Do we have a final offering to give God before we die? What is the supreme offering? Let’s begin in 1 Chronicles 29.
What did David’s personal offering for the Temple consist of?
Then King David addressed the entire assembly: “My son Solomon, the one whom God alone has chosen, is still young and inexperienced, and the task is great, since this structure will be a citadel to the Lord God and not for human beings. To the extent that I have been able to do so, I have provided supplies for the Temple of my God, including gold for what is to be made of gold, silver for what is to be made of silver, bronze for what is to be made of bronze, iron for what is to be made of iron, wood for what is to be made of wood, and great quantities of onyx, precious stones, antimony, colored stones, all types of other semi-precious stones, and plenty of marble. (1 Chr 29:1-2 ISV)
What question did David put to the leaders of Israel regarding the Temple?
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house. Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal: The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord? (1 Chr 29:3-5 KJV)
What was the response of the people to David’s request?
Then the commanders of the fathers’ households, and the commanders of the tribes of Israel, and the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with the commanders of the king’s work, offered willingly; and for the service for the house of God they gave 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, and 10,000 talents of silver, and 18,000 talents of brass, and 100,000 talents of iron. And whoever possessed precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of Yahweh, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then the people were glad because they had offered so willingly, for they made their freewill offering to Yahweh with a whole heart, and King David also was exceedingly glad. (1 Chr 29:6-9 LSB)
How did David then bless the Lord in prayer because of the people’s offering?
So David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the dominion, Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name. (1 Chr 29:10-13 NASB)
How humble was David regarding the length of a human life and the real source of wealth?
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.” Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the Lord your God.” So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king. (1 Chr 29:14-20 NIV)
What festivities ensued as they anointed Solomon king in David’s place?
And they made sacrifices to the Lord and offered burnt offerings to the Lord on the next day: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. So they ate and drank before the Lord with great gladness on that day. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him before the Lord to be the leader, and Zadok to be priest. Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. All the leaders and the mighty men, and also all the sons of King David, submitted themselves to King Solomon. So the Lord exalted Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. (1 Chr 29:21-25 NKJV)
How did the author summarize David’s reign at his death?
So David son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. He reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. He died at a ripe old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor. Then his son Solomon ruled in his place. All the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, are written in The Record of Samuel the Seer, The Record of Nathan the Prophet, and The Record of Gad the Seer. These accounts include the mighty deeds of his reign and everything that happened to him and to Israel and to all the surrounding kingdoms. (1 Chr 29:26-30 NLT)
Is there something more important than all other offerings?
and to love him [God] with all the heart, with all the understanding, all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33 WEB)
What was the supreme offering that Jesus made for us in His death?
Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God. (Ephesians 5:2 CEB)
Do we have a final offering to give God before we die? What is the supreme offering? You decide!
Inherited Treasure (1 Chronicles 28)
Would Solomon continue in the faith of his father? What is our greatest inheritance? Let’s begin in 1 Chronicles 28.
Did David publicly admit why God did not allow him to build the temple? Do our church leaders openly admit faults or cover them up?
David summoned all the officials of Israel to Jerusalem—the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions, the other generals and captains, the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other brave warriors in the kingdom. David rose to his feet and said: “My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it, but God said to me, ‘You must not build a Temple to honor my name, for you are a warrior and have shed much blood.’ (1 Chr 28:1-3 NLT)
What did God conditionally promise to David about his lineage?
However Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me out of all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever. For he has chosen Judah to be prince; and in the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. Of all my sons (for Yahweh has given me many sons), he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of Yahweh’s kingdom over Israel. He said to me, ‘Solomon, your son, shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues to do my commandments and my ordinances, as it is today.’ (1 Chr 28:4-7 WEB)
What did David encourage all Israel and Solomon to do? Do we serve the Lord with enthusiastic devotion?
So now, in the presence of all the Lord’s assembly and with God as our witness, carefully observe all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may hold on to this good land and pass it on to your children forever. As for you, Solomon, my son, acknowledge your father’s God and serve him with enthusiastic devotion, because the Lord searches every mind and understands the motive behind every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever. Now then, since the Lord has chosen you to build a temple for him as the sanctuary, work hard. (1 Chr 28:8-10 CEB)
What plans did David now officially hand over to Solomon?
After David finished speaking, he gave Solomon the plans for building the main rooms of the temple, including the porch, the storerooms, the rooms upstairs and downstairs, as well as the most holy place. He gave Solomon his plans for the courtyards and the open areas around the temple, and for the rooms to store the temple treasures and gifts that had been dedicated to God. David also gave Solomon his plans for dividing the priests and the Levites into groups, as well as for the work that needed to be done at the temple and for taking care of the objects used for worship. He told Solomon how much gold and silver was to be used in making the sacred objects, including the lampstands and lamps, the gold table which held the sacred loaves of bread, the tables made of silver, the meat forks, the bowls and cups, the gold incense altar, and the gold statue of a chariot for the winged creatures which were on the lid of the sacred chest. (1 Chr 28:11-18 CEV)
What instructions did David then encourage Solomon with? Are we courageous or fearful followers of the Lord?
Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. And behold the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and with you in all the work will be every willing man who has skill for any kind of service; also the officers and all the people will be wholly at your command.” (1 Chr 28:19-21 ESV)
Are we also promised an inheritance far greater than this world can offer?
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. (1 Peter 1:3-4 HCSB)
Would Solomon continue in the faith of his father? What is our greatest inheritance? You decide!
Did David publicly admit why God did not allow him to build the temple? Do our church leaders openly admit faults or cover them up?
David summoned all the officials of Israel to Jerusalem—the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions, the other generals and captains, the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other brave warriors in the kingdom. David rose to his feet and said: “My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it, but God said to me, ‘You must not build a Temple to honor my name, for you are a warrior and have shed much blood.’ (1 Chr 28:1-3 NLT)
What did God conditionally promise to David about his lineage?
However Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me out of all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever. For he has chosen Judah to be prince; and in the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. Of all my sons (for Yahweh has given me many sons), he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of Yahweh’s kingdom over Israel. He said to me, ‘Solomon, your son, shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues to do my commandments and my ordinances, as it is today.’ (1 Chr 28:4-7 WEB)
What did David encourage all Israel and Solomon to do? Do we serve the Lord with enthusiastic devotion?
So now, in the presence of all the Lord’s assembly and with God as our witness, carefully observe all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may hold on to this good land and pass it on to your children forever. As for you, Solomon, my son, acknowledge your father’s God and serve him with enthusiastic devotion, because the Lord searches every mind and understands the motive behind every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever. Now then, since the Lord has chosen you to build a temple for him as the sanctuary, work hard. (1 Chr 28:8-10 CEB)
What plans did David now officially hand over to Solomon?
After David finished speaking, he gave Solomon the plans for building the main rooms of the temple, including the porch, the storerooms, the rooms upstairs and downstairs, as well as the most holy place. He gave Solomon his plans for the courtyards and the open areas around the temple, and for the rooms to store the temple treasures and gifts that had been dedicated to God. David also gave Solomon his plans for dividing the priests and the Levites into groups, as well as for the work that needed to be done at the temple and for taking care of the objects used for worship. He told Solomon how much gold and silver was to be used in making the sacred objects, including the lampstands and lamps, the gold table which held the sacred loaves of bread, the tables made of silver, the meat forks, the bowls and cups, the gold incense altar, and the gold statue of a chariot for the winged creatures which were on the lid of the sacred chest. (1 Chr 28:11-18 CEV)
What instructions did David then encourage Solomon with? Are we courageous or fearful followers of the Lord?
Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. And behold the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and with you in all the work will be every willing man who has skill for any kind of service; also the officers and all the people will be wholly at your command.” (1 Chr 28:19-21 ESV)
Are we also promised an inheritance far greater than this world can offer?
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. (1 Peter 1:3-4 HCSB)
Would Solomon continue in the faith of his father? What is our greatest inheritance? You decide!
Organized Leadership (1 Chronicles 27)
How organized should leadership be among God’s people? Who ought to be the leaders of local churches? Let’s begin in 1 Chronicles 27.
How many soldiers did David organize to be on active duty each month? Who are today’s soldiers of the cross?
This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers' houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000: (1 Chr 27:1 ESV)
Who were the military leaders of the first six monthly rotations? Do we rotate duties in our churches?
Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, for the first month; 24,000 were in his division. He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month. Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division for the second month, and Mikloth was the leader; 24,000 were in his division. The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest; 24,000 were in his division. This Benaiah was a mighty man among the Thirty and over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division. The fourth commander, for the fourth month, was Joab’s brother Asahel, and his son Zebadiah was commander after him; 24,000 were in his division. The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander Shamhuth the Izrahite; 24,000 were in his division. The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; 24,000 were in his division. (1 Chr 27:2-9 HCSB)
Who were the military leaders of the final six monthly rotations?
Helez the Pelonite, an Ephraimite, was seventh for the seventh month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Sibbecai the Hushathite, a Zerahite, was eighth for the eighth month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Abiezer from Anathoth, a descendant of Benjamin, was ninth for the ninth month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Mahari from Netophah, a Zerahite, was tenth for the tenth month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Benaiah from Pirathon, an Ephraimite, was eleventh for the eleventh month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Heldai the Netophathite, from Othniel, was twelfth for the twelfth month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. (1 Chr 27:10-15 ISV)
Who were the princes who ruled over each tribe in Israel?
Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah: Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok: Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael: Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel: Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah: Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner: Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel. (1 Chr 27:16-22 KJV)
Why was the census of adult males abandoned and not recorded?
But David did not take up a count of those twenty years of age and under, because Yahweh had said He would multiply Israel as the stars of heaven. Joab the son of Zeruiah had begun to number them, but did not finish; and because of this, wrath came upon Israel, and this count was not included in the total count of the chronicles of King David. (1 Chr 27:23-24 LSB)
Who were heads of various government departments under David? Do our churches have departments?
Now Azmaveth the son of Adiel was responsible for the king’s storehouses. And Jonathan the son of Uzziah was responsible for the storehouses in the country, the cities, the villages, and the towers. Ezri the son of Chelub was responsible for the agricultural workers who tilled the soil. Shimei the Ramathite was responsible for the vineyards; and Zabdi the Shiphmite was responsible for the produce of the vineyards stored in the wine cellars. Baal-hanan the Gederite was responsible for the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah; and Joash was responsible for the stores of oil. Shitrai the Sharonite was responsible for the cattle which were grazing in Sharon; and Shaphat the son of Adlai was responsible for the cattle in the valleys. Obil the Ishmaelite was responsible for the camels; and Jehdeiah the Meronothite was responsible for the donkeys. Jaziz the Hagrite was responsible for the flocks. All these were overseers of the property which belonged to King David. (1 Chr 27:25-31 NASB)
Who were the various advisors to David in the royal palace? Who advises our elders?
Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hakmoni took care of the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s confidant. Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the royal army. (1 Chr 27:32-34 NIV)
Once established, who led local churches? Were elders men? Was celibacy mandated? Was this a one pastor model or a pastoral team? Are local church elders also called overseers or bishops?
… appoint elders [presbyters - mature men] in every city as I commanded you … the husband of one wife … For a bishop [overseer, guardian] must be blameless … (Titus 1:5-9 NKJV)
How organized should leadership be among God’s people? Who ought to be the leaders of local churches? You decide!
How many soldiers did David organize to be on active duty each month? Who are today’s soldiers of the cross?
This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers' houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000: (1 Chr 27:1 ESV)
Who were the military leaders of the first six monthly rotations? Do we rotate duties in our churches?
Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, for the first month; 24,000 were in his division. He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month. Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division for the second month, and Mikloth was the leader; 24,000 were in his division. The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest; 24,000 were in his division. This Benaiah was a mighty man among the Thirty and over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division. The fourth commander, for the fourth month, was Joab’s brother Asahel, and his son Zebadiah was commander after him; 24,000 were in his division. The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander Shamhuth the Izrahite; 24,000 were in his division. The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; 24,000 were in his division. (1 Chr 27:2-9 HCSB)
Who were the military leaders of the final six monthly rotations?
Helez the Pelonite, an Ephraimite, was seventh for the seventh month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Sibbecai the Hushathite, a Zerahite, was eighth for the eighth month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Abiezer from Anathoth, a descendant of Benjamin, was ninth for the ninth month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Mahari from Netophah, a Zerahite, was tenth for the tenth month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Benaiah from Pirathon, an Ephraimite, was eleventh for the eleventh month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. Heldai the Netophathite, from Othniel, was twelfth for the twelfth month; 24,000 soldiers served in his division. (1 Chr 27:10-15 ISV)
Who were the princes who ruled over each tribe in Israel?
Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah: Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok: Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael: Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel: Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah: Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner: Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel. (1 Chr 27:16-22 KJV)
Why was the census of adult males abandoned and not recorded?
But David did not take up a count of those twenty years of age and under, because Yahweh had said He would multiply Israel as the stars of heaven. Joab the son of Zeruiah had begun to number them, but did not finish; and because of this, wrath came upon Israel, and this count was not included in the total count of the chronicles of King David. (1 Chr 27:23-24 LSB)
Who were heads of various government departments under David? Do our churches have departments?
Now Azmaveth the son of Adiel was responsible for the king’s storehouses. And Jonathan the son of Uzziah was responsible for the storehouses in the country, the cities, the villages, and the towers. Ezri the son of Chelub was responsible for the agricultural workers who tilled the soil. Shimei the Ramathite was responsible for the vineyards; and Zabdi the Shiphmite was responsible for the produce of the vineyards stored in the wine cellars. Baal-hanan the Gederite was responsible for the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah; and Joash was responsible for the stores of oil. Shitrai the Sharonite was responsible for the cattle which were grazing in Sharon; and Shaphat the son of Adlai was responsible for the cattle in the valleys. Obil the Ishmaelite was responsible for the camels; and Jehdeiah the Meronothite was responsible for the donkeys. Jaziz the Hagrite was responsible for the flocks. All these were overseers of the property which belonged to King David. (1 Chr 27:25-31 NASB)
Who were the various advisors to David in the royal palace? Who advises our elders?
Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hakmoni took care of the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s confidant. Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the royal army. (1 Chr 27:32-34 NIV)
Once established, who led local churches? Were elders men? Was celibacy mandated? Was this a one pastor model or a pastoral team? Are local church elders also called overseers or bishops?
… appoint elders [presbyters - mature men] in every city as I commanded you … the husband of one wife … For a bishop [overseer, guardian] must be blameless … (Titus 1:5-9 NKJV)
How organized should leadership be among God’s people? Who ought to be the leaders of local churches? You decide!
Levite Guards (1 Chronicles 26)
Who guarded the temple treasure? Is the Gospel a wonderful treasure? How faithful are our gatekeepers in guarding the words of Jesus and the apostles? Let’s look at 1 Chronicles 26.
Who were the gatekeepers, guards, janitors among the Levites?
The divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth and Eliehoenai the seventh. Obed-Edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sakar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh and Peullethai the eighth. (For God had blessed Obed-Edom.) (1 Chr 26:1-5 NIV)
Let’s continue the list of gatekeepers, guards, janitors in the temple?
Also to Shemaiah his son were sons born who governed their fathers’ houses, because they were men of great ability. The sons of Shemaiah were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose brothers Elihu and Semachiah were able men. All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom, they and their sons and their brethren, able men with strength for the work: sixty-two of Obed-Edom. And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, eighteen able men. Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the first (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him the first), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. (1 Chr 26:6-11 NKJV)
Was guarding the gates to the temple part of the duties of these faithful men? Do we guard the gates of our hearts from those who would pervert the Gospel?
These divisions of the gatekeepers were named for their family leaders, and like the other Levites, they served at the house of the Lord. 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. The responsibility for the east gate went to Meshelemiah and his group. The north gate was assigned to his son Zechariah, a man of unusual wisdom. The south gate went to Obed-edom, and his sons were put in charge of the storehouse. Shuppim and Hosah were assigned the west gate and the gateway leading up to the Temple. Guard duties were divided evenly. Six Levites were assigned each day to the east gate, four to the north gate, four to the south gate, and two pairs at the storehouse. Six were assigned each day to the west gate, four to the gateway leading up to the Temple, and two to the courtyard. These were the divisions of the gatekeepers from the clans of Korah and Merari. (1 Chr 26:12-19 NLT)
What were other related duties of the Levites in the temple? Is the Gospel among our treasures? Do we guard it from thieves and keep it free of junk?
Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of God’s house and over the treasures of the dedicated things. The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers’ households belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli. The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of Yahweh’s house. Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites: Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler over the treasuries. His brothers: of Eliezer, Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son. This Shelomoth and his brothers were over all the treasuries of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the heads of the fathers’ households, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated. They dedicated some of the plunder won in battles to repair Yahweh’s house. All that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated, whoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomoth and of his brothers. (1 Chr 26:20-28 WEB)
What were the duties of the Ezharites and the Hebronites outside the temple? Did David mix church and state duties?
From the Izharites: Chenaniah and his family had responsibilities over Israel outside the temple as officials and judges. From the Hebronites: Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, were put in charge of Israel west of the Jordan concerning all of the Lord’s affairs and the king’s service. From the Hebronites: Jerijah was the head of the Hebronites according to the family records of their households. In the fortieth year of David’s rule, a search was made and capable men were found among them in Jazer in Gilead. Jerijah’s relatives, capable men, were 2,700 heads of households. King David put them in charge of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh concerning all of God’s and the king’s affairs. (1 Chr 26:29-32 CEB)
Do we guard the teachings of Christ and the apostles as a wonderful treasure? Do we clutter it with junk, or allow heretics to steal the Gospel?
Now follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model. You have been trusted with a wonderful treasure. Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit, who lives within us. (2 Tim 1:13-14 CEV)
Who guarded the temple treasure? Is the Gospel a wonderful treasure? How faithful are our gatekeepers in guarding the words of Jesus and the apostles? You decide!
Who were the gatekeepers, guards, janitors among the Levites?
The divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth and Eliehoenai the seventh. Obed-Edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sakar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh and Peullethai the eighth. (For God had blessed Obed-Edom.) (1 Chr 26:1-5 NIV)
Let’s continue the list of gatekeepers, guards, janitors in the temple?
Also to Shemaiah his son were sons born who governed their fathers’ houses, because they were men of great ability. The sons of Shemaiah were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose brothers Elihu and Semachiah were able men. All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom, they and their sons and their brethren, able men with strength for the work: sixty-two of Obed-Edom. And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, eighteen able men. Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the first (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him the first), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. (1 Chr 26:6-11 NKJV)
Was guarding the gates to the temple part of the duties of these faithful men? Do we guard the gates of our hearts from those who would pervert the Gospel?
These divisions of the gatekeepers were named for their family leaders, and like the other Levites, they served at the house of the Lord. 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. The responsibility for the east gate went to Meshelemiah and his group. The north gate was assigned to his son Zechariah, a man of unusual wisdom. The south gate went to Obed-edom, and his sons were put in charge of the storehouse. Shuppim and Hosah were assigned the west gate and the gateway leading up to the Temple. Guard duties were divided evenly. Six Levites were assigned each day to the east gate, four to the north gate, four to the south gate, and two pairs at the storehouse. Six were assigned each day to the west gate, four to the gateway leading up to the Temple, and two to the courtyard. These were the divisions of the gatekeepers from the clans of Korah and Merari. (1 Chr 26:12-19 NLT)
What were other related duties of the Levites in the temple? Is the Gospel among our treasures? Do we guard it from thieves and keep it free of junk?
Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of God’s house and over the treasures of the dedicated things. The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers’ households belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli. The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of Yahweh’s house. Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites: Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler over the treasuries. His brothers: of Eliezer, Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son. This Shelomoth and his brothers were over all the treasuries of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the heads of the fathers’ households, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated. They dedicated some of the plunder won in battles to repair Yahweh’s house. All that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated, whoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomoth and of his brothers. (1 Chr 26:20-28 WEB)
What were the duties of the Ezharites and the Hebronites outside the temple? Did David mix church and state duties?
From the Izharites: Chenaniah and his family had responsibilities over Israel outside the temple as officials and judges. From the Hebronites: Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, were put in charge of Israel west of the Jordan concerning all of the Lord’s affairs and the king’s service. From the Hebronites: Jerijah was the head of the Hebronites according to the family records of their households. In the fortieth year of David’s rule, a search was made and capable men were found among them in Jazer in Gilead. Jerijah’s relatives, capable men, were 2,700 heads of households. King David put them in charge of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh concerning all of God’s and the king’s affairs. (1 Chr 26:29-32 CEB)
Do we guard the teachings of Christ and the apostles as a wonderful treasure? Do we clutter it with junk, or allow heretics to steal the Gospel?
Now follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model. You have been trusted with a wonderful treasure. Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit, who lives within us. (2 Tim 1:13-14 CEV)
Who guarded the temple treasure? Is the Gospel a wonderful treasure? How faithful are our gatekeepers in guarding the words of Jesus and the apostles? You decide!
Levite Music (1 Chronicles 25)
Does God value music in worship? What is an important concept about lyrics found here? Do we ever meditate on the lyrics we sing? Let’s look at 1 Chronicles 25.
Was the music just vocal or also instrumental? What were the lyrics called? Were thanks and praise two main components of those prophetic lyrics?
David and the officers of the army also set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy accompanied by lyres, harps, and cymbals. This is the list of the men who performed their service: From Asaph’s sons: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah, sons of Asaph, under Asaph’s authority, who prophesied under the authority of the king. From Jeduthun: Jeduthun’s sons: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six—under the authority of their father Jeduthun, prophesying to the accompaniment of lyres, giving thanks and praise to the Lord. From Heman: Heman’s sons: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. All these sons of Heman, the king’s seer, were given by the promises of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. (1 Chr 25:1-5 HCSB)
How many singers were there and were they also rostered at different times by a lottery?
They were all under their father’s supervision regarding music in the Temple of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the Temple of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under command of the king. They and their relatives who had been skillfully trained in singing to the Lord, numbered 288. Their duties, whether significant or insignificant, whether performed by teacher or pupil alike, were assigned by lottery. (1 Chr 25:6-8 ISV)
How did the worship time table of 24 look? Would that have been perhaps 2 weeks each over a 12 month period?
Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve: The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The fourth to Izri, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The fifth to Nethaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The seventh to Jesharelah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The eleventh to Azareel, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The thirteenth to Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The one and twentieth to Hothir, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The three and twentieth to Mahazioth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve. (1 Chr 25:9-31 KJV)
Are different genres encouraged in the church?
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19 LSB)
Apart from Psalms, what other kinds of words are encouraged? What should be in our hearts?
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 NASB)
Does God value music in worship? What is an important concept about lyrics found here? Do we ever meditate on the lyrics we sing? You decide!
Was the music just vocal or also instrumental? What were the lyrics called? Were thanks and praise two main components of those prophetic lyrics?
David and the officers of the army also set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy accompanied by lyres, harps, and cymbals. This is the list of the men who performed their service: From Asaph’s sons: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah, sons of Asaph, under Asaph’s authority, who prophesied under the authority of the king. From Jeduthun: Jeduthun’s sons: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six—under the authority of their father Jeduthun, prophesying to the accompaniment of lyres, giving thanks and praise to the Lord. From Heman: Heman’s sons: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. All these sons of Heman, the king’s seer, were given by the promises of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. (1 Chr 25:1-5 HCSB)
How many singers were there and were they also rostered at different times by a lottery?
They were all under their father’s supervision regarding music in the Temple of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the Temple of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under command of the king. They and their relatives who had been skillfully trained in singing to the Lord, numbered 288. Their duties, whether significant or insignificant, whether performed by teacher or pupil alike, were assigned by lottery. (1 Chr 25:6-8 ISV)
How did the worship time table of 24 look? Would that have been perhaps 2 weeks each over a 12 month period?
Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve: The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The fourth to Izri, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The fifth to Nethaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The seventh to Jesharelah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The eleventh to Azareel, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The thirteenth to Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The one and twentieth to Hothir, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The three and twentieth to Mahazioth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve. (1 Chr 25:9-31 KJV)
Are different genres encouraged in the church?
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19 LSB)
Apart from Psalms, what other kinds of words are encouraged? What should be in our hearts?
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 NASB)
Does God value music in worship? What is an important concept about lyrics found here? Do we ever meditate on the lyrics we sing? You decide!
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