Chronicles: God’s Kingdom of Priests Up to Jerusalem (2 Chron 36:23)

Part 3 – 1 Chr 10-12 The Throne of David

Literary Structure of Chronicles Old Testament Promise Plan Beginning: Adam to David, Exile and Return (1 Chr 1-9) B. Promise of Davidic Kingdom (1 Chr 10:1-22:1) United Israel prepares to build temple (1 Chr 22:2-29:30) D. Center: God’s Temple, Glory of God (2 Chr 1-9) C’. Divided Israel, disintegration and strife (2 Chr 10-20) B’. Promise of Davidic Kingdom Fulfilled (2 Chr 21-28) A’. End: Hezekiah to Zedekiah, Exile and Return (2 Chr 28-36) Conclusion: God’s charge to build Him a house at Jerusalem Call for exiles to “go up” (2 Chr 36:23)

Literary Structure of 1 Chr 10-21 Davidic Kingdom in Jerusalem David becomes King and captures Jerusalem (10:1-11:9) Military exploits of David and his soldiers (11:10-12:40) David’s foiled attempt to bring Ark to Jerusalem (13-14) Instead – David builds a house Center: David brings Ark to Jerusalem (15-16) C’. David’s foiled attempt to build Yahweh a house (17) Instead – God will build David an eternal house B’. Military exploits of David and his soldiers (18-20) A’. David acquires future temple mount in Jerusalem (21)

What does this tell us about God? 1 Chr 10-12 He reigns. Life and death are in His hands; Kingdoms and rulers. He fights our battles, gives the victory. He wants us to seek His guidance and obey. He severely punishes His enemies; puts them to shame. He wants His people united, fighting together, joyful. He is our helper and our peace. He has ordained Jerusalem as the gathering place for worship. He has a unified Promise Plan centered on a Davidic King.

How does this relate to Jesus Christ? 1 Chr 10-12 Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the promised Messianic King in the line of David. (Acts 2:14-41; Mt 1, Mk 1, Lk 1-3, Jn 1) Jesus is the Righteous King who binds His people in perfect unity, a spirit of “koinonia” oneness. (Gal 3:28; Eph 4) Jesus is our peace, our helper; bore our guilt and shame. (Eph 2:14; Heb 12:2) Jesus is Commander of His army. (1 Tim 1:18; 2 Tim 2:3, Eph 6) Victorious at cross, paraded Satan in open shame. (Col 2:15) Jesus is coming back to reign in the new Jerusalem. (Rev 21).

God’s Kingdom of Priests “Whoever is among you of all His people, may the Lord your God be with you. Let him go up.” (1 Chr 36:23) Lord Self or Lord God? Is God asking too much of me? God, as the author of all things, has a right to govern and dispose of them at his pleasure. Will I live for Him and His glory? Or will I fight for my “happiness” and “freedom”? Will I flail away in the river of grace, or die to self and swim with the current of my Lord? A communion life will help us know and do His will. But it’s the communion itself that God desires above all else. The Holy Spirit is not just the means to helping us be effective. The Father, Son and Spirit, our One Triune God, is the “end” in and of Himself. Almighty God doesn’t need our help to achieve His purposes. When we are blessed to see good fruit, what credit can we take? But it’s such an honor that He has chosen to use us as vessels of His grace. God wants me to grasp for holiness and a sold-out life, even though He knows I will fall short. Whatever feeble effort I offer, He can use it for His glory. Even if its only a few loaves and fishes, He can multiply it. So, will I try? Will I humbly submit? Will I ask? Will I be resolved? Will I follow in the footsteps of the One who gave so much as a living and dying sacrifice. When God raised Jesus Christ to life, He rendered the judgment that this offering was sufficient and good. What will He say about my offering? And what will He say about yours? Kelly Minter.