2 Chronicles 12

Nevertheless they will be his servants, that they may distinguish My service from the service of the kingdoms of the nations. v.8

Read chapter 12
The Lord is about to allow the king of Egypt to come and attack Rehoboam, the king of Judah, and the people of his reign.  Luckily they humble themselves before the Lord when God's word came to them through the prophet Shemiah.  Yet this humbling didn't make everything perfect all of the sudden, rather they were granted some deliverance and were not destroyed.  Instead of being destroyed they became servants to king of Egypt.  They would now see the difference of being God's servants verses man's servitude.  Only then would they come to realize how privileged they were and the joy it is to be God's servants. I think about comparison of when I've worked for a secular company and when I've worked for a Christian company.  They both had their pros and cons about them but ultimately working at the Christian organization did give me more joy in my serving of how I was supported by management.  Matthew Henry says, "The more God's service is compared with other services, the more reasonable and easy it will appear... The service of God is perfect liberty; the service of our lusts is complete slavery."
In what ways have you experienced God's light yoke verses man's heavy burden?

2 Chronicles 11

For the Levites left their common-lands and their possessions and came to Judah and Jerusalem, for Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them from serving as priests to the Lord. v.14

Read chapter 11
Israel is now split in two.  Rehoboam the leader of Judah and Jeroboam the leader of Israel (the northern tribes).  This split was from the Lord due to Solomon's apostasy and of Rehoboam's harsh arrogant leadership.  Yet it's interesting to note who follows who.  Remember Rehoboam is the grandson of David and through the line of David was the promised Messiah and someone to always be on the throne.  The three of the twelve tribes that stay with Rehoboam are Judah, Benjamin and Levi.  The majority of tribes follow Jeroboam, but that doesn't mean that was the best or right way.  The majority that followed Jeroboam turned from God and worshiped idol and created their own ways of worship as they no longer when to the temple or used the Levites as priests of the Lord.  It's interesting to note that Saul, who was David's enemy, is from the tribe of Benjamin and is one of the tribes that stays true to the house of David.  This kind of seems like how our country is going with two extremely different leaders (democrat and republican) and how the majority are going against the ways this country was founded on and so few true to following God's order (unfortunately neither one of the leaders today proclaims Christ).  Yet how can you be like the tribe of Benjamin and not just follow the ways of your father or leader but stay true to God's truth through politics and majority ways?

2 Chronicles 10

And they spoke to him, saying, “If you are kind to these people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever.” v.7

Read chapter 10
The same account of this chapter is reordered in 1 Kings 12.  This is when the split of the kingdom of Israel happens as you will read from here on out as Israel and Judah (Israel being the northern ten tribes and Judah being the southern two tribes around Jerusalem).  In my devotional on 1 Kings 12 I focused on Solomon's reply after choosing the advice of his friends so now in this chapter in Second Chronicles I'm going to focus on the advice of the elders.  Now if you remember what's happening here, Solomon just died and his son Rehoboam has become king.  The people go to Rehoboam asking to lighten the heavy load King Solomon put on them in service.  Solomon tells them to come back in three days and he'll give them an answer.  I think he's wise in taking a few days to think about his answer, but we never see him go to God with the question.  He first goes to the elders, doesnt like their response so then goes to his friends and chooses their advice- which then leads to the split of the kingdom for the people didn't feel supported by their king (something that's probably about to happen in the USA once either Trump or Hilary take office).  Sometimes seeking godly advice is going to godly people who have gained wisdom from God in their walks with the Lord so going to the elders was a wise thing to do, it just wasn't the answer he wanted so didn't even listen to them.  The comparison of 1 Kings 12:7 and 2 Chronicles 10:7 gives two slightly different response of the elders.  One seems very blunt and the other buttered of grace.  Could it be that we read in 1 Kings 12 (man's view) is what Rehoboam chose to hear than what he actually heard as we have recorded in 2 Chronicles 10 (God's view)?  How often do we hear what we want to hear and miss the actual message?  When have you noticed you've done this and when have you seen this done of someone else?

2 Chronicles 9

Then she said to the king: “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom.  However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard.  vv.5-6

Read chapter 9
The account of the Queen of Sheba, you may remember this account from 1 Kings 10 or from just history of this famous queen visiting this famous king.  The Queen of Sheba heard reports of Solomon's wisdom and fame and wanted to see for herself.  This wasn't just a "try out another church on Sunday" kind of seek out, this was travel over 1,000 miles, which no doubt was a cost to her, and dangerous.  Amazing what one will do if they truly are seeking something.  She may have been just going to see and hear, but left with more than she expected.  Yes she left with gifts of riches from what Solomon gave her but also with awe of the true God beyond belief of His wisdom and greatness.  If you heard of someone with the wisdom of God would you go to whatever measures to get there and hear of this wisdom?  Or on the flip side putting your place in Solomon's shoes, do you show God's wisdom and greatness to a foreigner or anyone that may be visiting you?  How can you send someone away with treasures both of physical gifts and the desire to know and experience God?

2 Chronicles 8

And Hiram sent him ships by the hand of his servants, and servants who knew the sea. They went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and acquired four hundred and fifty talents of gold from there, and brought it to King Solomon. v.18

Read chapter 8
Ophir is a city mentioned in the Bible characterized as a place of gold (Psalm 45:9, Job 28:16), yet it's exact location is unknown today.  Some believe it was an island in the Red Sea others believe it was in Africa.  (I sometimes feel like Ophir, as possession of the Lord yet that no one can ever really find me.) Hiram, the man who was king of Tyre and sent Solomon all his needs for building the Lord's house, now sends ships with servants who know the seas to get gold from Ophir.  The Lord's house and Solomon's kingdom was just about complete with furnishings and cities for the people of Israel (yet is building and furnishing ever done as populations grown and change?).  Hiram seemed to do this as a gift or favor to his friend Solomon to add to his riches by seeking this prized and noteworthy gold.  Sometimes to seek out treasuries the Lord has for us we find them by others directions.  Yet sometimes we seek treasuries from others directions for our worldly gain than treasures in heaven.  How do you seek and value others directions in your life from knowledgeable people that may or may not be believers in God?  Do you ever feel like the city of Ophir, a prized possession of the Lord yet hidden or unknown of in todays world? 

2 Chronicles 7

 “And as for this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and this house?’  Then they will answer, ‘Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and embraced other gods, and worshiped them and served them; therefore He has brought all this calamity on them.’” vv.21-22

Read chapter 7
Continued celebrating and feasting went on for a week for the dedication of the house of the Lord.  When all was said and done Solomon sent everyone back to their homes as well as himself and the Lord appeared to him in answer to his prayers.  God's answer is a reminder that He will be with Solomon and the children of Israel but that they must continue to follow and fear Him alone.  God says that if they sin that if they repent He will forgive, but if they do not they will be given over to calamity.  Idolatry is what is warned of which becomes their downfall.  And with this downfall the house of the Lord that was just built and celebrated would one day be destroyed to the ground and would be seen among other nations "as a clear message of sin and its costs" (NKJV Study Bible notes).  This was all a warning at this time while Solomon and the people were joyful of the One True God.  As they partook and experienced true faith and the Lord's presence one would "find his godly sorrow enlarged, his hatred of sin increased, his soul made more watchful, and his life more holy" as Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary notes.  I wonder if this time was like a spiritual high people get when they go on retreats with their church or Christian organization and are more attentive to the Lord back at home for a while, unfortunately it usually fades for many.  When have you experience a "spiritual high" seeing things of God more clearly that later faded?  Why do you think that did?

2 Chronicles 6

 whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this temple:  then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men),  vv.29-30

Read chapter 6
Solomon is now praying for the people of Israel at the dedication of the temple.  His prayer repeats that the people turn to God in repentance and that God would hear and forgive.  The temple was a symbol of God's fullness where a person could go to seek the Lord.  In verses 29-30 it points out that that a person doesn't need to even go in to the temple to pray for to the Lord but to spread his hands toward the temple.  My first realization of the realness of Christ was when someone asked if they could pray for me on a Wednesday afternoon when I was on a roadside in the mountains.  I remember thinking it was weird as I thought people only prayed on Sundays and in church.  Boy am I glad that's not true as that prayer was heard by God and helped me become a believer in Jesus Christ and change my life forever.  I also think of the book of Daniel when he was about to be thrown in the lions den because he was found praying for his windows were open toward Jerusalem where the temple was and "And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days" (Daniel 6:10).  Now we don't have the temple to pray towards today but the beauty of God being everywhere and knowing our hearts that when we pray wherever we are, whether a believer or not (see verses 32-33), He hears us not only in corporate prayer but as individuals as well.  Have you been in an unlikely place to pray and experienced the Lord's answer?

2 Chronicles 5

 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God. vv.13-14

Read chapter 5

The singers and the trumpeters were all as one tune in the praise to the Lord as the temple was complete both inside and out.  The oneness of praise through singing and instruments was heard to the words to God saying "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever."  Those were the words at the completion of God's house being built.  They weren't words of how beautiful the building was but the praise and thankfulness was that God still dwelt among them.  Because God was merciful to them,  Because only God is good.  This completion of the house of God was exactly how God told David and Solomon to do so God brought His glory in as He covered the house in a cloud just as He was the cloud that protected them in the wilderness that covered the ark.  This was showing them His acceptance and that He would be with them.  This glory of the cloud was so great that the singers and the instruments had to stop.  Have you ever been so overwhelmed by the Lord's goodness that you're just silent whether in worship or in awe? 

2 Chronicles 4

Then he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely round. Its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference. v.2

Read chapter 4
Have you ever bought or rented a place that was fully furnished?  It can be a pretty sweet set up (I don't think someone would choose to rent or buy a home that had bad furnishings).  Well this chapter now describes the temple furnishing that Solomon made for God's dwelling place; he didn't just have the building made.  One of the furnishings mentioned is the Sea of cast bronze.  Now when you think of a sea most would think of a large body of water that you can't see the other side of.  Well this isn't that kind of sea.  This sea was a large basin of water used for washings when the priest were to wash their hands and feet in preparation for ministering at the alter (and I'm sure afterwards too with all the blood and dead animals they touched of the various offerings).  This sea of water was 15 feet in diameter and 45 feet in circumference and could hold about 27,000 gallons of water, basically the size of a pool you see in people's backyards today yet they had an indoor pool;)  Pretty fancy furnishings I'd say.  When you think of the Lord's dwelling place (yourself or heaven) are you only looking of things on the outside or on the inside too?  What are some "furnishings" of the Lord on your inside that are as amazing as an indoor pool?  

2 Chronicles 3

The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold; and he overlaid the upper area with gold. v.9

Read chapter 3
So the work of building the temple begins.  Solomon wanted to build the most fabulous building for God's dwelling place so hired the best craftsmen and used only the best materials.  Even down to the nails are mentioned.  Now these nails weren't made out of gold for that would be too soft for building use although they could have been overlaid with gold after they were in place.  I love that this detail of even the nails are mentioned in this intricate building and design.  Bible scholar E.W. Bullinger of the Companion Bible notes that "these small and simple things not excluded.  They held all together and though out of sight are remembered and named by God."  I sometimes feel like my sister is the nail of my immediate family holding all of us together or sometimes I feel like a nail hold certain friendships together yet always seem to go unnoticed.  Yet I remember that God notices and only truly because of Him are all things held together.  
How do you feel like a nail in certain areas of your life?  Who is someone you see as a nail as someone simple that may never get noticed but holds things together?

2 Chronicles 2

And now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, Huram my master[ craftsman (the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre), skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple and blue, fine linen and crimson, and to make any engraving and to accomplish any plan which may be given to him, with your skillful men and with the skillful men of my lord David your father. vv.13-14


Read chapter 2
Huram is an impressive man.  He's not just skilled in one thing but in at least eight different materials: gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, yarn, fine linen, engravings.  Talk about the perfect guy you'd want building your house or anything you'd want build or designed.  Hiram lives in Tyre and is a half Israelite as his mother was from the tribe of Dan and father from Tyre.  Solomon sent a letter to the King of Tyre for material to build the temple and for a skilled craftsman to lead his people in the building.  Because of King David's relationship with the King of Tyre and setting up provision for Solomon, the King is happy to proved all Solomon requests.  (We'll see how Solomon releases as a thank you once everything is built later.)  There may be many men that may to believe in the one True God, but are still willing to work well for deeds for God due to integrity of the person they're working for.  How can you show integrity to others that may not be deliver but are willing to work, serve or be a part of something you are?

2 Chronicles 1

Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours? v.10

Read chapter 1
We start the second book of Chronciles, the history of the kings of Israel from the Divine viewpoint.  As King David died in the last chapter of 1st Chronicles we start with the reign of his son Solomon as king.  God appears to Solomon at night after he had made a thousand burnt offering at the alter.  God asks Solomon to ask for whatever he wants; kind of sounds like a genie in a lamp.  Yet what Solomon asks for isn't what you'd typically think like for riches or popularity or death of enemies, but asks for wisdom and knowledge that he may lead the people of Israel well.  What a genius thing to ask!  Wisdom and knowledge would save me a lot of stress for sure due to the various people I lead and the indecisiveness tendencies I have in so many situations.  This also was a request not for Solomon's own gain but gain for everyone else as being led by someone that had wisdom direct from God.  How often do our wishes only gain for ourselves than others? This wisdom and knowledge is gain not only for this life but benefits in the one to come unlike any material gift.  Matthew Henry puts it: 

Those that make this world their end, come short of the other, and are disappointed in this also; but those that make the other world their end, shall not only obtain that, and full satisfaction in it, but shall have as much of this world as is good for them, in their way. Let us then be contented, without those great things which men generally covet, but which commonly prove fatal snares to the soul.

1 Chronicles 29

But who am I, and who are my people,
That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?
For all things come from You,
And of Your own we have given You.
15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before You,
As were all our fathers;
Our days on earth are as a shadow,
And without hope.  vv.14-15

Read chapter 29
David's last words recorded in First Chronicles are ones of praise to God.  There has just been a gracious freely given offering of the leaders to the Lord which causes David to praise.  He knows that everything they offered was the Lord's to offer back to Him.  Kind of ironic sounding but how true it is.  Every good gift is from God (James 1:17) and all that the Israelites had was from God, so what they offered to Him was what was His.  I kind of think of it like a little child getting cookies from their parents and the child gets a big smile on their face offering one of the (possibly slobbered on) cookies to their mom or dad and how happy those parents get for the offer even though they were the ones that bought the cookies.   So back to David, he knows that all he has is God's and all he is is dust and his time but a shadow on earth.  He knows there is nothing we can take from this world holding on to hope of what we acquired or achieved.  There is no avoiding death.  Yet because of God they have an eternal hope and so do we because of Christ Jesus, His Son.   Do you see God as being the provider of all good things and are you willing to give Him back those things?  Knowing life is short, but a shadow, how can you choose to live for the eternal hope you have in Christ?

1 Chronicles 28

“All this,” said David, “the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans.” v.19

Read chapter 28
Oh don't you wish you had detailed instructions on what to do with your life!  Ok so the instructions in this chapter aren't details of what Solomon should do every detail of his life, rather David gave him detailed instructions on how to build the house of the Lord.  These just weren't David's architectural mind and plan but God's hand upon David to write these instructions.   Yet also we have God's written word in the 66 books that make up the Bible as divine instruction and wisdom for all life's matters- you just have to seek out the answer.  I remember hearing once when I first started reading scripture that B.I.B.L.E stood for Beginning Instructions Before Leaving Earth (a fun acronym).  It was also especially sweet for Solomon to get instructions passed on before David died.  How often someones death happens faster than all the wisdom they had to share or things they wanted to say to others?  You may not have God's divine inspiration for a specific situation or specific person but what words of wisdom do you have or want to share before you or someone else dies?  Do you value the words of scripture as detailed instructions on how face details of your life?  If so, how?  If not, why?

1 Chronicles 27

Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion. v.33

Read chapter 27
We have a list of King David's overseers of his things such as his flocks, vineyards, storehouses, etc. Matthew Henry's Commentary says, "Much of the wisdom of princes is seen in the choice of their ministry, and common persons show it in the choice of their advisers. David, though he had all these about him, preferred the word of God before them all."  Among this list one is noted as David's companion or in other words his friend.  This man is Hushai the Archite.  Ahithophel was David's counselor who would advise him on matters of state, but the one whom David would share his fears, deepest secrets, trust the most and enjoy conversations and time with the most was his friend, Hushai.  We read about Hushai in 2 Samuel 16 & 17 when Absalom tried to overthrow David and Hushai seemed to turn against David yet was conspiring against Absalom- staying true to David in this time of possible kingdom turnover.    Many of us have lot of people around us and in our lives, maybe not as commenders in charge of our things, but people in positions in our life we trust or seek advice or time with for certain matters, but not all those are people you would tell your deepest secrets to or enjoy unending time with or be the one at your side when you're on your death bed.  Who is your one friend that would be listed and named so over their career or relation to you?  Even that friend may fail you at some point in your life but God's word will always be the best advise and the one you can share the most intimate time with.

1 Chronicles 26

Moreover the sons of Obed-Edom were Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,  Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth; for God blessed him. vv.4-5

Read chapter 26
This next chapter we have duties of the gatekeepers, treasurers and other officials all still Levites who are not the priests or the singers we read that were assigned in chapters 24 and 25.  We read the list of names of the various men and their families where they served. One that stood out to me was Obed-Edom.  He is the only man in this chapter that says "God blessed him."  Now that name might sound familiar to you and it's because we read about him in 1 Chronicles 13 ( also 2 Samuel 6) when the ark came to rest at his house when David was bringing the ark to Jerusalem but due to the accident of the ark slipping and God striking Uzza dead, David left the ark at the house of Obed-Edom.  Now the ark was at his house for three months until David brought it finally to rest in Jerusalem and while it was in the care of Obed-Edom the Lord blessed him.  "The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had" (1 Chronicles 13:14).  We see Obed-Edom blessed with eight sons as well as wealth and position of authority.  Three months of caring for the ark that happened to fall on his front door so-to-say, brought lifelong blessing.  When has something fallen on your lap all of the sudden that changed your life forever?  Would caring for a treasure (like a child or a prized position, etc) for three months be overwhelming for you or a joy?  How so?  

1 Chronicles 25

 So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight. v.7

Read chapter 25
All the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthan were skillful in music.  There were 24 sons total of theirs each was a leader of eleven (twelve man group therefore) which adds up to 288 men instructed in the songs of the Lord.  The eleven under each leader were their sons and relatives, not just any Israelite.  Talk about a musical family!  Why does it seem like families are either musical or their not?  Influence by music is powerful and seems to be if the parents put priority and joy in music it reflects onto their children in various forms whether enjoying the same instruments and sounds or finding more unique ways and skills in music.  Just like the lots casts for the priests of their duties so lots were casts for the musicians and would serve for one week at a time.  Music was not just a white noise but a ministry and a task and gift from God.  It completed worship at the temple.  As Matthew Henry put it, "If the Spirit of God do not put life and fervour into our devotions, they will, however ordered, be a lifeless, worthless form."  Are you musical?  If so, what was your influence and do you use it in worship to God?  If you're not musical, how can you appreciate music in worship?

1 Chronicles 24

Thus they were divided by lot, one group as another, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of the house of God, from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons of Ithamar. v.5

Read chapter 24
This chapter gives us key to Zecharias the father of John the Baptist.  In Luke chapter one we read, "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth" (v.5); both Zecharias and his wife Elizabeth were of the high priesthood through Aaron.  We read still of the lot division of the priests taking place in Zecharias' day still: "So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,  according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord" (vv.8-9).  Each division would serve one week and then go out.  The method using the lot was to take away any jealousy and the right to perform particular duties and also "to prevent envy, strife, and contention about precedence" as Matthew Poole's Commentary notes.

Where do you wish a lot was used to help take away any contentions or jealousy?  Work?  Home?  Gatherings with friends and family?  God is the God of order in all things!

1 Chronicles 23

For David said, “The Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem forever”;  and also to the Levites, “They shall no longer carry the tabernacle, or any of the articles for its service.”  vv.25-26

Read chapter 23
The job of the Levites carrying the ark is no longer needed.  Since the Israelites have found their resting pace in and around Jerusalem as the capitol, the ark would remain there forever (at least until captivity).  So now what are they to do?  Well they don't just get lost in society  trying to find another way of life, rather they are assigned duties in the temple of the Lord (v.26).  We also may find our identity or sense of worth in our job or ministry, but the second that changes, whether you're not longer needed or a move caused that to no longer be in that position, we tend to get and feel lost and useless.  Take heart, God still wants to use you and you will find purpose in a new place or job.  Have you experience that before?  Are you feeling lost or useless now?  Open your eyes and hands to what new the Lord has for you.

1 Chronicles 22

Now David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparation for it.” So David made abundant preparations before his death. v.5

Read chapter 22
I love the contrast between the description of Solomon and the description of the house of the Lord: young and inexperienced vs. exceedingly magnificent, famous, glorious.  Yet what better pairing of the two, for Solomon to build the most visited, beyond beautiful place.  As God says in 1 Corinthians 1:27 that He chooses the foolish things of the world (like young and inexperienced) to shame the wise (by extraordinary and grandeur things).  God chose to have Solomon build the house for the Lord instead of David.  Why?  Because he was a man of much bloodshed and chose his son Solomon instead for in his time would be peace (vv.8-9).  David may not have had the honor to build and see the house of the Lord, but he did get to prepare for it.   We see in verse fourteen that the temple was built many of the spoils from David's wars.  He was setting his son up for success in honoring the Lord.  Of course it was by God's wisdom given to Solomon how to build the house as well as many other things bought or gifts to add to the building.  David prepared abundantly for the honor of God, not himself.  Matthew Henry challenges us well:

"when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere."

What are you doing to set others up for success (especially if it is a position you desire)?  When have you seen someone young and inexperienced do mighty things?

1 Chronicles 21

Now Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel. v.1

Read chapter 21

We come across another slight discrepency of the two recordings of the same account.  Here in First Chronicles it says Satan moved David to number Israel.  Yet in the Second Samuel account we read that God moved David to number Israel, “Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel and He moved David against them to say, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah.’” One Bible scholar, E.W. Bullinger, notes, "By Hebrew idiom a person is said to do that which he persists to be done.  Here [2 Samuel 24:1] we have the historical fact.  In 1 Chronicles 21:1 we have the real fact from the Divine standpoint...God's permission but Satan's suggestion."  Another commentary suggests similar, "The apparent contradiction can be resolved by recognizing that though Satan is the author of all evil, he cannot exercise his evil intentions apart from the permission of God.  Moreover, God could use him to accomplish His own purposes of judgment or discipline- as here with David" (NKJV Study Bible footnotes).  David did that which he permitted to be done.  God permitted but Satan suggested.  Still hard to understand sometimes why God allows Satan to deceive and do evil.  Yet God always seems to get the blame for what He allows that Satan actually does. When have you blamed God for something that was of Satan?  Why do you think God gives permission to Satan sometimes?

1 Chronicles 20

It happened in the spring of the year, at the time kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the armed forces and ravaged the country of the people of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab defeated Rabbah and overthrew it. v.1

Read chapter 20
So you know that story of David and Bathsheba?  The one where David commits adultery with one of his mighty men's wife and she becomes pregnant and David has her husband Uriah killed.  The account is in 2 Samuel 11-12.  Two full chapters in the book of Second Samuel are on this event yet the coinciding historical record gives a glimpse in half a verse.  We read it here in verse one, "but David stayed at Jerusalem."  There is no record in the books of Chronicles of David and Bathsheba's sin.  Why God didn't choose to reference it could be a number of reasons.  That story and account of David's sin with Bathsheba is one many people know and don't forget.  But perhaps God is choosing to forget and not hold against him as David repented and was forgiven by God.  What also seems like a big matter in the world's eyes is a small matter in God's eyes.  What took two chapters in man's account only took God one verse in His account.  As you look back on your life can you think of a time of sin in a situation that seemed like it was a huge ordeal that you now have moved on from and feel the Lord's forgiveness not holding it against you?   If you were to look at your life this past year what do you focus on the most and what do you think God would focus on the most?  Are they the same or different?  Why?

1 Chronicles 19

And when the servants of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became his servants. So the Syrians were not willing to help the people of Ammon anymore.

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Two nations join together to defeat Israel, but guess who comes out for the win?  Israel, that's right!  The Ammonites saw that they were repulsive in the sight of King David (their own fault for what they did to David's men by shaving off their beards and cutting their pants to expose them) so they decide to war against Israel.  The Ammonites know they didn't stand a chance on their own so they use their money to buy power and favor from the Syrians.  So now the Ammonites have the Syrians all riled up against Israel as well and the two attack Israel from the front and behind.  So then we see Israel's army commander Joab set up well his army to defend the people and their cities.  We see in Joab's words of encouragement his own reliance on God: "Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight" (v.13). So we read the Syrians and the Ammonites were defeated by David and the Israelite army and the chapter ends seeing the Syrians no longer wiling to help the people of Ammon.  The account in 2 Samuel 10 says they were afraid to help them anymore.  They helped a nations hatred all for money yet lost so much more as some 47,000 men died in that war.  The Ammonites tried to gang up but ultimately got ganged up instead.  How have you either tried to gang up on someone to hurt them or been the one ganged up by?  Why did you join in?  If you're the one being attacked in a gang up situation how can you turn and ask the Lord for how to defend yourself and trust in Him?  

1 Chronicles 18

So the Lord preserved David wherever he went. v.6

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This chapter speaks of David's victories in battle from the north, east, south and west.  Fulfilling what was foretold of some of these nations.  This wasn't David trying to fulfill a prophesy but letting it happen according to God's way.  The Lord preserved David.  The word preserve means to keep up or maintain.  God was keeping David alive to fulfill prophesy and promise.  This wasn't a preservation to keep alive forever but for the time God allotted to David.  Paul says in his letter to Timothy, "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom."  The same was of Paul as was to David, both used by God and preserved for His kingdom.  They will both be raised up into God's glorious kingdom one day.  Although they both are today dead they are not gone forever but are preserved by and for God.  
I love the last verse of Psalm 121 that comes to mind as I read this verse in 1 Chronicles: "The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore."
Let us not fear death if we are in Christ for He preserves us.  And even while we are alive and have comings and goings in our life the Lord is preserving and watching over every move.  Take heart dear friend. 

1 Chronicles 17

And I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever. v.14

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This chapter is identical with 2 Samuel 7 with some minor word changes.  Does this mean that there's contradiction?  Nope.  Remember the purposes of the two accounts of history are different.  One from man's view and one from God's view (to sum it up basically).  One different I noticed is here in verse fourteen compared with 2 Samuel 7:16.  Here we read MY house and MY kingdom whereas in the Samuel account we read YOUR hour and YOUR kingdom (MY referring to God, YOUR referring to David).  Bible scholar E.W Bullinger notes they're "both alike, for the kingdom was David's because it was God's gift to him."  Both through God and through David came the Jesus Christ whose kingdom it is what we wait for and rest assured that will endure forever.  God gave the gift of being king over His people Israel, who is His house, to David.  What a gift and honor to receive and share in.  We may not have the gift of ruling God's people but God gives us the gift of a seat in His kingdom as He sees what we will when His kingdom comes as "raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesias 2:6).  Do you believe and trust in this exalted position you are elected for by Him?

1 Chronicles 16

And he appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the Lord God of Israel:  Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, and Obed-Edom: Jeiel with stringed instruments and harps, but Asaph made music with cymbals; vv.4-5

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Do you ever read the psalms and either skip over the post script (the tiny title words before verse one) or at least are confused at the words?  Twelve psalms are written by this man we read of here: Asaph (Ps. 73-83).  Asaph is the chief musician as we see here as well as attached to his name in the prescripts of his psalms.  The prescripts often also have a note of instruments to use for the psalm, which again we read here of two of these Levites playing instruments we see mentioned often in the psalms: string instruments, harps and cymbals.  I've always been jealous of people that can play an instrument, let alone multiple instruments like mentioned of this man Jeiel.  
Also to note about this chapter that it is 43 verses long yet in comparison with the account in 2 Samuel 6 there is only two verses on this account (vv.19-20).  Interesting what God chooses to focus on in His account to record through the Chronicles than what man chooses to record of the account in the Samuels.  Why do you think that is in this particular case?  What is a time in your life that you look at more in depth that the majority of people would simply pass over in thought?

1 Chronicles 15

And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart. v.29

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What makes you just want to get up and dance?  Do you have that with the joy of the Lord?   David sure did.  The ark of the covenant is finally being brought to the City of David, that is Jerusalem.  Remember the ark of the covenant is where the Lord's presence could be sought.  It brought blessings to those in its presence and held the commandments of the Lord, manna and Aaron's rod.  It was placed in the most holy of holies, the inner most place of the tabernacle that only the high priest was allowed in to.  So of course David was happy.  David here is said to have been wearing a linen ephod which was clothing of priest.    Perhaps this is one reason why his wife Michal despised David because he wasnt dressed like a king.  Other commentaries suggest she despised him because he danced like a woman forgetting his royal, manliness.  Interesting that Michal is not called David's wife but instead called Saul's daughter.  Also to note that the writer knows the heart even if there were not words spoken.  Yet even this account in 2 Samuel 6 her despised heart is mentioned, something not only God can see but man as well.  Can people tell when you despise something without saying any words?  What other reason do you think this dancing of David made Michal despise him?  Even though others will despise your joy for the Lord, don't hold back dance and leap for joy!

1 Chronicles 14

And David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?”The Lord said to him, “Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand.”..Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees.  vv.10,14

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In once instance God says yes and then another instance God says no.  The Philistines go to attack David twice in this chapter.  The first time David hears about them coming to attack, David inquired of the Lord if he should go up against them and God said yes. And David prevailed over them.  Then another time later (only a verse later in this chapter) the Philistines go to attack David again.  Again David goes to the Lord to ask if he should up against them, but this time God says no.  The Lord the second time decides to defeat the Philistines without using David and his men that time.  David didn't just assume the Lord's answer just because it was a yes one time.  Then enemy doesn't just quit after one defeat either.  David knew he needed to inquire of the Lord for every battle he faced no matter how many he may have won.  In what areas of your life do you treat as you're fine not praying about a situation due to past answers?  How have you seen a similar situation gone different than what you thought with the Lord still prevailing?