In pioneer days, many American families prized a huge black family Bible. Often the only book in the house, it served for more than reading. It was also the family memory bank. Every important event - a marriage, a birth, a death - was recorded on its flyleaves. The Bible was passed down from generation to generation, and through it, a family kept track of its past.
The book of 1 Chronicles is something like that - a record of Israel's family history, and particularly of David, Israel's greatest king. In fact, at first glance, 1 Chronicles looks like a rehash of David's life as told in 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Some of the most dramatic episodes in David's life - his clash with Goliath, his sin with Bathsheba - don't make it into this account. But David's organization of the temple is told in great detail, and long lists and genealogies fill over half the book.
Because of that, few people read 1 Chronicles. Most of us are more interested in personalities than in institutions and genealogies.
David's Lasting Impact
First Chronicles, however, is far more interested in David's lasting accomplishments than in his ups and downs as an individual. The nation he led was more than a collection of inspired individuals. It was founded on God's unshakable promised to the children of Abraham. He had promised to be with them. He had promised to provide leadership. He had promised to make them a blessing to the world. These promises took shape in enduring institutions - the temple and the monarchy, most notably. |
