SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
1 Chronicles 18:1 through 26:32

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the Lord, and before his people. Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 22:18-19)

BACKGROUND

The author of 1 and 2 Chronicles clearly believed that direction for his nation could be found in the history of his people—a history about which they needed to be reminded. In his focus on King David, little mention is made of David’s failures. Instead, the author highlighted David’s strengths and victories, perhaps to encourage the exiles who were rebuilding Jerusalem after their seventy-year captivity in Babylon. He wanted the returning Jews to remember that obedience results in God’s blessing, to make the Temple and priesthood a priority, and to believe God’s unconditional promises to the descendants of David. 

Since Israel was under the control of the Medo-Persian Empire when Chronicles was written, a king from David’s line no longer ruled Israel; Jewish political and social power at that point resided in appointed governors and religious leaders. However, God had promised that a future King would rise from David’s descendants, so the author of Chronicles retold Israel’s history through a priestly and kingly lens to prepare the people for their coming Messiah. 

Today’s text from 1 Chronicles can be divided into three parts. Chapters 18-20 summarize the military victories of David, and the resulting enhancement of David’s reputation in Israel and its neighboring nations. Chapter 21 describes David’s sin in taking a census of Israel and the tragic consequences. Bible scholars suggest this event was included because the land David purchased to make an offering to halt the plague that was God’s judgment eventually became the site of the new Temple. Chapters 22-26 record the arrangements David made for the building of the Temple and his organization of those who would serve there in various capacities.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. God’s covenant with David included the promise that the Israelites’ enemies would be overcome (see 1 Chronicles 17:9). Chapter 18 shows how God fulfilled that promise by helping David defeat the opposing nations that surrounded Israel. The spoil and tribute from the conquered nations resulted in immense wealth for Israel. What did David do with the wealth acquired in this manner? 1 Chronicles 18:8,11
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   Verses 8 and 11 state that David dedicated this wealth to the Lord. The brass was used when Solomon constructed the Temple. A description of the articles made from it can be found in 2 Chronicles 4. 
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   Expand your group’s response by pointing out that David could have thought the spoil was the result of his military might or prowess and kept it for his own purposes. Similarly, at times we may be tempted to assume our financial and material blessings are the result of our own skill and hard work rather than acknowledging they were given to us by a loving God. We want to remember that God is the source of all blessings in our lives, and like David, offer back to Him what He has given us.
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2. Verse 14 of chapter 18 states that David “executed judgment and justice among all his people.” How would you explain that statement? What are some of the ways a leader could execute judgment and justice in our day?
   
   Verse 14 means that David administered the affairs of his kingdom in a righteous manner. It may be helpful to identify key words in the verse and explain their meanings based on the original language.
      • Execute is a translation of the Hebrew word asah, and it means “accomplished” or “appointed.”
      • Judgment comes from the word mishpat, and it means “verdict” or “ordinance.” This is a word related to governing or ruling over others.
      • Justice comes from the word tsdaqah, meaning “rightness, moral rectitude” and implies conformity to an ethical or moral standard.
   
   In response to the second question, your students’ suggestions will likely bring out that a leader who executes judgment and justice would be guided by God, would treat all individuals with impartiality, would issue fair rulings, would not accept bribes, and would be concerned about the best interests of his people. Summarize your group’s ideas by pointing out that they have painted a picture of a ruler much like David, because principles of good and just leadership will look the same in every era and culture.
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3. Chapter 19 describes the rash act by the king of Ammon that led to David’s battle with the Ammonites. When King Nahash of the Ammonites died, David sent messengers to extend sympathy to Hanun, Nahash’s son and heir. Hanun treated David’s men with contempt. His demeaning actions were equivalent to declaring war, so David sent out his “army of mighty men” to confront the Ammonite forces. Prior to the battle, Joab, the commander-in-chief of David’s army, made a short but significant speech to the Israelite forces. What did he say to encourage them, and what was the outcome of the battle? 1 Chronicles 19:13, 15, 18-19
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   Verse 13 records Joab’s short message: “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight.” In these few words, Joab made three points that can be valuable for us when we face battles.
      • Joab’s instruction, “Be of good courage,” indicates that courage is a matter of choice. God makes His strength available to us. With His help, we can be strong in the power of His might if we so choose.
      • Joab went on to say, “Let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God.” He was telling his army to consider the consequences of failure; if they were overcome in battle, they would lose both their people and their cities. This is a reminder that our attitudes and actions will have an impact on others.
      • Finally, Joab stated, “let the Lord do that which is good in his sight.” While Joab wisely prepared for battle to the best of his ability, he knew the outcome was ultimately in God’s hands. That is important for us to remember when we face trials. There is real comfort in knowing that God is always in control, no matter how difficult our situation seems. 
   
   The outcome of the battle was victory for the Israelites. The Ammonites retreated to their capital city (verse 15). The Syrian mercenaries fled before Israel, and ultimately made peace with them, becoming tributaries and providing no more help to the Ammonites (verses 18-19).
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4. Chapter 21 describes David’s sin in taking a census of Israel. In verse 3, Joab warned the king that doing so was both unnecessary and “a cause of trespass” (inviting trouble) for Israel. The parallel account in 2 Samuel 24:4 states that the captains of the army also warned David against taking such a step. However, David went ahead with the census, and his action had dire consequences. Since verse 1 indicates that Satan incited David into taking the census, why do you think David was held responsible?
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   Although Scripture does not state why taking a census was wrong, David knew that was the case and went ahead with his plan even after being warned. The numbering of the people took place after Israel’s great victory over the Ammonites in chapter 20, so it is possible that David’s action reflected a dependence upon the size of his military rather than in God’s ability to protect His people. Whatever his reason, it is clear that David knowingly went against God’s will by taking the census. 
   
   Follow up by pointing out that Satan will try to entice each one of us to do wrong. This text provides an opportunity to discuss with your class the difference between temptation and sin. The temptation itself is not a sin; to sin is to willfully and defiantly take actions contrary to divine law.
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5. God was displeased with David’s numbering of Israel, and punishment would come. At God’s direction, Gad the seer told David to choose from three judgments. What were the three options Gad presented to David? 1 Chronicles 21:10-12
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   The three options given David were as follows.
      • Three years of famine. Point out that while this would cause the death of some in Israel, the wealthy, including David and his household, would survive.
      • Three months of defeat at the hand of Israel’s foes. This loss would occur primarily among Israel’s soldiers.
      • Three days of pestilence at the hand of God, which would potentially touch all the inhabitants of the land, including David. 
   
   It is noteworthy that even though the first two options might have insulated the king and his family from the effects of the punishment, David knew he deserved the chastisement of God. He chose the third option, knowing it was preferable to be in the hand of God rather than his enemies, “for very great are his mercies” (verse 13). David’s life was spared, though the plague that swept through Israel caused seventy thousand deaths. When David cried out to God in repentance and made the required sacrifice, God ended the plague.
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6. The prophet Gad instructed David to set up an altar and sacrifice to the Lord on the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. This location had both a rich history and a significant future. According to Jewish tradition, it was the spot where Abraham offered Isaac. Soon it would become the site of the Temple (see 2 Chronicles 3:1). Chapter 22 of 1 Chronicles records David’s preparations for building the Temple. What natural materials did King David gather for this purpose? 1 Chronicles 22:3-4, 14
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   Verses 3-4 indicate that David gathered iron, brass, and cedar wood. Verse 14 mentions gold, silver, brass, iron, timber, and stone. His commitment to this effort indicates he was not distressed that his son would have the honor of building God’s Temple rather than himself. He willingly prepared for Solomon to carry out this immense task. 
   
   As a follow up, point out to your students that we want to do all we can to assist others in their work for the Lord. We should not strive for positions in God’s service in order to gain notice or commendation from others; we should be content and happy to offer whatever help we can, even if it is in a “behind the scenes” role.
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7. Chapter 23 opens by stating that David was old and made Solomon the king. Then he called together the princes, priests, and Levites, and defined how worship was to be conducted and by whom it was to be administrated. The Levites were to care for the Temple and its grounds (verse 28) and help prepare the offerings (verse 29). They were also to participate in the musical part of the worship. In verse 30, David instructed them to “stand [be present] every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at even.” What do you think is implied by that instruction?
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   Your group should conclude that David’s instruction for worship to occur every morning and evening indicates that he viewed it as very important. David decreed that coming before God was an essential duty of the Levites and the priests, and could never be neglected. Similarly, God wants us to see the importance of offering praise and thanksgiving to Him on an ongoing basis. While spontaneous prayers are certainly acceptable to God, we want to plan regular times to come before Him. The God who gives us benefits every day is certainly worthy of daily worship.
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8. In chapter 24, David appointed the descendants of Aaron, the first priest of Israel, to serve as priests in the Temple. They were then separated into twenty-four groups that participated on a rotational basis, serving two-week shifts in Jerusalem and the remainder of the year in their hometowns. What phrase in verse 19 stands out to you as being especially significant, and why?
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   Have a volunteer read verse 19. Some of your group may zero in on “the orderings of them in their service.” God is a God of order and design; we see that throughout the natural world. While participation at the Temple was structured, this did not hinder the Spirit of God but actually provided an organized context for worship. (See 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 for a New Testament teaching on worshipping in an orderly way.) 
   
   Another phrase that stands out is the final phrase, “. . . as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him.” This brings out the importance of obedience to God in all things, including in how worship occurs.
   
   Point out that the organization of a priestly rotation allowed many priests to have a part in the worship of God at Jerusalem, and no doubt, this strengthened unity in their religious practices. In much the same way, gathering at our annual camp meetings strengthens the unity between believers and branch churches in our organization. 
   
   If time allows, you could ask your group to suggest ways we can support and preserve order in our church services. Thoughts offered could include being faithful to fulfill our roles, showing proper reverence and respect for God’s house, and participating with the goal of bringing glory to God.
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9. Chapter 25 describes King David’s organization of the Levites to provide music as part of the Temple worship. Individuals from the families of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were appointed to lead twenty-four teams of musicians who participated on a rotating basis. The order in which the various teams served was determined by casting lots (verse 8). Why do you think this method of selection was used?
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   Your group should see that this method ensured that choice worship assignments were not allocated to the most talented, nor were they based on seniority, family history, or prestige. God did the choosing, and this method provided both a protection against pride for the talented and a learning opportunity for those who were still novices.
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   The point should be made that God values whatever we have to offer. While we always want to strive for excellence in our service to God, we know that He does not evaluate as man does. He looks on the heart, and when the most humble of efforts is done with love and true devotion, it is precious to Him.
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10. Verses 1-12 of chapter 26 gives a list of the porters, who also could be called gatekeepers or doorkeepers. Their duties included opening and closing the Temple doors, making sure those who entered were ceremonially clean (see 2 Chronicles 23:19), and confirming that items and equipment were not removed from the area. Other Scriptures indicate they also stored, ordered, and maintained food supplies for Temple workers, cared for the furniture in the house of God, mixed the incense that was used on a daily basis, and accounted for the gifts and sacrifices that were brought by the people. What phrase in verse 12 sums up their duties?
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    The phrase that sums up their duties is that they were “to minister in the house of the Lord.” In the original language, the word minister (in Hebrew, sharath) means “to contribute to; to serve.” This indicates that all who serve in the work of the Lord are ministers. 
    
    Discussion of this question will be a good way to wrap up your lesson. The names and duties of those who served in David’s time help us understand that God knows every individual and takes note of each task that is done for Him. The most effective servants of God will possess a deep conviction that the only way to find one’s life is to lose it in service to God and people.
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CONCLUSION

These chapters in 1 Chronicles reminded the returned exiles of the importance of making proper worship a priority, and encouraged them to believe that God’s promises to the descendants of David would one day be fulfilled.