1 Chronicles 27

1 Chronicles 27:1

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:2

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:3

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:4

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:5

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:6

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:7

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:8

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:9

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:10

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:11

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:12

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:13

Who Come to David at Hebron

In this section, people are no longer mentioned so much, but mainly the tribes and numbers. They come to David at Hebron when he is already king, to acknowledge that the kingship of Saul turned to him (1 Chronicles 12:23), which is a confirmation of what is written in 1 Chronicles 10 (1 Chronicles 10:14).

They are, so to speak, a second batch. Others have already left Saul at an earlier stage to join David. They come after Saul is dead and they have had to conclude that they are facing a lost cause (1 Chronicles 12:29). We also see that there are people who accept and follow the Lord Jesus at an early age, while others do not do so until later in life, when they discover that they live a lost life.

Details are mentioned for each tribe. There are tribes who are said to be “mighty men of valor” or “mighty men of valor for war” (1 Chronicles 12:25; 28; 30). Others have “all kinds of weapons of war” (1 Chronicles 12:33; 37). Others are mentioned “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). All these particularities can be applied to the different characteristics that are perceptible in children of God. Everyone has something specific, something that characterizes him or her. This also shows that they complement each other and need each other to be one.

It is striking how few fighters come from the tribes of Judah and Simeon close to Jerusalem, compared to other tribes further away (1 Chronicles 12:24-25).

The tribe of Levi also provides warriors, as does the priestly family, the family of Aaron (1 Chronicles 12:26-28). As an exception in the enumeration of the tribes, two names of persons are mentioned here. One name is that of “Jehoiada … the leader of [the house of] Aaron”. The other name is that of “Zadok”, of whom it is also said that he is “a young man mighty of valor”. A priest has the privilege of serving God in the sanctuary. However, that does not mean that he does not have to fight. A believer who worships God as a good priest in the sanctuary will certainly be a good warrior outside the sanctuary for the interests of the One he worships.

Zadok was chosen by God to stand before the king. Under Solomon he will be the high priest (1 Chronicles 29:22; 1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). God has told Eli that He will have a priest walking before His anointed king (1 Samuel 2:35). Here king and priest are connected. It is the union we see in the true Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Who will be Priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13).

For the third time in this chapter, we hear of Benjamites (1 Chronicles 12:29; 1 Chronicles 12:2-7; 1 Chronicles 12:16). Here it appears that the majority of this tribe remains loyal to Saul. This means that the Benjamites who go to David go against the majority. They defy the hatred of their family members who may have accused them of cowardice or betrayal.

From the Issacharites we read that they “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need people like them who know what time it is on God’s clock (cf. Esther 1:13). They have learned, through perception in the world around them and from experience in dealing with the people around them, what their own duties and interests are and what those of others are. They know that they have to make David king now, now is the time to do it.

In spiritual terms, Paul belongs to this tribe. As a real Issacharite he says to the believers, that he knows the time when they must awaken from sleep, because “knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” To this end he then says: “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

Do we know the time and the spirit of the time? Do we know what we have to do to not be overwhelmed and eliminated by the enemy, but to remain subservient to the Lord? Can we serve our fellow believers with our understanding of God’s thoughts about time and the spirit of the time?

Who wants to be a real Issacharite, also has to be a real Zebulunite. From the men of this tribe we read that they are prepared to “draw up in battle formation … with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Their hearts are seized by nothing but David and the battle for him. Their hearts are “united” (Psalms 86:11). They are not double-hearted. There is no other motive in their hearts but to be only for David and to establish him in his kingship. This characteristic must be found with us in relation to the Lord Jesus.

They “could draw up in battle formation”. This indicates that they are disciplined in their army unit. They each take their own place, but in the knowledge that they are part of a whole. There is individual dedication with all, each in his own place, so that the whole is a ‘team’ focused entirely on David.

Paul can rejoice at the sight of the “order” of the believers in the church in Colossae (Colossians 2:5). If there is personal commitment and an orderly whole, the enemy does not get a chance to break in a local church. However, if there are divisions, or schisms, he can easily sow disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

1 Chronicles 27:14

The Kingship Celebrated

All “men of war” come to “Hebron with a perfect heart” (1 Chronicles 12:38a) and “all the rest also of Israel” – which probably means the civilian population – come “of one mind” to David to make him king “over all Israel”. This is first and foremost a look ahead to the kingdom of peace, when all will acknowledge the Lord Jesus as King of kings and Lord of the lords. That will be a time of feast and joy (Proverbs 11:10a), of eating and drinking in abundance.

The great source of joy is being “with David”. In his presence, fellowship is also enjoyed with one another, of which the meal speaks, prepared for them by “their kinsmen”. There is more than enough for everyone.

There is “joy indeed in Israel”, both among those who have shared in the rejection of David and among those who only now acknowledge him. Where Christ reigns in the hearts, there is great joy in the heart. Where all authority is given to Him, there is unity. Then there is also power. Where believers in unity acknowledge the Lord Jesus as Lord, there is an abundance of spiritual food.

1 Chronicles 27:15

The Kingship Celebrated

All “men of war” come to “Hebron with a perfect heart” (1 Chronicles 12:38a) and “all the rest also of Israel” – which probably means the civilian population – come “of one mind” to David to make him king “over all Israel”. This is first and foremost a look ahead to the kingdom of peace, when all will acknowledge the Lord Jesus as King of kings and Lord of the lords. That will be a time of feast and joy (Proverbs 11:10a), of eating and drinking in abundance.

The great source of joy is being “with David”. In his presence, fellowship is also enjoyed with one another, of which the meal speaks, prepared for them by “their kinsmen”. There is more than enough for everyone.

There is “joy indeed in Israel”, both among those who have shared in the rejection of David and among those who only now acknowledge him. Where Christ reigns in the hearts, there is great joy in the heart. Where all authority is given to Him, there is unity. Then there is also power. Where believers in unity acknowledge the Lord Jesus as Lord, there is an abundance of spiritual food.

1 Chronicles 27:16

The Kingship Celebrated

All “men of war” come to “Hebron with a perfect heart” (1 Chronicles 12:38a) and “all the rest also of Israel” – which probably means the civilian population – come “of one mind” to David to make him king “over all Israel”. This is first and foremost a look ahead to the kingdom of peace, when all will acknowledge the Lord Jesus as King of kings and Lord of the lords. That will be a time of feast and joy (Proverbs 11:10a), of eating and drinking in abundance.

The great source of joy is being “with David”. In his presence, fellowship is also enjoyed with one another, of which the meal speaks, prepared for them by “their kinsmen”. There is more than enough for everyone.

There is “joy indeed in Israel”, both among those who have shared in the rejection of David and among those who only now acknowledge him. Where Christ reigns in the hearts, there is great joy in the heart. Where all authority is given to Him, there is unity. Then there is also power. Where believers in unity acknowledge the Lord Jesus as Lord, there is an abundance of spiritual food.

1 Chronicles 27:18

Introduction

1 Chronicles 11-12 can be considered as an introduction to the next chapters, in which the main subjects are the ark and the temple service. In view of this, God has helped David in establishing his kingship and has brought the people to David.

In Deuteronomy we read about a place God has chosen (Deuteronomy 12:5) and a king God has chosen (Deuteronomy 17:14-15). When Saul was king, there was not sought for that place, and Saul himself is not God’s choice, but the choice of the people (1 Samuel 12:13). Of David we read that God has chosen him (Psalms 78:70). Only when Saul, chosen by the people to satisfy their carnal desires, is set aside, David, chosen by God, can ascend the throne.

When David is in power, he goes in search of the place God has chosen for His Name to dwell there. In Psalms 132 he expresses his longing for it (Psalms 132:3-5). There we also read that Sion is that place (Psalms 132:13-14). Sion is the mountain Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1). On that mountain Abraham offered Isaac on the altar (Genesis 22:1-14; James 2:21). In that event we see a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (cf. Hebrews 11:19). David has conquered Sion (1 Chronicles 11:4-5). There the ark will end up, in the temple that will be built there by Solomon.

Before the time that the ark will have its final resting place, a lot has been done with the ark and the tabernacle in which the ark was. It is good to evaluate these events briefly. We can at the same time make an application to the Lord Jesus of Whom the tabernacle and the ark are a picture.

When the people have come into the land, the tabernacle is placed in Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). There it is until the birth of Samuel, which is a period of hundreds of years. In this we can see in picture the time of the life of the Lord Jesus on earth.

Then the ark is taken by Hophni and Phinehas in the fight against the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:3-4). But God does not allow these wicked priests to abuse the symbol of His presence. “So that He abandoned the dwelling place at Shiloh, … and gave up His strength to captivity and His glory into the hand of the adversary” (Psalms 78:60-61). He let the ark be captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:10-11; 1 Samuel 5:1). Here we can see a picture of the surrender of the Lord Jesus into death by God (cf. Acts 2:23).

The ark is seven months in the land of the Philistines, but then returns to the land of the LORD (1 Samuel 6:1-2; 11-13). This can be seen as a picture of the stay of the Lord Jesus in death, which could not keep Him (Acts 2:24-28). The ark returns to Israel, not to Shiloh, but to Abinadab’s house in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1). In this we can see a picture of the risen Lord, Who is no longer seen by all the people, but only in secret by His own.

The ark stays for a long time in Kiriath-jearim, until here the thread of the history of the ark is taken up again. It starts here with the observation that there is unanimity to pick up the ark (1 Chronicles 13:1-4), without one wondering how to do so and where to go.

It is important how the ark is transported. This leads to the first judgment on the new government, which leads to fear of God on the one hand and domestic blessing on the other (1 Chronicles 13:12-14). Later, in 1 Chronicles 15, the ark is brought to Jerusalem in the correct way. This can be seen as a picture of the ascension of Christ. The proof of this is the quotation by Paul in Ephesians 4 of Psalms 68 in connection with the ascension (Ephesians 4:8-10; Psalms 68:18).

Finally, the ark is brought into the house that Solomon built. Then the glory of the LORD descends into the temple and fills the temple (2 Chronicles 5:14). This event we can bring into connection with the coming down of the Holy Spirit, through which the church is formed to the house of the living God (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:15). This happened after the Lord Jesus is glorified in heaven (John 7:39).

David Wants to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem

The first thing David’s heart goes out to when he is king is the ark. He does not seek his ease, but the symbol of the presence of God. The ark is the throne of God. God dwells thereon among His people. The ark is in the heart of David. It has always been there. God has indicated a place where He will make His Name dwell, a central place of worship. His Name is His glory. They have to find that place. By bringing the ark to that place, the royal city becomes the holy city, the center of service to God.

This also applies to us. For us, this is not about a geographical place or a visible building, but about the spiritual characteristics of the church meeting together. If our hearts are open to it, we will look for the place where the Lord Jesus dwells, where He is the center of His New Testament people, the church (Matthew 18:20).

The exercise concerning the search for a dwelling place for the ark is present with only one man, David (1 Chronicles 13:1; 1 Chronicles 17:1). David is not managed or dictated by others, although he is confirmed by others (1 Chronicles 13:2; 4). His heart goes out to the ark, realizing that the ark is of the whole people. A heart that goes out to the Lord Jesus also goes out to all the people of God.

For the retrieval of the ark David consults with the captain and the leaders. Consulting others in the case of a spiritual exercise is not weakness, but wisdom (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:21). Much of the Lord’s work cannot be properly performed without a cordial fellowship with like-minded people. It is also beautiful to see that David speaks about the people as “our … kinsmen”. He is in truth a king “from among your countrymen”, a countryman with a heart that is “not lifted up above his countrymen” (Deuteronomy 17:15; 20).

What David unfortunately lacks here is consultation with the LORD. This leads to a tragic situation if they implement their plan. We can consult with each other, but if we do not involve the Lord and His Word, our plan will not be carried out to the Lord’s glory.

The people did not seek God’s dwelling place “in the days of Saul”. It’s good to see that David includes himself by talking about “we”. Although he did look for it himself, he makes himself one with the people here (cf. Daniel 9:5). The fact that “in the days of Saul” God’s dwelling place was not sought is a lesson for us that a member of God’s people does not ask for the Lord and His service when he lives according to the flesh.

A revival starts with a single person. We see the single person here in David, the man after God’s heart. He had already sought that place when he was still with the sheep and did not know anything about the kingship. We know this from what he says about it in Psalms 132. He searched tirelessly for that place and found it (Psalms 132:4-6).

He finds it in the field of Jaär, in the house of Abinadab. There the ark had been for a long time, forgotten by the people, but not by this then still young man. We can now also know where to find the Lord Jesus and see His glory. This is with the two or three who come together as a church in His Name (Matthew 18:20).

1 Chronicles 27:19

Introduction

1 Chronicles 11-12 can be considered as an introduction to the next chapters, in which the main subjects are the ark and the temple service. In view of this, God has helped David in establishing his kingship and has brought the people to David.

In Deuteronomy we read about a place God has chosen (Deuteronomy 12:5) and a king God has chosen (Deuteronomy 17:14-15). When Saul was king, there was not sought for that place, and Saul himself is not God’s choice, but the choice of the people (1 Samuel 12:13). Of David we read that God has chosen him (Psalms 78:70). Only when Saul, chosen by the people to satisfy their carnal desires, is set aside, David, chosen by God, can ascend the throne.

When David is in power, he goes in search of the place God has chosen for His Name to dwell there. In Psalms 132 he expresses his longing for it (Psalms 132:3-5). There we also read that Sion is that place (Psalms 132:13-14). Sion is the mountain Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1). On that mountain Abraham offered Isaac on the altar (Genesis 22:1-14; James 2:21). In that event we see a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (cf. Hebrews 11:19). David has conquered Sion (1 Chronicles 11:4-5). There the ark will end up, in the temple that will be built there by Solomon.

Before the time that the ark will have its final resting place, a lot has been done with the ark and the tabernacle in which the ark was. It is good to evaluate these events briefly. We can at the same time make an application to the Lord Jesus of Whom the tabernacle and the ark are a picture.

When the people have come into the land, the tabernacle is placed in Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). There it is until the birth of Samuel, which is a period of hundreds of years. In this we can see in picture the time of the life of the Lord Jesus on earth.

Then the ark is taken by Hophni and Phinehas in the fight against the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:3-4). But God does not allow these wicked priests to abuse the symbol of His presence. “So that He abandoned the dwelling place at Shiloh, … and gave up His strength to captivity and His glory into the hand of the adversary” (Psalms 78:60-61). He let the ark be captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:10-11; 1 Samuel 5:1). Here we can see a picture of the surrender of the Lord Jesus into death by God (cf. Acts 2:23).

The ark is seven months in the land of the Philistines, but then returns to the land of the LORD (1 Samuel 6:1-2; 11-13). This can be seen as a picture of the stay of the Lord Jesus in death, which could not keep Him (Acts 2:24-28). The ark returns to Israel, not to Shiloh, but to Abinadab’s house in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1). In this we can see a picture of the risen Lord, Who is no longer seen by all the people, but only in secret by His own.

The ark stays for a long time in Kiriath-jearim, until here the thread of the history of the ark is taken up again. It starts here with the observation that there is unanimity to pick up the ark (1 Chronicles 13:1-4), without one wondering how to do so and where to go.

It is important how the ark is transported. This leads to the first judgment on the new government, which leads to fear of God on the one hand and domestic blessing on the other (1 Chronicles 13:12-14). Later, in 1 Chronicles 15, the ark is brought to Jerusalem in the correct way. This can be seen as a picture of the ascension of Christ. The proof of this is the quotation by Paul in Ephesians 4 of Psalms 68 in connection with the ascension (Ephesians 4:8-10; Psalms 68:18).

Finally, the ark is brought into the house that Solomon built. Then the glory of the LORD descends into the temple and fills the temple (2 Chronicles 5:14). This event we can bring into connection with the coming down of the Holy Spirit, through which the church is formed to the house of the living God (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:15). This happened after the Lord Jesus is glorified in heaven (John 7:39).

David Wants to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem

The first thing David’s heart goes out to when he is king is the ark. He does not seek his ease, but the symbol of the presence of God. The ark is the throne of God. God dwells thereon among His people. The ark is in the heart of David. It has always been there. God has indicated a place where He will make His Name dwell, a central place of worship. His Name is His glory. They have to find that place. By bringing the ark to that place, the royal city becomes the holy city, the center of service to God.

This also applies to us. For us, this is not about a geographical place or a visible building, but about the spiritual characteristics of the church meeting together. If our hearts are open to it, we will look for the place where the Lord Jesus dwells, where He is the center of His New Testament people, the church (Matthew 18:20).

The exercise concerning the search for a dwelling place for the ark is present with only one man, David (1 Chronicles 13:1; 1 Chronicles 17:1). David is not managed or dictated by others, although he is confirmed by others (1 Chronicles 13:2; 4). His heart goes out to the ark, realizing that the ark is of the whole people. A heart that goes out to the Lord Jesus also goes out to all the people of God.

For the retrieval of the ark David consults with the captain and the leaders. Consulting others in the case of a spiritual exercise is not weakness, but wisdom (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:21). Much of the Lord’s work cannot be properly performed without a cordial fellowship with like-minded people. It is also beautiful to see that David speaks about the people as “our … kinsmen”. He is in truth a king “from among your countrymen”, a countryman with a heart that is “not lifted up above his countrymen” (Deuteronomy 17:15; 20).

What David unfortunately lacks here is consultation with the LORD. This leads to a tragic situation if they implement their plan. We can consult with each other, but if we do not involve the Lord and His Word, our plan will not be carried out to the Lord’s glory.

The people did not seek God’s dwelling place “in the days of Saul”. It’s good to see that David includes himself by talking about “we”. Although he did look for it himself, he makes himself one with the people here (cf. Daniel 9:5). The fact that “in the days of Saul” God’s dwelling place was not sought is a lesson for us that a member of God’s people does not ask for the Lord and His service when he lives according to the flesh.

A revival starts with a single person. We see the single person here in David, the man after God’s heart. He had already sought that place when he was still with the sheep and did not know anything about the kingship. We know this from what he says about it in Psalms 132. He searched tirelessly for that place and found it (Psalms 132:4-6).

He finds it in the field of Jaär, in the house of Abinadab. There the ark had been for a long time, forgotten by the people, but not by this then still young man. We can now also know where to find the Lord Jesus and see His glory. This is with the two or three who come together as a church in His Name (Matthew 18:20).

1 Chronicles 27:20

Introduction

1 Chronicles 11-12 can be considered as an introduction to the next chapters, in which the main subjects are the ark and the temple service. In view of this, God has helped David in establishing his kingship and has brought the people to David.

In Deuteronomy we read about a place God has chosen (Deuteronomy 12:5) and a king God has chosen (Deuteronomy 17:14-15). When Saul was king, there was not sought for that place, and Saul himself is not God’s choice, but the choice of the people (1 Samuel 12:13). Of David we read that God has chosen him (Psalms 78:70). Only when Saul, chosen by the people to satisfy their carnal desires, is set aside, David, chosen by God, can ascend the throne.

When David is in power, he goes in search of the place God has chosen for His Name to dwell there. In Psalms 132 he expresses his longing for it (Psalms 132:3-5). There we also read that Sion is that place (Psalms 132:13-14). Sion is the mountain Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1). On that mountain Abraham offered Isaac on the altar (Genesis 22:1-14; James 2:21). In that event we see a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (cf. Hebrews 11:19). David has conquered Sion (1 Chronicles 11:4-5). There the ark will end up, in the temple that will be built there by Solomon.

Before the time that the ark will have its final resting place, a lot has been done with the ark and the tabernacle in which the ark was. It is good to evaluate these events briefly. We can at the same time make an application to the Lord Jesus of Whom the tabernacle and the ark are a picture.

When the people have come into the land, the tabernacle is placed in Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). There it is until the birth of Samuel, which is a period of hundreds of years. In this we can see in picture the time of the life of the Lord Jesus on earth.

Then the ark is taken by Hophni and Phinehas in the fight against the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:3-4). But God does not allow these wicked priests to abuse the symbol of His presence. “So that He abandoned the dwelling place at Shiloh, … and gave up His strength to captivity and His glory into the hand of the adversary” (Psalms 78:60-61). He let the ark be captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:10-11; 1 Samuel 5:1). Here we can see a picture of the surrender of the Lord Jesus into death by God (cf. Acts 2:23).

The ark is seven months in the land of the Philistines, but then returns to the land of the LORD (1 Samuel 6:1-2; 11-13). This can be seen as a picture of the stay of the Lord Jesus in death, which could not keep Him (Acts 2:24-28). The ark returns to Israel, not to Shiloh, but to Abinadab’s house in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1). In this we can see a picture of the risen Lord, Who is no longer seen by all the people, but only in secret by His own.

The ark stays for a long time in Kiriath-jearim, until here the thread of the history of the ark is taken up again. It starts here with the observation that there is unanimity to pick up the ark (1 Chronicles 13:1-4), without one wondering how to do so and where to go.

It is important how the ark is transported. This leads to the first judgment on the new government, which leads to fear of God on the one hand and domestic blessing on the other (1 Chronicles 13:12-14). Later, in 1 Chronicles 15, the ark is brought to Jerusalem in the correct way. This can be seen as a picture of the ascension of Christ. The proof of this is the quotation by Paul in Ephesians 4 of Psalms 68 in connection with the ascension (Ephesians 4:8-10; Psalms 68:18).

Finally, the ark is brought into the house that Solomon built. Then the glory of the LORD descends into the temple and fills the temple (2 Chronicles 5:14). This event we can bring into connection with the coming down of the Holy Spirit, through which the church is formed to the house of the living God (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:15). This happened after the Lord Jesus is glorified in heaven (John 7:39).

David Wants to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem

The first thing David’s heart goes out to when he is king is the ark. He does not seek his ease, but the symbol of the presence of God. The ark is the throne of God. God dwells thereon among His people. The ark is in the heart of David. It has always been there. God has indicated a place where He will make His Name dwell, a central place of worship. His Name is His glory. They have to find that place. By bringing the ark to that place, the royal city becomes the holy city, the center of service to God.

This also applies to us. For us, this is not about a geographical place or a visible building, but about the spiritual characteristics of the church meeting together. If our hearts are open to it, we will look for the place where the Lord Jesus dwells, where He is the center of His New Testament people, the church (Matthew 18:20).

The exercise concerning the search for a dwelling place for the ark is present with only one man, David (1 Chronicles 13:1; 1 Chronicles 17:1). David is not managed or dictated by others, although he is confirmed by others (1 Chronicles 13:2; 4). His heart goes out to the ark, realizing that the ark is of the whole people. A heart that goes out to the Lord Jesus also goes out to all the people of God.

For the retrieval of the ark David consults with the captain and the leaders. Consulting others in the case of a spiritual exercise is not weakness, but wisdom (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:21). Much of the Lord’s work cannot be properly performed without a cordial fellowship with like-minded people. It is also beautiful to see that David speaks about the people as “our … kinsmen”. He is in truth a king “from among your countrymen”, a countryman with a heart that is “not lifted up above his countrymen” (Deuteronomy 17:15; 20).

What David unfortunately lacks here is consultation with the LORD. This leads to a tragic situation if they implement their plan. We can consult with each other, but if we do not involve the Lord and His Word, our plan will not be carried out to the Lord’s glory.

The people did not seek God’s dwelling place “in the days of Saul”. It’s good to see that David includes himself by talking about “we”. Although he did look for it himself, he makes himself one with the people here (cf. Daniel 9:5). The fact that “in the days of Saul” God’s dwelling place was not sought is a lesson for us that a member of God’s people does not ask for the Lord and His service when he lives according to the flesh.

A revival starts with a single person. We see the single person here in David, the man after God’s heart. He had already sought that place when he was still with the sheep and did not know anything about the kingship. We know this from what he says about it in Psalms 132. He searched tirelessly for that place and found it (Psalms 132:4-6).

He finds it in the field of Jaär, in the house of Abinadab. There the ark had been for a long time, forgotten by the people, but not by this then still young man. We can now also know where to find the Lord Jesus and see His glory. This is with the two or three who come together as a church in His Name (Matthew 18:20).

1 Chronicles 27:21

Introduction

1 Chronicles 11-12 can be considered as an introduction to the next chapters, in which the main subjects are the ark and the temple service. In view of this, God has helped David in establishing his kingship and has brought the people to David.

In Deuteronomy we read about a place God has chosen (Deuteronomy 12:5) and a king God has chosen (Deuteronomy 17:14-15). When Saul was king, there was not sought for that place, and Saul himself is not God’s choice, but the choice of the people (1 Samuel 12:13). Of David we read that God has chosen him (Psalms 78:70). Only when Saul, chosen by the people to satisfy their carnal desires, is set aside, David, chosen by God, can ascend the throne.

When David is in power, he goes in search of the place God has chosen for His Name to dwell there. In Psalms 132 he expresses his longing for it (Psalms 132:3-5). There we also read that Sion is that place (Psalms 132:13-14). Sion is the mountain Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1). On that mountain Abraham offered Isaac on the altar (Genesis 22:1-14; James 2:21). In that event we see a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (cf. Hebrews 11:19). David has conquered Sion (1 Chronicles 11:4-5). There the ark will end up, in the temple that will be built there by Solomon.

Before the time that the ark will have its final resting place, a lot has been done with the ark and the tabernacle in which the ark was. It is good to evaluate these events briefly. We can at the same time make an application to the Lord Jesus of Whom the tabernacle and the ark are a picture.

When the people have come into the land, the tabernacle is placed in Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). There it is until the birth of Samuel, which is a period of hundreds of years. In this we can see in picture the time of the life of the Lord Jesus on earth.

Then the ark is taken by Hophni and Phinehas in the fight against the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:3-4). But God does not allow these wicked priests to abuse the symbol of His presence. “So that He abandoned the dwelling place at Shiloh, … and gave up His strength to captivity and His glory into the hand of the adversary” (Psalms 78:60-61). He let the ark be captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:10-11; 1 Samuel 5:1). Here we can see a picture of the surrender of the Lord Jesus into death by God (cf. Acts 2:23).

The ark is seven months in the land of the Philistines, but then returns to the land of the LORD (1 Samuel 6:1-2; 11-13). This can be seen as a picture of the stay of the Lord Jesus in death, which could not keep Him (Acts 2:24-28). The ark returns to Israel, not to Shiloh, but to Abinadab’s house in Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1). In this we can see a picture of the risen Lord, Who is no longer seen by all the people, but only in secret by His own.

The ark stays for a long time in Kiriath-jearim, until here the thread of the history of the ark is taken up again. It starts here with the observation that there is unanimity to pick up the ark (1 Chronicles 13:1-4), without one wondering how to do so and where to go.

It is important how the ark is transported. This leads to the first judgment on the new government, which leads to fear of God on the one hand and domestic blessing on the other (1 Chronicles 13:12-14). Later, in 1 Chronicles 15, the ark is brought to Jerusalem in the correct way. This can be seen as a picture of the ascension of Christ. The proof of this is the quotation by Paul in Ephesians 4 of Psalms 68 in connection with the ascension (Ephesians 4:8-10; Psalms 68:18).

Finally, the ark is brought into the house that Solomon built. Then the glory of the LORD descends into the temple and fills the temple (2 Chronicles 5:14). This event we can bring into connection with the coming down of the Holy Spirit, through which the church is formed to the house of the living God (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:15). This happened after the Lord Jesus is glorified in heaven (John 7:39).

David Wants to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem

The first thing David’s heart goes out to when he is king is the ark. He does not seek his ease, but the symbol of the presence of God. The ark is the throne of God. God dwells thereon among His people. The ark is in the heart of David. It has always been there. God has indicated a place where He will make His Name dwell, a central place of worship. His Name is His glory. They have to find that place. By bringing the ark to that place, the royal city becomes the holy city, the center of service to God.

This also applies to us. For us, this is not about a geographical place or a visible building, but about the spiritual characteristics of the church meeting together. If our hearts are open to it, we will look for the place where the Lord Jesus dwells, where He is the center of His New Testament people, the church (Matthew 18:20).

The exercise concerning the search for a dwelling place for the ark is present with only one man, David (1 Chronicles 13:1; 1 Chronicles 17:1). David is not managed or dictated by others, although he is confirmed by others (1 Chronicles 13:2; 4). His heart goes out to the ark, realizing that the ark is of the whole people. A heart that goes out to the Lord Jesus also goes out to all the people of God.

For the retrieval of the ark David consults with the captain and the leaders. Consulting others in the case of a spiritual exercise is not weakness, but wisdom (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:21). Much of the Lord’s work cannot be properly performed without a cordial fellowship with like-minded people. It is also beautiful to see that David speaks about the people as “our … kinsmen”. He is in truth a king “from among your countrymen”, a countryman with a heart that is “not lifted up above his countrymen” (Deuteronomy 17:15; 20).

What David unfortunately lacks here is consultation with the LORD. This leads to a tragic situation if they implement their plan. We can consult with each other, but if we do not involve the Lord and His Word, our plan will not be carried out to the Lord’s glory.

The people did not seek God’s dwelling place “in the days of Saul”. It’s good to see that David includes himself by talking about “we”. Although he did look for it himself, he makes himself one with the people here (cf. Daniel 9:5). The fact that “in the days of Saul” God’s dwelling place was not sought is a lesson for us that a member of God’s people does not ask for the Lord and His service when he lives according to the flesh.

A revival starts with a single person. We see the single person here in David, the man after God’s heart. He had already sought that place when he was still with the sheep and did not know anything about the kingship. We know this from what he says about it in Psalms 132. He searched tirelessly for that place and found it (Psalms 132:4-6).

He finds it in the field of Jaär, in the house of Abinadab. There the ark had been for a long time, forgotten by the people, but not by this then still young man. We can now also know where to find the Lord Jesus and see His glory. This is with the two or three who come together as a church in His Name (Matthew 18:20).

1 Chronicles 27:22

The Ark on a New Cart

The whole people agree with David that the ark should be picked up. Is this because of their own conviction or because they see the better leader in David compared to Saul? A leader is followed, especially when he is popular (2 Samuel 15:13; 1 Kings 1:5; Galatians 2:11-13), but on what basis? When the opponents of the Lord Jesus say of Him: “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19), for many of them to “go after Him” is nothing more than curiosity.

In all David’s zeal we do not read that he consults the Word of God. What did he think the poles were meant for (Exodus 25:14; Exodus 40:20)? And were the sons of Kohath not appointed to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15a)? David seems to have forgotten it all. A new cart seems to him a suitable means of transporting the ark. David’s new cart is his own invention, which seems to be copied from the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:11a). In the same way, by Christians to honor Christ, the methods of the (religious) world are adopted, while the precepts of God’s Word are ignored.

About the transport of the ark the LORD said very simply that it must be carried (Numbers 4:15a). David’s zeal and joy to bring the ark back does not take sufficient account of God’s thoughts. He works in a Philistine manner and, like them, transports the ark on a cart. The fact that the whole parade is attended by enthusiastic people accompanied by a large music band cannot conceal the fact that the way it is done is disobedience to God’s Word. Bringing the ark to Jerusalem is not wrong in itself. Neither is it wrong to do this with enthusiasm. Also the use of musical instruments is not wrong. It is only all wrong because it is done according to one’s own insight, without consulting the LORD and His Word.

Often we are tempted to judge worship by our feelings, how we feel about it. But when we remember that worship is meant for God, we are referred to His Word to know how He wants Himself to be worshiped (John 4:23-24). If we read this history, we see that it is a matter of joy, singing, all kinds of musical instruments, a new cart and cattle. What we miss is the mention of a humble heart that is aware of the holiness of God represented by the ark.

The use of a cart shows that an alternative was sought to the way God had said the ark should be transported. The ark is also ‘held up’ by the cart, just as it is when it is carried on the priests’ shoulders. Why not then in this way, so one could argue?

But ‘the transport on a cart’ represents in the spiritual application a way of ‘carrying’ which is separate from the spiritual efforts of those ‘who have to carry the ark’. And these efforts and exercises are precious to God, for these efforts and exercises increase with the ‘carriers’ the real spiritual understanding of the Person of Christ, of whom the ark, as we know, is a picture. The use of other means prevents this from happening.

David could have been sure of God’s will if he had acted according to the king’s law, of which he as king should have a copy (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). That’s why the punishment he gets is so severe. The Levites and all the people should also have known how God wants the ark to be transported. For the Levites regularly read the law to the whole people (Deuteronomy 31:9-13).

This is also an important lesson for us. The longing for the place where the Lord Jesus is in the midst is one thing. It is something else to put this desire into practice in a good way. While we may know exactly God’s thoughts and where He dwells, we remain dependent on Him for all the steps we take. Good intentions, zeal, enthusiasm and joy are not enough. We must also act in accordance with the Scriptures, also when it comes to the center and the way of meeting. Obedience is better than the sacrifice of diligence.

Others can act according to the faith they have in a God Whom they do not know personally. We see this in the Philistines, who send the ark back on a cart. However, the people of God must be led by God’s Word.

1 Chronicles 27:23

The Ark on a New Cart

The whole people agree with David that the ark should be picked up. Is this because of their own conviction or because they see the better leader in David compared to Saul? A leader is followed, especially when he is popular (2 Samuel 15:13; 1 Kings 1:5; Galatians 2:11-13), but on what basis? When the opponents of the Lord Jesus say of Him: “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19), for many of them to “go after Him” is nothing more than curiosity.

In all David’s zeal we do not read that he consults the Word of God. What did he think the poles were meant for (Exodus 25:14; Exodus 40:20)? And were the sons of Kohath not appointed to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15a)? David seems to have forgotten it all. A new cart seems to him a suitable means of transporting the ark. David’s new cart is his own invention, which seems to be copied from the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:11a). In the same way, by Christians to honor Christ, the methods of the (religious) world are adopted, while the precepts of God’s Word are ignored.

About the transport of the ark the LORD said very simply that it must be carried (Numbers 4:15a). David’s zeal and joy to bring the ark back does not take sufficient account of God’s thoughts. He works in a Philistine manner and, like them, transports the ark on a cart. The fact that the whole parade is attended by enthusiastic people accompanied by a large music band cannot conceal the fact that the way it is done is disobedience to God’s Word. Bringing the ark to Jerusalem is not wrong in itself. Neither is it wrong to do this with enthusiasm. Also the use of musical instruments is not wrong. It is only all wrong because it is done according to one’s own insight, without consulting the LORD and His Word.

Often we are tempted to judge worship by our feelings, how we feel about it. But when we remember that worship is meant for God, we are referred to His Word to know how He wants Himself to be worshiped (John 4:23-24). If we read this history, we see that it is a matter of joy, singing, all kinds of musical instruments, a new cart and cattle. What we miss is the mention of a humble heart that is aware of the holiness of God represented by the ark.

The use of a cart shows that an alternative was sought to the way God had said the ark should be transported. The ark is also ‘held up’ by the cart, just as it is when it is carried on the priests’ shoulders. Why not then in this way, so one could argue?

But ‘the transport on a cart’ represents in the spiritual application a way of ‘carrying’ which is separate from the spiritual efforts of those ‘who have to carry the ark’. And these efforts and exercises are precious to God, for these efforts and exercises increase with the ‘carriers’ the real spiritual understanding of the Person of Christ, of whom the ark, as we know, is a picture. The use of other means prevents this from happening.

David could have been sure of God’s will if he had acted according to the king’s law, of which he as king should have a copy (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). That’s why the punishment he gets is so severe. The Levites and all the people should also have known how God wants the ark to be transported. For the Levites regularly read the law to the whole people (Deuteronomy 31:9-13).

This is also an important lesson for us. The longing for the place where the Lord Jesus is in the midst is one thing. It is something else to put this desire into practice in a good way. While we may know exactly God’s thoughts and where He dwells, we remain dependent on Him for all the steps we take. Good intentions, zeal, enthusiasm and joy are not enough. We must also act in accordance with the Scriptures, also when it comes to the center and the way of meeting. Obedience is better than the sacrifice of diligence.

Others can act according to the faith they have in a God Whom they do not know personally. We see this in the Philistines, who send the ark back on a cart. However, the people of God must be led by God’s Word.

1 Chronicles 27:24

The Ark on a New Cart

The whole people agree with David that the ark should be picked up. Is this because of their own conviction or because they see the better leader in David compared to Saul? A leader is followed, especially when he is popular (2 Samuel 15:13; 1 Kings 1:5; Galatians 2:11-13), but on what basis? When the opponents of the Lord Jesus say of Him: “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19), for many of them to “go after Him” is nothing more than curiosity.

In all David’s zeal we do not read that he consults the Word of God. What did he think the poles were meant for (Exodus 25:14; Exodus 40:20)? And were the sons of Kohath not appointed to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15a)? David seems to have forgotten it all. A new cart seems to him a suitable means of transporting the ark. David’s new cart is his own invention, which seems to be copied from the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:11a). In the same way, by Christians to honor Christ, the methods of the (religious) world are adopted, while the precepts of God’s Word are ignored.

About the transport of the ark the LORD said very simply that it must be carried (Numbers 4:15a). David’s zeal and joy to bring the ark back does not take sufficient account of God’s thoughts. He works in a Philistine manner and, like them, transports the ark on a cart. The fact that the whole parade is attended by enthusiastic people accompanied by a large music band cannot conceal the fact that the way it is done is disobedience to God’s Word. Bringing the ark to Jerusalem is not wrong in itself. Neither is it wrong to do this with enthusiasm. Also the use of musical instruments is not wrong. It is only all wrong because it is done according to one’s own insight, without consulting the LORD and His Word.

Often we are tempted to judge worship by our feelings, how we feel about it. But when we remember that worship is meant for God, we are referred to His Word to know how He wants Himself to be worshiped (John 4:23-24). If we read this history, we see that it is a matter of joy, singing, all kinds of musical instruments, a new cart and cattle. What we miss is the mention of a humble heart that is aware of the holiness of God represented by the ark.

The use of a cart shows that an alternative was sought to the way God had said the ark should be transported. The ark is also ‘held up’ by the cart, just as it is when it is carried on the priests’ shoulders. Why not then in this way, so one could argue?

But ‘the transport on a cart’ represents in the spiritual application a way of ‘carrying’ which is separate from the spiritual efforts of those ‘who have to carry the ark’. And these efforts and exercises are precious to God, for these efforts and exercises increase with the ‘carriers’ the real spiritual understanding of the Person of Christ, of whom the ark, as we know, is a picture. The use of other means prevents this from happening.

David could have been sure of God’s will if he had acted according to the king’s law, of which he as king should have a copy (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). That’s why the punishment he gets is so severe. The Levites and all the people should also have known how God wants the ark to be transported. For the Levites regularly read the law to the whole people (Deuteronomy 31:9-13).

This is also an important lesson for us. The longing for the place where the Lord Jesus is in the midst is one thing. It is something else to put this desire into practice in a good way. While we may know exactly God’s thoughts and where He dwells, we remain dependent on Him for all the steps we take. Good intentions, zeal, enthusiasm and joy are not enough. We must also act in accordance with the Scriptures, also when it comes to the center and the way of meeting. Obedience is better than the sacrifice of diligence.

Others can act according to the faith they have in a God Whom they do not know personally. We see this in the Philistines, who send the ark back on a cart. However, the people of God must be led by God’s Word.

1 Chronicles 27:25

The Ark on a New Cart

The whole people agree with David that the ark should be picked up. Is this because of their own conviction or because they see the better leader in David compared to Saul? A leader is followed, especially when he is popular (2 Samuel 15:13; 1 Kings 1:5; Galatians 2:11-13), but on what basis? When the opponents of the Lord Jesus say of Him: “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19), for many of them to “go after Him” is nothing more than curiosity.

In all David’s zeal we do not read that he consults the Word of God. What did he think the poles were meant for (Exodus 25:14; Exodus 40:20)? And were the sons of Kohath not appointed to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15a)? David seems to have forgotten it all. A new cart seems to him a suitable means of transporting the ark. David’s new cart is his own invention, which seems to be copied from the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:11a). In the same way, by Christians to honor Christ, the methods of the (religious) world are adopted, while the precepts of God’s Word are ignored.

About the transport of the ark the LORD said very simply that it must be carried (Numbers 4:15a). David’s zeal and joy to bring the ark back does not take sufficient account of God’s thoughts. He works in a Philistine manner and, like them, transports the ark on a cart. The fact that the whole parade is attended by enthusiastic people accompanied by a large music band cannot conceal the fact that the way it is done is disobedience to God’s Word. Bringing the ark to Jerusalem is not wrong in itself. Neither is it wrong to do this with enthusiasm. Also the use of musical instruments is not wrong. It is only all wrong because it is done according to one’s own insight, without consulting the LORD and His Word.

Often we are tempted to judge worship by our feelings, how we feel about it. But when we remember that worship is meant for God, we are referred to His Word to know how He wants Himself to be worshiped (John 4:23-24). If we read this history, we see that it is a matter of joy, singing, all kinds of musical instruments, a new cart and cattle. What we miss is the mention of a humble heart that is aware of the holiness of God represented by the ark.

The use of a cart shows that an alternative was sought to the way God had said the ark should be transported. The ark is also ‘held up’ by the cart, just as it is when it is carried on the priests’ shoulders. Why not then in this way, so one could argue?

But ‘the transport on a cart’ represents in the spiritual application a way of ‘carrying’ which is separate from the spiritual efforts of those ‘who have to carry the ark’. And these efforts and exercises are precious to God, for these efforts and exercises increase with the ‘carriers’ the real spiritual understanding of the Person of Christ, of whom the ark, as we know, is a picture. The use of other means prevents this from happening.

David could have been sure of God’s will if he had acted according to the king’s law, of which he as king should have a copy (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). That’s why the punishment he gets is so severe. The Levites and all the people should also have known how God wants the ark to be transported. For the Levites regularly read the law to the whole people (Deuteronomy 31:9-13).

This is also an important lesson for us. The longing for the place where the Lord Jesus is in the midst is one thing. It is something else to put this desire into practice in a good way. While we may know exactly God’s thoughts and where He dwells, we remain dependent on Him for all the steps we take. Good intentions, zeal, enthusiasm and joy are not enough. We must also act in accordance with the Scriptures, also when it comes to the center and the way of meeting. Obedience is better than the sacrifice of diligence.

Others can act according to the faith they have in a God Whom they do not know personally. We see this in the Philistines, who send the ark back on a cart. However, the people of God must be led by God’s Word.

1 Chronicles 27:26

The Death of Uzza

When the procession comes to “the threshing floor of Chidon”, what no one foresaw or even expected happens. The threshing floor is the place where the corn is gathered to separate the chaff from the corn. There is a lot of chaff in this whole parade and God is going to blow it away. The own method chosen for the transport of the ark is chaff. This method may seem more certain than the shoulders of the Levites, but that’s just appearance.

We can apply this to all kinds of man-made forms of religion with the intention of protecting the honor of Christ. All these forms have proven to be no guarantee for securing that honor. Confessional writings have taken the place of the Bible and have led the people away from the Scriptures. This opens the door to thoughts about Christ and His work that are against God’s thoughts and that lead the Christian to spiritual death.

Such methods must then be judged by God, no matter how well-intentioned the intentions are. Methods of the flesh do not fit with spiritual things. God must judge Uzza’s well-intentioned attempt to seize the ark with his hand and thereby save it from falling. It is an unauthorized touch of the ark.

For those who are not spiritual, Uzza’s blocking of the ark seems logical and recommended. But what goes against the Scriptures cannot please God. “Which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). The glorified Christ should not be touched by strange teachings and traditions of men.

This is the first judgment during David’s government, right from the start. We also see this judgment at the beginning of the priesthood and at the beginning of the church. Just as Nadab and Abihu and Ananias and Sapphira die before God (Leviticus 10:1-2; Acts 5:1-11), so here Uzza dies before God.

1 Chronicles 27:27

The Death of Uzza

When the procession comes to “the threshing floor of Chidon”, what no one foresaw or even expected happens. The threshing floor is the place where the corn is gathered to separate the chaff from the corn. There is a lot of chaff in this whole parade and God is going to blow it away. The own method chosen for the transport of the ark is chaff. This method may seem more certain than the shoulders of the Levites, but that’s just appearance.

We can apply this to all kinds of man-made forms of religion with the intention of protecting the honor of Christ. All these forms have proven to be no guarantee for securing that honor. Confessional writings have taken the place of the Bible and have led the people away from the Scriptures. This opens the door to thoughts about Christ and His work that are against God’s thoughts and that lead the Christian to spiritual death.

Such methods must then be judged by God, no matter how well-intentioned the intentions are. Methods of the flesh do not fit with spiritual things. God must judge Uzza’s well-intentioned attempt to seize the ark with his hand and thereby save it from falling. It is an unauthorized touch of the ark.

For those who are not spiritual, Uzza’s blocking of the ark seems logical and recommended. But what goes against the Scriptures cannot please God. “Which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). The glorified Christ should not be touched by strange teachings and traditions of men.

This is the first judgment during David’s government, right from the start. We also see this judgment at the beginning of the priesthood and at the beginning of the church. Just as Nadab and Abihu and Ananias and Sapphira die before God (Leviticus 10:1-2; Acts 5:1-11), so here Uzza dies before God.

1 Chronicles 27:28

The Ark in the House of Obed-edom

David does not readily agree with this judgment, but is displeased, he is angry. It is the anger of powerlessness. He feels his own powerlessness to bring the ark to Jerusalem. He also doesn’t feel worthy that the ark comes to him. Perez means ‘breakthrough’, because what has happened is a breakthrough, an outburst of God’s wrath. It is precisely in such a noble pursuit as bringing the ark to where it belongs that it is important to follow the instructions of God’s Word. The LORD says: “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10:3; cf. Esther 9:4-6). Then the ark gets a home with Obed-edom, which means ‘servant of Edom’.

We may wonder who or what David’s anger is directed at. David may not understand the reason for Uzza’s death. His anger then can be called frustration because the ark does not get the place he desires. Perhaps David should learn that it is not the main thing to bring the ark of God “to me”, as he says in 1 Chronicles 13:12. It is the place that the LORD has chosen and all attention must have been drawn to it. It takes some time to discover that, but then it will be all right. He understands that he should have consulted the LORD as it should have been, for then he would have discovered in God’s light what was lacking.

The house of Obed-edom is blessed, as is later done with Aquila and Priscilla when they open their house for the church and the service of the Word (Acts 18:24-28; Romans 16:3-5). Obed-edom is later rewarded for his faithfulness. He becomes a gatekeeper with a harp (1 Chronicles 15:18; 21; 1 Chronicles 16:38). He doesn’t lose anything when the ark leaves his house, but he gets more and more. This is always the case when we share with others what we ourselves have received. Obed-edom does this by not keeping the ark to himself, but by sharing it with all of Israel. What a blessing David missed just because he did not ask the LORD how He wanted everything to go. In the next chapter he is restored and does so (1 Chronicles 14:10; 14).

1 Chronicles 27:29

The Ark in the House of Obed-edom

David does not readily agree with this judgment, but is displeased, he is angry. It is the anger of powerlessness. He feels his own powerlessness to bring the ark to Jerusalem. He also doesn’t feel worthy that the ark comes to him. Perez means ‘breakthrough’, because what has happened is a breakthrough, an outburst of God’s wrath. It is precisely in such a noble pursuit as bringing the ark to where it belongs that it is important to follow the instructions of God’s Word. The LORD says: “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10:3; cf. Esther 9:4-6). Then the ark gets a home with Obed-edom, which means ‘servant of Edom’.

We may wonder who or what David’s anger is directed at. David may not understand the reason for Uzza’s death. His anger then can be called frustration because the ark does not get the place he desires. Perhaps David should learn that it is not the main thing to bring the ark of God “to me”, as he says in 1 Chronicles 13:12. It is the place that the LORD has chosen and all attention must have been drawn to it. It takes some time to discover that, but then it will be all right. He understands that he should have consulted the LORD as it should have been, for then he would have discovered in God’s light what was lacking.

The house of Obed-edom is blessed, as is later done with Aquila and Priscilla when they open their house for the church and the service of the Word (Acts 18:24-28; Romans 16:3-5). Obed-edom is later rewarded for his faithfulness. He becomes a gatekeeper with a harp (1 Chronicles 15:18; 21; 1 Chronicles 16:38). He doesn’t lose anything when the ark leaves his house, but he gets more and more. This is always the case when we share with others what we ourselves have received. Obed-edom does this by not keeping the ark to himself, but by sharing it with all of Israel. What a blessing David missed just because he did not ask the LORD how He wanted everything to go. In the next chapter he is restored and does so (1 Chronicles 14:10; 14).

1 Chronicles 27:30

The Ark in the House of Obed-edom

David does not readily agree with this judgment, but is displeased, he is angry. It is the anger of powerlessness. He feels his own powerlessness to bring the ark to Jerusalem. He also doesn’t feel worthy that the ark comes to him. Perez means ‘breakthrough’, because what has happened is a breakthrough, an outburst of God’s wrath. It is precisely in such a noble pursuit as bringing the ark to where it belongs that it is important to follow the instructions of God’s Word. The LORD says: “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10:3; cf. Esther 9:4-6). Then the ark gets a home with Obed-edom, which means ‘servant of Edom’.

We may wonder who or what David’s anger is directed at. David may not understand the reason for Uzza’s death. His anger then can be called frustration because the ark does not get the place he desires. Perhaps David should learn that it is not the main thing to bring the ark of God “to me”, as he says in 1 Chronicles 13:12. It is the place that the LORD has chosen and all attention must have been drawn to it. It takes some time to discover that, but then it will be all right. He understands that he should have consulted the LORD as it should have been, for then he would have discovered in God’s light what was lacking.

The house of Obed-edom is blessed, as is later done with Aquila and Priscilla when they open their house for the church and the service of the Word (Acts 18:24-28; Romans 16:3-5). Obed-edom is later rewarded for his faithfulness. He becomes a gatekeeper with a harp (1 Chronicles 15:18; 21; 1 Chronicles 16:38). He doesn’t lose anything when the ark leaves his house, but he gets more and more. This is always the case when we share with others what we ourselves have received. Obed-edom does this by not keeping the ark to himself, but by sharing it with all of Israel. What a blessing David missed just because he did not ask the LORD how He wanted everything to go. In the next chapter he is restored and does so (1 Chronicles 14:10; 14).

1 Chronicles 27:31

The Ark in the House of Obed-edom

David does not readily agree with this judgment, but is displeased, he is angry. It is the anger of powerlessness. He feels his own powerlessness to bring the ark to Jerusalem. He also doesn’t feel worthy that the ark comes to him. Perez means ‘breakthrough’, because what has happened is a breakthrough, an outburst of God’s wrath. It is precisely in such a noble pursuit as bringing the ark to where it belongs that it is important to follow the instructions of God’s Word. The LORD says: “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10:3; cf. Esther 9:4-6). Then the ark gets a home with Obed-edom, which means ‘servant of Edom’.

We may wonder who or what David’s anger is directed at. David may not understand the reason for Uzza’s death. His anger then can be called frustration because the ark does not get the place he desires. Perhaps David should learn that it is not the main thing to bring the ark of God “to me”, as he says in 1 Chronicles 13:12. It is the place that the LORD has chosen and all attention must have been drawn to it. It takes some time to discover that, but then it will be all right. He understands that he should have consulted the LORD as it should have been, for then he would have discovered in God’s light what was lacking.

The house of Obed-edom is blessed, as is later done with Aquila and Priscilla when they open their house for the church and the service of the Word (Acts 18:24-28; Romans 16:3-5). Obed-edom is later rewarded for his faithfulness. He becomes a gatekeeper with a harp (1 Chronicles 15:18; 21; 1 Chronicles 16:38). He doesn’t lose anything when the ark leaves his house, but he gets more and more. This is always the case when we share with others what we ourselves have received. Obed-edom does this by not keeping the ark to himself, but by sharing it with all of Israel. What a blessing David missed just because he did not ask the LORD how He wanted everything to go. In the next chapter he is restored and does so (1 Chronicles 14:10; 14).

1 Chronicles 27:33

Introduction

In 2 Samuel 6 after the failure of David in retrieving the ark (2 Samuel 6:1-11) directly the story follows that he brings the ark in the right way to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-19). The chronicler does not do that. Before continuing with the description of the upbringing of the ark in 1 Chronicles 15, he mentions in this chapter some events that have already taken place. It seems that he wants to encourage the remnant with this. He wants to tell them that David has not been declared useless by the LORD, but remains the man of His pleasure.

To this end, this chapter describes events and messages which make this clear, regardless of the chronological order. It is a chapter full of blessings that are the part of David. Just as David by his unfaithfulness has not been declared useless by the LORD, so may the returned remnant, for whom the books of the Chronicles are written, know that they also have not been declared useless by the LORD. They are a remnant blessed by the LORD.

In the fight against the Philistines in the second part of this chapter we see another aspect. There we see that David is exercised to learn to consult the LORD. The blessed results of this, the two victories, are meant to give David courage to bring up the ark to Jerusalem. This will also happen in the next chapter.

The Kingship of David Established

The encouraging remarks begin with the mention of the friendship statements of Hiram, the king of Tyre. These expressions of friendship consist of sending materials and people to build a house for David. In what Hiram does, we see the fulfillment of God’s promises that He will bless His people by also making the nations subservient to His people (Isaiah 60:5; Isaiah 61:6). Such kindness is also experienced by the remnant returned from Babylonian exile (Ezra 1:1-4; Ezra 6:8).

David’s reputation is gaining wide recognition. He owes this not to himself, but to the LORD. He gives him that great name. He does not do this primarily for David, the man after His heart, but “for the sake of His people Israel”. Through David He blesses His people. Here we see the great love of God for His people. Something similar we hear from the mouth of the queen of Sheba about Solomon. She says that the LORD has appointed Solomon king over Israel “because the LORD loved Israel forever” (1 Kings 10:9).

In the same way, the church is the object of the love of God, a love which He proves by even giving His Son as Head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Christ is the Man according to God’s heart, through Whom He gives all blessings to each of His own individually and to His people as a whole.

We too should be a blessing to each member of the church individually and to the church as a whole. In a broader sense, we must be a blessing for all people, that is to say, we pass on the blessing we ourselves have received from the Lord. God wants us to be channels of His blessing in every respect.

1 Chronicles 27:34

Introduction

In 2 Samuel 6 after the failure of David in retrieving the ark (2 Samuel 6:1-11) directly the story follows that he brings the ark in the right way to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-19). The chronicler does not do that. Before continuing with the description of the upbringing of the ark in 1 Chronicles 15, he mentions in this chapter some events that have already taken place. It seems that he wants to encourage the remnant with this. He wants to tell them that David has not been declared useless by the LORD, but remains the man of His pleasure.

To this end, this chapter describes events and messages which make this clear, regardless of the chronological order. It is a chapter full of blessings that are the part of David. Just as David by his unfaithfulness has not been declared useless by the LORD, so may the returned remnant, for whom the books of the Chronicles are written, know that they also have not been declared useless by the LORD. They are a remnant blessed by the LORD.

In the fight against the Philistines in the second part of this chapter we see another aspect. There we see that David is exercised to learn to consult the LORD. The blessed results of this, the two victories, are meant to give David courage to bring up the ark to Jerusalem. This will also happen in the next chapter.

The Kingship of David Established

The encouraging remarks begin with the mention of the friendship statements of Hiram, the king of Tyre. These expressions of friendship consist of sending materials and people to build a house for David. In what Hiram does, we see the fulfillment of God’s promises that He will bless His people by also making the nations subservient to His people (Isaiah 60:5; Isaiah 61:6). Such kindness is also experienced by the remnant returned from Babylonian exile (Ezra 1:1-4; Ezra 6:8).

David’s reputation is gaining wide recognition. He owes this not to himself, but to the LORD. He gives him that great name. He does not do this primarily for David, the man after His heart, but “for the sake of His people Israel”. Through David He blesses His people. Here we see the great love of God for His people. Something similar we hear from the mouth of the queen of Sheba about Solomon. She says that the LORD has appointed Solomon king over Israel “because the LORD loved Israel forever” (1 Kings 10:9).

In the same way, the church is the object of the love of God, a love which He proves by even giving His Son as Head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Christ is the Man according to God’s heart, through Whom He gives all blessings to each of His own individually and to His people as a whole.

We too should be a blessing to each member of the church individually and to the church as a whole. In a broader sense, we must be a blessing for all people, that is to say, we pass on the blessing we ourselves have received from the Lord. God wants us to be channels of His blessing in every respect.