SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
1 Chronicles 13:1 through 17:27

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.” (1 Chronicles 14:2)

BACKGROUND

After providing a panoramic view of Israel’s history through the genealogical record in the first part of 1 Chronicles, in these chapters the author turned to a focus on David—the great king of Israel who received God’s plans for the construction of the Temple and organized how worship was to take place in it. 

The history of David as recorded in this book differs slightly from the parallel account preserved by the author of 2 Samuel. While both books cover the same period, the account in 2 Samuel stresses the political aspects of David’s kingship, while the author of Chronicles focused on the religious actions David took to establish a framework for the national worship of God. 

The events recorded in today’s text did not occur immediately after those described in chapter 12, but sometime after David captured Jerusalem and made it his capital. Chapters 13 through 17 record David’s two attempts to move the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem, his appointment of priests and Levites to assist in worship, his desire to build a Temple for God, and God’s promise to him regarding his descendants.

‍

QUESTIONS

1. Early in his reign, David determined to make Jerusalem the religious center of the nation and gathered the leaders of Israel to ask for their help and blessing. The Ark of the Covenant had been in Kirjath-jearim for about seventy years after being captured and returned by the Philistines, and 1 Chronicles 13:3 indicates that David’s first objective was to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. Although David’s intentions were honorable and he consulted with the captains and leaders of Israel about moving the Ark, there is no indication that he consulted with the Lord regarding this move. What was the outcome? 1 Chronicles 13:7-10
   ‍
2. Two of David’s early military encounters are described in chapter 14. When the Philistines heard that David had been crowned king, they determined to come against him and assembled their army in the Valley of Rephaim. David sought God for guidance regarding how to respond, and God gave him victory in the first battle. However, the Philistines regrouped and prepared to come against Israel once more. Again, David inquired of the Lord before going into battle. What unique method did God use to give David direction in the second encounter? What lessons can we learn from David’s two battles with the Philistines? 1 Chronicles 14:13-16
   ‍
3. After the death of Uzza, David had the Ark temporarily placed in the house of Obed-edom. Chapter 15 records David’s transfer of the Ark of God from that location to the dwelling place prepared for it in Jerusalem. In verse 13, David acknowledged his earlier errors, saying, “the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.” Review the first attempt to move the Ark in 1 Chronicles 13:6-10. What did David do differently in this second attempt to move the Ark? 1 Chronicles 15:11-15
   ‍
4. According to verses 16-24 of chapter 15, David organized singers and four groups of Levites to provide instrumental accompaniment to the great procession bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. The first group of instrumentalists played the cymbals, the second used psalteries, the third had harps, and the fourth consisted of seven priests with trumpets who preceded the Ark. Why do you think David arranged for such an elaborate musical procession to accompany the Ark?
   ‍
5. In 1 Chronicles 16:1, we read that King David and the people commemorated the placement of the Ark with a celebration that included burnt sacrifices and peace offerings. The burnt sacrifices represented atonement (Leviticus 1:4) and the peace offerings were associated with reconciliation and harmony with God (Leviticus 3:5). What kind of sacrifices and offerings do we bring to God?
   ‍
6. At the end of this spectacular day of celebration, David arranged for a musical expression of worship to be regularly presented to God. Then he delivered a psalm in which he voiced his personal gratitude. In verses 8-12 of chapter 16, what actions did David instruct the people to take to honor and thank God?
   ‍
7. The Tabernacle was a tent designed for portability. It was a suitable venue for worship during Israel’s time in the wilderness because the people were constantly on the move. However, by this point the people were settled in the land God had given them, and David desired to build a more permanent structure for God. He shared his desire with the Prophet Nathan, who initially told him, “Do all that is in thy heart; for God is with thee.” However, that night God instructed Nathan to tell David he was not to carry out his plan. Nathan was also to give David some far-reaching promises. Briefly summarize what God promised David in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 and explain why this promise is meaningful for us.
   ‍
8. David responded to God’s promises with a prayer, recorded for us in verses 16-27 of chapter 17. What attitude of heart do you detect in David’s prayer?
   ‍

CONCLUSION

David began his reign with a desire to serve and honor God. His transfer of the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem, his Levitical appointments, and his desire to build a Temple for God all reflect his purpose of re-establishing and strengthening the worship of God in Israel.