Sunday, May 6th, 2012
I Chronicles 12 (1 Sam 27-30)
“All in the Family”
Bible Memory Verse for the Week: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. — James 1:17
Background Information:
- The Chronicler provides the reader with a flashback to explain how David was able to amass such a large, gifted and unified army so quickly after the death of Saul so as to provide immediate protection and security for the nation Israel.
- (1 Chr 12:8) “The stronghold” is today known as Masada.
- David spares Saul the second time and flees to Gath.
- David is in Gath only for security reasons so he doesn’t have to confront Saul — The Lord’s anointed.
- David lies to convince the King of Gath (Achish) that he is making raids on Israeli territory to support his “gang” and as a result (in Achish’s mind) David could never again be aligned with Israel. But in reality David’s heart is totally devoted to Israel. He simply cannot go back there with Saul’s current obsession to kill David.
- Achish is so impressed to have someone of David’s character and abilities in cahoots with him that he gives David Ziklag (1 Chr 12:1) as a gift as a home for David and his ever increasing “gang” of refugees.
- David has in fact, been making raids on the Gershuites, the Girzites and the Amalekites and leaving no survivors who could rat on him.
- As Achish and the Philistines get ready to go to war against Israel, David is caught between a rock and a hard place as he doesn’t want to fight against the people to whom he is devoted, but at the same time he has an image to maintain with Achish.
- The Philistine troops sense that David has not been 100% sincere and don’t want any part of David potentially turning on them in the heat of battle so they order Achish to dismiss him from the ranks.
- David and his “gang” go back home to Ziklag only to find that Ziklag has been burned to the ground and their families and possessions have been kidnapped/stolen by Amalakites.
- Everyone in David’s gang is so ticked that this has happened that they want their pound of flesh from someone and since David is the most likely target they begin to consider stoning him as a means of retaliation for losing their homes, their families and their possessions.
- David is able to persuade saner heads to rule and inquires of God if they would be successful pursuing the Amalakites and getting back what they lost (1 Chr 12:21).
- God says, ”Yes” and they do and they are able to recover 100% of their family members and possessions. In fact, they have so much excess that David sends a present to the elders of Judah to help dispel any rumors that David had defected in heart to the Philistines.
- (1 Chr 12:38) All these . . . fighting men . . . came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king.
- David’s confidence in God stands in strong contrast to the faithlessness of Saul, who sought guidance in the cult of the dead rather than trusting in the ancient tradition of Israel’s faith.
David’s trust proves well-founded, for the Lord takes action and answers David’s question in dramatic fashion. Suddenly the leader of these soldiers, Amasai (here called “chief of the Thirty,” but see 11:20-21//2 Sm 23:18), is overcome by the spirit and prophesies. The Hebrew means, literally, “the spirit clothed itself with Amasai.” This metaphorical use of the verb “clothe” appears only three other times in the Hebrew Bible. The first, from Jdgs 6:34, involved Gideon’s empowerment as a war leader; there, the NRSV reads “the spirit of the LORD took possession of Gideon.” The second, in Job 29:14, involves Job’s assertion of innocence and righteousness: “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me.” The third is also from Chronicles (2 Chr 24:20), and like 1 Chr 12:18 involves a spontaneous prophetic pronouncement–this time from Zechariah the priest. (Steven S. Tuell, Interpretation: 1 & 2 Chronicles, 50-51)
- The narrative returns now, with little regard for chronology, to David’s coronation at Hebron (cf. 11:1ff.), to give a picture of the unity and single-mindedness of Israel in making him king. Counting the Levites, thirteen tribes are named here. There were never thirteen tribes at any one time in Israel, of course. Levi early ceased to function as a tribe, but rather was scattered among the others. Sometimes it is omitted from the tribal lists, and the number twelve is retained by dividing Joseph into Ephraim and Manasseh (cf. Nm 26:5ff.). When Levi is included, however, Joseph is represented as one (cf. Gn 35:23-26; 1 Chr 2:1-2). Chr, again spurning the pedantic detail, here represents Israel in its fullness. No part of Israel failed to give its support to David. Indeed it is interesting to notice that the largest contributions to this tide of support for David came from the north. The numbers given for Ephraim, Zebulun and Asher, in particular, are large in comparison with the relatively low numbers for Judah and Benjamin. This has been taken as evidence for the authenticity of the list on the grounds that Chr would naturally want to enhance the claims made for the southern tribes, and that their low numbers therefore reflect a scrupulous honesty in recording the way it really was. (J. G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 32-33)
- This period in David’s life came towards the end of his “outlaw” phase, just before Saul’s defeat by the Philistines at Gilboa. At that time, some men from the tribe of Benjamin–Saul’s own tribe–threw in their lot with David. Their specialty was fighting with bow or sling. Their skill of being able to use either hand to hurl projectiles is considered worthy of special mention. Their names are given in verses 3 through 7. Even natives of Gibeah, Saul’s hometown, are listed among the refugees from that king’s regime (verse 3)! Thus, Saul’s fall and David’s rise are also demonstrated by the fact that Saul’s own kinsmen preferred an outlaw chosen by God to a king rejected by him. (Paul O. Wendland, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 143)
- The discerning eye that made them accurate marksmen with both bow and sling is evidenced in another sense by the fact that they were “Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen,” and yet came to the aid of the fugitive David. In those days of enmity between the two men, blind tribal loyalty would have ranged these warriors behind the reigning king, with whom they had ties of blood-relationship. But something–a sharp eye, politically and spiritually?–indicated to them that the future lay not with him but with David. The leaders of this band actually came from Saul’s own town, Gibeah. (Michael Wilcock, The Message of Chronicles, 60-61)
- In biblical times it was common to use zoomorphic language to indicate warriors’ ferocity. (Richard L. Pratt, 1 & 2 Chronicles, A Mentor Commentary, 119)
- Hardship and trouble characterized Israel after returning from Babylon (see Hag 1:5-11; Ezra 4:1-5; 17; Neh 4:1-6:14). The Chronicler included these scenes of celebration to motivate his readers. If they wanted to enjoy such festivities in their day, they needed to imitate the actions which led to celebration in the past. In this passage, David’s anointing brought immeasurable joy to the nation. The restored community should yearn for the re-establishment of David’s throne so that such joy could abound again in their day. (Richard L. Pratt, 1 & 2 Chronicles, A Mentor Commentary, 123)
- The Chronicler essentially tells his audience that “God helps those who help David and his descendants.” (Andrew E. Hill, The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Chr, 206)
The questions to be answered are . . . What is there about David that allowed him to so successfully unite Israel when it was left fractured and in disarray after the reign of King Saul? Why should I care?
Answer: David was able to enjoy a unifying spirit after Saul’s death because of talented quality men, an opposition to dissenters, a concern for God’s agenda and not his own and overall David enjoyed God’s blessings on his life. It all is possible because the Lord Almighty was with David (1 Chr 11:9). I’m convinced we can enjoy that same kind of blessing but only if we submit to the Lord and His agenda for our lives.
The Word for the Day is . . . Providence
Webster’s = Divine guidance or care. God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny.
Heidelberg Catechism Q & A 27
Q. What do you understand by the providence of God?
A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God (Jer 22:23-24; Acts 17:24-25) by which he upholds, as with his hand, heaven and earth and all creatures (Heb 1:3), and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty (Jer 5:24; Acts 14:15-17; Jn 9:3; Prv 22:5)—all things, in fact, come to us not by chance (Prv 16:33) but from his fatherly hand (Mt 10:29).
The root meaning of the term providence is to foresee, or to provide. The question of providence concerns how God thinks ahead to care for all creatures, fitting them for contingencies, for the challenges of history, and for potential self-actualization to the glory of God. …But more than simply foresight, providence has to do with the active daily caring of God for the world in its hazards. (The Living God by Thomas C. Oden, 271)
Westminster Confession of Faith: Ch. V – Of Providence
I. God, the great Creator of all things, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.
II. Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly; yet, by the same providence, he ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.
III. God in his ordinary providence maketh use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them, at his pleasure.
IV. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, that it extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men, and that not by a bare permission, but such as hath joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding, and otherwise ordering and governing of them, in a manifold dispensation, to his own holy ends; yet so as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God; who being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin.
V. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God, doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption, and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends.
VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God as a righteous judge, for former sins, doth blind and harden, from them he not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts; but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had, and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin; and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan: whereby it comes to pass, that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others.
VII. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures; so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of his church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof. (Westminster Confession of Faith, 33-38)
The Bible clearly teaches God’s providential control (1) over the universe at large, Ps 103:19; Dan 4:35; Eph 1:11; (2) over the physical world, Job 37; Ps 104:14; 135:6; Mt 5:45; (3) over the brute creation, Ps 104:21, 28; Mt 6:26; 10:29; (4) over the affairs of nations, Job 12:23; Ps 22:28; 66:7; Acts 17:26; (5) over man’s birth and lot in life, 1 Sm 16:1; Ps 139:16; Is 45:5; Gal 1:15, 16; (6) over the outward successes and failures of men’s lives, Ps 75:6, 7; Lk 1:52; (7) over things seemingly accidental or insignificant, Prv 16:33; Mt 10:30; (8) in the protection of the righteous, Ps 4:8; 5:12; 63:8; 121:3; Rom 8:28; (9) in supplying the wants of God’s people, Gn 22:8, 14; Dt 8:3; Phil 4:19; (10) in giving answers to prayer, 1 Sm 1:19; Is 20:5, 6; 2 Chr 33:13; Ps 65:2; Mt 7:7; Lk 18:7, 8; and (11) in the exposure and punishment of the wicked, Ps 7:12, 13; 11:6. (Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology)
“To see God’s providential hand with true certainty it is necessary first to know God Himself, to know Him in the outworking of His revealing and reconciling purpose in Jesus Christ, to know Him at the focus and center in the light of which His ways in providence may be discerned. The ‘smiling face’ of God is in the first instance the face unveiled at the cross and the empty tomb, where the God who seems to have averted His face from the sin-bearing Savior is the very God who is well pleased with the Son (Mt 3:17), who is well pleased with us in Him (Eph 1:5f.), and who has here worked out, in spite of all appearances to the contrary, the good pleasure of His grace. This God is also the God who preserves and overrules all creation with a view to the fulfillment of His gracious purpose. Hence we may be confident that even if providence is frowning, behind it is the smiling face of God.” (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; Vol. Three, 1025)
Why was David able to unify fractured Israel?:
I. David was a unifying agent because of his ability to attract gifted people for the corporate good (1 Chr 12:2, 8, 14-15, 30, 32)
They “were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks” (1 Chr 12:38). They were working together. They were working in unity, in order, and in wise organization. Many a brave man throws his life away in isolation and independent efforts, and they fail because of no wise cooperation. The great work of missions requires fellowship of service, and intelligent organization by which workers on the field can stay in touch with those at home, and all together move as an army in wise and intelligent cooperation. Christ wants men who are able to subordinate their own strong opinions and work in subjection to one another in the fear of God. No man is fit to lead until he has long learned to follow. No man is a good commander who has not proved a perfect soldier. No lesson needs more to be learned by young missionaries than the lesson of humility and mutual subjection in Christian service. It has been wisely said that there is no trouble in getting along with a fully consecrated Christian, but a half consecrated one is always in trouble and always getting others into trouble. (A.B. Simpson, The Christ in the Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, 290)
True unity must strengthen the Church simply because of a pooling of God-given resources. The sad story of attempts to achieve visible church unity in recent decades (in Britain) may only prompt the thought that real unity does not necessarily require structural or organizational uniformity. Indeed attempts to achieve this can sometimes merely throw differences into relief. But failures at this level should not deter church people from actually seeking to work together in the daily business of bringing people to Christ and building them up in him. (J. G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 33-34)
The Gadites lived east of the Jordan, an area particularly loyal to Saul. It was in the Transjordan that Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, set up his abortive rule over Israel after Saul’s death. In order to defect to David, these men not only had to overcome the natural obstacle of the Jordan in flood, they also had to fight their way through their fellow-tribesmen who apparently tried to prevent their escape (verse 15). This tells us a great deal about the courage of those who came over to David and about their commitment to the one they saw as the Lord’s truly anointed king. (Paul O. Wendland, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 143)
A person cannot fail to miss the Chronicler’s emphasis on the battle-readiness of those who came: “Armed for battle” (vs 23 and 24), “ready for battle” (vs 25 and 35), “prepared for battle” (vs 33 and 36), “carrying shields and spears” (vs 24 and 34), “armed with every type of weapon” (vs 37). This display of military might on behalf of God’s king must have rivaled even that awesome show of force we used to see parading around Red Square in Moscow. Coupled with the outward readiness went their inner readiness. These troops came to help “with undivided loyalty” (vs 33), “fully determined” to make David king (vs 38). (Paul O. Wendland, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 148-49)
12:32 The 200 chiefs from the tribe of Issachar “understood the times.” As a result, their knowledge and judgment provided needed help in making decisions for the nation. For leaders today, it is equally necessary to know what is happening in society in order to plan the best course of action for the church. Knowledge of current events, trends, and needs helps us understand people’s thoughts and attitudes. This gives leaders information to help them make wise decisions for the church and make God’s message relevant to people’s lives. (Tyndale House Publishers, Life Application Study Bible, 685)
Here again, the emphasis throughout is on the quality of the Gadite warriors. From the very start, men of the highest calibre were attracted to David. (H.G.M. Williamson, The New Century Bible Commentary, 1 & 2 Chr, 107)
The eighteen thousand troops from the half-tribe of Manasseh living west of the Jordan, “were expressly named to come and make David king” (12:31). Similarly, Issachar “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (12:32). This statement may remind Christian readers of Jesus’ words on the importance of reading the signs of the times (Mt 16:2-3; Lk 12:54-56). Wise Issachar had the discernment to perceive God’s hand upon David, the wisdom to sense the direction of the Spirit’s leading, and the courage to act. Finally, note that Zebulun came “to help David with singleness of purpose” (12:33). The expression translated “with singleness of purpose” in the NRSV means literally “without a double heart,” or, given the Hebrew connotations of the heart, “without doublemindedness.” (Steven S. Tuell, Interpretation: 1 & 2 Chronicles, 53)
The ambidextrous skill of these Benjamite warriors as both slingers and bowmen is noteworthy. The addition of a contingent of twenty-three experienced soldiers to David’s army does not seem too impressive to the modern reader. Yet we learn from the Amarna correspondence from an earlier historical period that a small cohort of experienced archers could turn the tide of a battle. (Andrew E. Hill, The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Chr, 204)
Unlike the archers and slingers from the tribe of Benjamin who are effective in battle from a distance (12:1-7), the Gadite soldiers excel in hand-to-hand combat because of their speed and strength. According to Williamson, the metaphorical comparison of the heroic qualities of warriors with animals (12:8) is commonplace in the ancient world to the degree that such designations often become titles for warriors. (Andrew E. Hill, The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Chr, 205)
II. David was a unifying agent because he released the divisive opposition to the judgment of God (1 Chr 12:17)
David himself is suspicious of their intentions and challenges their loyalty under oath (12:17). His skepticism is well-founded in that during his flight from King Saul he was already betrayed by Doeg the Edomite (1 Sm 22:22), the people of the village of Keliah (23:12), and the Ziphites (26:1). (Andrew E. Hill, The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Chr, 205)
III. David was a unifying agent because of concern for God’s agenda and not his own (1 Chr 10:14; see also: 1 Sm 23:4; 30:8; 2 Sm 2:1;5:19, 23; 1 Chr 14:10, 14)
The richest quality of love is sacrifice, and the noblest credential of any work is the spirit on the part of the members which has laid every selfish interest down at Jesus’ feet, and counts all things loss for Christ (Phil 3:7); which holds its money, its friendships, its life, all subservient to the Master’s claim, and, living a dying life, at last gives life itself as a willing offering to Him who gave His life for us. In this selfish and luxurious age, it is the rarest quality found, but it is the most needed, and as the end approaches and the last tribulation draws near the age of martyrdom will reach the climax, and the tears of sorrow and the blood of sacrifice be transformed into the jewels of the coronation day. It needs a greater sacrifice sometimes to live than to die, and the men who will be found some day ready to die for Christ are those whose lives are now laid down in 10,000 little tests that come to us all from day to day. (A.B. Simpson, The Christ in the Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, 289-90)
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace.
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face. -William Cowper
When we complain, what we are really saying is, “I could have done a better job than God in this instance. If I had made the choice, I would have done this and so…” This is blasphemy. (Gary L. Thomas, Seeking the Face of God, 95)
Do not let ourselves be troubled when we are sometimes beset by adversity, for we know that it is meant for our spiritual welfare and carefully proportioned to our needs, and that a limit has been set to it by the wisdom of the same God who has set a bound to the ocean. Sometimes it might seem as if the sea in its fury would overflow and flood the land, but it respects the limits of its shore and its waves break upon the yielding sand. There is no tribulation or temptation whose limits God has not appointed so as to serve not for our destruction but for our salvation. God is faithful says the Apostle, and will not permit you to be tempted (or afflicted) beyond your strength, but it is necessary for you to be so, since through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God in the steps of our Redeemer who said of Himself, Did not the Christ have to suffer all these things before entering into his glory? If you refused to accept these tribulations you would be acting against your best interests. You are like a block of marble in the hands of the sculptor. The sculptor must chip, hew and smooth it to make it into a statue that is a work of art. God wishes to make us the living image of Himself. All we need to think of is to keep still in His hands while He works on us, and we can rest assured that the chisel will never strike the slightest blow that is not needed for His purposes and our sanctification; for, as St. Paul says, the will of God is your sanctification. (Father Jean Baptiste, Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence, 31-33)
We should wish with the divine will for heat and cold, storm and calm, and all the vagaries and inclemencies of the elements. We should in short accept whatever kind of weather God sends us, instead of supporting it with impatience or anger as we usually do when it is contrary or what we desire. We should avoid saying, for instance, “What awful heat!” “What terrible cold!” “What shocking weather!” “Just my bad luck!” and other expressions of the same kind which only serve to show our lack of faith and of submission to Gods’ will.
Not only should we wish the weather to be as it is because God has made it so but, whatever inconvenience it may cause us, we should repeat with the three youth is in the fiery furnace: Cold, heat, snow and ice, lightnings and clouds, winds and tempests, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. The elements themselves are blessing and glorifying God by doing His holy will, and we also should bless and glorify Him in the same way. Besides, even if the weather is inconvenient for us, it may be convenient for someone else. If it prevents us from doing what we want to do, it may be helping another. And even if it were not so, it should be enough for us that it is giving glory to God and that it is God who wishes it to be as it is. (Father Jean Baptiste, Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence, 46-48)
We ought to conform to God’s will in interior trials, that is to say in all the difficulties met with our spiritual life, such as temptations, scruples, anxieties, aridity, desolation and so on. Whatever immediate cause we may attribute to these states of mind, we must always look beyond to God as their author. If we think they come from ourselves, then it is true to say that they have their origin in the ignorance of our mind, the oversensitiveness of our feelings, the disordered state of our imagination or the perversity of our inclinations. But if we go back farther, if we ask where the defects themselves come from, we can only find their origin in the will of God who has not endowed us with greater perfection, and by making us subject to these infinites has laid on us the duty of bearing all the consequences of them for our sanctification until He is pleased to put an end to them. As soon as He judges it in the right moment to touch our mind or heart, we shall be enlightened, fortified, and consoled. (Father Jean Baptiste, Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence, 81-82)
IV. David was a unifying agent because he enjoyed the blessing of Almighty God (1 Chr 11:9; 12:18, 38)
It is very common for people to allow themselves great liberty in finding fault with such things as have only God for their cause…It sounds indeed much better to murmur at the course of the world or the state of things than to murmur at providence, to complain of the seasons and weather, than to complain of God, but if these have no other cause but God and His providence it is a poor distinction to say that you are only angry at the things but not at the cause and director of them. (William Law, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, 314, 319)
Not only did the people of David’s day act in a concerted way, but they did so “with singleness of purpose” (v. 33, cf. v. 38)–or “with a whole heart,” as the Hebrew of v. 38 has it. There were no reservations. Now, this singleness of purpose is not actually directed towards the forging of unity. Unity is portrayed as forged already. The “whole-heartedness” is directed towards the realization of Yahweh’s full blessing for Israel. Chr reminds us here of the need to be about the business of God’s kingdom with complete self-giving. How many churches meander along achieving little in terms of real spiritual change and progress simply because their people’s hearts are divided? (cf. Jas 1:7f.). (J. G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 33)
The last few verses of the chapter (38-40) afford a glimpse of the luxuriance of OT celebration. The single-minded resolve to realize God’s promises (by crowning David) is accompanied by a healthy knowledge of what God’s blessing is. Here is the material side of shalom in all its gladness. The mouth-watering catalogue of good things casts this depiction of joy precisely in the terms in which God had promised to bless Israel in Moses’ time (Dt 8:7-10). The joy of the people of God is a motif in Chr (cf. 1 Chr 29:22; 2 Chr 7:10; 30:21ff.). Any idea that the OT is a grim and doom-laden thing is wide of the mark. On the contrary, it is hardly an exaggeration to say that joy is its dominant mood (especially in the Psalms, e.g. 81:1-5; 84:1f.; 92:1-4; 100:1f.; 146-150). David’s followers could show determination because they had a knowledge of God’s blessing as something palpable. (J. G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 34)
There is a structural intent to highlight the concerted unity of Israel and David under a God who has kept His promise. It appears not only in 11:1-4 but at two significant joints in his composition, 11:10 and 12:23. Another related thread running through this prose tapestry is the motif of help. David does not stand alone. He becomes what he is because, as he was told in a prophetic pronouncement, “your God helps you” (12:18). (Leslie Allen, Mastering the OT, 1, 2 Chronicles, 94)
CONCLUSION/APPLICATION: Why is Jesus able to unify the fractured world?:
A- Jesus is able to unify the world because of his ability to endow gifted people (the body of Christ; Rom 12:3-8; 14:17-19; 15:1-5; 1 Cor chps 12-14 esp. 14:12; Eph 2:21; 4:11-16; ; 1 Pt)
This representation of growing unity corresponds to the broad canvas which in its own way Eph 3:14-4:16 unrolls before its Christian readers. It portrays a panorama of the universal church in which “all the saints” find themselves represented (Eph 3:18). It challenges to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” as “one body” (Eph 4:3, 4), made up of members who each have their unique contribution to make to its health and growth (Eph 4:7-16). (Leslie Allen, Mastering the OT, 1, 2 Chronicles, 93)
B- Jesus is able to unify the world because he releases the divisive to the judgment of God (Mt 25:31-34; Lk 3:17; John 3: Rom 14:10; 16:17; 1 Cor 5:1-13; 16:22; 2 Cor 5:10; 6:14-15; Gal 5:10-12; 2 Thess 3:6-15; 1 Tim 1:19-20; 6:3-5; Tit 3:10-11; 2 Jn 10-11)
C- Jesus is able to unify the world because of concern for God’s agenda and not his own (Mt 7:21; 12:50; 26:39-42; Lk 22:42; Jn 4:34; 5:19-30; 6:38-39; 7:28-29; 9:4; 14:31; Phil 2:1-11; Rev 2:26)
The object is work for Christ, the bond of their fellowship is brotherly union with Christ. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture, 2 Kgs – Eccl, 98)
These men came to bring David up to Hebron with one single purpose in their hearts. They had no sidelong glances to their own self-interest, they had no wavering loyalty, they had no trembling fears, so we may take their spirit as expressing generally the deepest requirements for prosperity in a church.
The foundation of all prosperity is a passion of personal attachment to Christ our King.
Christ is Christianity objective. Love to Christ is Christianity subjective. The whole stress of Christian character is laid on this. It is the mother of all grace and goodness, and in regard to the work of the Church, it is the ardour of a soul full of love to Jesus that conquers. The one thing in which all who have done much for Him have been alike is that single-hearted devotion.
But such love is the child of faith. It rests upon belief of truth, and is the response of man to God. Dwelling in the truth is the means of it. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture, 2 Kgs – Eccl, 94)
As the Puritan John Flavel once wrote, the providence of God are like Hebrew words- they can only be read backwards. (Doubt and Assurance, R.C. Sproul, 40)
D- Jesus is able to unify the world as He enjoys the blessing of Almighty God (Ps 110:1; Isa 42:1; Mt 3:17; 17:5; 22:44; 23:39; Mk 1:11; 12:26; Lk 3:22; Jn 3:34-35; chps 6 & 7; 10:30-38; 14:7-14; 15:10; 16:32; 17:1-26; Acts 2:33-36; 10:38; 1 Cor 15:24-28; Eph 1:17-22; Phil 2:10-11; Col 1:19; Heb 1:1-3; 5:5-10; 1 Pt 2:21; 2 Pt 1:17)
The primary goal for the Christian must be that aspect of shalom which is identification with the will of God. To set one’s sights on material blessing will bypass that first target. As far as material things are concerned we shall do well to believe the words of Jesus in Mt 6:33, and be chastened by those in Mt 19:24.
(b) There is nevertheless an indissoluble link between the experience of God’s blessing and the kind of purposefulness which we have seen in David’s followers. With the coming of Christ and his indwelling in believers (Jn 14:23) Christians have access to a more profound knowledge of God than his people of OT times enjoyed. Only by cultivating the habit of seeing his hand in our lives is it possible to understand how profound is his desire and capacity to bless–both in material and other ways. And it is only when we truly know God as the One who cares for me that we shall ever achieve a real devotion to the doing of his will. (J. G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 34-35)
1 Chr 12:18. That simple song says a great deal about the character of the people’s support for the kingship of David. With David there was peace (shalom); and with those who helped David there was peace (shalom) because God was David’s helper! Those thoughts about David and his kingship are not far from what is said about the Son of David, called Immanuel in Isaiah: He shall be called the “Prince of Peace [Shalom]” (9:6). (John Sailhamer, Everyman’s Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Chronicles, 37)
So what does this interesting history lesson about David and Jesus have to do with me?
1- If you want to attempt to unify your fractured world you must have what David and Jesus had . . . the Spirit and blessing of God. (Dt chps 8-10; ch. 28; Psa 1; Prv 16:7; Mt 25:34; Lk 11:28; 13:35; Jn 13:13-17; Acts 20:35; Rom 4:1-9; 8:17; 10:12-13; 15:29; 1 Cor 9:23; 2 Cor 1:20; Gal 3:29-4:7; Eph 1:3; 3:6; Tit3:7; Jas 1:12, 25; 5:11; 1 Pt 3:9; 4:14; Rv 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14)
The Holy Spirit is intimate with God’s people, calling them to God (Isa 61:1); teaching (Jn 14:26); bestowing salvation (Jn 3:5-8); giving faith, knowledge, wisdom and understanding (Isa 11:2; 1 Cor 2:14-16; 12:9); sustaining (Ps 51:10-12); giving assurance of God’s love and salvation (Rom 8:12-17); and reminding them of heaven (Rom 5:2, 5; Eph 1:13-14; Rv 22:17).
In the corporate manifestation of God’s Spirit, we see Him doing the work of unifying believers with Christ and each other (1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 4:1-6); transforming them (2 Cor 3:18; Gal 5:16-25); granting gifts that build up the church, the body of Christ (1 Cor 12; Eph 4:7-16); giving the church wise plans (Acts 8:29; 13:2; 15:28); empowering the church in an effective witness (Acts 8:29); 1 Cor 2:4-5; Eph 6:18-20); giving Scripture and prophecy (2 Tm 3:16-17; Joel 2:28-32); molding the church and individual believers to holiness and sanctification (2 Cor 3:18; Gal 5:16-25; Eph 5:26-27 [implied]); and always pointing to Christ, the Head of the church (Jn 15:26-27; Eph 3:2-6).
When we are bound, the Spirit gives us freedom (Rom 8:2, 12-17); when we are afraid and depressed, the Spirit lifts us up (Jn 14:15-18); when we pray improperly, the Spirit interprets and intercedes for us (Rom 8:26); and when we need to be reminded of heaven and home, the Spirit does the work we need to get us “home” safely (Rom 8:11). The Holy spirit regenerates (Jn 3:3-8), indwells (Eph 5:18; Col 1:27), anoints (1 Jn 2:20), and baptizes the believer (1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 4:4-6). Believers are admonished to not grieve (Eph 4:30) or quench (1 Thes 5:19) the Holy Spirit but to walk in Him (Gal 5:16).
The Bible has a number of symbols or images for the Holy Spirit. He is seen as oil (Jn 3:34), fire (Acts 2;3), a dove (Jn 1:30-34), a seal (Eph 1:13), and a guarantee (Eph 1:14). (Follow the Wind–Our Lord, The Holy Spirit by Steve Brown, 24)
I find it interesting that when the early believers were concerned about others’ needs they were in unity. As soon as they began to be concerned about their own needs there was division. — Pastor Keith’s contemplating Acts 6:1-7
2- Your desire to please, trust, worship and obey God is key to your assurance that you have what David and Christ had. (Rom 6 & 7; 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 3:8-13; Col 2:1-3; 2 Thes 1:5; 2 Tm 1:12; Heb 3:12-19; 6:9-12, 19; 10:22; 11:6; 2 Pt 1:10-11; 1 Jn 3:18-23; 4:17-19)
The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. (The Light and the Glory” by Peter Marshall & David Manuel, 332)
It will give tenacity of purpose, will brace to strenuous effort, will subdue self, self-regard, self-importance, will subdue fear. It is the true anesthetic. The soldier is unconscious of his wounds, while the glow of devotion is in his heart and the shout of the battle in his ears. It will give fertility of resource and patience.
Consider its effect on the community.
It will remove all difficulties in the way of discipline arising from vanity and self which can be subdued by no other means. That flame fuses all into one glowing mass like a stream that pours from the blast furnace. What a power a church would be which had this! It is itself victory. The men that go into battle with that one firm resolve, and care for nothing else, are sure to win. Think what one man can do who has resolved to sell his life dear! (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture, 2 Kgs – Eccl, 94-95)
Our loyalties are important signs of the kinds of persons we have chosen to become. They mark a kind of constancy or steadfastness in our attachments to those other persons, groups, institutions, or ideals with which we have deliberately decided to associate ourselves. (William J. Bennett, The Book of Virtues, 665)
No matter how lost a man may be there is one thing that may always become a link of hope and a bond of contact with God, and that is the simple, single, rare and indispensable quality of true sincerity. If the worst of men can look up into your face with an honest look and an earnest heart and say, “God knows, and you know, that I mean to be true,” there is hope, there is salvation for him, and all the resources of God’s grace and strength are on his side. But a traitor, a double-hearted man, a man with a reservation, a man, who, back of all his pretenses and services, is seeking his own interest and ready to barter all else for it in the supreme moment, that man is base to the core, a man of whom we may well be afraid in every true work. He is bound to betray himself at last. He is the most unfortunate creature on earth. The very object which he is seeking will yet fail him, and detected by all men, rejected by God and execrated by himself, he will go down to the damnation of a hypocrite and a traitor. (A.B. Simpson, The Christ in the Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, 287-88)
Worship point: When you realize how little you contribute to your day to day blessings and how much God is responsible for every good and perfect gift you enjoy, dare you do anything but worship the God of the Universe who is directly responsible for EVERYTHING you cherish?
Spiritual Challenge: Begin to think like David and Jesus who understood that without God’s smiling face of providence on your life, your best efforts are going to earn you nothing more than dirty rags (Isa 64:6).
The combination of feasting and of joy in Israel on major occasions was clearly regarded as appropriate by the Chronicler. Together with his emphasis on faith, it indicates that his religion was by no means the joyless ritualism that has sometimes been thought; see especially 1 Chr 15:25 with 16:3; 29:22; 2 Chr 7:8-10 and 30:21-26, but also 1 Chr 15:25 with 16:3; 29:7, 17; 2 Chr 20:27f.; 23:16-18 and 29:30. (H.G.M. Williamson, The New Century Bible Commentary, 1 & 2 Chr, 112)
David asked if the men will help him (12:17). Amasai responded that God will help David, and that those who help David will share in his success (12:18). Divine help for the Davidic kings and their supporters is a distinctive theme in the book of Chronicles (see 1 Chr 5:20; 12:18; 15:26; 2 Chr 14:11; 16:12; 18:31; 20:4; 26:7; 32:8). The Chronicler’s post-exilic readers lived with many political uncertainties. He knew that the only hope for the struggling nation was help from God. Through this episode, he reminded his readers that God’s help against enemies was promised to David’s family and those who supported it. (Richard L. Pratt, 1 & 2 Chronicles, A Mentor Commentary, 120)
What pleases God:
- When our sacrifices are from the best we have to offer and not the leftovers (Mal 1:8-10)
- When you are controlled by the Spirit and not the sinful nature (Rom 8:8)
- That you are growing in your spiritual pilgrimage by both bearing fruit, and in knowledge of God (Col 1:10-22)
- That we are about the process of undoing the effects of the Fall and reconciling all things back to God (Col 1:19-23)
- That we make prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Tm 2:1-4)
- We live by faith in God (Heb 11:5-6)
- Do good and to share with others (Heb 13:16)
Aaronic Blessing: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. — Numbers 6:24-26
Quotes to Note:
Every man is to consider himself as a particular object of God’s providence, under the same care and protection of God as if the world had been made for him alone. It is not by chance that any man is born at such a time, of such parents, and in such place and condition…Every soul comes into the body at such a time and in such circumstances by the express designment of God, according to some purposes of His will and for some particular ends. (William Law, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, 322)
The whole section is rounded off with renewed stress on the oneness of Israel at the kingship of David and the greatness of the celebration held at Hebron. That this unity is due to the purpose of God underlies the whole; that it is also an occasion of joy in Israel brings to the fore another characteristic of the chronicler’s understanding of his people’s true life. Within his sometimes dry-sounding descriptions of events, the Chronicler has a very deep sense of the joy which belongs to the true people of God. (Peter R. Ackroyd, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, 56)
The joyful feast of good things in plenty that is described in the final verses (39, 40) must be seen as a foreshadowing of that great feast to come. Our King has promised, “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Lk 13:29). Then there truly will be “joy in Israel” (vs 40). It will be an eternal joy, a joy which no one will ever take away from us. We will be united, of one heart and mind with our King. (Paul O. Wendland, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 149)
Let us learn that, in an ultimate sense, we can never be “outside of the will of God”. (The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel, 14)
I beseech you consider what an effectual means the due observation of Providence will be to overpower and suppress the natural atheism that is in your hearts. (The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel, 151)
Eventually David inspires the loyalty of all Israel (12:38). The ripple effect of his loyalty to God is not lost on the Chronicler. The subtext of his “sermon” on David’s loyalty may be stated accordingly: Loyalty to God induces the mutual loyalty of the tribes to each other, which results in the blessing of God on Israel. For the Chronicler, nothing less than a similar formula is necessary to restore the postexilic community to the former greatness of Israel united under King David. (Andrew E. Hill, The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Chr, 210)
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. — Numbers 6:24-26
Christ:
The way back to blessing
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