1 Chronicles 5 – 9

Verses 5:1 & 2 describe why Ruben did not get the birthright:

Because Reuben slept with his father’s concubine, he forfeited his rights as the firstborn of Israel, his monetary inheritance and his political position as the leader of the nation of Israel. Although Reuben’s inheritance and birthright were given to Joseph, Judah’s descendants became the rulers of Israel.

And even though Joseph got the right, Judah and the house of David ended up ruling Israel. As dry as this reading may be it is fascinating how you see many great characters show up. Although this does not help with our heritage it does help understanding the importance of those in the nation of Israel.

Verse 6:31 talks about the covenant chest:

After the chest of the covenant came to rest in the tent of the congregation, King David appointed the following Levites to be the musicians in the temple. 

The covenant chest is an important object to the Israelites since it’s a direct connection to God. The only part of the Bible that God physically wrote are contained in this chest, that is awesome when you think about it. Also, we need to remember the power of the chest when they carried it in faith to battle, they won.

Verse 9:23 shows the roles given to a few in these chapters:

They and their sons guarded the gates of the temple and the congregation tent.

The gatekeepers control the flow and the safety of the temple. This role was given to a few families in the Levite tribe and their sole role was gatekeepers. How many would be born into a job and be happy with it? Today it seems like “the family business” is a thing of the past and the spirit of George Bailey is in us all. Sure George eventually kept and loved the ole’ savings and loan, but his desire was to travel the world and escape Bedford Falls (for those who have never seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” you won’t get the reference, sorry but watch it;)