1 Chronicles “ ” “David Sets the Temple and Nation in Order for Solomon ”

25 So David gave Araunah 600 pieces of gold in payment for the threshing floor. 26 David built an altar there to YaHWeH and sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. And when David prayed, YaHWeH answered him by sending fire from heaven to burn up the offering on the altar. 27 Then YaHWeH spoke to the angel, who put the sword back into its sheath. 1 Chronicles 21

28 When David saw that YaHWeH had answered his prayer, he offered sacrifices there at Araunah’s threshing floor. 29 At that time the Tabernacle of YaHWeH and the altar of burnt offering that Moses had made in the wilderness were located at the place of worship in Gibeon. 30 But David was not able to go there to inquire of God, because he was terrified by the drawn sword of the angel of YaHWeH. 1 Chronicles 21

Then David said, “This will be the location for the Temple of YaHWeH God and the place of the altar for Israel’s burnt offerings!” “So David bought ‘the site’ – hammaqom, which may have included the whole area of Mount Moriah – for 240 ounces of gold. This was worth about one hundred thousand dollars. Second Samuel 24:24 notes a much smaller amount, 20 ounces of silver, for the threshing floor itself.” (J. Barton Payne) 1 Chronicles 22:1

1 YaHWeH, remember David and all that he suffered. 2 He made a solemn promise to YaHWeH. He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel, 3 “I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. 4 I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber 5 until I find a place to build a house for YaHWeH, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.” Psalm 132 (NLT)

5 David said, “My son Solomon is still young and inexperienced. And since the Temple to be built for YaHWeH must be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world, I will begin making preparations for it now.” So David collected vast amounts of building materials before his death. 1 Chronicles 22

8 “But YaHWeH said to me… 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’ 1 Chronicles 22

24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her; and she gave birth to a son, and he named him Solomon. Now YaHWeH loved him 25 and sent word through Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah (Beloved of Y’ah) for YaHWeH’ S sake. 2 Samuel 12:24–25 (NASB95)

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in YaHWeH, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19–22 (NKJV)

12 And may YaHWeH give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of YaHWeH your God as you rule over Israel. 13 For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that YaHWeH gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart! 1 Chronicles 22

1 My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, 2 for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions. 3 For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child. 4 My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Proverbs 4:1–9 (NLT)

Now begin the work, and may YaHWeH be with you!” 17 Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon in this project. 18 “YaHWeH your God is with you,” he declared… 19 Now seek YaHWeH your God with all your heart and soul. Build the sanctuary of YaHWeH God so that you can bring the Ark of YaHWeH’s Covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor YaHWeH’s name.” 1 Chronicles 22

When David was an old man, he appointed his son Solomon to be king over Israel. After David appointed Solomon as his co-regent in 973 B.C., he began the preparations the writer described here. Tom Constable “Not that he did resign the kingdom to him, but that he declared his mind concerning his succession into the throne after his death.” (Poole) 1 Chronicles 23:1 (NLT)

1 Then YaHWeH spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 2 “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the children of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ house, 3 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting. Numbers 4:1–3 (NKJV)

The Levites over thirty years of age numbered 38,000. The majority of these Levites were charged with oversight of the house of God. Others served as officers and judges, gatekeepers, and musicians. The tribe of Levi consisted of three clans: the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites. David organized these Levites into twenty-four “houses”. In the days of Moses the primary work of the Levites was the transportation of the tabernacle. James E. Smith

13 The sons of Amram were Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart to dedicate the most holy things, to offer sacrifices in YaHWeH’s presence, to serve (“minister to”) YaHWeH, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever. 14 As for Moses, the man of God, his sons were included with the tribe of Levi. 1 chronicles 23

9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF G OD ; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 1 Peter 2:9–10 (NASB95)

For we are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared long ago to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:10 (ISV)

Each had to be twenty years old or older to qualify for service in the house of YaHWeH. 25 For David said, “YaHWeH, the God of Israel, has given us peace, and He will always live in Jerusalem. 26 Now the Levites will no longer need to carry the Tabernacle and its furnishings from place to place.” 27 In accordance with David’s final instructions, all the Levites twenty years old or older were registered for service. 1 Chronicles 23

28 The work of the Levites was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, as they served at the house of YaHWeH… 30 And each morning and evening they stood before YaHWeH to sing songs of thanks and praise to Him. 31 They assisted with the burnt offerings that were presented to YaHWeH on Sabbath days, at new moon celebrations, and at all the appointed festivals… 32 And so, under the supervision of the priests, the Levites watched over the Tabernacle and the Temple and faithfully carried out their duties of service at the house of YaHWeH. 1 Chronicles 23

“…according to the command of David and of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for the command was from YaHWeH through His prophets.” “Guided by the prophets, the king exercised his administrative genius to establish a system of procedures that helped maintain legitimate worship under his successors.” (Payne) 2 Chronicles 29:25 (NASB95)

1 This is how Aaron’s descendants, the priests, were divided into groups for service. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and they had no sons. So only Eleazar and Ithamar were left to carry on as priests. 3 With the help of Zadok, who was a descendant of Eleazar, and of Ahimelech, who was a descendant of Ithamar, David divided Aaron’s descendants into groups according to their various duties. 1 Chronicles 24

David organized the priests into 24 groups each of which served for one week at a time (2 Chron. 23:8). Zadok and Ahimelech served as high priests. Ahimelech, a descendant of Eli, served at the Jerusalem tent David had erected for the ark until Zadok replaced him. Zadok originally oversaw the sanctuary at Gibeon until David brought him into Jerusalem to take Ahimelech’s place. Dr. Tom Constable

31 The time is coming when I will put an end to your family, so it will no longer serve as my priests. All the members of your family will die before their time. None will reach old age… 33 The few not cut off from serving at my altar will survive, but only so their eyes can go blind and their hearts break, and their children will die a violent death. 34 And to prove that what I have said will come true, I will cause your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, to die on the same day! 1 Samuel 2:27–34

26 And to Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to Anathoth, to your own fields, for you are deserving of death; but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of YaHWeH G OD before my father David…” 27 So Solomon removed Abiathar from being priest to YaHWeH, that he might fulfill the word of YaHWeH which He spoke concerning the house of Eli at Shiloh. 1 Kings 2:26–27 (NKJV)

31 Like the descendants of Aaron, they were assigned to their duties by means of sacred lots, without regard to age or rank. Lots were drawn in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the family leaders of the priests and the Levites. 1 Chronicles 24

8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. 9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. Luke 1:5–10 (NLT)

David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. 1 Chronicles 25:1

1 Behold, bless YaHWeH, all servants of YaHWeH, Who serve by night in the house of YaHWeH! 2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary And bless YaHWeH. 3 May YaHWeH bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth. Psalm 134:1–3 (NASB95)

6 All these men were under the direction of their fathers as they made music at the house of YaHWeH. Their responsibilities included the playing of cymbals, harps, and lyres at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman reported directly to the king. 7 They and their families were all trained in making music before YaHWeH, and each of them—288 in all—was an accomplished musician. 1 Chronicles 25

23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen 25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:23–26 (NASB95)

1 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were ministering to YaHWeH and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:1–3 (NASB95)

These are the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites… Psalm 84:10 (NKJV) For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 1 Chronicles 26:1

13 They were assigned by families for guard duty at the various gates, without regard to age or training, for it was all decided by means of sacred lots… 20 Other Levites, led by Ahijah, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to YaHWeH… 27 These men dedicated some of the plunder they had gained in battle to maintain the house of YaHWeH… 1 Chronicles 26

29 From the clan of Izhar came Kenaniah. He and his sons were given administrative responsibilities over Israel as officials and judges. 30 From the clan of Hebron came Hashabiah. He and his relatives—1,700 capable men—were put in charge of the Israelite lands west of the Jordan River. They were responsible for all matters related to the things of YaHWeH and the service of the king in that area. 1 Chronicles 26

31 Also from the clan of Hebron came Jeriah, who was the leader of the Hebronites according to the genealogical records… 32 There were 2,700 capable men among the relatives of Jeriah. King David sent them to the east side of the Jordan River and put them in charge of the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were responsible for all matters related to God and to the king. 1 Chronicles 26

Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, from his father’s house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, gatekeepers of the tabernacle. Their fathers had been keepers of the entrance to the camp of YaHWeH. 1 Chronicles 9:19 (NKJV)

The descendants of Korah were musicians, gate keepers and civil servants. As we have seen they wrote Psalms. This group of people was very influential in the life of Israel. Of all of the Psalms about 25 are attributed to the sons of Korah. These beautiful psalms express a spirit of great gratitude and humility to an awesome, mighty God. They express a longing for God and deep devotion. These poetic songs include Psalms 42—50, 62, and 72—85.

11 How terrible it will be for them! For they followed the path of Cain, rushed headlong into Balaam’s error to make a profit, and destroyed themselves in Korah’s rebellion. Jude 11 (ISV) Numbers 26:9–11 (NKJV) 10 “…the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up together with Korah when that company died, when the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men; and they became a sign. 11 Nevertheless the children of Korah did not die.

1 This is the list of Israelite generals and captains, and their officers, who served the king by supervising the army divisions that were on duty each month of the year. Each division served for one month and had 24,000 troops. 1 Chronicles 27

23 When David took his census, he did not count those who were younger than twenty years of age, because YaHWeH had promised to make the Israelites as numerous as the stars in heaven. 24 Joab son of Zeruiah began the census but never finished it because the anger of God fell on Israel. The total number was never recorded in King David’s official records. 1 Chronicles 27

25 the palace treasuries…the regional treasuries in charge of the field workers who farmed the king’s lands…the king’s vineyards…the grapes and the supplies of wine…the king’s olive groves and sycamore-fig trees…the supplies of olive oil…the cattle on the Sharon Plain…the cattle in the valleys…the camels…the donkeys…the king’s flocks of sheep and goats. All these officials were overseers of King David’s property. 1 Chronicles 27

32 Jonathan, David’s uncle (or nephew?), was a wise counselor to the king, a man of great insight, and a scribe. Jehiel the Hacmonite was responsible for teaching the king’s sons. 33 Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend. 34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army. 1 Chronicles 27

How blessed are the people whose God is YaHWeH! Psalm 144:15 (NASB95)