Names, names, names and more names. Twelve chapters of names start the 29 chapters of 1 Chronicles. It’s a wonder anyone keeps reading long enough to get past the names.
But let’s keep reading… I’m confident we’ll find the Gospel in here somewhere.
How about 1 Chronicles 15-17? David had consolidated his power over all Israel after the death of King Saul. The ark of God… neglected, feared, used superstitiously, disrespected, captured, virtually lost, homeless… is now brought back to Jerusalem and eventually placed in the holy place in the temple where it belongs.
It is a day of great celebration, music and dancing. Yes, that is when David “danced before the LORD with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14). The Levites were restored to their rightful place in transporting and caring for the Ark of God, the place where God is said to be with his people.
Where is the Gospel in this? Everywhere!
David expresses praise publicly in what is called “this psalm of thanks to the LORD.” (16:7-36). This expression of praise is expanded in three separate Psalms; 105:1-15; 96:1-13; 106:47, 48. David refers back to God’s covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac… confirmed it to Jacob…as an everlasting covenant. And just as the promise to Abraham speaks of blessing on all peoples and nations, so David reveals his understanding that God’s promises relate to more than Israel.
Sing to the LORD all the earth;
Proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (23, 24)
Give thanks to the LORD for he is good;
his love endures forever. (34)
After the public celebration, David was approached by the prophet, Nathan, with a word from the LORD with the promise that the dynasty of David will be unending, his throne will be established forever. (17:14). David’s descendant Jesus is the only one who makes sense of that promise and brings fulfillment.
Later when David established plans for the temple and raised the funds for what his son, Solomon, would build, David prayed publicly one of the most moving prayers in all the Bible.
10 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
“Praise be to you, Lord,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:10-13
The ultimate fulfillment of this great Davidic kingdom is not Solomon, whose glory rose quickly, but then faded tragically. Only God can truly lead the kingdom prophesied here, God the Son, who became man, died for our sin, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, coming again to rule and reign forever…King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:16
Tom Macy 