1 Chronicles

Genealogy from Adam through Noah's sons; descendants of Japheth, Ham (including Nimrod the mighty hunter), and Shem leading to Abraham. Abraham's sons: Ishmael's twelve sons listed as princes; sons by Keturah; Isaac's prominence noted as Abraham's son. Edom's early inhabitants and kings listed, including dukes of Edom before any king reigned over Israel; demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations.

Israel's (Jacob's) twelve sons listed; Judah's line detailed through Tamar leading to David; includes Achan the troubler of Israel. Hezron's descendants through Ram leading to David; detailed listing of Jesse's sons with David as seventh. Caleb's extensive family line including his concubines' children; demonstrates prominence of Judah's tribe in post-exilic community.

David's sons born in Hebron: Amnon, Daniel, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, Ithream; born in Jerusalem including Solomon, Nathan (both by Bath-shua/Bathsheba). Solomon's line through kings of Judah to the captivity; continues through Jeconiah to post-exilic period. Post-exilic Davidic line continues through Zerubbabel and beyond, maintaining messianic hope.

Further genealogies of Judah including Jabez who was "more honourable than his brethren" and his famous prayer for blessing and enlarged territory. Simeon's families and their cities until David's reign; their movements seeking pasture, smiting inhabitants of Gedor and Amalekites in Mount Seir. Various craftsmen noted: potters, linen workers, and those who dwelt with the king for his work.

Reuben's genealogy; though firstborn, birthright given to Joseph's sons for defiling father's bed, yet chief ruler comes from Judah. Gad's genealogy and their dwelling places in Bashan and Gilead; numbered in days of Jotham and Jeroboam. Half-tribe of Manasseh east of Jordan; all these war successfully against Hagarites because they cried to God in battle and trusted Him; later carried away by Assyria for transgression.

Extensive Levitical genealogies: sons of Levi (Gershon, Kohath, Merari); high priestly line from Aaron through Zadok to the captivity. Levites appointed by David for song service after ark's rest; genealogies of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (Jeduthun) the chief musicians. Cities given to Levites throughout Israel's tribes, including six cities of refuge; demonstrates integration of Levites among all tribes.

Genealogies of Issachar (mighty men of valor), Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh (including Zelophehad's daughters), Ephraim (including tragedy of sons killed by men of Gath). Ephraim's mourning and naming of Beriah ("in evil") because of house tragedy; Joshua's lineage from Ephraim. Asher's genealogy including mighty men of valor, choice men, chief princes; numbered 26,000 for war.

Detailed genealogy of Benjamin including Saul's family line; some dwelt in Jerusalem, others in various cities. Lists those who dwelt in Gibeon including Saul's grandfather; Saul's sons including Jonathan and his line. Demonstrates Benjamin's prominence despite being smallest tribe; prepares for Saul narrative.

Lists first inhabitants who returned to their possessions after captivity: Israel, priests, Levites, Nethinims. Detailed account of gatekeepers' duties and organization; their faithfulness in charge over temple treasuries and vessels. Levites' various responsibilities: chambers, treasuries, vessels, fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, spices, shewbread preparation; genealogy repeated for Saul's father Kish.

Saul's death at Mount Gilboa; Philistines kill his sons including Jonathan; Saul falls on sword to avoid abuse by uncircumcised. Philistines display Saul's head and armor in their temples; men of Jabesh-gilead retrieve bodies for burial. Explanation: Saul died for transgression against the Lord's word and consulting familiar spirit; kingdom turned to David.

All Israel gathers to David at Hebron, anoints him king citing his shepherding during Saul's reign; takes Jebus (Jerusalem) from Jebusites. Joab first to attack Jebusites, becomes chief; David waxes greater, the Lord of hosts with him; Hiram sends materials for palace. David's mighty men: the three who broke through Philistine garrison for Bethlehem water which David poured out to the Lord; Abishai, Benaiah, and list of the thirty.

Lists those who came to David at Ziklag while fleeing Saul: ambidextrous Benjamites, mighty Gadites with faces like lions, swift as roes. Men from Benjamin and Judah; David tests their loyalty; Spirit comes upon Amasai: "Thine are we, David... peace be unto thee." Manassites who joined when David came with Philistines against Saul; progressive numbers joining until "a great host, like the host of God"; tribes' numbers coming to Hebron to turn Saul's kingdom to David.

David consults about bringing ark from Kirjath-jearim; all Israel agrees; gathers from Shihor to Hemath; brings ark on new cart from Abinadab's house. David and Israel play before God with all might - songs, harps, psalteries, timbrels, cymbals, trumpets; at Chidon's threshingfloor, Uzza touches ark and dies. David fears, diverts ark to Obed-edom's house; the Lord blesses Obed-edom's household three months.

Hiram sends messengers, cedar trees, masons, carpenters to build David's house; David perceives the Lord established him for Israel's sake. David takes more wives in Jerusalem, begets more children including Nathan and Solomon; Philistines spread in valley of Rephaim twice. First time God promises frontal victory; second time instructs circling to mulberry trees, attacking when hearing marching sound in treetops; David's fame spreads, the Lord brings fear of him on all nations.

David prepares place for ark in City of David, recognizes only Levites should carry it; assembles Levites by families: Kohath, Merari, Gershom, plus Elizaphan, Hebron, Uzziel. Instructs Levites to sanctify themselves; acknowledges previous error - "the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order." Levites bear ark with staves on shoulders as Moses commanded; David appoints singers with instruments; describes celebration bringing ark with sacrifices every six paces; Michal sees David dancing, despises him.

Ark placed in tent David pitched; offers burnt sacrifices and peace offerings; blesses people in the Lord's name; distributes food to every Israelite. Appoints Levites to minister before ark: Asaph chief with cymbals, others with psalteries and harps; Benaiah and Jahaziel priests with trumpets continually. David's psalm of thanksgiving delivered to Asaph: calls to make known God's deeds among people, sing praises, remember His marvelous works, seek His face continually; recounts covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob; calls all earth to sing, declare His glory among heathen; ends with "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever and ever."

David dwelling in cedar house while ark under curtains; tells Nathan prophet his desire to build temple; Nathan initially approves. God's word to Nathan that night: David shall not build house; God took him from sheepcote to be ruler, will make his name like earth's great men. Davidic covenant: God will appoint place for Israel's permanent planting; when David's days expire, his son will build house; God will establish his throne forever, be his father; mercy won't depart as from Saul. David's prayer: sits before the Lord expressing humility, accepts promise for his house's future, praises God's uniqueness and Israel's special status, asks God to bless his house forever.

David defeats Philistines taking Gath; Moabites become servants bringing gifts; smites Hadarezer of Zobah, takes 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, 20,000 footmen. Syrians of Damascus help Hadarezer; David slays 22,000, puts garrisons in Syria; the Lord preserves David wherever he goes; takes shields of gold, much brass from Hadarezer's cities. Tou king of Hamath sends son Hadoram with gifts congratulating victory; David dedicates all silver and gold from nations; Abishai slays 18,000 Edomites; David's administration: Joab over host, Jehoshaphat recorder, Zadok and Abimelech priests, Shavsha scribe, Benaiah over guard, David's sons chief about the king.

Nahash king of Ammon dies; David sends comforters to son Hanun; princes suspect spies, advise Hanun who shames servants - shaves them, cuts garments to buttocks. Ammonites hire 32,000 chariots plus Syrian armies; Joab arrays against both forces, dividing with Abishai; encourages being of good courage for people and cities of God. Syrians flee before Joab, causing Ammonites to flee into city; Syrians regroup under Shophach; David gathers all Israel, crosses Jordan, slays 7,000 chariots and 40,000 footmen, kills Shophach; Syrian kings make peace, won't help Ammon anymore.

Joab destroys Ammon while David stays at Jerusalem; David takes their king's crown (talent of gold with precious stones); people put under saws, harrows, axes. Wars with Philistine giants: Sibbechai kills Sippai; Elhanan kills Lahmi brother of Goliath whose spear staff like weaver's beam. Jonathan (David's brother) kills man of great stature with 24 fingers and toes; these giants fall by hand of David and his servants.

Satan provokes David to number Israel; Joab objects but king's word prevails; counts 1,100,000 in Israel and 470,000 in Judah (excluding Levi and Benjamin whom Joab abominated to count). God displeased, David confesses great sin; Gad offers three choices: three years famine, three months destruction before foes, or three days of the Lord's sword with pestilence; David chooses falling into the Lord's hands. Pestilence kills 70,000; angel stands over Jerusalem with drawn sword; God repents, commands angel to stop at Ornan's threshingfloor; David sees angel between earth and heaven, elders fall on faces in sackcloth. David takes blame as shepherd who sinned; Gad instructs building altar at Ornan's threshingfloor; Ornan offers everything free but David insists paying full price - 600 shekels gold; David sacrifices, the Lord answers by fire from heaven, commands angel to sheathe sword; David sacrifices there, fearing to go to Gibeon's tabernacle because of angel's sword.

David declares "This is the house of the Lord God" at Ornan's threshingfloor; commands gathering strangers to hew stones; prepares iron, brass, cedar trees in abundance. Calls Solomon young and tender, house for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical; charges Solomon: God be with you to build house; intended to build but God said he shed much blood in wars. Reveals Solomon ("man of rest") will build house; God will give him rest from enemies, establish his throne forever; instructs Solomon to keep the Lord's law; reveals preparation - 100,000 talents gold, 1,000,000 talents silver, brass and iron without weight. Commands princes to help Solomon: "Is not the Lord your God with you? He has given rest on every side"; seek the Lord, arise and build sanctuary to bring ark and holy vessels into house built for the Lord's name.

David old and full of days, makes Solomon king; numbers Levites from 30 years and up: 38,000 total - 24,000 for temple work, 6,000 officers and judges, 4,000 porters, 4,000 praisers with instruments. Divides Levites: Gershonites, Kohathites, Merarites with their duties; notes ark now has rest, Levites needn't carry tabernacle. Changes Levite service age to 20; their office to wait on Aaron's sons for temple service, stand every morning and evening to thank and praise, offer all burnt sacrifices on sabbaths, new moons, set feasts.

Divisions of Aaron's sons for service; Nadab and Abihu died childless before father; Eleazar and Ithamar execute priest's office; David with Zadok and Ahimelech divides them. More chief men in Eleazar (16) than Ithamar (8); divided by lot for governors of sanctuary from both; courses listed by name. Remaining Levites cast lots "even as their brethren the sons of Aaron" in presence of king, chief fathers, priests, and Levites.

David and captains separate Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun's sons for prophesying with harps, psalteries, cymbals; lists workers and their numbers. All under their fathers' hands for song in the Lord's house; total 288 instructed in songs, cunning musicians. Cast lots ward against ward, small as great, teacher as scholar; 24 orders listed with 12 men each.

Divisions of porters from Korhites and Merarites; Meshelemiah's sons and brethren, 18 strong men; Obed-edom's 62 sons and brethren; Hosah's sons. Lots cast for gates: Shelemiah east, Zechariah north, Obed-edom south with house of Asuppim, Shuppim and Hosah west with causeway gate. Lists treasurers over house of God and dedicated things; Levites as officers and judges over Israel westward of Jordan for the Lord's business and king's service; 2,700 chief fathers over Reubenites, Gadites, and half Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and king.

Lists 12 captains serving monthly courses of 24,000 each throughout year; names captain and notable person in each course. Princes of tribes listed by name; David doesn't number under 20 because the Lord promised to increase Israel like stars; Joab begins but wrath falls, number not put in chronicles. Lists rulers over king's treasures, storehouses, field work, vineyards, wine cellars, olive and sycamore trees, oil cellars, herds, camels, asses, flocks; king's counselors including Ahithophel and Hushai the king's companion; Joab as army general.

David assembles all Israeli officials; stands and addresses: God chose him from father's house as king forever, chose Judah as ruler, chose him from father's sons, chose Solomon from his sons to sit on the Lord's kingdom throne. Publicly charges Solomon: God chose you to build sanctuary, be strong and do it; keep God's commandments that you may possess good land and leave inheritance forever. Gives Solomon pattern of temple received by spirit: porch, houses, treasuries, upper chambers, inner parlours, mercy seat place; patterns for all courts, chambers, treasuries, dedicated things; courses of priests and Levites; all service vessels with specific weights. Encourages Solomon: "Be strong and of good courage... fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work."

David tells congregation of Solomon's youth and tender age, palace preparation for God not man; details his personal preparation beyond official preparation: 3,000 talents gold of Ophir, 7,000 talents refined silver. Asks who will consecrate service willingly; chiefs of fathers, princes, captains, rulers offer willingly: 5,000 talents and 10,000 drams gold, 10,000 talents silver, 18,000 talents brass, 100,000 talents iron; precious stones given to treasury. People rejoice for willing offering with perfect heart; David blesses the Lord before all congregation: acknowledges God's greatness, power, glory, victory, majesty; everything in heaven and earth is God's; riches and honor come from Him. Prays thanking God for privilege of offering, asks Him to keep this willing heart in people forever, give Solomon perfect heart; congregation blesses the Lord, bows before the Lord and king; sacrifices 1,000 bullocks, 1,000 rams, 1,000 lambs with drink offerings; eat and drink with gladness; make Solomon king second time, anoint him and Zadok priest. Solomon sits on the Lord's throne as king, prospers, all Israel obeys; all princes, mighty men, and David's sons submit; the Lord magnifies Solomon exceedingly; David dies in good old age after 40-year reign (7 in Hebron, 33 in Jerusalem), full of days, riches, honor; recorded in book of Samuel, Nathan, and Gad.