Wednesday, August 28 – 1 Chronicles 26, 27

1. What was the purpose of the fund of the consecrated things dedicated to the Temple? 1 Chronicles 26:26-28

2. Why was the number resulting from the census not recorded in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings? 1 Chronicles 27:24

Commentary and Reflection:

Regarding the work of the temple gatekeepers, the Andrews Bible Commentary states:

“The tribe of Levi was peculiarly warlike (Gen. 49:5-7; Ex. 32:25-29), and this skill was given expression in their temple guards. If Levites did not regularly participate in war, it was not because they were not supposed to be involved in defense activities but because the temple itself needed permanent defenders (in antiquity, temples concentrated a large amount of riches, coveted by robbers and raiders) and crowd control personnel. Those assigned to this task had duties to fulfill in the Lord’s temple (1 Chr. 26:12). The treasurers (vv. 20-28) appear immediately after the “gatekeepers” probably because they needed the support of those guards. Some were in charge of the treasuries of the house (or temple) of the Lord (v. 22) (1 Chronicles 26:12).” (Andrews Bible Commentary, 1 Chronicles 26:1-32)

Regarding the functions of the Levites from the time of David, the Andrews Bible Commentary explains:

“In Israel, Levitical cities and city sections served as the judiciary (see 6:54-81). Special officials served also as judges over Israel outside the Jerusalem temple area (26:29), perhaps in rural areas, and others on the west side of the Jordan, away from Israel’s heartland, both for all the Lord’s work and in the service of the king (26:30). This shows the wide spectrum of duties that fell to the Levites once they did not have to carry the sanctuary any longer.” (Andrews Bible Commentary, 1 Chronicles 26:1-32)

1 Chronicles 26:20-27 speaks of those in charge of the treasury of the House of God. “The treasures of the house of God” were funds used for the Temple’s services and maintenance, while “the treasures of the consecrated things” were unique offerings brought by individuals as gratitude offerings. The treasures of the consecrated things were mainly used for special projects like the construction and repairs of the Temple.

Regarding David’s preparation for the construction of the Temple and its services, the Andrews Bible Commentary states in a special section:

“David bought the land where the temple would be built (1 Chr. 21:18-30) and gathered everything Solomon would need for the building (22:1-4, 14-16; 29:2-9). He also organized the work of the priests (24:1-19) and Levites (23:1-32; 24:20-31) as musicians (25:1-31), gatekeepers (26:1-19), and treasurers (26:20-32). David encouraged his son to build the temple and to obey the laws of God (22:13). The reference here to these decrees, statutes, or judgments is not only to the moral law but more specifically to the law related to the sanctuary services (1 Chr. 16:40; 2 Chr. 23:18; 31:2-3). David established the foundation for the proper worship of the Lord in the place the Lord had chosen for this purpose. The future of the nation and of the Davidic dynasty would depend on their submission to the worship of the Lord in His temple according to the instructions He gave them. Temple, king, and nation had been permanently united.” (Andrews Bible Commentary, special section “The Temple in Chronicles,” pg. 541)

Regarding 1 Chronicles 27, the Adventist Bible Commentary states:

“After giving an outline of the religious organization of the land (chs. 22-26), the record gives a brief account of the military and civil administration. This is done by presenting a catalogue of officers and civil administrators, setting forth such details as would give a brief picture of the civil administration as established by David. Verses 1— 15 give a catalogue of the commanders of the 12 army corps, vs. 16-24 list the princes of the tribes, vs. 25-3 1 list the names of the 12 overseers of the royal estates, and vs. 32-34 list the names of the king’s privy counselors.” (Adventist Bible Commentary, 1 Chronicles 27:1)

David, as a man of faith, warrior, poet, administrator, and statesman, is truly impressive, isn’t he? Reading these chapters, it is evident that he took his calling and responsibility as king and servant of God very seriously. He did not clearly understand the future but believed in the promise that the Lord would establish his kingdom forever. Filled with days and near the end of his life, he dedicated himself to laying a solid foundation for worship and administration for his son and the nation. He did not leave things to chance; he reflected and left a clear and solid legacy for his posterity.

In this aspect, we can learn from David to be reflective and good stewards of God’s blessings. Like David, we can understand that the durability of our achievements, the solidity of the legacy we leave, and the success of our children are tied to our relationship with the Lord and His House. We can learn that the Temple and worship are not marginal but fundamental and important, impacting everything else we do and preparing our children to fulfill their purpose and mission.

Have a blessed day.