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History · Old Testament · 29 chapters

The book of 1 Chronicles

David, the ark and the preparation of the temple

Author
Ezra according to Jewish tradition (the “Chronicler”)
Written
After the return from exile, probably around 450–400 BC
Time covered
From the genealogies of Adam to the return from exile; the narrative covers mainly David’s reign (around 1010–970 BC)
Key word
Worship

The book opens with nine chapters of genealogies, from Adam to the returned exiles, stressing Judah, David’s tribe, and Levi, the tribe of worship. The narrative begins with the death of Saul, punished for his unfaithfulness. All Israel establishes David as king; he takes Jerusalem, surrounded by his mighty men. After Uzzah’s failure, the ark comes up with joy, carried by the Levites, and David organizes the praise. God promises him an eternal house. After his victories and the census, David chooses the site of the temple, gathers the materials, organizes the priests, Levites and singers, then hands the plan of the temple to Solomon.

Main theme

For the people returned from exile, God reminds them that he has not forgotten his covenant: he chose David and his line, and he wants to dwell among a people who seek him and worship him according to his Word.

Outline

  1. 1 Chronicles 1-9 — The genealogies of God’s people

    From Adam to the returned exiles, with an emphasis on Judah, David’s line, and on Levi.

  2. 1 Chronicles 10-12 — David becomes king

    The death of Saul, David’s anointing at Hebron, the capture of Jerusalem and the mighty men.

  3. 1 Chronicles 13-16 — The ark in Jerusalem

    Uzzah’s failure, then the bringing up of the ark according to the Law and the organization of praise.

  4. 1 Chronicles 17-21 — The covenant and the victories

    The promise of the eternal dynasty, David’s wars, then the census and Ornan’s threshing floor.

  5. 1 Chronicles 22-29 — Preparing the temple

    Materials, divisions of priests and Levites, the plan handed to Solomon and David’s final prayer.

Key points

  • The genealogies link Israel to Adam and highlight Judah, David’s tribe, and Levi, the tribe of worship (1:1; 2:1-15; 6:31-33).
  • Jabez’s prayer shows that God hears the one who calls on him, even in the middle of a list of names (4:10).
  • Saul dies because he did not enquire of the LORD; God transfers the kingship to David (10:13-14).
  • After Uzzah’s death, David has the ark carried by the Levites, according to the Law of Moses (15:2, 13-15).
  • David organizes permanent praise before the ark, with Asaph and the singers (16:4-7, 37).
  • God promises David a son whose throne will be established forever (17:11-14).
  • Ornan’s threshing floor, where God answers by fire, becomes the site of the temple (21:26; 22:1).
  • David prepares the materials, the plan and the organization of the temple, and gives generously from his own wealth (22:14; 28:11-12; 29:3-4).
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
1 Chronicles 4:10 — Jabez’s prayer: asking God for his blessing and protection, and being answered.
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 — The refrain of Israel’s praise, at the heart of the worship David organized.
And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.
1 Chronicles 17:11–12 — The promise of a son of David with an eternal throne, the foundation of messianic hope.

Jesus in 1 Chronicles

The genealogies, from Adam to David and then to Zerubbabel, prepare the way for those of Jesus (Matt 1; Luke 3:38). The promise of a son of David whom God will establish “in mine house and in my kingdom for ever” (17:14) is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David and the Son of God. Even the twenty-four divisions of priests reappear in the Gospel: Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, served in the division of Abijah (Luke 1:5).

Did you know?

  • The psalm sung when the ark arrived (16:8-36) draws on passages from Psalms 105, 96 and 106.
  • The Chronicler mentions neither David’s adultery with Bathsheba nor Absalom’s revolt: his aim is to present David as the model of the worshiping king.
  • The book cites its sources: the writings of Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet and Gad the prophet (29:29).

Quiz on 1 Chronicles

Which name do the genealogies of 1 Chronicles begin with?

According to the Chronicler, for what sin did the LORD put Saul to death?

Which prophet delivers to David the promise of a house and a throne established forever?

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