SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:1 through 12:40

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.” (1 Chronicles 11:3)

BACKGROUND

The purpose of Chronicles was to emphasize the Jews’ heritage. The writer recounted Israel’s history for the Jews who were attempting to resettle the Promised Land after seventy years in Babylonian captivity. God’s people needed encouragement to reestablish their patterns of worship, and assurance that the God of their fathers had not forsaken them. The author clearly felt that the evidence of God’s involvement in Israel’s past would provide the current generation with a reliable basis for rebuilding. By charting both the good and evil reigns of their nation’s kings, he reminded the people of the character of God, of worship that pleases Him, and of God’s covenant with them. 

The Book of 1 Chronicles begins with a genealogy — an official record of the families of Israel and Judah prior to the captivity. In the post-exilic era, genealogical records ensured that rightful heirs could demonstrate legitimate ownership and thus repossess their inheritances in established tribal areas. In addition, the records would provide a framework for reinstating assigned roles in the Levitical worship system, thus preserving the priesthood and the structure for worship. 

The genealogical record also has theological significance. For Jesus to be the Messiah, He had to be a descendant of David. The record found in 1 Chronicles, along with Jesus’ lineage given in the New Testament, confirms that Jesus did descend from the line of David. Thus, the genealogy of 1 Chronicles was used centuries later to substantiate that Jesus Christ was indeed the Promised One.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. The years the Jews had spent in Babylonian exile had been some of the darkest in their nation’s history. Their capital city had been destroyed, their Temple burned, and their people slain or taken into captivity. Although the people had returned to their land when the Books of Chronicles were written, David’s descendants no longer ruled as monarchs over Israel. The Davidic lineage preserved through the genealogical records of chapters 1 through 8 reminded the post-exilic Jews of their promised Messiah who would come from that line. Why would the promise of a coming Messiah bring hope? As believers today, what future events are we looking ahead to that bring us hope?
   
   The promise of a coming Messiah brought hope because the prophets had foretold that the Messiah would deliver them, restore His people to Himself, rebuild their land, and establish a righteous kingdom. In response to the second question, your group should conclude that just as post-exilic Jews looked for the coming of the Messiah, we look for the return of Jesus to this earth. 
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   Amplify this answer by pointing out that the writer of the Book of Chronicles clearly felt that hope in the future Messiah would guide the Jews’ actions in the present. Have your group discuss how living in anticipation of Christ’s coming will guide our actions in day-to-day life. Thoughts brought out may include the following. 
      • We will subject our plans to His will. 
      • We will hold temporal possessions with a loose hand.
      • We will strive to stay close to God through regular communion with Him, obedience to His Word, and a careful Christian walk.
      • We will weigh our choices and actions with eternity in view.
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2. While chapters 1 through 8 are primarily a list of names, the record also gives fragments of information regarding some of the individuals. In chapter 4, the writer paused for a moment and focused on Jabez, a man whose name means “man of sorrow and pain.” Jabez is not remembered for heroic deeds or great oratorical speeches, nor is he referenced elsewhere in Scripture. Based on 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, why did Jabez receive special mention in Scripture?
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   Jabez was deemed “more honorable than his brethren” simply because he “called on the God of Israel”—he prayed! Ask your group to summarize the four requests in his prayer. Verses 9-10 indicate that he prayed for the blessing of God, an enlarged territory, that God’s hand would be with him, and that he would be kept from evil. 
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   Class discussion should bring out that Jabez was not afraid to come before God with very direct petitions. As a result, we are told, “God granted him that which he requested.” Point out that God always responds to a prayer of faith. Perhaps the simple prayer offered by Jabez was woven into the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles to remind God’s people of that fact.
   
   If time allows, you could point out to your class that Jabez’ request, “enlarge my coast,” could apply to many areas of our lives. Although Jabez may have been referring to physical territory, discuss ways the same words could apply on a personal level. Suggestions could include a prayer to gain spiritual ground, that God would provide new opportunities for service, or for an increased effectiveness in winning souls.
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3. In 1 Chronicles 5:18-20, the author described a time when men from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh went into battle against an army that was much larger than theirs. These men were deemed “valiant”—they had personal courage as well as skill in military endeavors—but they did not rely on their own capabilities or military strategies. Instead, they “cried to God in the battle.” What was the outcome of that battle, and what can we learn from their example?
   
   When the valiant men of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh cried out to God for help, He heard their urgent pleas and gave them victory over their enemies. They prevailed because they looked to God. There is power in prayer when we pray in accordance with God’s will. That is a constant theme throughout all of Scripture. 
   
   As a follow-up, you could point out to your group that any talents and natural aptitudes we possess were given to us by God and are meant to be used for His glory. Our personal abilities should never replace dependence upon Him. When we rely upon ourselves, we may achieve a measure of success or even win commendation from others. However, we also open the door to pride and a tendency to be self-dependent rather than God-dependent. God wants His people to look His way for help, guidance, and strength in every situation.
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4. Many years before the author of Chronicles compiled his record, King David had done much to bring music into the worship of Israel. In addition to composing numerous psalms and songs offering praise to God, he appointed song leaders and organized choirs and instrumentalists to perform regularly at the Temple. In 1 Chronicles 6:31-32, the people were reminded of the system of worship that David and his son, Solomon, had instituted in Israel. Why is worship an important part of the Christian life? What role does music have in worship?
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   You may wish to open your discussion by defining the word “worship.” In the Old Testament, the word most often translated worship is shachah, which means “to prostrate oneself, especially in homage to royalty or God; to bow down.” In our culture, worship shows reverence and devotion to God. 
   
   With those definitions as a basis, your group should be able to come up with several responses to the first question. Thoughts that could be brought out include the following.
      • In worship, we remember who God is and what He has done.
      • Worship is a way to acknowledge God’s worthiness, affirming that He alone is deserving of all praise, honor, and glory.
      • Worship can help us move the focus off ourselves and the circumstances of our daily lives and refocus on God.
      • Worship honors God because it often involves the sacrifice of praise. Praise is a natural response when times are good or we have experienced a victory, but it requires a sacrifice of our own feelings and fears when we face challenges.
   
   As your group discusses the second question regarding the role of music in worship, some thoughts that could be developed are as follows.
      • Music in worship communicates a sense of awe and wonder, bringing those who hear it an awareness of the presence of God.
      • When songs are presented as unto the Lord, they lead thoughts toward God rather than toward those who are performing.
      • Congregational singing offers every person in attendance a way to be involved in worship, thus promoting a sense of unity.
      • Music gives people a chance to express emotions that words alone cannot adequately convey.
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5. Chapter 9 focuses on the post-exilic community in Jerusalem and the importance of correct worship as the nation began to rebuild. The writer of Chronicles wanted to ensure that those who had returned from captivity in Babylon reestablished the pattern for Temple worship that David had put in place. Verse 2 identifies several categories of people who served in the Temple worship. According to this verse, what three groups of individuals were responsible for religious duties?
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   The three groups of individuals responsible for religious duties were the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinims (also referred to as porters). You may wish to review for your class the specific duties for workers in the three categories.
      • The priests were assigned to deal with the sacred matters. During David’s reign, twenty-four groups of priests served in rotation. Their primary duty was to offer gifts and sacrifices on behalf of the people. Because sacrifices were offered for sin, worship, and thanksgiving, the priests’ duties were performed repeatedly.
      • The Levites were appointed to help the priests. Their principal roles in the Temple included singing psalms during Temple services, performing construction and maintenance for the Temple, and caring for the implements used in worship.
      • The Nethinims were to assist the Levites with tasks related to Israel’s worship. Verse 17 (which refers to them as “porters”) indicates they were the gatekeepers who opened, closed, and guarded the sanctuary entrances. Their responsibilities included supervision of the tithes and the “ministering vessels,” which were counted before and after their use. Verses 25 and 27 indicate that the porters may have also worked in rotation, staying near the sanctuary during their time of service and then returning to their villages.
   
   Point out that each task in the Temple was important. Your group should be able to make a parallel between those who served in the worship procedures and those who serve in the Lord’s work today. Many of us will never be leaders, but we can be faithful supporters and assistants. Each of us has a role in God’s service. No matter what task is assigned to us, we know that God notes every deed done for Him.
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6. In chapter 10, the author of Chronicles turned to the rise of the house of David. The account of Saul’s death provides a transition to a focus on David that continues for the remainder of the book. A brief overview of the battle on the slopes of Mount Gilboa is given in verses 1-3. What did Saul do after he was wounded in battle? How was the nation of Israel impacted as a result? 1 Chronicles 10:4-7
   
   The mortally wounded Saul took his own life when his armor bearer refused to slay him. In response to the second question, when the armies of Israel learned of the death of Saul and his sons, they fled from their cities. This allowed Israel’s long-standing enemy, the Philistines, to move in and assume control. 
   
   Ask your group what we can learn from this tragedy that would apply to our daily lives. They should conclude that just as Saul’s wrong deeds and tragic end affected the people of his nation, our choices also will affect others.
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7. Following Saul’s death, David reigned over Judah for seven-and-one-half years (see 2 Samuel 2:4,11). At the beginning of chapter 11, all of Israel was looking to David for leadership, remembering his previous acts of valor. When the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, David made a covenant with them “before the Lord,” and they anointed David king over all of Israel. In contrast to Saul’s decline and tragic end, verse 9 states that David “waxed greater and greater.” Why do you think that was so?
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   The end of verse 9 says, “. . . for the Lord of hosts was with him.” Your class should conclude that David’s power and fame increased as a result of his devotion to and trust in God, and because he gave God the glory for his accomplishments. He ultimately became known as the greatest king of Israel, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.
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8. Chapters 11–12 list people from every tribe of Israel who came to assist David during the early years of his rule. The concept of “help” is alluded to frequently in chapter 12. For example, verses 16-18 record that the tribes of Judah and Benjamin supported David even though Benjamin was the tribe to which Saul belonged. In verse 18, Amasai pronounced a Spirit-inspired blessing upon those who came to help David. Verses 23-37 provide a list of those from each of the tribes who came to make David king. How does our need for human helpers fit in with God’s help?
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   A variety of responses to this question may be offered. Your group should conclude that while God will work powerfully for those who trust in Him, He also intends for His people to work together and support one another. 
   
   One reason it is important for believers to work together is that we have different abilities and talents. Verse 2 of this chapter indicates that some of the men who came to David were skilled in the use of weapons of offense. Verse 8 indicates that the Gadites were courageous men who were expert users of defensive weapons. Verse 32 states that the men of Issachar possessed “understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do”—they had knowledge and judgment that would be helpful in making decisions for the country. All these skills and attributes were needed as David attempted to weld together a strong and successful nation. 
   
   Believers in our day also possess a diversity of talents and abilities that God designed to work as a whole. If you wish to expand on this point, you could note to your class that Paul used the human body as an example of how believers work together. In Ephesians 4, he explained that the body’s various parts are unique and yet they are “fitly joined together” (verse16)—a phrase that could also be translated “bonded and knit together.” Just as each part of the physical body has a specific function, there are different roles in the Body of Christ, but they are all designed to function as one in Christ. Unity is the result when each individual is following God. Wrap up your class time by emphasizing that when believers work for God in unity, blessing, and victory are the results.
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CONCLUSION

The author of Chronicles reviewed the history and heritage of Israel in order to point the newly returned exiles toward the future and their hope in God’s promises. He reminded the people that the two cornerstone institutions of Israel—the Davidic monarchy and the Temple—were both founded upon God’s unbreakable promises, and the people could have confidence that God would keep His Word.