1 CHRONICLES 21

DAVID TAKES A CENSUS + PURCHASES A THRESHING FLOOR

David organizes a census to be taken in Israel, counting the number of men in his army. While David thought this was a good idea, Joab did not agree. God is not pleased with David’s decision to take a census. Although taking a census itself is not sinful, David was acting out of his own volition over trusting God’s timing.

David realizes that he sinned and confesses. God is angry with David and allows him to choose between three years of famine, three months of persecution, or three days of plague and illness. David could not choose and allows God to choose for him. God chooses three days of plague. Although God must deal with sin, He does not prolong Israel’s suffering.

During the three days, 70,000 men die, but Jerusalem is not destroyed. David cries out to God to stop the illness and God instructs him to make an offering at the threshing floor. David purchases the threshing floor from the man who owned it, even though he offered it for free. David did not want to sacrifice to God something that did not cost him anything. David offers a sacrifice at this new location and God accepts the sacrifice.

This story is also recorded in 2 Samuel 24. One difference in this account is that Satan is accredited for instructing David to take the census. Although the origin of the census is not fully known, it ultimately worked for God’s glory and purpose by establishing a new location for sacrifices. God has authority over everything, even when sin is involved.

1 CHRONICLES 22

SOLOMON APPOINTED TO CONSTRUCT THE TEMPLE

David wants to build a permanent home for God, but God says that someone blameless from David’s line would be the one to build the temple. At this point, Solomon is still young, but David wants him to be well prepared when his time to build the temple arrives. David provides supplies and materials for building the temple and trusts that it will be “exceedingly magnificent!”

David teaches Solomon that God desires someone blameless to build His resting place During Solomon’s life, God will provide peace for Israel, allowing them to focus on the construction of the temple. David tells Solomon that God will give him discretion and understanding when he rules Israel. He encourages Solomon that he has all of the supplies, materials, and workman that he needs and reminds him to set his mind and heart to seek God.

1 CHRONICLES 23

THE LEVITES SERVE WITHIN THE TEMPLE + OFFER PRAISE TO GOD

Once David grows older, his son Solomon is made king over Israel. David organizes the Levites, the tribe of priests, to serve in various roles within the temple. The Levites are divided into the sons of Gershon, sons of Kohath, and sons of Merari. The Levites no longer have to carry the tabernacle because God’s dwelling place is now permanently in Jerusalem. God’s presence brings rest to the Levites. Every morning and evening, they offer praise and sacrifices to God in thanksgiving.

1 CHRONICLES 24

THE LEVITES ORGANIZED + GIVEN SPECIFIC ROLES

David organizes the priests, the Levites, and descendants of Aaron, by casting lots. All of the Levites are given specific instructions and procedures to serve in the way that God previously instructed Aaron.

1 CHRONICLES 25

DAVID APPOINTS THE TEMPLE MUSICIANS

David organizes the musicians and worship leaders for the temple. Lots were cast for the different roles, including singing and playing the lyre, cymbals, and harp. There are 288 trained singers—the temple had quite the choir! Some of the musicians listed are also recorded as the author of various psalms. The men are known as the sons of Asaph (Psalm 50, 73-83), Heman (Psalm 88), and Jeduthun (Psalm 39 + 62).

1 CHRONICLES 26

DAVID ASSIGNS THE TEMPLE OFFICIALS

David organizes gatekeepers, treasurers, and other officials. David assigns specific people to serve in designated roles for everything pertaining to God’s temple. David wants structure and order for the building of the temple and assigns leaders in various roles to maintain the integrity of Solomon’s plans.

1 CHRONICLES 27

DAVID ENLISTS THE MILITARY OFFICERS

David continues to assign roles to the Israelites, including the division of the 24,000 in his military. Each tribe has a chief officer and Joab is the commander over the army.

1 CHRONICLES 28

DAVID ASSEMBLES THE TEMPLE OFFICIALS + ENCOURAGES SOLOMON

David assembles all of Israel, including all of the officials he appointed, to tell them of God’s plan for Solomon to build the temple. David encourages Solomon to seek God, know Him, and serve Him with a willing mind and whole heart. David tells Solomon to be strong and courageous and to not be dismayed, for God is with him and will not leave or forsake him.

Solomon is encouraged that God will be with him during the building of the temple and that the Israelites will offer all of their talents and abilities to completing the temple under his leadership.

1 CHRONICLES 29

THE ISRAELITES PRAISE GOD + REJOICE

David provides lavish amounts of gold and silver to be used for the temple. He leads the way for the Israelites, who also give generously and willingly. The Israelites rejoice because they have given freely and with a whole heart.

David prays while Israel is assembled together, praising God and thanking Him for His provision. David knows that everything that the Israelites have, from their freedom to their abilities to their riches, comes from God. The Israelites give freely because they know God has ownership and authority over everything.

The Israelites bow down to God and offer Him sacrifices. They eat and drink before the Lord with great gladness, celebrating all that He has done for them. Solomon is anointed as king once again, honoring Him as prince for the Lord. God makes Solomon a great king, who has royal majesty unlike any other previous king. After forty years of kingship and a long fruitful life, David dies at an old age.