1 Chronicles 25 – 29

David’s reign ends and we get a Reader’s Digest version of what happened. There are many details that are left out of this account and a few added. With that there are many details missed by other stories. Verse 25:1 interested me by its wording:

David and the heads of the Levites, also known as the commanders of the army, selected for the service some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. These men were expected to serve in the temple by prophesying with lyres, harps, and cymbals. These are the singers who performed these duties in order of their descent. 

The word “prophesying” with musical instruments interested me in the meaning. What exactly does it mean? I always considered “prophesying” telling people what was going to happen and not entertaining them. I checked other versions of the Bible and the wording is consistent telling me this is accurate. I can understand how one could handle “prophesying” in music with lyrics, but they don’t say that. I assume they are doing this via song for the impact and remembering. I suspect many are Psalms we read today.

As we go to David’s final days in verse 28:1 he address Israel:

At the end of his life, David assembled in Jerusalem all the officials of Israel to instruct them in how to run both the state and the religion after his death. These officials included the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds, the managers of all the royal property and livestock, the officials, the warriors, and all the valiant men.

This is a man who was after God’s heart from day one, sure he messed up along the way but haven’t we all (NOTE – This is NOT justification for adultery). I believe you look at all the stories in the Bible we see God working through the unexpected and the flawed. Even King Saul had his flaws of not wanting his anointment. David had a lot to teach the nation without much time. So he came before them and laid it on the line. As complex as we try to make it, follow God with all your hearts is the message.

Verse 28:20 has his charge to Solomon:

Be strong, courageous, and effective. Do not fear or be dismayed. I know thatthe Eternal God, who is my God, is with you. He will not abandon you or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the temple of the Eternal.

1’st Chronicles ends with Solomon being set as king by David. This was unprecedented in “tradition” but as with David the youngest became the king. This book does not talk about the struggles Solomon had with his brothers who felt they had the birth right to the throne. We must learn from this that we need to listen to God and not man’s rules.