April 25, 2025
Solomon's task: Build the temple
1 Chronicles 20-24
Tatiana Pozo-Fiorilo
Big Book Idea
Genealogies show us God knows his people and had a plan that would come through David's line.
Key Verse | 1 Chonicles 22:19
"Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD."
1 Chronicles 20-24
Chapter 20
The Capture of Rabbah
1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army and ravaged the country of the Ammonites and came and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. And Joab struck down Rabbah and overthrew it. 2 And David took the crown of their king from his head. He found that it weighed a talent 1 20:2 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms of gold, and in it was a precious stone. And it was placed on David's head. And he brought out the spoil of the city, a very great amount. 3 And he brought out the people who were in it and set them to labor 2 20:3 Compare 2 Samuel 12:31; Hebrew he sawed with saws and iron picks and axes. 3 20:3 Compare 2 Samuel 12:31; Hebrew saws And thus David did to all the cities of the Ammonites. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
Philistine Giants Killed
4 And after this there arose war with the Philistines at Gezer. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the giants, and the Philistines were subdued. 5 And there was again war with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. 6 And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. 7 And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David's brother, struck him down. 8 These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.
Chapter 21
David's Census Brings Pestilence
1 Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” 3 But Joab said, “May the LORD add to his people a hundred times as many as they are! Are they not, my lord the king, all of them my lord's servants? Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” 4 But the king's word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came back to Jerusalem. 5 And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the sword. 6 But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king's command was abhorrent to Joab.
7 But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 8 And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” 9 And the LORD spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, 10 “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the LORD, Three things I offer you; choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’” 11 So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Choose what you will: 12 either three years of famine, or three months of devastation by your foes while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the LORD, pestilence on the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.” 13 Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.”
14 So the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell. 15 And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw, and he relented from the calamity. And he said to the angel who was working destruction, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 16 And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. 17 And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father's house. But do not let the plague be on your people.”
David Builds an Altar
18 Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 19 So David went up at Gad's word, which he had spoken in the name of the LORD. 20 Now Ornan was threshing wheat. He turned and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. 21 As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David and went out from the threshing floor and paid homage to David with his face to the ground. 22 And David said to Ornan, “Give me the site of the threshing floor that I may build on it an altar to the LORD—give it to me at its full price—that the plague may be averted from the people.” 23 Then Ornan said to David, “Take it, and let my lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering; I give it all.” 24 But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 25 So David paid Ornan 600 shekels 4 21:25 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams of gold by weight for the site. 26 And David built there an altar to the LORD and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the LORD, and the LORD 5 21:26 Hebrew he answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. 27 Then the LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.
28 At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. 29 For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were at that time in the high place at Gibeon, 30 but David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.
Chapter 22
1 Then David said, “Here shall be the house of the LORD God and here the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”
David Prepares for Temple Building
2 David commanded to gather together the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. 3 David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, 4 and cedar timbers without number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought great quantities of cedar to David. 5 For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death.
Solomon Charged to Build the Temple
6 Then he called for Solomon his son and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon, “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the LORD my God. 8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth. 9 Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. 10 He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever.’
11 Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you. 12 Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God. 13 Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. 14 With great pains I have provided for the house of the LORD 100,000 talents 6 22:14 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms of gold, a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone, too, I have provided. To these you must add. 15 You have an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working 16 gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The LORD be with you!”
17 David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, 18 “Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not given you peace 7 22:18 Or rest (see 22:9) on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and his people. 19 Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD.”
Chapter 23
David Organizes the Levites
1 When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.
2 David 8 23:2 Hebrew He assembled all the leaders of Israel and the priests and the Levites. 3 The Levites, thirty years old and upward, were numbered, and the total was 38,000 men. 4 “Twenty-four thousand of these,” David said, 9 23:4 Hebrew lacks David said “shall have charge of the work in the house of the LORD, 6,000 shall be officers and judges, 5 4,000 gatekeepers, and 4,000 shall offer praises to the LORD with the instruments that I have made for praise.” 6 And David organized them in divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
7 The sons of Gershon 10 23:7 Vulgate (compare Septuagint, Syriac); Hebrew to the Gershonite were Ladan and Shimei. 8 The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, and Zetham, and Joel, three. 9 The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers' houses of Ladan. 10 And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. 11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, therefore they became counted as a single father's house.
12 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four. 13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron was set apart to dedicate the most holy things, that he and his sons forever should make offerings before the LORD and minister to him and pronounce blessings in his name forever. 14 But the sons of Moses the man of God were named among the tribe of Levi. 15 The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. 16 The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief. 17 The sons of Eliezer: Rehabiah the chief. Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. 18 The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief. 19 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. 20 The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief and Isshiah the second.
21 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. 22 Eleazar died having no sons, but only daughters; their kinsmen, the sons of Kish, married them. 23 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
24 These were the sons of Levi by their fathers' houses, the heads of fathers' houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 25 For David said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. 26 And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.” 27 For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered from twenty years old and upward. 28 For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God. 29 Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. 30 And they were to stand every morning, thanking and praising the LORD, and likewise at evening, 31 and whenever burnt offerings were offered to the LORD on Sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, according to the number required of them, regularly before the LORD. 32 Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the LORD.
Chapter 24
David Organizes the Priests
1 The divisions of the sons of Aaron were these. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no children, so Eleazar and Ithamar became the priests. 3 With the help of Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, David organized them according to the appointed duties in their service. 4 Since more chief men were found among the sons of Eleazar than among the sons of Ithamar, they organized them under sixteen heads of fathers' houses of the sons of Eleazar, and eight of the sons of Ithamar. 5 They divided them by lot, all alike, for there were sacred officers and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar. 6 And the scribe Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded them in the presence of the king and the princes and Zadok the priest and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites, one father's house being chosen for Eleazar and one chosen for Ithamar.
7 The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, 8 the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, 9 the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, 10 the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 11 the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, 12 the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, 13 the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, 14 the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, 15 the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, 16 the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, 17 the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul, 18 the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. 19 These had as their appointed duty in their service to come into the house of the LORD according to the procedure established for them by Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.
20 And of the rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah. 21 Of Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief. 22 Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath. 23 The sons of Hebron: 11 24:23 Compare 23:19; Hebrew lacks Hebron Jeriah the chief, 12 24:23 Compare 23:19; Hebrew lacks the chief Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth. 24 The sons of Uzziel, Micah; of the sons of Micah, Shamir. 25 The brother of Micah, Isshiah; of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah. 26 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Jaaziah: Beno. 13 24:26 Or his son; also verse 27 27 The sons of Merari: of Jaaziah, Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. 28 Of Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. 29 Of Kish, the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel. 30 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites according to their fathers' houses. 31 These also, the head of each father's house and his younger brother alike, cast lots, just as their brothers the sons of Aaron, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites.
Footnotes
[1] 20:2 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms[2] 20:3 Compare 2 Samuel 12:31; Hebrew he sawed
[3] 20:3 Compare 2 Samuel 12:31; Hebrew saws
[4] 21:25 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
[5] 21:26 Hebrew he
[6] 22:14 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms
[7] 22:18 Or rest (see 22:9)
[8] 23:2 Hebrew He
[9] 23:4 Hebrew lacks David said
[10] 23:7 Vulgate (compare Septuagint, Syriac); Hebrew to the Gershonite
[11] 24:23 Compare 23:19; Hebrew lacks Hebron
[12] 24:23 Compare 23:19; Hebrew lacks the chief
[13] 24:26 Or his son; also verse 27
Table of Contents
Introduction to 1–2 Chronicles
Timeline
Author and Date
The text nowhere directly identifies its author, but traditionally he has been called “the Chronicler.” He was either a priest or Levite who was employed in the service of the temple during the Persian period (539–332 B.C.). He had scribal training and access to the temple records.
Basic Chronology of 1–2 Chronicles
| Events | Dates | Passages |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation of the Davidic monarchy | c. 1010–931 B.C. | 1 Chronicles 10–2 Chronicles 9 |
| History of Judah from the division of the kingdom until its fall | 931–586 | 2 Chron. 10:1–36:21 |
| Babylonian captivity | 586–538 | 2 Chron. 36:17–21 |
| Cyrus’s decree | 538 | 2 Chron. 36:22–23 |
Theme
The central theme of Chronicles is God’s covenant with David as the basis of Israel’s life and hope. The Davidic covenant is expressed in two institutions: the monarchy and the temple. These institutions are related (1 Chron. 17:10b–14), and together they represent God’s kingdom in Israel (2 Chron. 13:5, 8). The Davidic covenant does not replace the Mosaic covenant but builds on it for the new age of the monarchy and the temple.
Purpose, Occasion, and Background
Judah and Benjamin, the only surviving tribes of Israel, had returned to the land after the Babylonian exile. They had rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem. But in many ways it seemed like they were still in exile (see Ezra 9:6–15; Neh. 9:32–36). There were questions about Israel’s place in God’s purposes and the meaning of his ancient promises to David. With such questions in mind, the Chronicler wrote his books to promote spiritual and social renewal. He presented an interpretation of Israel’s past, drawing mainly on the books of Samuel and Kings. He showed how the nation’s unfaithfulness to God had led to disaster but also how its faithful kings and people had experienced God’s blessing.
Key Themes
- The Davidic covenant. God’s covenant with David preserved the nation and enabled Solomon to build the temple. God is committed to preserving the line of David’s descendants even through spiritual unfaithfulness (2 Chron. 21:13) and exile (1 Chron. 3:17–24). Being heirs of God’s covenant with David also involves living according to God’s earlier covenant with Moses.
- The temple. The temple is an expression of the Davidic covenant. David provided for the construction of the temple and organized its personnel. His faithful successors should ensure that the worship is maintained, and that the building is kept in repair and is purified after defilement. The temple personnel should come to the aid of the Davidic dynasty in times of crisis. The Levites played an essential role in maintaining the whole system of worship, and in many ways they are the forerunners of the Christian ministry.
- The people of Israel. The Chronicler sought to address some urgent questions of his day concerning the identity of Israel. He wanted to instill fresh confidence in the people. The genealogies of Israel that begin the work (1 Chronicles 1–9) start by tracing the people’s ancestry back to Adam, a striking reminder that Israel was at the center of God’s purpose from the very beginning of creation.
Second, the genealogies makes it clear that all 12 tribes were descended from Jacob’s sons (1 Chron. 2:1). The Chronicler’s history of the divided kingdom (2 Chronicles 10–36) focuses mainly on Judah and Benjamin. But he tries to show that the northern tribes are still a part of Israel, even though they rebelled against the rightful Davidic king (2 Chron. 13:5).
While the Chronicler does focus on the nation’s kings and its priesthood, he also includes many stories that highlight the participation of ordinary people in the life of the nation.
Outline for 1–2 Chronicles
- A Genealogical Presentation of the Tribes of Israel (1 Chron. 1:1–9:44)
- Adam to Esau (1:1–54)
- The sons of Israel (2:1–2)
- The tribe of Judah (2:3–4:23)
- The tribe of Simeon (4:24–43)
- The Transjordanian tribes (5:1–26)
- The tribe of Levi (6:1–81)
- Other northern tribes (7:1–40)
- The tribe of Benjamin (8:1–40)
- The resettlement of Jerusalem (9:1–34)
- The genealogy of Saul (9:35–44)
- The United Kingdom of David and Solomon (1 Chron. 10:1–2 Chron. 9:31)
- David’s rise to power over Israel (1 Chron. 10:1–12:40)
- David’s transfer of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (13:1–16:43)
- The dynastic promise to David (17:1–27)
- David’s wars (18:1–20:8)
- David’s census and preparation for the temple (21:1–29:30)
- Solomon’s temple preparations (2 Chron. 1:1–2:18)
- Solomon’s building of the temple (3:1–5:1)
- The dedication of the temple (5:2–7:22)
- Solomon’s other accomplishments (8:1–16)
- Solomon’s international relations and renown (8:17–9:31)
- The Kingdom of Judah down to the Exile (2 Chron. 10:1–36:23)
- Rehoboam (10:1–12:16)
- Abijah (13:1–14:1)
- Asa (14:2–16:14)
- Jehoshaphat (17:1–21:1)
- Jehoram and Ahaziah (21:2–22:12)
- Joash (23:1–24:27)
- Amaziah (25:1–28)
- Uzziah (26:1–23)
- Jotham (27:1–9)
- Ahaz (28:1–27)
- Hezekiah (29:1–32:33)
- Manasseh (33:1–20)
- Amon (33:21–25)
- Josiah (34:1–35:27)
- The last four kings (36:1–21)
- Restoration (36:22–23)
The Extent of David’s Kingdom
The Extent of David’s Kingdom
1010–971 B.C.
David’s many battles eventually established Israel as the dominant power in Syria and Palestine. David expanded Israel’s borders until, by the end of his reign, he controlled all of Israel, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Other kingdoms, such as Tyre and Hamath, made treaties with him.
The Extent of Solomon’s Kingdom
The Extent of Solomon’s Kingdom
c. 971–931 B.C.
Solomon’s reign marked the high point of Israel’s power and wealth in biblical times. His father David had given him a kingdom that included Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Solomon would later bring the kingdom of Hamath-zobah under his dominion as well, and his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter sealed an alliance with Egypt. His expansive kingdom controlled important trade routes between several major world powers, including Egypt, Arabia, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia (Asia Minor).
Fact: King David
King David is the main character in 1 Chronicles. The writer presents a very positive picture of him, leaving out many of the tragic details of his life that the writer of 2 Samuel describes.
Fact: Why so many genealogies?
Why so many genealogies? The first readers of 1 Chronicles were Israelites living after the Babylonian exile. The genealogies showed them that they were still God’s people. For Christians, the genealogies also show how God preserved the line of David’s descendants that eventually led to Jesus the Messiah.
Fact: Why did ancient kings go to war in the spring?
Why did ancient kings go to war in the spring? In Palestine, crops such as barley and wheat were harvested in the spring. An invading army could live off harvested grains.
Fact: New job descriptions for the Levites
New job descriptions for the Levites. For nearly 500 years a specific group of Levites had taken care of the portable tabernacle and its furniture, including the ark. Whenever the tabernacle was moved, each Levite had a specific job to do. Now that there would be a permanent temple, David gave new instructions to these faithful workers.
Comparison of 1–2 Chronicles with 2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings
| 1 Chronicles | 2 Samuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Genealogies | 1:1–9:44 | |
| Death of Saul and sons | 10:1–14 | 1 Sam. 31:1–2 Sam. 1:16 |
| Lament for Saul | 1:17–27 | |
| David king of Judah | 2:1–7 | |
| War between house of Saul and David; Ish-bosheth made king | 2:8–3:1 | |
| David’s sons in Hebron | 3:2–5 | |
| Abner helps David | 3:6–21 | |
| Joab kills Abner | 3:22–39 | |
| Ish-bosheth killed | 4:1–12 | |
| David king of Judah and Israel | 11:1–3 | 5:1–5 |
| Conquest of Jerusalem | 11:4–9 | 5:6–10 |
| David’s mighty men | 11:10–47 | 23:8–39 |
| David’s men at Ziklag | 12:1–22 | |
| Celebration at Hebron | 12:23–40 | |
| Attempted return of ark; death of Uzzah | 13:1–14 | 6:1–11 |
| David’s house built | 14:1–2 | 5:11–12 |
| David’s children in Jerusalem | 14:3–7 | 5:13–16 |
| David defeats Philistines | 14:8–17 | 5:17–25 |
| Spiritual preparation for the ark’s return | 15:1–24 | |
| Ark brought to Jerusalem | 15:25–16:6 | 6:12–19 |
| David and Michal | 6:20–23 | |
| David’s psalm of praise | 16:7–43 | |
| David’s desire to build the temple | 17:1–2 | 7:1–3 |
| Davidic covenant | 17:3–15 | 7:4–17 |
| David’s prayer of praise | 17:16–27 | 7:18–29 |
| David’s victories | 18:1–13 | 8:1–14 |
| David’s officials | 18:14–17 | 8:15–18 |
| David helps Mephibosheth | 9:1–13 | |
| Ammonites defeated | 19:1–15 | 10:1–14 |
| Syrians defeated | 19:16–19 | 10:15–19 |
| Ammonites defeated | 20:1–3 | 11:1; 12:26–31 |
| David and Bathsheba | 11:2–12:25 | |
| Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom | 13:1–14:33 | |
| Absalom’s rebellion | 15:1–19:43 | |
| Sheba’s rebellion | 20:1–26 | |
| Famine; death of Saul’s sons | 21:1–14 | |
| War with Philistines; the Philistine giants | 20:4–8 | 21:15–22 |
| David’s psalm of deliverance | 22:1–51 | |
| David’s last words | 23:1–7 | |
| David’s census | 21:1–27 | 24:1–25 |
| David plans for the temple | 21:28–22:5 | |
| David’s charge to Solomon and the leaders | 22:6–19 | |
| David organizes temple personnel | 23:1–26:32 | |
| Israel’s military | 27:1–15 | |
| Israel’s leaders | 27:16–34 | |
| David’s charge to Israel; affirmation of Solomon | 28:1–10 | |
| Pattern for the temple | 28:11–21 | |
| Offerings for the temple | 29:1–9 | |
| David’s prayer of thanks for the temple | 29:10–19 | |
| 1 Kings | ||
| David and Abishag | 1:1–4 | |
| Adonijah claims the throne | 1:5–27 | |
| Solomon’s coronation | 29:20–25 | 1:28–40 |
| David instructs Solomon | 2:1–9 | |
| Death of David | 29:26–30 | 2:10–11 |
| Solomon establishes his kingdom | 2:12–46 | |
| 2 Chronicles | ||
| Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter | 3:1–3 | |
| Solomon at Gibeon | 1:1–6 | 3:4 |
| God gives Solomon wisdom | 1:7–12 | 3:5–14 |
| Solomon’s wise judgment | 3:16–28 | |
| Solomon’s prosperity | 1:14–17 | 4:20–34 |
| Preparations for the temple | 2:1–18 | 5:1–18 |
| Temple built | 3:1–5:1 | 6:1–38;7:13–51 |
| Solomon’s palace | 7:1–12 | |
| Ark brought to the temple | 5:2–12 | 8:1–9 |
| God’s glory fills the temple | 5:13–14 | 8:10–11 |
| Solomon blesses the people | 6:1–11 | 8:12–21 |
| Solomon consecrates the temple | 6:12–42 | 8:22–61 |
| Fire from the Lord consumes the sacrifices | 7:1–3 | |
| Solomon and the people offer sacrifices | 7:4–7 | 8:62–64 |
| Feast of Tabernacles | 7:8–10 | 8:65–66 |
| The covenant confirmed | 7:11–22 | 9:1–9 |
| Solomon’s territory increases | 8:1–6 | 9:10–19 |
| Solomon’s enemies defeated | 8:7–10 | 9:20–23 |
| Solomon’s religious practices | 8:11–16 | 9:24–25 |
| Solomon’s economic operations | 8:17–18 | 9:26–28 |
| Queen of Sheba visits | 9:1–12 | 10:1–13 |
| Solomon’s wealth | 9:13–28 | 10:14–29 |
| Solomon’s apostasy and adversaries | 11:1–40 | |
| Death of Solomon | 9:29–31 | 11:41–43 |
| Division of the kingdom | 10:1–11:23 | 12:1–33 |
| Man of God from Judah warns Jeroboam (Israel) | 13:1–34 | |
| Ahijah’s prophecy against Jeroboam | 14:1–18 | |
| Death of Jeroboam | 14:19–20 | |
| Shishak invades Judah | 12:1–12 | 14:25–28 |
| Reign of Rehoboam (Judah) | 12:13–16 | 14:21–24,29–31 |
| War between Judah and Israel | 13:1–22 | 15:1–8 |
| Evaluation of Asa (Judah) | 14:1–8 | 15:9–12 |
| Ethiopians defeated | 14:9–15 | |
| Azariah the prophet | 15:1–7 | |
| Asa’s reforms | 15:8–19 | 15:13–15 |
| Asa defeats Syria | 16:1–10 | 15:16–22 |
| Death of Asa | 16:11–14 | 15:23–24 |
| Reigns of Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri (Israel) | 15:25–16:28 | |
| Ahab becomes king (Israel) | 16:29–34 | |
| Elijah | 17:1–19:18;21:17–29 | |
| Call of Elisha | 19:19–21 | |
| Ahab conquers Syria, acquires Naboth’s vineyard | 20:1–21:29 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoshaphat (Judah) | 17:1–9 | |
| Expansion of Judah | 17:10–19 | |
| Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab; death of Ahab | 18:1–34 | 22:1–40 |
| Jehoshaphat’s reforms, crisis, and deliverance | 19:1–20:30 | |
| Reign of Jehoshaphat | 20:31–37 | 22:41–50 |
| Reign of Ahaziah (Israel) | 22:51–53 | |
| 2 Kings | ||
| Death of Ahaziah; Elijah’s prophecy | 1:1–18 | |
| Elijah and Elisha | 2:1–25 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoram (Israel) | 3:1–3 | |
| Moab rebels | 3:4–27 | |
| The widow’s oil | 4:1–7 | |
| The Shunammite woman | 4:8–37 | |
| Miracles for the prophets | 4:38–44 | |
| Naaman healed | 5:1–27 | |
| The axe head recovered | 6:1–7 | |
| Chariots of fire | 6:8–23 | |
| Siege of Samaria | 6:24–7:20 | |
| Shunammite’s land restored | 8:1–6 | |
| Hazael kills Ben-hadad | 8:7–15 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoram (Judah) | 21:1–7 | 8:16–19 |
| Edom and Libnah rebel | 21:8–11 | 8:20–22 |
| Warning of Elijah | 21:12–15 | |
| Invasion of Philistia and Arabia | 21:16–17 | |
| Death of Jehoram | 21:18–20 | 8:23–24 |
| Reign of Ahaziah (Judah) | 22:1–9 | 8:25–29; 9:15–16, 27–28; 10:12–14 |
| Reign of Jehu (Israel) | 22:7–9 | 9:1–10:36 |
| Reign of Athaliah (Judah) | 22:10–23:15 | 11:1–16 |
| Jehoiada’s reforms (Judah) | 23:16–21 | 11:17–20 |
| Evaluation of Joash (Judah) | 24:1–3 | 11:21–12:3 |
| Joash repairs the temple | 24:4–14 | 12:4–16 |
| Death of Jehoiada | 24:15–16 | |
| Jehoiada’s son killed | 24:17–22 | |
| Syria invades Judah | 24:23–24 | 12:17–18 |
| Death of Joash | 24:25–27 | 12:19–21 |
| Reign of Jehoahaz (Israel) | 13:1–9 | |
| Reign of Jehoash (Israel) | 13:10–13 | |
| Elisha’s final prophecy and death | 13:14–25 | |
| Reign of Amaziah (Judah) | 25:1–16 | 14:1–20 |
| Israel defeats Judah | 25:17–24 | 14:8–14 |
| Death of Amaziah | 25:25–28 | 14:17–20 |
| Evaluation of Uzziah (Judah) | 26:1–5 | 14:21–22; 15:1–5 |
| Reign of Jeroboam II (Israel) | 14:23–29 | |
| Victories of Uzziah | 26:6–15 | |
| Sinful offering of Uzziah | 26:16–21 | |
| Death of Uzziah | 26:22–23 | 15:6–7 |
| Reign of Zechariah (Israel) | 15:8–12 | |
| Reign of Shallum (Israel) | 15:13–16 | |
| Reign of Menahem (Israel) | 15:17–22 | |
| Reign of Pekahiah (Israel) | 15:23–26 | |
| Reign of Pekah (Israel) | 15:27–31 | |
| Reign of Jotham (Judah) | 27:1–9 | 15:32–38 |
| Evaluation of Ahaz (Judah) | 28:1–4 | 16:1–4 |
| Israel defeats Judah | 28:5–21 | 16:5–9 |
| Ahaz’s idolatry and death | 28:22–27 | 16:10–12 |
| Fall of Israel | 17:1–23 | |
| Resettlement of Israel | 17:24–41 | |
| Evaluation of Hezekiah (Judah) | 29:1–2 | 18:1–8 |
| Hezekiah cleanses the temple | 29:3–19 | |
| Hezekiah restores temple worship | 29:20–36 | |
| Hezekiah restores Passover | 30:1–27 | |
| Hezekiah destroys idols, organizes priests | 31:1–21 | |
| Fall of Israel (restated) | 18:9–12 | |
| Assyria invades Judah | 32:1–23 | 18:13–19:37 |
| Hezekiah’s illness and restoration | 32:24–26 | 20:1–11 |
| Hezekiah’s wealth and foolish pride | 32:27–31 | 20:12–19 |
| Death of Hezekiah | 32:32–33 | 20:20–21 |
| Reign of Manasseh (Judah) | 33:1–9 | 21:1–18 |
| Manasseh’s repentance | 33:10–20 | |
| Reign of Amon (Judah) | 33:21–25 | 21:19–26 |
| Evaluation of Josiah (Judah) | 34:1–2 | 22:1–2 |
| Josiah’s early reforms | 34:3–7 | |
| Josiah repairs the temple | 34:8–13 | 22:3–7 |
| Book of Law discovered; Josiah’s reforms | 34:14–33 | 22:8–23:20 |
| Passover celebrated | 35:1–19 | 23:21–27 |
| Death of Josiah | 35:20–27 | 23:28–30 |
| Reign of Jehoahaz (Judah) | 36:1–3 | 23:31–33 |
| Reign of Jehoiakim (Judah) | 36:4–8 | 23:34–24:7 |
| Reign of Jehoiachin (Judah); Babylonian captivity | 36:9–10 | 24:8–17 |
| Evaluation of Zedekiah (Judah) | 36:11–12 | 24:18–20 |
| Destruction of Jerusalem | 36:13–21 | 25:1–21 |
| Remnant flees to Egypt | 25:22–26 | |
| Jehoiachin released | 25:27–30 | |
| Proclamation by Cyrus | 36:22–23 |
1 Chron 20:1 the time when kings go out to battle. . . . But David remained at Jerusalem. See note on 2 Sam. 11:1; the Chronicler omits any mention of David’s sin with Bathsheba (see note on 1 Chron. 19:1–20:3). Joab struck down Rabbah and overthrew it. See note on 2 Sam. 12:26–31.
Fact: Why did ancient kings go to war in the spring?
Why did ancient kings go to war in the spring? In Palestine, crops such as barley and wheat were harvested in the spring. An invading army could live off harvested grains.
1 Chron 19:1–20:3 From 2 Sam. 10:1–19; 11:1; 12:26, 30–31. The main difference between these sources and the Chronicler’s account is that he said nothing about David’s sin with Bathsheba. This was not done to hide David’s sin, since it was well known, but probably to focus on his military victories. The battles in 1 Chron. 19:1–15 seem to have preceded the decisive military effort in 18:5–8. David receives the crown of Ammon for his own house (20:2). Since David’s line will produce One who will rule the Gentiles, it seems fitting that David himself is the first to do so.
1 Chron 20:1–3 The Chronicler omits 2 Sam. 12:27–29, Joab’s summons to David to come to Rabbah.
1 Chron 20:5 Lahmi the brother of Goliath. See note on 2 Sam. 21:19.
1 Chron 20:7 On Jonathan and Shimea, see note on 2 Sam. 21:21.
18:1–20:8 David’s Wars. The Chronicler draws from 2 Samuel 8–21 to show how God’s promises to David (especially 1 Chron. 17:8–10b) are being fulfilled. As elsewhere in Chronicles, the materials do not always follow a strict chronology.
1 Chron 20:4–8 From 2 Sam. 21:18–22. Three incidents from David’s war against the Philistines in Gezer and Gath bring this unit back to where it began (1 Chron. 18:1). The giants were the Rephaim (see Gen. 14:5). the Philistines were subdued. Compare 1 Chron. 17:10.
1 Chron 21:1 On God using Satan, see note on 2 Sam. 24:1. This census was sinful probably because it arose from David’s military ambitions (see 1 Chron. 21:5) and pride, and not from Yahweh’s command. In addition, David did not collect the poll tax for a census as required by Ex. 30:12.
1 Chron 21:3 The Chronicler’s mention of guilt in relation to David’s census is a significant addition to the account of this incident in 2 Sam. 24:3. For other mentions of “guilt” in Chronicles, see 2 Chron. 24:18; 28:13; 33:23.
1 Chron 21:5–6 The Chronicler adds that Joab found David’s census abhorrent (again emphasizing David’s sinfulness). Because of this, Joab did not include the priestly tribe of Levi in the count (perhaps remembering Num. 1:47–49). He also left out Benjamin, whose territory included Jerusalem (the site of the ark) and Gibeon (the site of the tabernacle).
1 Chron 21:12 three years of famine. See note on 2 Sam. 24:13.
1 Chron 21:7–13 David’s confession of guilt regarding the census leads him to appeal to God’s mercy, which is very great.
1 Chron 21:14–16 On relented (v. 15), see 1 Sam. 15:11–29 and notes; Jonah 3:10. The Chronicler does not tell readers what the LORD saw; probably it is the approaching calamity.
1 Chron 21:17 Compared to 2 Sam. 24:17 (see note there), David here makes a fuller confession and asks for the plague to be removed.
1 Chron 21:26 David built there an altar. See note on 2 Sam. 24:25. The LORD answered him with fire from heaven, signifying God’s approval of the temple site (see Lev. 9:24; 2 Chron. 7:1).
1 Chron 21:18–27 raise an altar. This was done to mark the special nature of the place and situation (compare Gen. 22:9–19). This will become the site of the temple (see 1 Chron. 22:1).
1 Chron 21:1–22:1 From 2 Sam. 24:1–25, with significant changes and additions. The account of David’s census and the resulting plague is an important turning point in Chronicles, between David’s wars (1 Chronicles 18–20) and his temple preparations (chs. 22–29). Beyond describing the purchase of the site for the temple, the author shows the meaning of the temple itself as the place of mercy and forgiveness. It is David, the model of “seeking God,” who shows the need for forgiveness (see 2 Chron. 6:36) and by his actions provides a model of true repentance (see note on 1 Chron. 21:17).
1 Chron 21:28–22:1 This material is not found in 2 Samuel 24. It explains why David did not go to Gibeon to offer sacrifice and why he concluded that God had authorized moving the sanctuary to Jerusalem (see 2 Chron. 1:3–6; 5:5).
1 Chron 22:2–5 To prepare for building the temple, David recruited resident aliens as forced laborers (see 2 Sam. 20:24; see notes on 2 Chron. 2:2; 8:7–10). Items taken in war provided some of the material (see 1 Chron. 18:8). These events happened in the last years of David’s life, when Solomon was still young and inexperienced (22:5).
1 Chron 22:11–13 David emphasizes Solomon’s need to keep the Law of Moses in ruling his kingdom. Be strong and courageous. Fear not. See Deut. 31:7–8 and Josh. 1:9.
1 Chron 22:14 In addition to gathering other materials for the temple, David gives 3,000 talents of gold and 7,000 talents of silver from his own treasure (29:3–4).
1 Chron 22:6–16 Through private instruction, David prepares Solomon for his demanding duty as king. David refers back to the dynastic promise (17:7–14). Solomon’s reign will be the promised time of peace and quiet for Israel (see also Deut. 12:10–11).
1 Chron 23:3 A legitimate census of the Levites, as in Num. 4:1–3 (see 1 Chron. 21:1–17 and notes). The age of beginning service (thirty . . . and upward) was later lowered to 20 (23:24, 27). 38,000. The Hebrew word here for “thousand” may denote “groups” or “units” of unknown size.
1 Chron 23:6–23 David organizes the Levites according to their traditional clans: the Gershonites (vv. 7–11), the Kohathites (vv. 12–20), and the Merarites (vv. 21–23).
1 Chron 23:24–32 David appears as the successor to Moses (see Numbers 4) as he defines the Levites’ duties in relation to the temple.
Fact: New job descriptions for the Levites
New job descriptions for the Levites. For nearly 500 years a specific group of Levites had taken care of the portable tabernacle and its furniture, including the ark. Whenever the tabernacle was moved, each Levite had a specific job to do. Now that there would be a permanent temple, David gave new instructions to these faithful workers.
1 Chron 24:2 Nadab and Abihu died. See Lev. 10:1–3. The priesthood was hereditary. It descended through the lines of Eleazar and Ithamar.
1 Chron 24:3 Zadok. See 1 Kings 1:8; 2:35. Ahimelech. The son of Abiathar (2 Sam. 8:17), with whom Zadok is usually paired (2 Sam. 15:35; 1 Kings 4:4).
1 Chron 24:5–6 Specific duties were assigned by drawing lots between the families of Eleazar and of Ithamar.
1 Chron 24:10 Hakkoz. See Ezra 2:61–63. Abijah. An ancestor of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5).
1 Chron 24:1–19 David organizes the priests into 24 divisions by lot. Each division was to serve for two weeks of the year, based on a lunar calendar of 48 weeks.
1 Chron 24:20–31 The list of Levites in 23:6–23 is updated to include another generation in six of the Levitical families.
Where did the Philistine giants come from?
Listen NowDive Deeper | 1 Chronicles 20-24
It is difficult to read these chapters and not seek to understand the incident of David and the census in 1 Chronicles 21. According to the law of Moses, only God could call for a census, as the people of Israel were His people. When David chose to initiate a census, his pride suggested that he viewed the people of Israel as belonging to him.
As a result of the census, God was angry with David. Before making the census decision, David neglected to seek the Lord's guidance as was David's habit. Instead, David just gave instructions to Joab. As 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us—when we are tempted, God will provide a way of escape. During David's conversation with Joab, Joab questioned David's instructions. As the leader of David's army and part of David's community, Joab asked why this census should "be a cause of guilt for Israel?" (1 Chronicles 21:3) Instead of pausing, praying, fasting, and seeking guidance from God and God's people, David's decision was set.
Later, when he saw the anger of the Lord directed against Israel, David confessed his sin and repented. Though the Lord forgave David, the sin resulted in deadly consequences. Oftentimes, God sovereignly allows consequences so that the disciplining, refining, and purifying of His children can take place.
David didn't question the Lord's words or ways or any of the three consequences. Choosing the consequence of three days of pestilence with destruction throughout all Israel, David desired to be in the hand of the Lord because "his mercy is very great" (1 Chronicles 21:13). David had previously experienced God's mercies, and David knew God's love. May we remember that no matter the circumstance, we can seek and trust God with our heart and soul. May we remember the cross, as it is through Jesus that we have access to the Father by faith and grace alone.
Ultimately, this incident resulted in David buying the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite where the angel of the Lord instructed David to raise an altar to the Lord. David complied so "that the plague may be averted from the people." (1 Chronicles 21:22) And God used David even in the aftermath of discipline to designate the altar site as the location for the future temple, the house of the Lord God.
This month's memory verse
"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?" (NLT)
– 2 Samuel 22:31-32
Discussion Questions
1. If God is worthy of your trust, what is an action step you can take this week that brings you closer to abiding in Him?
2. Will you share one personal testimony of God's trustworthiness with an unbeliever this week?
3. What are you thankful for and what are you struggling with?