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.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO 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
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   The procession that accompanied the Ark was initially joyous. However, the moving of the Ark that had begun so triumphantly ended with tragedy. When the oxen carrying the Ark stumbled, Uzza put out his hand to steady it. As a result, “the anger of the Lord was kindled” against him, and he died. 
   
   David’s second (and successful) attempt to move the Ark will be covered in subsequent questions. However, the point should be made here that while seeking counsel from godly individuals can be helpful in the decision-making process, we should always consult with God first and foremost. If David had done so regarding the moving of the Ark, no doubt he would have been reminded of God’s specific instructions regarding how this sacred symbol of God’s presence was to be handled.
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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
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   According to verse 15, God instructed David to wait until he heard a “sound of going” in the tops of the mulberry trees before heading out to battle. 
   
   Your students may suggest a variety of answers in response to the second question. For example, we can learn that God does not always work in the same way that He has in the past. David was wise enough to ask the Lord for directions before engaging in the second battle, even though he had been victorious the first time. Because he looked to God for his strategy, he was able to overcome the Philistine offensive. We cannot presume that God’s methods or instructions will be the same in every situation. Help your students understand that seeking guidance in each new situation will help us avoid unseen dangers. We may not understand the reasons behind what God tells us to do, but we do know that His wisdom is perfect and His judgment infallible. Obedience to Him is always the best course of action. 
   
   Another lesson to learn is that David completely depended upon the Lord. God had promised to deliver the Philistines into David’s hand. David was victorious because he believed and fully trusted the promises of God. According to verse 17, the victory that resulted from David’s obedience caused him to be respected and feared among neighboring nations. 
   
   Encourage your class to share examples from their personal lives or the lives of others when obedience brought blessing, even though the reason God worked in certain ways was not fully understood at the time.
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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
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   In his second attempt to move the Ark, David instructed the priests and Levites to “sanctify” themselves. Prior to undertaking the task, they were to purify themselves from every form of uncleanness and avoid anything that would defile; there is no mention of prior purification in the description of the first attempt. In addition, they were to carry the Ark as God had commanded. Among the Levites were the sons of Kohath, who had been given charge of the Ark of God (Numbers 3:29-31) and told to carry it on their shoulders (see Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15). In the first failed attempt, Uzza and Ahio were not Kohathites, and the Ark was transported on a cart. Bring out that the care David took in this second attempt to ensure that everything was done precisely as God had commanded reveals he had learned from his past mistakes.
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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?
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   While not directly stated, no doubt David organized this musical procession to honor God and offer thanksgiving to Him. Verse 25 indicates that they transported the Ark “with joy,” and music is one way of expressing joyful worship. The sound of the various instruments added a ceremonial dimension to the great occasion. Likely, the music helped imbed the event in the memories of the participants as part of their collective national heritage.
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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? 
   
   Again, your students may have different responses to the question. The Bible speaks of the sacrifice of praise so that could be one type of sacrifice we bring. We sacrifice to God when we consecrate to receive our deeper experiences. Offerings may be material in nature, such as financial or tangible resources, or they could be an offering of time or talents in the furtherance of God’s Kingdom. Overall, the point should be made that in the New Testament dispensation, we no longer sacrifice animals to atone for our sins or to express thanksgiving to God; we can approach God directly with both petitions and praise.
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   Point out to your group that Leviticus 3:5 indicates that the peace offering was placed on top of (or after) the burnt offering on the altar. Make sure they understand that offerings to God do not bring salvation. We must first avail ourselves of the atonement for our offerings to be acceptable. 
   
   You may wish to refer to Romans 12:1 as a wrap up to your discussion of this question, bringing out that God wants us to offer ourselves to Him, daily laying aside our own wishes and preferences, and putting all we are and have at His disposal.
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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?
   
   It may be helpful to make a list with your class of the actions David instructed the people to take.
      Verse 8 – They were to thank the Lord, call upon Him, and tell others what He had done.
      Verse 9 – They were to sing to Him, and talk of His wondrous works.
      Verse 10 – They were to rejoice in His holy name.
      Verse 11 – They were to seek the Lord continually.
      Verse 12 – They were to remember both what He had done for them and His instructions to them.
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   You may wish to amplify this point by having your group generate ideas for ways that we can help ourselves to remember God’s goodness. Some suggestions are:
      • Make a personal record of what God has done by keeping a journal.
      • Thank God when He answers a prayer, no matter how small the matter.
      • Set apart time for daily communication with God.
      • Testify in church.
      • Incorporate mention of God and what He is doing into your conversations with others.
      • Use your surroundings as reminders of the goodness of God.
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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.
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   God promised David that He would build him a “house,” meaning that He would establish a dynasty—a hereditary monarchy—from the descendants of David. David’s descendants did rule over Israel for more than four centuries, but eventually were removed from the throne because they turned away from God. Yet from David’s descendants, Jesus Christ the Messiah was born, and one day He will reign forever and ever. This promise is meaningful for us because we can have a part in the Messiah’s eternal Kingdom if we stay true to God. 
   
   If time allows, expand your discussion by pointing out to your class that this record of God’s promise to David was especially significant because the author of Chronicles wrote about it after the exile, when there was no independent nation of Israel, and the throne of David seemed vacant. The writer had the faith to see that God’s promise was not broken even when it seemed to be. He believed the prophets who had foretold that the Messiah would come from the lineage of David and would reign forever, and by faith grasped that in spite of Israel’s circumstances at that time, God would fulfill His promise.
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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?
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   Various appropriate answers to this question may be given. Thoughts mentioned could include the following.
      • David clearly accepted God’s denial of his desire to build the Temple; there was no resentment or resistance to God’s decree.
      • He was humble in his approach to God and grateful for God’s blessings to him.
      • He recognized the magnitude of God’s promise to him and honored God as supreme.
      • He acknowledged his unworthiness and praised God for His greatness, His promises, and His instructions. 
   
   Point out to your group that David’s prayer can be an example for us when we bring our petitions before the Lord. As we too come in humility, acceptance, and thanksgiving, we too will have God’s blessing.

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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.