For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
1 Chron. 27
I noticed an interesting thing this morning. Wherever the Bible lists the 12 sons or tribes of Israel, it always lists twelve, but they are not always the same twelve. This chapter lists the tribes. It lists Reuben, Simeon Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulaun, Naphtali, Ephraim, the half tribe of Manasseh, the other half tribe of Manasseh, Benjamin, and Dan. Twelve. This list omits Gad and Asher and counts each half tribe of Manasseh as one. I know there are other lists that omit Simeon or Levi, and there may be others I don’t remember at the moment. I’m sure a valid reason exists for each lists’ omissions and inclusions. I just find it very interesting that, whatever those reasons are, the result is always a list of twelve.
1 Chron. 28-29
I can’t say 100%, but generally speaking, David did not take credit for anything good. He gave the glory and the credit to God alone. We see that multiple times in these two chapters. David did not appoint Solomon as his successor. God did that. And it was God who gave David the plans and provisions for the building of the Temple. David said, “By the LORD’s hand on me, He enabled me to understand everything in writing, all the details of the plan.” (1 Chron. 28:19). Furthermore, his prayer in chapter 29 fully acknowledges that all he and the people gave toward the work of the Temple came from and belonged to God. “…and we have given you only what comes from your own hand.” (1 Chron. 29:14b).
Another thing that David fully understood is that God knows what is in our hearts and minds. He is not swayed by what happens on the outside. Rather, He knows us to our very core. Thus, he admonished Solomon to, “serve [God] wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought.” (1 Chron. 28:9b). David repeats this truth in his chapter 29 prayer.
I think this is all part of why God described David as a man after His own heart. David consistently, though not perfectly, set aside his own heart and sought after God’s. I desire to do the same. And I think a big key to doing that is to always keep front of mind the two truths David stressed in these chapters. Everything belongs to God and there is nothing about me God does not know.
Ps. 127
Solomon clearly paid attention to his father’s life and words. He expresses clearly in this Psalm his understanding that doing his own thing is worthless.