A Family Tree: 1 Chronicles Simply Explained
Overview
The book of Chronicles is an important part of the Old Testament. Originally written as one book, 1 and 2 Chronicles summarize, not only the history of God's people from the creation of the world until the edict of Cyrus in 538 B.C., but also the theology of the Old Testament—the revelation that God gave of himself at creation, to the patriarchs, through Moses, during the monarchy, exile, and restoration.
1 Chronicles takes this narrative up to the establishment of the monarchy under David, culminating in the building of the temple. The underlying message is that of a covenant God who provides salvation for his people, through a Redeemer foreshadowed by the deliverer-kings whom God gave to his people.
Top Highlights
“He is not to be approached thoughtlessly or treated casually, but exactly as he has prescribed in Scripture. God had shown that the ark, which was the symbol of his presence, was not to be handled as an ordinary object might be. It was to be carried on poles by the Levites (Exod. 25:12–15; Num. 4:15; 7:9; 1 Chron. 15:2). Yet in his enthusiasm David forgot these commands and omitted to consult God’s Word for guidance. We might be impressed by the enthusiasm displayed as ‘David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God’ (13:8). God, however, was not impressed, but angered by David’s carelessness. The ark had been manhandled onto an ox-cart and was being transported in just the same way as it had been by the Philistines (13:7; cf. 1 Sam. 6:7–12).” (Pages 99–100)
“God does not show his will for our lives simply by giving us intuitions in our heads. That is the assumption that many people make today as they seek to live the Christian life. Very often we hear people say that they did something, or followed some course of action, because they ‘felt led’ or because it ‘seemed good’ to them. These subjective feelings are never submitted to any serious examination at the bar of God’s Word. It is simply taken for granted that the Holy Spirit must have put the idea into the person’s thoughts.” (Page 99)
“Past blessing is never good cause for present complacency amongst the covenant people of God.” (Page 18)
“so he was to make up for his deficiencies by turning to God for guidance” (Page 99)
“He had not searched the Scriptures for his directions in serving God.” (Page 100)
I found this most helpful commentary eminently readable, with excellent use of telling everyday illustrations, with pointed applications constantly made, good links with New Testament passages, and best of all, an interpretation that consistently pointed forward to Christ.
—Hugh J. Blair, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Reformed Theological College, Belfast
- Title: A Family Tree: 1 Chronicles Simply Explained
- Author: Andrew Stewart
- Publisher: Evangelical Press
- Series: Welwyn Commentary Series
- Publication Date: 1997
- Pages: 222