First Chronicles
The Chronicles's General Introduction Chapters 1-10
The Chronicles were apparently written during the captivity, about the time of the return of some of the dispersed to Israel. The emphasis on David, the priesthood and the temple would have been an encouragement to the remnant who had returned. In my comments I will be taking a birds eye view of chapters 1-9 dealing with genealogy of the patriarchs and the twelve sons of Israel, and relating much of the rest to portions being studied elsewhere. Duplication of names can be confusing as well as towns which are named after individuals. Most details need to be done in individual study. First and Second Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible has the name of "the events of days" In Greek they are called "the things omitted concerning the kings of Judah. They are placed as being writen some place between 300 and 250 B.C. First and Second Chronicles consist of a series of genealogies from Adam to the writers time. ADAM; THE REIGN OF DAVID 1st Chr10-29; SOLOMON 2 Chr 1-9; KINGS OF JUDAH 2 Chr 10-36
1 Chronicles 01
v 1-4. Adam to Noah, Gen. Gen. 5:1-32
v 5-7. Sons of Japheth, Gen. 10:2-5
v 8-16. Sons of Ham, Gen. 10:6-21
v 17-23. Sons of Shem, Gen. 10:22-31
v 24-28. Shem to Abraham, Gen. 11:10-26
v 29-31. Ishmael’s sons, Gen. 25:12-19
v 32,33. Keturah’s sons, Gen. 25:1-4
v 34. Sons of Isaac, Gen. 25:19-26
v 35-42. Esau’s sons and grandsons, Gen. 36:1-14
v 43-54. Early kings and leaders of Edom, Gen. 36:15-19, 25-43
1 Chronicles 02
v 1,2. Twelve sons of Jacob, or Israel, Gen. 29:31-30:24; 35:16-18
v 3-9. Judah’s sons and line to Hezron, Gen. 46:12; Num. 26:19-22, see v 50
Chelubai is Caleb in v 18, 42, but not Caleb of Exodus, son of Jephunnah, 4:15..
v 10-17. Ram’s line to David, v 9; Ruth 4:17-22
v 18-20. Sons of Caleb, the son of Hezron, by Azubah and Ephratha, see v 50
v 21-24. Hezron’s later children, cp v 9, by Abijah, Machir’s daughter
Jair, v 23, has similarities and differences with Jair of Jud. 5:14; 1 Ki. 4:13.
v 25-41. Jerameel’s (v 9) line through Sheshan, v 31, 34,35
v 42-50 a. Further sons of Caleb, brother of Jerameel, not Caleb of v 18
v 50 b-55. Line of Hur, the son of Caleb v 19; cp. 1 Chr. 4:1
The thought of v 49 is completed in 50 a. Caleb was Hur’s father, v 19, not Hur’s son. The thought of 50 b is, the sons of Hur, firstborn of Caleb by Ephrathah, Caleb’s second wife were etc. The Bible mentions at least three Caleb's in the line of Judah.
1 Chronicles 03
v 1-9. Family of David born in Hebron, 2 Sam. 3-2-5; 5:13-16
Additional sons of concubines,v 9, Tamar only girl mentioned due to 2 Sam: 13.
v 10-16. David’s line to Zedekiah
v 17-24. Jeconiah’s sons (Same as Jehoiachin, 2 Ki. 24:8; Coniah, Jer. 22:24.)
1 Chronicles 04
v 1-4. Further line of Hur, See 1 Chr. 2:50
Hur was grandfather of Bethlehem, 2:50,51
v 5-8. Family of Asshur, Hezron’s posthumous son, 1 Chron. 2:24.
v 9,10. Jabez’s prayer to God and His answer
It is interesting that though Jabez’s roots are not delineated, he had a city named after him, and families of scribes dwelled there as well as descendants of Rechab, 2:55. These were the Godly, dedicated people in Jer. 35. We may speculate that his mother may have died after child birth and named Jabez “Grieving” just as before her death, Rachel called Benjamin Benoni, “Son of my sorrow”. Jabez’s brothers may have been honorable because of their background, he was more so. 1. Being from the city of scribes, he may have excelled in learning. 2. We see he was a man of prayer, and that to the God of Israel. His prayer was fourfold: 1 That God would bless him indeed, and this probably especially spiritual blessing; 2 That God would enlarge his border, this being a material blessing; 3 That God’s hand might be with him, God’s presence being more important than the first two; 4 That God would keep him from evil, whether of sin or troubles, that it would not grieve him. God granted his requests.
v 11-20. Other men of Judah, including Caleb, the son of Jephunnah, Josh. 14:6
v 21-23. Judah’s posterity through Shelah, 1 Chr. 2:3
This group was skilled in linen goods and ceramics and ruled over Moab a while.
v 24-43. Simeon’s posterity, their cities and conquests.
Simeon’s inheritance was within Judah and they were eventually absorbed into Judah. Their population increased slowly for a while, v 27, but as they increased, they prospered not far from Gaza, v 38-40. Eventually they spread eastward into Edom.
1 Chronicles 05
v 1-8 Reuben’s line to the captivity
Explanation is given of Reuben’s sin with his father’s concubine, Gen. 35:22, so the birthright went to Joseph, Gen. 48:15-22 and the prince to Judah, Gen. 49:8-10.
v 9,10. Reuben’s conquests
The Hagarites were descendants of Ishmael, son of Hagar.
v 11-17. Gad’s descendants and habitation
v 18-26. Conquests of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh; their sin and captivity. All these were east of the Jordan.
God helped them defeat the Hagarites because they cried out to the Lord in battle and put their trust in Him, v 20, but they began to serve other gods, and eventually were carried into captivity, v 25,26.
1 Chronicles 06
v 1-15. Levi’s sons through Kohath to Aaron and Moses; Eleazar to the captivity
v 16--30. Sons of Gershon, Merari and Kohath.
Gershon carried the curtains of the tabernacle, Merari the boards and sockets, and Kohath carried the furnishings upon their shoulders. Samuel, v 28, a descendant of Kohath, was not of the line of Aaron, so he sacrificed, but not as high priest.
v 31-48. Ancestry of choir leaders, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan
v 49-53. Aaron’s priesthood to Ahimaaz, use with verses 1-15
v 54-81. Cities of priests and Levites An excellent chart of these is in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Walvoord and Zuck, page 599. Also other comments.
1 Chronicles 07
v 1-5. Sons of Issachar
v 6-12. Sons of Benjamin
v 13. Sons of Naphtali (Apparently further genealogies were lost.)
v 14-19. Sons of Manasseh
Special ruling for Zelophehad’s daughters, Num. 27:7 and Num. 36.
v 20-29. Descendants of Ephraim and their habitations
This loss of Ephraim’s sons and their cattle by neighboring Gath took place while Ephraim was yet living with them in Egypt. Ephraim was in much sorrow, but God gave him another son in his old age, “Beriah”, because of the comfort he gave at this time of grief. Ambitious Sheerah, v 24, was not a daughter of Ephraim, but of the tribe later. Eight generations lay between Ephraim and Joshua, v 27, the sojourn in Egypt.
v 30-40. Sons of Asher
1 Chronicles 08
v 1-28. Sons and chief men of Benjamin
v 29-40. Ancestry of King Saul, son of Kish
We recognize Esh-baal as Ishbosheth and Meribbaal as Mephibosheth
1 Chronicles 09
v 1-34. Inhabitants of Jerusalem
The first verse summarizes the inhabitants before the captivity in Babylon. The rest of the chapter summarizes people who settled in Jerusalem and suburbs after the return from exile. Verses 2 and 3 are a general listing, following verses are detailed. There are some differences between these listings and those in Nehemiah, for which we don’t have explanation. David and Samuel, v 22 individually obtained direct instruction from the Lord, or David in his troubles had worked out the plan while he was in his troubles, but before Samuel died. The porters, or gate keepers, served seven days, then had some time off. Specific tasks of others are listed, 27-34.
v 35-44. Ancestry and descendants of Saul and Jonathan
This is almost identical to that in chapter eight, but it is given because the chronicler is going to tell of Saul’s death in the next chapter.
1 Chronicles 10
Chapter 10 to 29: The Reign and Life-Work of David
The Death of Saul
Chronicies and Samuel
1 Chronicles 10 History before this is found in 1 Samuel 1-30.
v 1-10. For comments on this, see 1 Sam. 31:1-10 and 2 Sam. 1
v 11,12. See comments in 1 Sam. 31:111-13 and 2 Sam. 2:5-7
v 13,14. These verses stipulate the reason for Saul’s death. He disobeyed God’s word and asked advice from a medium, so God gave the kingdom to David.
1 Chronicles 11
Chapter 1-9 David Reigns; He captures Jerusalem
v 1-3. See comments in 2 Sam. 5:1-3
v 4-9. See comments in 2 Sam. 5:6-10 Joab led up the water shaft.
Chapter 10-47 A List of Fifty-one of David's Heroes
v 10-47. This begins the roll of David’s mighty men. These verses are very similar to the words in 2 Sam. 23: 8-39. See my comments there. Here, v 11, the number slain is correctly 300, but in Sam. 23:8, 800.
In the rest of the chapter there are slight additions or discrepancies, so rather than comment on them, each chapter should be read to get the full story. See 2 Sam. 23.
1 Chronicles 12
Chapter 1-22 David's Followers During His Desert Wanderings.
v 1-7. Most of the mighty men had been with David for an extended period of time, but others, including some of Saul’s kin, defect to him while he is at Ziklag. The 23 listed here were so skilled they could use right or left hand with their weapons, v 2, and one mighty man was captain of 30.
v 8-18. Those of v 8 were fierce looking, possibly for their determination in battle, and extremely fleet footed. In v 15 these also swam the fast flowing Jordan at flood stage and everyone fled from them. It is not stated who the enemy was that they put to flight. Many more from Benjamin and Judah defected to David, but we know, v 17, that he was not recruiting them, because he didn’t know if they came in peace. We also know from the Spirit moving Amasai to speak, v 18, that God was prompting them to come to David because they recognized that God was with him.
v 19-22. When David and Achish passed through land of Manasseh to do battle with Saul, some of them joined David, but they were all sent away by the other kings of the Philistines for fear of their loyalty to Saul. All those listed in this chapter came in good stead to help David recover the families and goods which had been captured by raiders, v 21; 1 Sam. 30. The 600 had their families so were mentioned prominently.
Chapter 23-40 David's Military Leaders.
v 23-40. From this point on, thousands from Manasseh and many others began to pour in daily until David had a large host. This portion compares with 2 Sam. 5:1-3 while David was at Hebron before he attacked Jerusalem. This portion goes farther and enumerates the numbers from all the tribes. It is not known if the number from Issachar is more than the 200 leaders of exceptional wisdom, but all their brethren were under their command, v 32. Most of the soldiers brought their weapons so they were prepared for anything. Three nearby tribes didn’t bring as many soldiers, but they furnished much of the food and drink for celebrating the new king, v 40.
1 Chronicles 13
v 1-6 See 2 Sam. 6:1,2
v 6-8 See 2 Sam. 6:3-5
v 9,10. See 2 Sam. 6:7
v 11-14. See 2 Sam. 6:8-11
1 Chronicles 14
Related passages are found in 2 Sam. 5:11-25; 23:13-17; 1 Chr. 3:5-9; 11:15-19 and 12:8-15.
v 1,2. See 2 Sam. 5:11,12
v 3-7. See 2 Sam. 5:13-16. Here, v 5,6, Eliphelet and Nogah are added.
v 8-17. See 2 Sam. 5:17-25. Here, v 17, the fame and fear of David is noted.
1 Chronicles 15
v 1-28. See 2 Sam. 6:12-19 Verse 12, priests and Levites had to prepare themselves; we need to prepare to come into the presence of God,1 Jn. 3:1-3.
v 29. See 2 Sam. 6:16, 20-23
1 Chronicles 16
v 1-3. See 2 Sam. 6:17-19.
v 4-6. See 1 Chr. 15:22-24 and 16:37,38
v 7-36. This Psalm of Thanksgiving by David was a compilation of some of his previous Psalms:
v 8-22 compare Psalm 105:1-15
v 23-33 compare Psalm 96:1b-13a
v 34-36 compare Psalm 106:1b,c, 47,48.
v 38. These are the two Obed-edom men mentioned in my comments on 2 Sam. 6:22. Obed-edom the porter, here, was a son of Jeduthan, not Jeduthan the musician.
v 39-43. The curtains of the old Tabernacle were probably so worn David did not want to move it to Jerusalem, so he left Zadok to perform the sacrifices at Gibeon and also appointed singers and musicians to be there. Abiathar had the breast plate of judgment, so he remained with the ark at Jerusalem, so there were two high priests. All the people were happy as they went to their homes, and David went home full of joy, only to meet the criticism of Michal, 2 Sam. 6:20-23.
1 Chronicles 17
See comments on 2 Samuel 7, because this chapter is practically a repeat.
1 Chronicles 18.
See comments on 2 Samuel 8. The main addition here is that the bronze was used in Solomon’s temple, v 8.
1 Chronicles 19
See comments on 2 Samuel 10. The main addition here is the 1000 talents of silver to hire soldiers from Mesopotamia, mentioned in v 6.
1 Chronicles 20
v 1. Most of this verse is in 2 Sam. 11:1, but the last phrase picks up at 2 Sam. 12:26. Chronicles does not mention David’s adultery with Bathsheba, not that it is hiding it, but probably because it was recorded in 2 Sam. 11 and well known by all. the last sentence of v 1 and verses 2,3 are practically like that in 2 Sam. 12:26-31.
v 4-8. See comments on 2 Samuel 21:15-22 where this is given in more detail.
1 Chronicles 21
See comments on 2 Samuel 24, for additions or comparisons from this chapter.
1 Chronicles. 22
v 1-5. David had been told he could not build the temple, 2 Sam. 7:13, but that did not prevent him from stock piling the materials for Solomon. He conscripted non Israelites for the work along with his own skilled workmen. He amassed stones, nails, bronze, other metals, v 16, and cedar wood in abundance.
v 6-10. David called Solomon and explained that God was not allowing himself to build the temple because of all the blood he had shed, v 8. However, Solomon, his son, would live in a time of peace, and he would build the house for the Lord.
v 11-13. David encouraged Solomon not only to build the house, but to serve the Lord, and He would give wisdom and understanding. David reemphasized obedience to the Lord and in being strong and courageous, as Moses commanded Joshua in Josh. 1:9 and numerous other places in Deut. and Josh.
v 14-16. David had taken great pains to amass the materials and had workmen available to proceed as soon as Solomon would get with it.
v 17-19. David also commanded the leaders of every tribe to help Solomon in this great task. The Lord had given peace throughout the land, so now was the time to build the sanctuary and get the ark and holy vessels into it.
1 Chronicles 23
v 1,2. With 1 Chr. 28:1, we see that he gathered his own sons and everyone else who had any official capacity in Israel.
v 3-6. There were 38,000 Levites over 30 years of age, the age at which they began full service, Num. 4:3. The number is given for specific tasks: 24,000 to oversee the house of the Lord; 6,000 officers and judges; 4,000 porters; 4,000 instrumentalists.
v 7-11. Gershonites listed.
v 12-20. Kohathites listed.
v 21-23. Merarites listed.
v 24-32. It is believed Levites had started apprentice work at 20, but David lowers the full service age to 20 in the new situation. After the tabernacle was built there was no need for carrying, so David assigned them to various duties about the tabernacle. It included, but not limited, to taking care of the various kinds of bread, offering various sacrifices and other duties about the tabernacle. Previously, individuals killed and dressed out the animals brought for sacrifice, but now the Levites will be doing that. Considering all that was to be done in this large complex, 1000 serving at one time is felt to be reasonable by authorities.
1 Chronicles 24
v 1-19. The priests, descendants of Aaron, were divided into 24 courses, 16 chief men of the house of Eleazar and 8 chief men of the house of Ithamar. Ahimelech had been removed, but other of the sons of Ithamar could serve. The men for each course or lot are listed.
v 20-25. Kohathites, compare 23:12 are here named and divided.
v 26-31. Merarites, compare 23:21 are named. They cast lots as the others did.
1 Chronicles 25.
v 1-7. David appointed three chief musicians, Asaph, Heman and Jeduthan, to minister with psaltries (lyres), harps and cymbals. There names are recognized in the book of Psalms. This lists their skilled sons serving under them, a total of 288.
v 8-31. This lists the 24 courses drawn by lot, with 12 in each course, or 288.
1 Chronicles 26
v 1-19. This lists the porters, or gatekeepers, how many and at which gates. The Obed-edom, v 4 is probably the one in 2 Sam. 6:22 where the ark was kept after Uzzah died, not the porter of 16:38. Some disagree with good reasoning.
v 20-28. This lists the descendants of Gershom who are over the treasuries. They had charge of all the spoils of battle and dedicated things brought by Samuel, Saul, David, Abner and Joab. They were used for the maintenance of the temple.
v 29-32. These were in charge of duties in outlying areas away from the temple, 1700 west of Jordan and 2700 on the east. These and those of 20-28 may have been from the 6000 of 23:4.
1 Chronicles 27
v 1-15. The army consisted of 12 divisions of 24,000 each, and each division serving one month of active duty per year. The 12 monthly captains are named.
v 16-22. These may have been in charge as chief justices or princes. Tribes of Gad and Asher are not listed, but Levites and both tribes of Manasseh are.
v 23,24. This is refers to David’s ill fated numbering, chap 21 and 2 Sam. 24:1-17.
v 25-31. Special overseers positions were: King’s storehouses in Jerusalem, outlying storehouses; Field tillage; Vineyards; Vintage; Olive and sycamore fig trees; Olive oil; Western herds; Eastern or valley herds; Camels; Asses; and Flocks.
v 32-34. David’s special counselors and chief advisors included a wise uncle. Ahithophel and Joab defected at the last, but had been with David a long time.
1 Chronicles 28
v 1-8. David rallied from his illness of 1 Kings 1, and assembled his sons and all the important people of his government. 1 Chr. 29:1 indicates all the congregation of Israel were assembled. With what we might call a rush of adrenaline, he also rose from his chair to address them. He reviewed how he wanted to build the house of the Lord, but because of his bloody past, v 3, but the Lord had taken pleasure in him nevertheless, and his son Solomon would build it. Moreover he would establish Solomon’s kingdom forever if he was obedient. He challenges others to do this also.
v 9,10. David publicly charges Solomon with the reward of serving the Lord with a perfect heart or punishment for failure, and encouragement to build the temple.
v 11-19. The Lord had given David the exact pattern by the Spirit, v12, who also wrote it upon his heart, or gave him understanding of it, which he put in writing, v 19. David presented Solomon with the plans v 11, as well as some oral explanation heard by others. Revelation from the Spirit also included the ministry of the priests and Levites and the weight of gold and silver to be used for the different items. The chariot, v 18, is angels, Ps. 68:17.
v 20,21. David encourages Solomon as Moses to Joshua, Josh. 1:5, and informed him publicly that all the people David had appointed would do his bidding.
1 Chronicles 29
v 1-5. Solomon had been anointed by the spring Gihon to stop Adonijah’s attempt to take over. Now David charges all the congregation to support young Solomon in this service to God. David has assembled many materials including his own gifts of 110 tons of gold and 260 tons of silver in addition to 3750 tons of gold and 37,500 tons of silver, probably from plunder, 22:14.
v 6-9. Then the other leaders gave 190 tons and 185 pounds of gold, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, 3750 tons of iron, plus precious stones, all given with joy.
v 10-19. David’s order of prayer as suggested in The Bible Knowledge is:
v 10. Extol the Lord as God of Israel
v 10 b-11. God’s attributes, eternal, omnipotent, glory, sovereign
v 12 b. He Who supplies people’s needs
v 13. Praise
v 14-16. Confession that the gifts originally came from God, James, 1:17
v 17. Recognition of insincere giving, but these were with proper motives
v 18. Ask that the people be kept willing and loyal
v 19. That Solomon would be totally devoted to God and to building the temple
v 20. At David’s request the people bow and worship. Schofield gives this order:
v 3-8. Giving
v 9. Joy
v 10. Blessing
v 11-19. Prayer
v 20. Worship
v 21-22. The next day the people showed their sincerity by offering 3000 animals. A great feast was had from the offerings, and since Solomon had been anointed king by only a few and under difficult circumstances, now he is anointed a second time before all Israel. Zadok also was anointed again.
v 23-25. There was a brief co-regency, but with Solomon anointed and seated on the throne, every one submits to him as king, and he begins a majestic reign.
v 26-30. David had a happy end to his years of turmoil . He died around 70 years of age after reigning 40 years, and was buried in Jerusalem. This is a round number. 2 Sam. 5:5 lists seven and one half years in Hebron, 33 in Jerusalem, for a total of forty and one half. Three uninspired writings covering David’s life are listed.
In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking colleger courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.
ANSWERS to 200 of Life's Most Probing Questions by Pat RobertsonOUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen
08/19/2011