Today, we continue our journey through the Bible with today’s study of 1 Chronicles. May we remember to ask God to show us what He wants us to learn? Psalm 19:14; “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”
As we study the Bible alone or in a group setting, I think there are several questions we can ask ourselves to help us dig deeper. So, here the five questions I like to ask myself:
- What does the scripture say about God?
- Then what does the scripture say about me?
- Does something in this passage challenge me?
- What gives me hope in this passage?
- Is anything unclear to me?
I hope these questions help you as much as they help me.
1 Chronicles
Author: Esra, according to Jewish tradition
Audience: The exiles who returned from captivity
Date Written: about 430 B.C
Length: 29 Chapters
Key Words: The sovereignty of God
Key Verses: “And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel” (14:2)
Key People: David
Summary of 1 Chronicles:
1 Chronicles is occupied from beginning to end with magnifying God and giving Him His proper place in Israel. And, that He is still their “Sovereign Lord.” Despite the amount of sin by the people, God remains as their sitting King. Furthermore, in the books of Samuel and Kings, we find the details of Israel’s history. But, within these chapters, we find Israel’s history as seen from heaven’s viewpoint. Additionally, the author displays those facts with divine words and thoughts from a sacred point of view.
In the book of Samuel, two whole chapters are devoted to David’s great sin. But, in 1 Chronicles, we find no mention of it. And, this goes along with God’s character, which shows us that when He forgives us, He forgets the sin. Also, in our previous study of the Samuel and Kings, these books looked at the history of both Kingdoms. Whereas 1 Chronicles focuses on the history of Judah.
Sections of the Book:
The book of 1 Chronicles has four sections which are:
- The genealogies (Chap 1-9).
- Saul (Chap 10).
- David (Chap 11-20)
- The Temple (Chap 21-end)
Messages in 1 Chronicles:
The book of Chronicles is a journey through the entire Old Testament to show the people of the time that the story is not over. Additionally, the book’s message has a pastoral feel. And, it brings comfort and hopes to the next generation of God’s people who were tempted to despair or apathy.
This same message is for us today, also. But, our story is not over either. So, when we feel despair at the plight of our world, we can look to the entire Bible for our hope.
We also see God’s characteristics displayed in the following ways in the book. God is:
- Glorious – 16:24
- Holy – 16:10
- Merciful – 16:34
- Powerful – 29:11, 12
- A promise keeper – 17:23, 26
- Provident – 29:12
- Unified – 17:20
- Wise – 28:9
Final thoughts:
God’s covenant with David promised him an eternal dynasty: “I will set up your seed after you, who will be of our sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son” (17:11-13). And, as a fulfillment of this promise. Solomon built the temple for the Lord. The final completion of this covenant will come with the establishment of the eternal kingdom of Christ the Messiah, a direct descendant of David.
Lessons from the Bible
Each book of the Bible contains lessons for us to learn and historical information. So, we need to study God’s Word to see what to do and what not to do in life. And, Paul reminds us of the importance of the words within the text in 2 Timothy 3.
2 Timothy 3:14-17; “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Prayer
Grant me the understanding and knowledge of You and Your word. As I open my Bible to read the scriptures, it gives me wisdom and discernment. And even as I sit and listen to the pastor, preacher or apostle reveal what Your Holy Book is speaking into my life, help me see and understand. Help me know Jesus Christ and how He lived His life so that I can follow in His precious footsteps.
Amen. Scripture has been given to us by God. We can learn valuable lessons and learn about history, while strengthening our faith and relationship with God.
Amen Melissa. It is an important part of our faith life. Blessings
You make an absolutely excellent point — “Each book of the Bible contains lessons for us to learn and historical information. So, we need to study God’s Word to see what to do and what not to do in life.” 1 Chronicles has SO many good nuggets of wisdom, and yours is a great breakdown of the book. Thank you, Yvonne! You are a blessing.
Thanks so much Jessica. I really appreciate you. Blessings
Always so many great insights in your summary studies Ms. Yvonne. Amen my friend; let us hope in Him. I loved your ending with 2 Tim 3:14-17. I was recalling that very scripture last evening at our AWANA awards ceremony. I was so proud to see so many young people who hid so much godly treasure in their hearts this year.
I am glad to hear that people still treasure up verses. I know they help me often. Thanks JD and God bless
Another helpful summary. First Chronicles is a book that’s easy to skip or merely skim because of the apparent repetition from 1 Kings. But as you noted, it is important for both its different perspective and for what it doesn’t include as much as for what it does include.
Thanks Ava. I think the first chapter listing all the geology makes it difficult too. Blessings
I love these two books. Great post, Yvonne! There’s so much information to examine. The fact that we learn here that when God forgives us, He forgets our sin is such an encouragement. I LOVE the graphic you used here. It is so helpful!
Thanks Melinda. The graphics come from the The Bible Project. They do one for every book of the Bible. They are so cool. Blessings
I love reading both Kings and Chronicles. While the time frames overlap, I get a more complete picture by reading both sets of books.
I agree Linda. These books together give us a more full picture. Thanks and blessings
I am currently reading 2 Chronicles and have learned so much this time through. Such a beautiful book. I love your questions for digging deeper.
Thanks. Those questions have helped me a lot. Blessings
I may comment twice on accident. I am reading through 2 Chronicles and have learned so much this time through. Love your questions for digging deeper.
Thanks so much Jen. Blessings
Always enjoy these, Yvonne. I pray I would also live my life “magnifying God and giving Him His proper place.”
Thanks Karen. I appreciate you very much. God bless.
My Bible reading plan just had me finish 1 Chronicles the other day. Thanks for breaking it down into an understandable format to see how God is at work.
I am glad God’s timing is so perfect. Thanks Joanna and God bless.