron David would come.
Descendants of Ram (Davids ancestors, 2:10-17)
Descendants of Caleb (2:18-24)
Descendants of Jerahmeel, Son of Hezron (2:25-33)
More material on Jerahmeel, Son of Hezron (2:34-41)
More material on Caleb (2:42-55)
More material on Ram (Davids descendants, 3:1-24).
Davids family tree:

Jerahmeel

Judah
|
Perez
|
Hezron
|
Ram
|

|
David

Caleb

Lesson 3
Text: Chr. 3 4 Judahs Genealogy Continued
Parallel texts:
3:1-4 2 Sam. 3:2-5
3:5-8 2 Sam. 5:14-16; 1 Chr. 14:4-7
4:28-33 Jos. 19:2-10
1. The Chronicler now gives more prominence to David. Before he finishes
Judahs genealogy (ch. 4), he traces Davids family history through 5
centuries to the return from the Babylonian captivity (3:1-24). What point do
you think he is making by doing this?

2. David had many sons (3:1-9). Through which of his sons was the royal line
(3:10-16) traced (3:10)?

3. The Chronicler also includes the royal line after the exile (3:17-24). One of
these people stands out because he was a leader of the returning exiles.
Which one is he (see Ezra 3:2; 5:2; Hag. 1:1)?

The royal line continued through and after the exile. This is important
because God had promised that one of Davids descendants would have a
kingship that would last forever. If it had been stamped out by the exile this
could not happen. This Descendant of David would not only be a king, but
also a Messiah, a Savior. The promise of a Messiah gives the returning exiles
hope for the future.
The NT tells us that the promised King is Jesus. Jesus means savior. Jesus
has come to save all people. And Jesus is also the King God promised who
would have an eternal kingdom. Jesus rules even now over all things. It is not
apparent to everyone now, but on the Last Day every knee will bow paying
homage to Him as King. And His reign as King will be forever.
4. It is believed that Chronicles was written around 450 BC. Some of the names
in the post-exile list, 3:17-24, probably came after 450 BC. If this date is
correct then that means that someone came along later and added these

names (from 3:21-24). This may have been done to show that royal line
continued on even farther.
5. The genealogy of Judah (chs. 2-4) is carefully arranged. Besides the ordering
that we saw of chs. 2-3 in the last lesson, the entire section on Judah is
ordered as follows:
2:3
2:4-8
2:9 3:24
4:1-20
4:21-23

Shelah
Perez
Hezron (the house of David)
Perez
Shelah

This shows that the descendants of Hezron (the house of David) are central to
Judahs genealogy.
6. Judahs genealogy concludes in 4:23. Simeons genealogy comes next (4:2443). It may be included here because Simeon settled in part of Judahs
territory. Because of this it lost much of its own identity.

Lesson 4
Text: Chr. 5 The Genealogy of the Tribes East of the Jordan
1. After covering the Tribe of David (Judah), the Chronicler gives the genealogy
of the Transjordan tribes: Rueben (5:1-10), Gad (5:11-22), and Manasseh east
of the Jordan (5:23-26).
2. The tribes in this chapter were all part of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) that
had been conquered and dispersed by the Assyrians. The people who
returned from exile are a remnant of all Israel, both north and south. All of
the tribes of Israel had a remnant that remained faithful who still believed
and trusted in Yahweh, the God of Israel.
3. Rueben was the oldest of Jacobs sons. He should have received the
birthright, the privileges of the firstborn. But he didnt. Why didnt he receive
it (see 5:1-3)?

Who received the birthright instead of Rueben?

Why was Judah listed first even though he didnt possess the birthright (5:2)?

4. The Chronicler used all kinds of sources to write his book. Much of the
information for the genealogies so far has come from Genesis and 1 & 2
Samuel. In the genealogies of this chapter there are military references (5:6,
10, 18-22). The Chronicler probably used a military census to help compile
these genealogies. He also mentions that the genealogical records during the
reign of kings Jotham and Jeroboam (5:17) were used. The fact that he used
existing records to write parts of Chronicles does not mean that it was not
inspired by God. God caused the Chronicler to use the sources that he used.
Using these sources the Chronicler conveys what God wants him to convey.
5. The Chronicler sets up a contrast between 5:18-22 and 5:23-26. In doing so,
he states one of the themes of Chronicles. According to these verses, who
was responsible for success or failure in war and life?

When did God give victory and when did he allow defeat?

Victory:
.
.

Defeat:

.
.

The message for the returning exiles was that they must trust in Yahweh.
They must not worship other gods. If they seek other gods, the same fate
awaits them. Yahweh has been gracious in allowing them to return. They
must learn from their ancestors mistakes and stay true to Yahweh.
Like the Israelites we too worship other gods. We put our trust in things like
money, fame, and possessions. We look to them for our security and wellbeing. We must repent. We must turn away from these false gods and turn
back to the one true God. We must put our faith and trust in Him. Jesus came
to turn us away from the false gods and turn us to His Father. He came to
lead us to the Father and to eternal life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
No one comes to Father except through Him. By faith we follow Him to the
Father and to everlasting life.

Lesson 5
Text: Chr. 6 - 7 The Genealogy of Levi and Other Tribes
Parallel text: 6:54-80 Jos. 21:4-39

1. Chapter 6 introduces another major theme of Chronicles: true worship of

Yahweh. The importance of it can be seen by the fact that three times as
many verses are given for the tribe that is authorized to work at the temple
(Levi) as was given to the two and one-half tribes in chapter 5. Different
members of the Levites performed different functions at the temple. The first
fifteen verses trace the high-priestly line of the Levite Aaron to the time of
the exile. The next verses (6:16-30) resume with the genealogy of Levis
three sons. The descendants of Levi who minister in song receive special
mention in 6:31-47. The work of Aaron and his descendants, the priests, is
highlighted in 6:48-53. The territories given to the Levites as their inheritance
are given in 6:54-81.
2. Who are the three famous people in 6:3 who were children of Amram?

3. A short genealogy in 6:1-3 narrows the descendants of Levi down to Eleazar.

Verses 4-15 then delineate the line of high priests from Eleazar to the exile.
This list has been sharply telescoped. That is, names have been left out in
order to quickly focus on this line.
4. In 6:8 Zadok is mentioned. Who was the king when Zadok was high priest
(see 18:16; 2Sam 8:17)?

Ezra, the priest who helped lead the exiles back, traced his own priestly
lineage back to Zadok (Ezra 7:1-5).
Seraiah was the high priest at the time of the exile. He was executed by the
Babylonians (2 Ki 25:18-21) in 586 BC. Jehozadak was the father of Jeshua
who was the high priest in the first generation of the restoration (Ezra 3:2;
5:2; 10:18; Hag. 1:1; 2:2; Zec. 3:1; 6:11). So the priestly line survived the
exile and continued on.
The exile and the Babylonians were not able to stamp out the high priestly
line that was responsible for performing the sacrifices at the temple. As they
return from exile and as the temple is rebuilt, they will be able to once again
perform their divinely ordained function at the temple. The Israelites will once

again be able to receive Gods gracious blessing through the sacrificial

system.
The number of priests that returned was small and the rebuilt temple was not
nearly as magnificent as the old one. But the Israelites (and us too) can look
forward to a time when the Messiah will be their great High Priest and the
Messiah will Himself be the Temple where God will live amongst and bless His
people. Better times are yet to come. Those times arrived when Jesus came
as the Messiah, the High Priest, and the Temple.
5. Each of the three Levitical clans contributed toward the temple musicians
(6:38b, 43b, 46b). This genealogy (6:31-47) appears to function as a means
of legitimizing the Levites of the restoration period. The service of song and
music is pictured as an essential element of worship. It was one of the great
contributions that David made to the worship services. Much attention and
space is given to music at the temple in Chronicles. Since Chronicles is Gods
word, as the rest of the Scripture is, we know that God the Holy Spirit inspired
David to add music to the OT divine service. It is therefore important and
legitimate and it serves an important purpose.
As we will see later (1 Chr. 25:1-3), the music of the temple was Gods word
set to music. The songs that were sung at the temple by the Levitical choir
were a proclamation of Gods word to the people. Gods word is the means by
which the Holy Spirit works faith. Through the words sung by the temple choir
the Holy Spirit created and sustained faith in the people of Israel. Therefore it
was important that the Levitical choir be reestablished after the exile. It was
indeed an essential part of the divine service.
It is precisely for this reason that Lutherans sing so much in the Divine
Service. The songs that Lutherans sing come from Gods word. They are
another way in which Gods word is proclaimed. When we sing, we proclaim it
to each other. In the Divine Service then, Gods word is spoken in the
readings and the sermon; it is sung in the hymns; it is prayed in the prayers;
and the Word Himself is received in the Sacrament. And the Holy Spirit uses it
all to sustain us in the one true faith unto life everlasting.
6. The genealogy in 6:49-53 repeats 6:4-8. But here it serves a different
function. Here it legitimizes Zadoks line by tracing it back to Solomons time.
They were authorized to offer sacrifices before Yahweh.
7. The Levites were not given a block of land like the other tribes. Instead they
were given cities spread through out Israel (6:54-81). They would live in these
cities during the year. When it was their turn to serve at the temple they
would go to the temple at Jerusalem and serve. Then when their time was
done they would return home.

8. Whereas the tribe of Levi received one whole, long chapter all by itself, the
rest of the tribes are included within chapter 7. The tribes of Dan and Zebulun
are not mentioned. There is some speculation that there was a scribal
(copyist) error at this point (7:6-11) and that this is really the genealogy of
Zebulun, especially since there is a genealogy for Benjamin in chapter 8.
Some also believe that Aher in 7:12 may refer to Dan. According to Gen.
46:23 the Hushim were his sons. Another thought is that Dan may be
excluded by the Chronicler to express his disgust for the tribe which in its
early years was guilty of brazen idolatry (Judges 17-18).

Lesson 6
Text: Chr. 8 Sauls Benjamite Ancestory
Parallel text: 8:28-38 1 Chr. 9:34-44

1. If there was not a copyist error in chapter 7, this is the second genealogy of
Benjamins tribe (see also 7:6-12). This genealogy is more extensive.
Benjamin was a small tribe. Yet its genealogy takes up a whole chapter,
whereas the genealogies of a number of large tribes is compressed into the
previous chapter. Attention is given to this tribe because of its connection
with the tribe of Judah and because Saul, the first king of Israel, came from it
and preceded David as king.
2. The tribe of Benjamin was located in the south with Judah and Simeon.
Together they made up the Southern Kingdom before the exile and this same
territory comprised the province of Judah in the Persian Empire in the
restoration after the exile.
3. As you know, Saul was the first king of Israel. He was from the tribe of
Benjamin. He would later lose his kingship to David.
4. Chapter 8 serves as a transition to the story of David and the everlasting
house that was promised to him (chs. 10-29). This is probably the reason why
Sauls genealogy is mentioned here.
To the Chronicler David was the greatest king and all other kings are
compared to him to see if they measure up. For the Chronicler the greatest
thing David did was promote true worship of Yahweh by Israel. This worship
focused on God and what He was doing at the temple through the sacrificial
system. It was essential for the Israelites as they returned from exile that
they reestablish the temple and sacrificial system.
As great as David was in promoting true worship, an even greater Son of
David would come. It was only through Him (Jesus) that true worship could be
performed. In the New Testament Jesus became the Temple; Jesus is the
Whole Burnt Offering, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world;
Jesus is the Grain Offering, who gives Himself as the Bread of Life; Jesus is the
Priest who offers Himself to God the Father; Jesus is the High Priest who
enters the Holy of Holies in heaven. All true worship is through Jesus and
Jesus alone. There is no other Way to the Father.

Lesson 7
Text: Chr. 9:1 - 10:14 Repatriated Families in Jerusalem and Sauls
Genealogy and Demise
Parallel texts:
9:1-17 Neh. 11:3-19
9:34-44 1 Chr. 8:28-38
10:1-12 1 Sam. 31:1-13; 2 Sam. 1:4-12
1. Why were the people of Judah taken captive to Babylon (9:1b)?

2. What four groups are mentioned in the resettling of Israel (9:2)?

This list shows that the Chronicler was concerned about the institutions of his
own day that were connected to the temple and their legitimacy. Three of the
four groups were responsible for temple and all that happened there.
This is the first that the gatekeepers have been mentioned. The gatekeepers
were responsible for the protection of the temple, its chambers, and its
supplies. They opened the gates each morning and were also responsible for
the baked goods.
3. What four tribes are mentioned in the resettlement? Who do they represent
(9:3)?

4. Out of all the descendants of Adam, God chose the people of Israel to be His
instrument in His plan of universal salvation. He had formed them into a
nation and covenanted with them to be their God. In covenant loyalty they
were to worship Yahweh alone. But Israel proved to be unfaithful and as a
result was taken into exile in Babylon. Now the chosen people who had been
in exile started to return. What was their standing before God? They are
assured that they are a part of all Israel (9:1), whose genealogies have
been recounted in earlier chapters (chs. 2-8). They are assured that
Jerusalem, once the site of Davids capital and Solomons temple was again
the center of things (9:3b). Furthermore, the worship rites established by
David and Samuel were once again resumed by the authorized Officiants,
the priests and Levites (9:2, 10, 14). In other words, they continue to be
Israel, Gods chosen instrument. God has disciplined them, but He has not
abandoned them.

5. Sauls genealogy is given a second time (see 8:29-38). It is given here to

provide a short transition to David.
The demise of Saul is included only because it provides a lead in to the reign
of David, the main theme of Chronicles. According to Chronicles who was it
that put Saul to death (10:14)? Why (10:13)?

Who did Yahweh turn the kingdom over to (10:14)?

For the Chronicler God is always in control. Since Saul turned away, Yahweh
decided to take the kingship away from him and give it to David. And since
Israel had turned away, Yahweh decided to send them into exile. But He did
not choose another people in the place of Israel. Instead, after 70 years of
exile He allowed them to return. They were still His people and He would
continue to work through them.

Lesson 8
Text: Chr. 11:1 12:40 David, King of All Israel
Parallel texts:
11:1-3 2 Sam. 5:1-3
11:4-9 2 Sam. 5:6-10
11:10-41 2 Sam. 23:8-39
1. Before the Chronicler gets to Davids concern for true worship of Yahweh
(beginning in ch. 13), he first sets the stage to prepare for it. Summarize what
the Chronicler tells us about David 11:1-12:40.

In 11:1-3, David was anointed king over Israel.

In 11:4-9, David and all Israel defeated the Jebusites in Jerusalem. David
made Jerusalem his capital. David became greater because Yahweh of
hosts was with him.

11:10-47 tells of mighty warriors who were devoted to David. He gave

some examples of some of their heroic deeds. He then listed their names.

In 12:1-12:22, the Chronicler tells how these mighty warriors came to

David, how they risked their lives to join him, and how they switched from
backing Saul to backing David.

In 12:23-37, he tells of how those who came to fight for David made up a
vast army, which was made up of soldiers from every tribe of Israel.

In 12:38-40, he tells how these men of war from every tribe came to David
intent on making him king over all of Israel.

2. Sprinkled throughout chapter 11 are hints as to why these men were drawn
to David and why they made David king. What reasons can you find?

11:2b .

11:3b .

11:9 .

11:10 .

11:14b .

It was Gods word and will that David be king. He was with David and gave
him victory. Years later Yahweh would raise up a Son of David (Jesus). It was

Gods will that He be King over His eternal kingdom. He was with Jesus and
He gave Him victory over all of our enemies. But He did it in an unexpected
way. He did it through His suffering and death on the cross. Only the eyes of
faith can see this and believe it.
3. What kind of support did David receive from the Israelites (see 11:1, 4a, 10;
12:23-37, 38-40)?

11:1, 4a, 10; 12:38-40 .

12:23-40 .

As all Israel supported king David, so all of the NT Israel (believers in Jesus)
support their Lord and King, Jesus. He has their full support.
4. The parallel account of David becoming king and conquering Jerusalem (11:19) is found in 2 Sam. 5:1-3, 6-10. Verses 4 and 5, which deal with Davids
partial reign over only Judah, are left out. The Chronicler gives the impression
that David immediately became king over all of Israel. He does this to present
David as the ideal king, a Messianic figure. If this were the Messiah he would
have full support of all the people, not support from only the southern
kingdom of Judah.
5. When king Saul found out that God had chosen David to be king, he went
after David and tried to kill him. David fled with men who were loyal to him.
Over time more and more men defected from Saul and supported David (ch.
12). Out of these defections, which are the most significant (see 12:1-2, 16,
29)?

Look at the tribes that had the most men come to David (12:23-37). Where
were these tribes from and what does this say?

6. How does the Chronicler picture Davids coronation as king (12:38-40)?

This reminds one of and typifies the Messianic feast in Is. 25:6-8. The Lords
Supper eaten by all the saints anticipates this coming and eternal banquet as
well.

7. In summary, David is now king over all of Israel. He has defeated the
Jebusites and made Jerusalem his capital. He has an army made up of mighty
warriors and soldiers from all of the tribes of Israel. All of Israel is with him
supporting him. But all of this was only possible because Yahweh had chosen
David and had determined that David would be king. It was Yahweh who
raised David up, was with David, and gave him victory.
David had been anointed king in order that he should be shepherd and ruler
over Yahwehs people, Israel (11:1-3). Being presented as a Messianic figure,
David typified Christ. Christ (Christ means the Anointed One) was anointed
by the Holy Spirit at His Baptism to be the Good Shepherd and the
everlasting King over Gods kingdom. All who belong to His kingdom
(believers) fully support Him. In David we get a glimpse of true Messiah which
was to come.

Lesson 9
Text: Chr. 13 Attempt to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem
Parallel text: 13:1-4 2 Sam. 6:1-11
1. The parallel account of bringing the ark to Jerusalem is found in 2 Sam. 6:111. The Chronicler has temporarily skipped over the rest of chapter 5 in 2
Samuel (5:11-25), which includes the building of Davids palace, the growth
of Davids family, and Davids defeat of the Philistines. He will present it later
in chapter 14.
2. David who has been anointed king has the full support of the people, has
established Jerusalem as his capital, and has a strong army of valiant
warriors. Having been established as king by Yahweh, his first action,
according to the Chronicler, was to do what (13:1-4)?

What was his reason for doing so (13:3)?

Why would the Chronicler change the chronological order of events? His
readers would know the order of events in Davids life and they would know
that he changed them. He does this on purpose because he is presenting
David as a Messiah figure. So he is answering the question, What would the
Messiah that God is going to send do in this situation? What would be the first
thing on his agenda as king of Israel? His first act would be to make sure
Yahweh His God was close and available for guidance.
3. According to Ex. 25:12-15, how was the ark supposed to be moved?

How did they move the ark in 13:7?

4. According to Num. 4:15, what happened to someone who touched holy

things?

The ark was holy because of Yahwehs holy presence. What happened when
Uzzah touched the ark to steady it as they moved it (13:9-10)?

5. How did David react to what happened (13:11-13)?

Where did David end up taking the ark to and leaving at (13:13-14)?

How long was it there (13:14)? And what effect did it have upon Obed-edom
and his family (13:14)?

6. This story provides a lesson to the returning exiles. The story of Uzzah being
struck down is also their story. Like Uzzah, they did not carefully follow Gods
commands. They did not follow Yahweh or heed his word which came through
the prophets. God sent prophet after prophet to speak His word to them.
They warned them of the consequences if they did not turn from their evil
ways, but they would not listen. Therefore God struck them down. The
message of the Chronicler is that not following Gods commands and not
listening to His word is deadly. God was gracious to Israel and is now, in the
return from exile, resurrecting the nation. But if they fell into idolatry again, it
would be the same result.
God speaks His word of law to us, telling us that we have not measured up,
that we need to turn away from our sin and turn back to Him (repent). This
turning is something that only God can do. It is God the Holy Spirit working
through Gods word that causes us to repent. He takes our rock hard hearts
and changes them into hearts that are alive and beating for Him. He gives us
faith to cling to God and His promises.

Lesson 10
Text: Chr. 14 Consolidation of Davids Regime
Parallel texts:
14:1-7 2 Sam. 5:11-16; 1 Chr. 3:5-8
14:8-17 2 Sam. 5:17-25
1. The story of the moving of the ark is interrupted by chapter 14. Its as if the
Chronicler uses the chapter as a device to allow for the passage of the three
months between the two moves.
2. In this chapter there are three things listed that demonstrate to David that
Yahweh has established him as king. What are they?

(See 14:1, 17) .

(See 14:3-7) .

(See 14:8-16) .

3. What did David do that Saul hand not done (13:3; 14:10, 14, 16)?

Like David Jesus communicated with His Father through prayer. Jesus
regularly prayed. And when he made requests, He submitted to the Fathers
will (e.g., in the garden Jesus asked that the cup of suffering be lifted from
Him. Yet not His will be done, but the Fathers will be done). David and Jesus
provide us with good examples to follow. Keep in communication with God
through prayer and ask that Gods will be done.
4. To David Yahweh was the one true God. So what did David do the Philistine
idols (false gods) when he defeated them (14:10-12, 13-16)?

5. How did Yahweh respond to Davids inquires and the trust that he put in Him
(14:10b, 11b, 14b, 15b)?

That is what Yahweh does for us through Davids greater Son. We pray that
God would deliver us from evil. And through Jesus He strikes down all of our
enemies.

Lesson 11
Text: Chr. 15 16 Transfer of the Ark; Worship Directives
Parallel texts:
15:25-16:3 2 Sam. 6:12-19
16:8-22 Ps. 105:1-15
16:23-33 Ps. 96:1-13
16:34-36 Ps. 106:1, 47-48
1. The importance of Israels worship is seen by the fact that it is given two
chapters. It is divided up as follows:
1) Davids instructions concerning the observance of the ritual prescriptions
for moving the ark (15:1-15).
2) Directives for professional music (15:16-24).
3) Ceremonies observed as the festive group moved the ark (15:25-29).
4) Worship program established by David after the ark was moved (16:1-43).
a. Musicians (16:4-6).
b. The order of thanksgiving (16:7-36).
c. Services before the ark and the tabernacle (16:37-43).
2. David was no longer afraid of God (13:12) after he had seen how God had
blessed Obed-edoms house. He realized that it was not against Gods will to
move the ark but in moving it they must follow Gods word in how it was
moved. What reason is given for Yahwehs earlier anger in moving the ark
(15:2)?

What does 15:15 tell us about the move of the ark this time?

3. Who did David make an important part of the worship services (15:16-24)?

The Chronicler believed that David set the pattern for the use of music and
the returning exiles should follow that pattern. They must incorporate music
into their services. We too follow this pattern. Music is an important part of
the Divine Service. Music is used throughout the service, from beginning to
end. Likewise, the angels in heaven are continuously singing praise to God.

4. What did David wear as the ark was moved (15:27b)?

This was a garment worn by priests. Priests came from the tribe of Levi; they
were descendants of Aaron. David was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. The
Chronicler viewed David as a king-priest, a messianic figure (see Ps. 110;
Zech. 6:9-15).
By doing this, the Chronicler directed the returnees to put their hope in the
coming Messiah. This King will be concerned with true worship of the
heavenly King.
The Messiah who would come, Jesus Christ, is indeed the King-Priest. He now
rules over Gods kingdom and He now stands in the Fathers presence
presenting His perfect sacrifice to the Father for the forgiveness of all sins for
the entire world. He is the perfect and eternal King-Priest.
What other priestly functions did David perform (16:1-2)?

5. What else did David add to the worship services (16:4)?

Note that Davids psalm of thanksgiving is similar to parts of the book of

Psalms.
16:8-22 = Ps. 105:1-15;
16:23-33 = Ps. 96;
16:34-36 = Ps. 106:1, 47-48
They had much to thank Yahweh for and so do we. We thank Him for all He
has done for us, especially what He has done through His Son Jesus.
6. What might the returnees have thought of when they remembered Yahwehs
wondrous works, His miracles and judgments (16:8-13)?

What would be comforting to the returning exiles in 16:14-18?

What comfort is found in 16:19-22?

16:23-33 describes Yahweh the God of Israel. Why is this comforting?

What is comforting about 16:35?

As this psalm provided comfort in Davids day and in the days of the return
from exile, so it brings comfort to us as well, for we too are chosen ones. All
who believe in Jesus are the elect of God. And He has done wondrous works
for us. Through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) He has passed over us sparing
us eternal death. He has rescued us and freed us in the waters of Baptism. He
has promised and actually is leading us to the Promised Land of heaven,
protecting us as we journey to it. Yahweh, who is known in the NT era as the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is the only true God, who created the world and
reigns over the nations. He is our God; He is in complete control. He is
delivering people from every tribe and nation and is bringing us back to
Himself.
7. Note that there were temporarily two sacred places (16:37-43). The ark was
in Jerusalem in the place David prepared for it. And the tabernacle (tent)
along with the altar for burnt offering was still in Gibeon. Therefore they had
two high priests, one for each place. The Chronicler is careful to note that the
burnt offerings were still made regularly every morning and evening as was
written in the Law and commanded by Yahweh. Later they would be brought
back together at temple.

Lesson 12
Text: Chr.17:1 - 14 Davids Desire to Build Gods House; Gods Promise to
Build Davids House
Parallel text: 17:1-15 2 Sam. 7:1-17

1. The parallel account and source for chapter 17 comes from 2 Samuel 7.
2. The ark of God was now in Jerusalem. Where did David put it once it was
there (17:1b)?

Where did David reside (17:1)?

So the King of the universe lived in a tent and the king of Israel lived in a
luxurious building, a royal palace. This didnt seem right to David. This didnt
show Yahweh the honor and respect that He deserved.
What was David implying he wanted to do?

3. Who did David speak to about this (17:2)?

This is the first time that Nathan is mentioned. As a prophet, he was a

spokesman for God. God tells His prophets what to say and what to
communicate to people and the prophet speaks it. (The Scriptures are Gods
prophetic word. He told the prophets what to write and they recorded it. So
we treat the Scriptures as Gods word because thats what they are! For
matters in faith and life, we therefore go to Gods word to see what He says
and what He wills.)
What was Nathans response to Davids idea (17:2)?

4. Reading 17:3-6, did Nathans response come from God? Was this what God
wanted David to do?

In verses 7 14, who and what is the main focus on?

What does Yahweh say He has done and will do?

17:7 .

17:8a .

17:8b .

17:9a .

17:10 .

17:10b .

17:11b .

17:12b .

17:13a .

17:13b .

17:14 .

This is how it is in history. God is the main Actor and Doer. We are but minor
actors who play a small supporting role. What is important in Scripture is
what God is doing and saying.
5. Here in the OT, the words of 17:12-14 apply to Solomon, Davids son. But who
does the NT apply these words to (see Mk. 1:11; Luke 1:32-22; Heb. 1:5)?

In 7:12a God says, 12He shall build a house for me. The house that
Solomon would build, even though magnificent, would only be temporary.
Later Jesus would become the new and everlasting temple of God. God would

dwell (tabernacle, tent) among us in His Son Jesus (Jn. 1:14) and the fullness
of God would dwell bodily in Jesus (Col 1:19; 2:9).
6. Look at 2 Sam. 7:14 in comparison to the Chronicles text. The Chronicler
leaves out the reference to I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the
stripes of the sons of men. This is part of His idealization of Solomon,
portraying him as a Messianic figure. The Messiah, who Solomon represents
and who would save His people and bring them peace, would be fully
obedient. He would not need to be disciplined or flogged for wrong doing.
Jesus was fully obedient, obedient even unto death on a cross.
7. 7:14 corresponds with 2 Sam. 7:16. Notice that the Chronicler changes the
pronouns from your to my. This changes the emphasis from being on
Davids kingdom to being on Gods kingdom. The Chronicler is concerned
about theocracy (Gods rule). God is the true King.
The returning exiles should always remember this. Even if they have no
earthly king (which, as it turned out, they would not have in the future),
Yahweh was their King. So they need to look to Him for help and obey His
commands.
This is true for the Israel of God today, the church. God the Father is our
King. We look to Him for help and seek to obey Him.

Lesson 13
Text: Chr.17:15 - 27 Davids Prayer in Response Gods Promise to Build
Davids House
Parallel text: 17:16-27 2 Sam. 7:18-29

1. All of this, concerning Gods house and Davids house, God told to Nathan in a
vision. What did Nathan then do (17:16)?

What was Davids response to Gods word (17:16-27)?

Notice again here that David takes on the role of the priest. When he sat
before the LORD, he sat before the ark. Only the high priest had access to
Gods royal throne and that was only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
But here David has access. He is a king-priest and is representative of the
coming King-Priest, Jesus. In the gospels Jesus, Gods Son, had access to the
Father and He would regularly go to the Father in prayer. Even today He is in
the Fathers presence and He intercedes for us.
Since David represents the Messianic King-Priest who has complete access to
God, the exiles should look to the Messiah who can speak to God for them.
2. Scanning over Davids prayer to Yahweh in 17:16-27, how does David refer to
himself?

This is the posture for Christian prayer. We are but humble servants who are
graciously privileged to sit before and communicate with the Great King
through Jesus.
3. David begins his prayer (17:16b-19) in a humble fashion, recognizing that it is
Yahweh who has made him king and that it is Yahweh who has made
promises about the future of his house. The returning exiles then should
also approach Yahweh humbly and recognize that what has happened to
them has been under Gods control and their future is certain because this
same God has promised that Davids royal dynasty would never end. It may
not look good now but God has given His word and he will uphold it. We as
Christians should do the same. Approach God humbly; recognize that God has
been with us in the good and the bad; recognize that Jesus is the eternal
Davidic King; and look with confidence in the future because He has promised

to lead us safely to the eternal Promised Land. And if He promised it, its as
good as done.
4. In 17:20-22 David speaks of Gods greatness based upon what he has done in
the past. What event is David referring to? What happened in this event?

The exiles should know that they are still Gods special people. And they
should see that if Yahweh redeemed them from Egypt, then He can provide
an exodus for them from Babylon. They are still His people and He should still
be their God. They need to trust in Him.
As Christians, this applies to us as well. The only true God has redeemed us
through the blood of our Passover Lamb, Jesus and through the waters of
Baptism. He has driven out our enemies (sin, death, and the devil) giving us a
place in His kingdom. In doing all of this for us, He has made us His people
and He has become our God, the One we look to in all situations.
5. In the rest of the prayer (17:23-27), David looks forward in the light of the
past and of Yahwehs promise. Because of all that Yahweh has done in the
past David can look to the future with confidence, knowing that God can carry
out what He has promised. It is the same for the returning exiles and for us.
Based on Gods past actions, we and they can be confident that God will keep
his promises
In this part of the prayer David speaks boldly. Yahweh had made a promise
and David holds God to that promise. He has promised to establish Davids
house forever, so David asks God to do it. For what purpose or result does
David say that God should keep His promise (7:24)?

We and the returning exiles should be bold in prayer. If God has made a
promise, hold Him to it. Even though they and we do not deserve it,
nevertheless, He has promised it and we gladly receive what he offers. And
we pray that in keeping His promises, Gods name will be glorified for his
gracious and powerful acts.
6. Notice how David speaks in the last verse (27) of his prayer. He switches to
the past tense. He now speaks as if Gods promises have already been
accomplished. In Davids mind, since God has given His word, its as good as
done. And that is the power of Gods Word. His Word has the power to do

what it says. If He has promised it, it will happen. Period. No one can stop
Him. Davids kingdom will last and be blessed forever. Amen!
In the fullness of time God did establish a King on Davids throne who would
rule forever. Jesus is that King and He now rules with God the Father and He
will rule forever for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. All glory and
honor to Him now and forever. Amen!

Lesson 14
Text: Chr.18 20 David, Ruler of an Empire
Parallel texts:
18:1-13 2 Sam. 8:1-14
18:14-17 2 Sam. 8:15-18
19:1-19 2 Sam. 10:1-19
20:1-3 2 Sam. 11:1; 12:29-31
20:4-8 2 Sam. 21:15-22
1. In chapter 17 David was told that he would not be allowed to build Gods
house, the temple. The role that God had for David would be to make all the
preparations for building the temple. One thing that was necessary for the
building of the temple would be peace in the land. In order for Solomon to put
his full attention on building the temple, he would need peace with the
neighboring countries. If he were constantly at war with his enemies (as
happened during the period of the Judges) he would be preoccupied with
fighting rather than with building. So one of the major tasks that God had for
David was to defeat and subdue their enemies, thereby bringing peace.
2. Chapter 18 begins a section on Davids military victories. 1 Chr. 18:1-13 is
based on 2 Sam. 8:1-14. 18:1-13 lists some of the nations that David
defeated. List them.

18:1 .
18:2 .
18:3 .
18:5 .
18:11 .

How was David able to defeat these enemies (18:6b, 13b)?

There is an old saying that says, to the victor belongs the spoils. Who did
the spoils of these wars belong to? What did David do with the spoils of war
(18:7-8)?

David also received gifts of gold, silver, and bronze from kings who
appreciated his victories over their enemies. What did he do with them along
with the plunder from other defeated enemies (18:9-11)?

Davids victories over Israels enemies looks forward to Messiah who would
fight and defeat all of the enemies of Gods people. Jesus victories came not
through military victory but in a strange way. He defeated our enemies
through His death on the cross. On the cross Jesus crushed the head of the
Serpent, paid the punishment for the sins of the whole world, and defeated
death itself (as shown in His resurrection).
3. In between the list of military victories (18:1-13) and a longer description of
the battle against the Ammonites (19:1-19) is a short list of Davids officials
(18:14-17). The parallel account to these verses is 2 Sam. 8:15-18. 18:14
gives a short but important description of Davids rule. How is it described?

Again, this would be what was expected of Messiah. He would always do what
was right.
4. 19:1-20:3 gives a detailed example of Davids defeat of one of his enemiesthe Ammonites. The king of the Ammonites died and David wanted to show
kindness, sympathy, and honor to their king. So he sent a delegation to the
Ammonites to express his sympathy. The Ammonites became suspicious and
humiliated the delegation. Expecting retaliation from David, they hired a
foreign army to help protect them from Davids army. Davids army, led by
Joab and Abishai who trusted in Yahweh (19:13b), routed the Ammonites and
Syrians (19:14-20:3).
What was the result of Davids victories over the Ammonites (see 19:19b;
20:2-3)?

This episode started out with a delegation sent by David to show sympathy.
When the delegation was not accepted, it meant that the one that sent them
was not accepted. Jesus sent out his disciples and told them, "Whoever
receives you receives me, and(BJ) whoever receives me receives him who sent
me (Mt. 10:40). And earlier he told them, And if anyone will not receive you
or listen to your words,(S) shake off the dust from your feet when you leave
that house or town. 15Truly, I say to you,(T) it will be more bearable on the day
of judgment for(U) the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town (Mt.
10:14-15). The church is the delegation Jesus sends out. Those who receive
the church receive Jesus. Those who reject the church reject Jesus and
therefore face a harsh judgment.

5. The Philistines were one of Israels arch-enemies. Even though David

defeated them, on different occasions they kept rebelling. But each rebellion
was put down. They were never successful against David and his men (20:48).
Even though Jesus has defeated our enemies, our enemies continue to rebel
and inflict harm. But as long as Christ is our King, they will not be successful.
He will continue to subdue them.

Lesson 15
Text: Chr. 21 Purchase of Building Site after the Census and Preparations
for Building the Temple
Parallel text: 21:1-26 2 Sam. 24:1-25
1. To this point in Chronicles, the author has said little negative about David
because he is using David as a Messianic type. But in chapter 21, he includes
an act of David that displeased Yahweh. If the Chronicler has been careful not
to include negative events in Davids life, why did he include this one? We will
answer this question later, but as you read the text, keep in mind the main
point and theme of the Chronicler the temple and true worship.
2. According to 21:1b-2, what did David decide to do and who did he ask to
carry it out?

Who prompted David to do this (21:1a)?

What did Joab think of the idea of taking a census (21:3-4, 6)?

How did God feel about the command to take a census and as a result what
did he do (21:7)?

3. What was so bad about taking a census? Scripture records many times when
a census was taken in Israel. Apparently it was evil because of Davids
purpose in counting the people. What was it that Joab later reported to David
(21:5)? What apparently did David want to know?

Preceding this chapter, in chapters 18-20, we see how successful Davids

army was. They defeated all their enemies. It seems that David may have
attributed their victories, at least partially, to their large numbers. Yet it was
not the size or power of the army that caused them to be victorious, it was
because Yahweh was with them, fought for them, and gave them victory.
David was taking the glory due to Yahweh and taking it for himself based on
his armys size and power. So Satan prompted David to trust in himself and
his army rather than in Yahweh.

4. What did God do as a result of this sin (21:7b)?

How did David react to the punishment (21:8)?

Even though David confessed and asked for forgiveness, there were
consequences for his sin. Through the prophet Gad, God gave David three
choices for his punishment (21:11-12). What were the three punishments?
And which one did David chose (21:13)?

What happened next (21:14-16)?

Yahweh sent a plague that killed 70,000 Israelites. Then He sent an

angel to destroy Jerusalem. As the angel began to destroy Jerusalem,
Yahweh became grieved and He ordered the angel to stop.

Where was the angel at when he received the order to stop (21:15b)?

David then begged God to stop punishing Israel and Jerusalem because they
had not sinned. He was the one who sinned and deserved to be punished
(21:17). (The angel is called the angel of Yahweh (21:18a). Most scholars
believe this to be God Himself, the second person of the Trinity, the preincarnate Christ.) Then the angel of Yahweh ordered Gad to tell David to build
an altar at the threshing floor of Ornan (Araunah) the Jebusite. Gad told David
and David went to the site as he was told (21:18-19).
5. Next David bought the site from Ornan (Araunah), built an altar there, and
offered burnt offering and peace offerings on the altar(21:20-26). What
happened when David offered to buy the property from Ornan (21:22-25)?

How did Yahweh respond to the offerings (21:26b)?

On what other occasion did Yahweh send fire to consume offerings on the
altar (see Lev. 9:24)? What did it signify then and now?

For the returning exiles the message was clear. They need to rebuild the
temple and altar at this site, so that once again the fire of God will burn on
the altar consuming the sacrifices, showing Gods presence and acceptance
of His people.
The message for us is clear too. The Temple is most important and Jesus is
that Temple. Through Jesus God is present among us. Jesus is the Sacrifice
which was made for the sins of the people and brings fellowship back
between God and His People. The Father is well pleased with His Son, the
eternal Temple and Sacrifice. Through Him the Father accepts us.
What did Yahweh command the angel to do next (21:27)? Why do you think
he gave that command?

21:29 reminds us that the ark and the tabernacle were in two separate
places. The ark had been brought by David to Jerusalem and the tabernacle
and the altar of burnt offering were still at Gibeon. What did David intend to
do with this place that he had bought (22:1)?

The ark represented Gods presence. The altar represented the place where
Gods people could meet with Him, but only through substitutionary
atonement. Only when sin had been paid for could the sinner safely have
access to and meet with God. In the NT these two things are combined in
Jesus. Jesus is God in the flesh. Jesus is Gods presence among us. But since
we are sinful atonement must be made. Jesus provided atonement for us as
He shed His blood on the cross. As our substitute He paid the price for our sin
by sacrificing Himself for us. Because of what He has done we can safely
have access to and meet with God without fear. Jesus has taken Gods wrath
for us. For Jesus sake God has been gracious and merciful to us.
6. Back to the original question. Why did the Chronicler tell this story about
David even though it portrays him in a bad light?

Later Solomon would indeed build the temple at this site. While God would
dwell at this place for many years, it was still his temporary place of
residence. The site of the temple would later change. Luke tells us of this
change.
a. At the temple the priest would bless the people. Zechariah the priest
was prevented from blessing the people at the temple (Lk. 1:8-22)
because that would now be done at a new, permanent Temple.
b. At the temple one could see Gods presence by His glory-cloud. At the
Transfiguration Jesus showed Gods glory in Him to Peter, James, and
John (Lk. 9:28-36). Through Jesus God is present with His people.
c. The temple was the place where holy meals, which came from
sacrifices, were eaten in Gods presence. On the night before Jesus
sacrificed Himself on the cross, He gave His disciples His holy body and
blood to eat and drink (Lk. 22:14-30). We continue to eat this holy meal
in Jesus presence each Sunday.
d. At the inauguration of the temple God revealed His glory through
sacred fire on the altar. Jesus revealed His hidden glory to His Emmaus
disciples through His word and the breaking of bread (Lk. 24:13-35).
Through word and sacrament Jesus continues to make His glory known.
e. Again, at the temple the priest would bless the people with the Aaronic
blessing after the sacrifices had been made. Having completed His
sacrifice, Jesus blessed His disciples as He ascended into heaven (Lk.
24:50-53). Jesus continues to bless all those who put their faith in Him.
Jesus is the site of the new temple, the new place where people are blessed,
where God is present, and where holy meals are eaten in Gods presence.

Lesson 16
Text: Chr. 22 Davids Preparations for Building the Temple
1. While David could not build the temple, he was determined to prepare for it
(22:2-5). What kind of materials did he stockpile for the temple?

What did David think the temple for Yahweh should be like (22:5a)?

2. In Davids charge to Solomon to build the temple he explained why he was

not allowed to build the temple. Why did Yahweh not allow David to build the
temple (22:8)?

3. David encouraged Solomon to do two things. What were they (22:11-13)?

1)
2) .

The reason the people of Israel were taken into exile was because they
worshipped other gods and did not obey Yahwehs laws. The charge that
David gave to Solomon applies to the returnees as well.
Yet, we know from Israels history, from our own lives, and from Scripture that
no one can keep Gods laws perfectly as He requires. That is why He had to
send His only Son. Substituting for us, he kept Gods laws perfectly for us. He
did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He kept the righteous
requirements of the law.
4. What else did David provide for the temple (22:14-16)?

David also ordered the leaders of Israel to devote themselves completely to

Yahweh their God by beginning to build the temple (22:17-19).

Lesson 17
Text: Chr. 23 24 The Organization of Personnel for Temple Administration:
Levites and Priests.
1. David is doing whatever he can to advance the building of the temple. He has
provided security and peace for Israel (chs. 18-20). He has purchased the
building site for the temple (ch. 21). He has stockpiled materials and found
craftsmen (ch. 22). Now he anticipates another need (chs. 23-26). Once the
temple is built the administration of the temple will need to be organized to
ensure orderly and regular services. The descendants of Levi were in charge
of administering these services. In chapter 23 David begins the organization
of the Levites.
2. What was the total number of Levite men who were 30 or over (23:3)?

How did David divide them up (23:4-5)?

3. David first organized the Levites who were not of the priestly line of Aaron
who would work in temple. He divided them into three groups based on the
three sons of Levi (23:6-23). Each Levite could trace his descendants back to
one of these three groups.
4. The Levites began serving at the temple at the age of 30. But they had to
register for service at what age (23:24b, 27)?

David saw the role of the Levites as changing (23:25-32). Since Yahweh would
have a permanent residence in Jerusalem, the Levites would no longer need
to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service. What was to
be their new job (23:28, 32)?

What kinds of things were they in charge of (23:28-31a)?

David organized them so that they would have the proper number of people
serving at the proper time and in the proper way (23:31b).
5. In order to underscore the different roles that the priests had from the
Levites, the Chronicler now lists the priests (24:1-19). He will return shortly to
the other three groups of Levites.
6. The priests came from the line of Aaron and his two sons Eleazar and Ithamar
(24:1-2). There were two High Priests at the time of David, Zadok and
Ahimelech. Whose line did Zadok descend from and whose line did Ahimelech
descend from (24:3a)?

With the help of Zadok and Ahimelech, David divided the priests into
divisions for service at the temple (24:3-18). He divided them into 24
divisions. Since Eleazars line had more descendants, 16 divisions came from
the Eleazar line and 8 came from the Ithamar line. The order of their service
was determined by lot in front of the king and all the high officials and the
results were recorded.
Again the Chronicler records that the duty of the priests was to serve in the
house of Yahweh, following the procedures established by Aaron as Yahweh
had commanded him (24:19). The message to the returnees is that they too
must follow the divinely sanctioned procedures.
In the NT all believers are priests (sometimes called the priesthood of all
believers). All believers are to serve the Lord. We joyfully offer up ourselves,
our time, talents, and treasures to our God through Jesus.
7. The Chronicler now switches back to the Levites (24:20-31). This list
supplements the list in 24:7-23 by extending some of the lines mentioned
there.
He records that they too were divided by family and their service was also
determined by lot in front of king David and all the high officials (24:30b-31).

Lesson 18
Text: Chr. 25 The Organization of Personnel for Temple Administration:
Levitical Singers
1. Having finished with the first Levitical group, the assistants to the priests, the
Chronicler now turns to the next of the three Levitical groups that he had
mentioned starting in 23:4.
2. Three families were set apart to minister through music (25:1). Who were the
three families?

In 25:1, 2, 3 the Chronicler uses an interesting word to describe their ministry.

What is that word?

Who usually prophesied? And how did they do it?

What does this say about the temple music?

Note that Bach, the great church musician, found these verses of utmost
importance. He felt called to ministry through music and these verses
vindicated that calling because through his music he was prophesying,
proclaiming Gods word. Of this chapter, Bach noted, This chapter is the true
foundation for all God-pleasing church music. Church musicians have a
divinely given role in prophesying Gods word through music.
So we have worship personnel who prophesy through their singing. The
combining of these functions points us to the Messiah. The Messiah would be
a prophet, priest, and king. The returning exiles are to look forward to the
Messiah. Of course we know that Jesus was The prophet, who not only spoke
Gods word, but He also was Gods Word in the flesh. And Jesus was the Priest
who sacrificed Himself as the atoning Sacrifice for the sins of the world.
3. Who were these singing families under the supervision of (25:6b)?

So the lines between king and worship personnel are blurred. Again this
points to the Messiah who would rule as king and lead the congregation in
worship. The returning exiles should look for the king-priest.
Again this points forward to Jesus, the King who proclaimed that the kingdom
of God was at hand. But Jesus is also the lead Singer of the church. Zeph.
3:17 prophesied that Yahweh Himself would come in His peoples midst to
save them and He will exult over you with loud singing. Jesus, God in the
flesh, came among us to save us. And He came to sing praise to God in the
midst of the congregation (Heb. 2:12b). Jesus is not only the One who
proclaims the Father to us, but He praises the Father for us and leads us in
praising the Father. He is the true Praise Leader.
4. These musicians were trained and skilled in music for Yahweh (25:7). Our
church musicians should also be trained and skilled in their music. They
should know that their music is to be a proclamation of Gods word in song.
5. There were 288 musicians in all. How were they divided up (25:8-31)?

Lesson 19
Text: Chr. 26 The Organization of Personnel for Temple Administration:
Levitical Gatekeepers and also the Levitical Officials
1. Chapter 26 lists the two other groups of Levites that David organized, the
gatekeepers to the temple and treasuries (26:1-19, 20-28) and the officials
(26:29-32).
2. The gatekeepers were recruited from two different families. What were the
two families (26:1a, 10a, and 19)?

The name Obed-edom (26:4-5) should sound familiar. He was one of the
gatekeepers. What did he do earlier (see 13:12-14)?

All told, how many gatekeepers were there (26:8b, 9b, 11b)?

3. How was the service of the gatekeepers determined (26:12-13)?

4. Groups of gatekeepers were assigned to each gate and the storehouse

(26:14-18). The east gate was the main entrance to the temple and therefore
it had 6 guard posts, while the other gates had only 4 guards. The royal
palace was located south of the temple and it would have been the entrance
of the king. Obed-edom was afforded the honor of guarding the south gate.
5. The Levites were not only in charge of guarding the entrance to the temple
and the storehouses; they were also in charge of the temple treasuries
(25:20-28). The treasuries included the offerings of the people (for an
example of how it was handled see 2 Chr. 24:4-14) and valuable temple
equipment (see also 9:28-29). The treasuries also included the plunder from
wars taken by David and dedicated to Yahweh (26:27).
6. The last group of Levites addressed was the officials and judges (26:29-32).
They worked outside the temple. They worked in the various tribes. What
were they responsible for (26:30b, 32b)?

The affairs of church and state are usually kept separate in our form of
government. But Israel had a theocracy (God ruled). So when they served the
king, they were also serving God. The church and the state were one in the
same for them.
Just as David helped the cause of building a temple by subduing their
enemies and providing a climate of peace, so David also provided for internal
harmony and order through these officials and judges.

Lesson 20
Text: Chr. 27 The Organization of Personnel Outside the Temple
1. Chapter 27 tells how David organized other areas of the kingdom outside the
temple. David would hand over to Solomon a kingdom that would allow for
the building of the temple to proceed smoothly. Chapter 27 tells us that David
created a well organized army, capable of warding off foreign invasions (27:115); he appointed local government officials who were responsible to the king
(27:16-24); he appointed 12 stewards who were responsible for supervising
the income and livestock of the king (27:25-31); and he created a small
advisory council to assist the king in administration (27:32-34).
2. The names of the 12 divisional officers (27:2-15) appear, with slight
variations, on the list of Davids mighty men (see 11:10-47, also see 2 Sam.
23:8-39). Those that served David while he fled from Saul became
commanders in Davids army. Each commanded a division and each division
went on active duty one month out of the year (27:1). Note that it says that
each division was made up of 24,000 soldiers. The word for 1,000 is
actually a military term, which means a commander of a unit. A unit was
generally 1000 soldiers. So it could mean there were 24,000 soldiers or it
could mean that each commander commanded 24 military units. In either
case, each person commanded the same number of units or men.
3. In the leaders of the tribes (27:16-24) the Chronicler lists the twelve tribes.
Included in the twelve were Aaron (High Priests) and the two half-tribes of
Manasseh. To keep the number of twelve (representing all of Israel), the
Chronicler left out Gad and Asher.
In 27:23-24 the Chronicler references the ill advised census (ch. 21) and the
wrath of God that came as a result. Therefore the numbers for each tribe
were never entered officially into the books.
4. The storehouses, fields, vineyards, etc. were those that belonged to the king
(27:25-31). David appointed individuals to watch over everything he owned.
Therefore David was able to finance his royal court without taxation by using
his vast properties and livestock, the plunder from wars, and the tribute paid
by subjugated kingdoms.
5. 27:32-34 lists the members of Davids inner circle who he looked to for
advice.

Lesson 21
Text: Chr. 28 Davids Successor Presented and Building of Temple
Committed to Solomon
1. David is now old and has done everything he can to prepare for the building
of the temple (chs. 11-22) and for the administration of the temple and the
kingdom (chs. 23-27). Who did David assemble in Jerusalem (28:1)?

In the final two chapters of 1 Chronicles, everything David did to promote the
building of the temple comes to a climax when he: 1) presented Solomon as
the one God had chosen to succeed him and build the temple (28:1-8), 2)
entrusted Solomon with the task of building the temple (28:9-21), 3) supplied
additional funding for the project (29:1-9), 4) led the congregation in prayer
asking for Gods blessings on them (29:10-22a), and 5) made this event a
coronation ceremony in which the leaders pledged their support for Solomon,
the future temple builder (29:22b-25).
2. Having gathered together the leaders of Israel, David spoke to them, laying
the foundation for what he is about to do. He relayed the story of how he
wanted to build a temple for Yahweh, but how Yahweh would not let him
because he was a man of war who shed blood (28:2-3). He then told them
that Yahweh had chosen him to be king over all of Israel and now Yahweh had
chosen Solomon to be king over Yahwehs kingdom (28:4-5). And Yahweh had
also chosen Solomon to be the one who would build the temple (28:6). He
said that Solomons kingship would continue on as long as he obeyed
Yahwehs commands and that their possession of the land was also
dependent on their obedient response to Yahweh (28:7-8).
The Chroniclers message to the returning exiles was that just as the kingship
and possession of the land were dependent on the obedience of faith, so they
too must live in obedience to Gods word. Yet, we know that it is impossible
for sinful people to be completely obedient to Gods word. And so, we must
look to Jesus, the only One who was perfectly obedient to all of Gods word.
He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He lived a perfect life in our
stead. So then when God looks at us He sees Jesus because we have become
one with Him by faith.
3. David then turned to Solomon in front of everyone gathered and spoke to him
(28:9-10). What did David tell Solomon to do (28:9a)? And how was he to do
it (28:9a)?

To know someone in scripture is to have a very close relationship with

them, as a husband and wife know each other. To serve someone is to put
the other person and his wants and needs first. Solomon was to have a close
relationship with Yahweh and he was to listen to Him and to do whatever
Yahweh asked of him and do it with complete devotion. In a relationship with
Yahweh there are two polar opposites and nothing in between. He (and the
exiles and we) can either be with Yahweh knowing and serving Him or he (and
the exiles and we) can forsake Him and be cast off from His presence forever
(28:9b).
David once again told Solomon that he had been chosen by Yahweh to build
this house (28:10). To be chosen by Yahweh is a special privilege. He must do
it without hesitation.
4. Next, what did David give to Solomon (28:11-19)?

Where did these plans come from (28:19)?

This is reminiscent of Moses, when Yahweh gave him the plans for the
tabernacle. David was a new Moses. As Moses had received the plans for the
tabernacle and its services, so David received the plans for the temple and a
new addition to the services. To the existing services God added the use of
music in conjunction with the sacrifices. This was not just an idea that David
had. The use of musical instruments and singing choirs came from Yahweh
Himself. It was divinely instituted.
This is one of the reasons that music and songs and choirs play an important
role in our services. Music in worship is divinely ordained by God Himself.
Through David God added music to the divine service of the OT. And since the
OT divine service provides the pattern for the NT Divine Service, we use
music too knowing that it is God pleasing. We also know that songs are
acceptable to God by the glimpses into heaven He has given to us. In Isaiah
and Revelation we see angels constantly praising God by singing Holy, holy,
holy to God. The primary focus of our singing is on God and what He has
graciously done for us.
5. In Davids last word to Solomon (28:20-21), David encouraged Solomon to
build the temple. He need not be afraid because Yahweh was with him and
Yahweh would never leave or forsake him. The priests and Levites are ready

for service. Skilled men are ready to work. And he is over all of the appointed
officers and the people.
Like Solomon, the returning exiles need not be afraid for Yahweh is with them
and is in control. It was Yahweh who caused the Persian king Cyrus to give the
decree that the Israelites should return and rebuild their temple (2 Chr. 36:2223; Ezra 1:1-4). He is with them and will help them rebuild the temple. He will
not leave them or forsake them.
The same is true for us. God is with us in Christ (after all Christ is Immanuel,
God with us) and He is in control. No matter what happens in our lives,
whether good or bad, God has promised to be with us, to never leave us or
forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

Lesson 22
Text: Chr. 29 The Last Things of David: Temple Offerings, Davids Prayer,
Solomon Anointed King, and the Death of David
Parallel text: 29:21-25 1 Kings 1:28-53
29:26-28 1 Kings 2:10-12
1. David then turned back to those assembled and spoke to them (29:1-5). What
was the great work that had been set before Solomon his young son (29:1)?

As King, David had already provided large amounts of precious metals and
stones for it (29:2). At this time what else did David provide for Yahwehs
house (29:3-5b)?

If you have a Bible that provides footnotes on these amounts, how large of
quantities did David donate?

What did David ask of the people (29:5)?

What was their response (29:6-9)?

Giving to the Lord, whether done at the time of David, the time of exile, or
now, should be done out of thanksgiving for all that God has done. And it
should be done joyously. God loves a cheerful giver.
2. What did David do next (29:10-19)?

Again David the king takes on a priestly act. He is presented as a Messianic

figure. How did his prayer begin (29:10-13)?

David then spoke humbly of himself and the people of Israel. He recognized
that everything that has been donated for Yahwehs house had come from
Yahweh. He spoke of how Yahweh loved the offerings given because they
were given freely and joyously. He asked that Yahweh continue to direct the
hearts of the people and of Solomon toward Himself, and that in response to
all that Yahweh has done for them, they might respond with obedience to
Gods commands and statutes and build the palace for His holy name.
The people returning from exile must do the same. They must look to
Yahweh. He is over all things. He rules all people. He caused Persian king
Cyrus to allow them to return to rebuild the temple. They should respond to
Gods grace by freely and joyously rebuilding the temple and by obeying
Gods commands.
Like David, Jesus prayed frequently and regularly. In John 17 Jesus prayed for
His disciples and all believers. He prayed for all those who had been given to
Him, that they might remain one with the Father and Son and be protected
from the world. We too have a King/Priest who prays for us and who is
concerned that we know God and make Him known to the world.
3. What was the peoples response to Davids prayer and invitation to bless the
Yahweh (29:20-22a)?

This is the response of all those who recognize who the true God is and what
He has done (whether at the time of David, the exile, or now). They bow
down in reverence and awe. They receive the forgiveness made available by
substitutionary sacrifice. They have a fellowship meal in the presence of
Yahweh. This is in essence the Service of the Sacrament that we celebrate
each Sunday.
4. In todays day, what reporter covering the inauguration of the president of
the United States would give more space to the inauguration prayer than to
the inauguration itself? But that is what the Chronicler does. The Chronicler
gives the anointing of Solomon as king only a couple of verses (29:22b-25),
showing that what is important to him is not secular but religious.
The picture painted by the Chronicler of Solomon becoming king is one where
he takes office with no struggle and immediately all of Israel and all of its
leaders pledge their allegiance to him. Skimming over 1 Kings 1 4,
summarize how it says that Solomons reign began.

(1 Kings 1:1-27).

(1 Kings 1:28-53).

(1 Kings 2:1-12).

(1 Kings 2:13-46).

(1 Kings 3:1-28).

(1 Kings 4:1-19).

(1 Kings 4:20-34).

The picture in 1 Kings of the beginning of Solomons reign is much different.

The Chronicler skipped over all of the political intrigue that occurred with
Adonijah and went directly to 1 Kings 4 where Solomon was firmly established
as king and the people were happy and he had the full support of everyone.
Remember, the Chronicler uses both David and Solomon as messianic type
figures, so he wants them seen in ways that the Messiah would be seen.
6. Lastly, the Chronicler reports that David died after he had ruled for 40 years
(1 Chr. 29:26-29). 2 Chronicles will continue with Solomons reign.