Now David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king's service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men--every mighty man of valor. Now David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem:David, nearing the end of his reign, calls a significant assembly in Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel. This gathering underscores the importance of Jerusalem, which David had established as the capital. The summoning of leaders reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where spiritual and political leadership were intertwined. This assembly is reminiscent of other significant convocations in Israel's history, such as Moses gathering the people at Sinai (Exodus 19). The leaders of the tribes:
The twelve tribes of Israel, descended from the sons of Jacob, each had distinct roles and territories. The tribal leaders were crucial in maintaining unity and order within the nation. This gathering of tribal leaders highlights the unity and collective responsibility of the nation under God's covenant, as seen in earlier tribal assemblies (Joshua 24). The leaders of the divisions in the king’s service:
David had organized his military and administrative structure into divisions, a system that ensured efficient governance and defense. These divisions were likely based on the monthly rotation system described in 1 Chronicles 27, where each division served the king for one month per year. This structure reflects the organized and strategic nature of David's reign. The commanders of thousands and of hundreds:
These military leaders were responsible for the organization and command of Israel's army. The hierarchical structure of thousands and hundreds indicates a well-organized military system, similar to the one established by Moses in Exodus 18:21. This system ensured effective leadership and communication within the army. And the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons:
These officials managed the royal estates and resources, which were substantial given the wealth and power of David's kingdom. The mention of property and cattle management reflects the agrarian economy of ancient Israel and the importance of stewardship in maintaining the king's wealth and resources. Along with the court officials and mighty men—every mighty man of valor:
The court officials were part of the king's inner circle, responsible for various administrative and ceremonial duties. The "mighty men" were David's elite warriors, renowned for their bravery and loyalty. These men, like those listed in 2 Samuel 23, were instrumental in securing David's kingdom and represent the valor and dedication expected of those serving God's anointed king. This assembly of mighty men also foreshadows the gathering of Christ's followers, who are called to be spiritually valiant in the service of the true King. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is nearing the end of his reign and is preparing to pass on the leadership to his son Solomon. David is a central figure in the history of Israel, known for his heart for God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. 2. Leaders of IsraelThis includes the tribal leaders, military commanders, and officials responsible for various aspects of the kingdom's administration. Their gathering signifies the importance of the message David is about to deliver. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, chosen by David as the political and spiritual center. It is significant as the location where the temple will be built, symbolizing God's presence among His people. 4. Commanders and OfficialsThese are the individuals responsible for the military and administrative functions of the kingdom. Their presence underscores the comprehensive nature of the leadership structure in Israel. 5. Mighty Men and WarriorsThese are the elite soldiers and heroes of David's reign, known for their bravery and loyalty. Their inclusion highlights the importance of strength and valor in the service of God's kingdom. Teaching Points Leadership and ResponsibilityDavid's summoning of all leaders highlights the importance of collective responsibility in leadership. As Christians, we are called to work together in unity for the advancement of God's kingdom. Preparation for TransitionDavid's actions demonstrate the importance of preparing for leadership transitions. In our lives, we should plan and prepare for future changes, ensuring that our successors are equipped to continue the work. Faithfulness to God's CommandsThe gathering of leaders serves as a reminder of the need to remain faithful to God's commands. Our leadership and service should be rooted in obedience to God's Word. The Role of CommunityThe inclusion of various leaders and warriors underscores the role of community in achieving God's purposes. We are called to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. Legacy and InfluenceDavid's preparation for Solomon's reign highlights the impact of our legacy. We should strive to leave a positive influence on those who come after us, grounded in faith and integrity. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from David's approach to leadership transition, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives and communities? 2. How does the gathering of leaders in Jerusalem reflect the importance of unity and collaboration in fulfilling God's purposes? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our leadership and service are rooted in obedience to God's commands, as demonstrated by David? 4. How does the role of community in this passage inform our understanding of the church's function in supporting and encouraging one another? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that we leave a positive and lasting legacy for future generations, as David sought to do for Solomon? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 2:1-4This passage parallels David's instructions to Solomon, emphasizing the continuity of leadership and the importance of following God's commandments. Deuteronomy 31:7-8Moses' charge to Joshua mirrors David's charge to Solomon, highlighting the theme of leadership transition and reliance on God's guidance. Psalm 132:11-12This psalm reflects God's promise to David regarding his descendants and the establishment of his throne, which is central to the context of 1 Chronicles 28. People David, Levites, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Assemble, Assembled, Assembleth, Belonging, Brave, Captains, Cattle, Chamberlains, Charge, Chiefs, Commanders, Companies, Comptrollers, Controllers, Course, Courses, David, Division, Divisions, Goods, Got, Heads, Hundreds, Jerusalem, Livestock, Mighty, Ministered, Officers, Officials, Ones, Overseers, Palace, Possession, Possessions, Princes, Property, Rulers, Seasoned, Servants, Served, Service, Serving, Sons, Stewards, Substance, Summoned, Thousands, Tribes, Turn, Unsexed, Valiant, Valor, Valour, Waiting, War, WarriorsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 28:1 1655 hundreds and thousands
5261 commander
5489 rank Library The Promised King and Temple-Builder
'And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, 5. Go and tell My servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build Me an house for Me to dwell in! 6. Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureDavid's Charge to Solomon
'And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem. 2. Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture December the Seventh Chosen as Builders
"Take heed now, for the Lord hath chosen thee to build." --1 CHRONICLES xxviii. 1-10. And how must he take heed? For it may be that the Lord hath also chosen me to build, and the counsel given to Solomon may serve me in this later day. Let me listen. "Serve Him with a perfect heart." God's chosen builders must be characterized by singleness and simplicity. He can do nothing with "double" men, who do things only "by half," giving one part to Him and the other part to Mammon. It is like offering …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 An Exhortation to Love God
1. An exhortation. Let me earnestly persuade all who bear the name of Christians to become lovers of God. "O love the Lord, all ye his saints" (Psalm xxxi. 23). There are but few that love God: many give Him hypocritical kisses, but few love Him. It is not so easy to love God as most imagine. The affection of love is natural, but the grace is not. Men are by nature haters of God (Rom. i. 30). The wicked would flee from God; they would neither be under His rules, nor within His reach. They fear God, …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863 The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Chronicles 28:1 NIV1 Chronicles 28:1 NLT1 Chronicles 28:1 ESV1 Chronicles 28:1 NASB1 Chronicles 28:1 KJV
1 Chronicles 28:1 Commentaries
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