Sabbath, August 24 – 1 Chronicles 23, 24 – Commentary, Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 73, “The Last Years of David”

Study Questions:

1. What age were the Levites who were counted for service in the temple?
    1 Chronicles 23:3

2. What were the duties of the Levites? 1 Chronicles 23:27-32

3. Who directed the work of the Levites in the temple? 1 Chronicles 23:28

Commentary and Reflection:

In 1 Chronicles 23, 24, the final instructions of David before passing the throne to Solomon are recorded. These instructions pertain significantly to the temple, underscoring its importance in David’s mind.

Psalm 84:1-4 expresses David’s deep longing for the house of the Lord, “How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, My King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You.”

David not only gave specific instructions about the temple’s location and construction but also organized the Levites’ duties to ensure everything was in place for its operation. The Levites, aged 30 to 50, were dedicated to serving and maintaining the tabernacle.

David’s prophetic words in 1 Chronicles 23:25 reflect his faith in God’s promises, “For David said, ‘The Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem forever.'”

These words will be ultimately fulfilled after the millennium. Revelation 21:3, “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.'”

Surely these promises would have been fulfilled in a different way if Israel had been faithful to their vocation and calling as God’s people, but they will be fulfilled in the church, the children called by The Lord from all ages.

“But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine ^[l]in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” Revelation 21:21-24 

It is worth noting that music, as a vehicle of gratitude and worship, was an important part of the duties of the Levites in the temple. David ordered the Levites to attend, under the direction of the sons of Aaron, to all the affairs of the temple, the care, the cleaning, the showbread, the service, the burnt offerings, and the praises.

“And they were to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at evening;” 1 Chronicles 23:30 (NKJV)

David’s arrangement ensured that the temple was a place of continuous praise and worship, emphasizing the importance of well-organized music in worship.

David’s devotion to setting up the temple structure reflects a heart dedicated to ensuring that worship was central to Israel’s community life. The ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies and the eternal presence of God with His people offer hope and assurance of God’s enduring promise.

Have a blessed day.