What role did Samuel and others play in managing God's treasures in 1 Chronicles? The Scriptural Anchor: 1 Chronicles 26:28 “All that Samuel the seer had dedicated, and Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah—everything that had been dedicated was under the care of Shelomoth and his relatives.” Overview of the Treasuries in David’s Day • The “treasuries” (1 Chronicles 26:20–28) stored precious metals, stones, and other valuables specifically set apart for the Lord. • Verse 27 explains their chief purpose: “They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to repair the house of the Lord.” • Although Solomon would build the temple later, David set up a system of stewardship in advance so that worship would be amply provided for the moment the doors opened. Samuel’s Pivotal Contribution • As “the seer,” Samuel served both as prophet and judge (1 Samuel 7:15–17). • Long before David’s reign, he dedicated spoils and gifts to the Lord, inaugurating the practice of setting aside resources for God’s dwelling. • By listing Samuel first, the Chronicler highlights that prophetic leadership modeled financial faithfulness. • Samuel’s early deposits became the seed capital David and the Levites later managed. Why Would a Prophet Handle Treasure? Because the prophet: – Represented God’s voice to the nation (1 Samuel 3:19–20). – Functioned as a moral compass, demonstrating that victory and wealth ultimately belong to the Lord (1 Samuel 12:3–5). – Taught Israel to connect material blessings with covenant obedience (Deuteronomy 8:17–18). Other Contributors: Saul, Abner, Joab • Saul, first king, added to the storehouse—an implicit admission that royal might was subject to divine ownership (1 Chronicles 26:28). • Abner (Saul’s commander) and Joab (David’s commander) each funneled war plunder to God rather than personal coffers—an example of military submission to spiritual authority (2 Samuel 8:10–12). • Their obedience underscores that every level of leadership, civil and military, recognized the sacred claim God placed on Israel’s victories. The Levites: Day-to-Day Custodians • Shelomoth and “his relatives” (v. 28) belonged to the Kohathite branch of Levi—men assigned to sacred articles since the wilderness (Numbers 4:4–15). • Under David, Levites kept detailed ledgers (1 Chronicles 23:24–31), guarded gates (1 Chronicles 26:1–19), and managed all dedicated goods (vv. 20–28). • This chain of custody—prophet/king → military leaders → Levites—ensured transparency and accountability. Purposes Served by the Treasures 1. Temple construction and repairs (1 Chronicles 22:14; 26:27). 2. Ongoing worship supplies—incense, showbread, instruments (Exodus 30:34–38; 1 Chronicles 23:29). 3. Provision for priests and Levites, freeing them to minister (Numbers 18:8–11). 4. Relief for the needy during national gatherings (Deuteronomy 26:12–13). Underlying Principles for God’s People Today • God owns every victory and every asset: “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • Spiritual leaders set the example of giving first (1 Chronicles 29:2–3, 6–9). • Clear systems of stewardship guard against misuse (2 Kings 12:15). • Resources dedicated to God are never idle; they fuel worship, witness, and community care—then, now, and until the true King returns. |
    |