INTERESTING FACTS : SAMUEL ADAMS, SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; "FATHER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION"; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS

 

"I . . . [RELY] UPON THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST FOR A PARDON OF ALL MY SINS."

 

"THE NAME OF THE LORD (SAYS THE SCRIPTURE) IS A STRONG TOWER; THITHER THE RIGHTEOUS FLEE AND ARE SAFE [PROVERBS 18:10]. LET US SECURE HIS FAVOR AND HE WILL LEAD US THROUGH THE JOURNEY OF THIS LIFE AND AT LENGTH RECEIVE US TO A BETTER."

 

"I CONCEIVE WE CANNOT BETTER EXPRESS OURSELVES THAN BY HUMBLY SUPPLICATING THE SUPREME RULER OF THE WORLD . . . THAT THE CONFUSIONS THAT ARE AND HAVE BEEN AMONG THE NATIONS MAY BE OVERRULED BY THE PROMOTING AND SPEEDILY BRINGING IN THE HOLY AND HAPPY PERIOD WHEN THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST MAY BE EVERYWHERE ESTABLISHED, AND THE PEOPLE WILLINGLY BOW TO THE SCEPTER OF HIM WHO IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE."

 

DAILY READING : 1 CHRONICLES 9 - 11

 

TEXT : 1Ch 9:1  So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression

 

THEME : GENEALOGIES

 

Once again, as we make our way through the genealogies of Israel, I will recommend you to the words and works of Matthew Henry. In addition, the truth for today and my [short] remarks in that section remain the same.

 

1 Chronicles 9:1-13

 

The first verse looks back upon the foregoing genealogies, and tells us they were gathered out of the books of the kings of Israel and Judah, not that which we have in the canon of scripture, but another civil record, which was authentic, as the king's books with us. Mentioning Israel and Judah, the historian takes notice of their being carried away to Babylon for their transgression. Let that judgment never be forgotten, but ever be remembered, for warning to posterity to take heed of those sins that brought it upon them. Whenever we speak of any calamity that has befallen us, it is good to add this, "it was for my transgression," that God may be justified and clear when he judges. Then follows an account of the first inhabitants, after their return from captivity, that dwelt in their cities, especially in Jerusalem. 1. The Israelites. That general name is used (1Ch_9:2) because with those of Judah and Benjamin there were many of Ephraim and Manasseh, and the other ten tribes (1Ch_9:3), such as had escaped to Judah when the body of the ten tribes were carried captive or returned to Judah upon the revolutions in Assyria, and so went into captivity with them, or met them when they were in Babylon, associated with them, and so shared in the benefit of their enlargement. It was foretold that the children of Judah and of Israel should be gathered together and come up out of the land (Hos_1:11), and that they should be one nation again, Eze_37:22. Trouble drives those together that have been at variance; and the pieces of metal that had been separated will run together again when melted in the same crucible. Many both of Judah and Israel staid behind in captivity; but some of both, whose spirit God stirred up, enquired the way to Zion again. Divers are here named, and many more numbered, who were chief of the fathers (1Ch_9:9), who ought to be remembered with honour, as Israelites indeed. 2. The priests, 1Ch_9:10. It was their praise that they came with the first. Who should lead in a good work if the priests, the Lord's ministers, do not? It was the people's praise that they would not come without them; for who but the priests should keep knowledge? Who but the priests should bless them in the name of the Lord? (1.) It is said of one of them that he was the ruler of the house of God (1Ch_9:11) not the chief ruler, for Joshua was then the high priest, but the sagan, and the next under him, his deputy, who perhaps applied more diligently to the business than the high priest himself. In the house of God it is requisite that there be rulers, not to make new laws, but to take care that the laws of God be duly observed by priests as well as people. (2.) It is said of many of them that they were very able men for the service of the house of God, v. 13. In the house of God there is service to be done, constant service; and it is well for the church when those are employed in that service who are qualified for it, able ministers of the New Testament, 2Co_3:6. The service of the temple was such as required at all times, especially in this critical juncture, when they had newly come out of Babylon, great courage and vigour of mind, as well as strength of body; and therefore they are praised as mighty men of valour.

 

1 Chronicles 9:14-34

 

We have here a further account of the good posture which the affairs of religion were put into immediately upon the return of the people out of Babylon. They had smarted for their former neglect of ordinances and under the late want of ordinances. Both these considerations made them very zealous and forward in setting up the worship of God among them; so they began their worship of God at the right end. Instances hereof we have here.

 

I. Before the house of the Lord was built they had the house of the tabernacle, a plain and movable tent, which they made use of in the mean time. Those that cannot yet reach to have a temple must not be without a tabernacle, but be thankful for that and make the best of it. Never let God's work be left undone for want of a place to do it in.

 

II. In allotting to the priests and Levites their respective employments, they had an eye to the model that was drawn up by David, and Samuel the seer, 1Ch_9:22. Samuel, in his time, had drawn the scheme of it, and laid the foundation, though the ark was then in obscurity, and David afterwards finished it, and both acted by immediate direction from God. Or David, as soon as he was anointed had this matter in his mind and consulted Samuel about it, though he was then in his troubles, and the plan was formed in concert between them. This perhaps had been little regarded for many ages; but now, after a long interruption, it was revived. In dividing the work, they observed these ancient land-marks.

 

III. The most of them dwelt at Jerusalem (1Ch_9:34), yet there were some that dwelt in the villages (1Ch_9:16, 1Ch_9:22), because, it may be, there was not yet room for them in Jerusalem. However they were employed in the service of the tabernacle (1Ch_9:25): They were to come after seven days from time to time. They had their week's attendance in their turns.

 

IV. Many of the Levites were employed as porters at the gates of the house of God, four chief porters (1Ch_9:26), and, under them, others, to the number of 212, 1Ch_9:22. They had the oversight of the gates (1Ch_9:23), were keepers of the thresholds, as in the margin (1Ch_9:19), and keepers of the entry. This seemed a mean office; and yet David would rather have it than dwell in the tents of wickedness, Psa_84:10. Their office was, 1. To open the doors of God's house every morning (1Ch_9:27) and shut them at night. 2. To keep off the unclean, and hinder those from thrusting in that were forbidden by the law. 3. To direct and introduce into the courts of the Lord those that came thither to worship, and to show them where to go and what to do, that they might not incur punishment. This required care, and diligence, and constant attendance. Ministers have work to do of this kind.

 

V. Here is one Phinehas, a son of Eleazar, that is said to be a ruler over them in time past (1Ch_9:20), not the famous high priest of that name, but (as is supposed) an eminent Levite, of whom it is here said that the Lord was with him, or (as the Chaldee reads it) the Word of the Lord was his helper - the eternal Word, who is Jehovah, the mighty one on whom help is laid.

 

VI. It is said of some of them that, because the charge was upon them, they lodged round about the house of God, 1Ch_9:27. It is good for ministers to be near their work, that they may give themselves wholly to it. The Levites pitched about the tabernacle when they marched through the wilderness. Then they were porters in one sense, bearing the burdens of the sanctuary, now porters in another sense, attending the gates and the doors - in both instances keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

 

VII. Every one knew his charge. Some were entrusted with the plate, the ministering vessels, to bring them in and out by tale, 1Ch_9:28. Others were appointed to prepare the fine flour, wine, oil, etc., 1Ch_9:29. Others, that were priests, made up the holy anointing oil, 1Ch_9:30. Others took care of the meat-offerings, 1Ch_9:31. Others of the show-bread, 1Ch_9:32. As in other great houses, so in God's house, the work is likely to be done well when every one knows the duty of his place and makes a business of it. God is the God of order: but that which is every body's work will be nobody's work.

 

VIII. The singers were employed in that work day and night, 1Ch_9:33. They were the chief fathers of the Levites that made a business of it, not mean singing-men, that made a trade of it. They remained in the chambers of the temple, that they might closely and constantly attend it, and were therefore excused from all other services. It should seem, some companies were continually singing, at least at stated hours, both day and night. Thus was God continually praised, as it is fit he should be who is continually doing good. Thus devout people might, at any hour, have assistance in their devotion. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising God, Rev_4:8. Blessed are those that dwell in thy house; they will be still praising thee.

 

TRUTH FOR TODAY : GENEALOGIES PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE!

 

As previously mentioned, the genealogies of the twelve tribes of Israel provide evidence of God's inspiration of the Scriptures. Although genealogies are ignored by most who read the Bible because they find nothing of interest in the records of the Jews, nevertheless, they furnish us with this interesting observation. That is, there is no other nation on earth that has their [family] history in the hands of almost every nation on earth. Again, though not of interest to the average reader, the genealogies of Israel are unique in that respect. It is a permanent register of the Jews pedigree that would lend credibility to an eschatology such as ours that believes Israel will be restored again at the Coming of the Messiah. Therefore, genealogies, though neglected by most, will be of inestimable value in the days to come. Moreover, the lineage, ancestry, and history of the Jewish people is protected not only by Jewish scribes, but by the Church as well, since the Bible is an inspired record, defended, and protected by millions of adherents to both Christianity and Judaism.

 

1 Chronicles 10:1-7

 

This account of Saul's death is the same with that which we had, 1Sa_31:1, etc. We need not repeat the exposition of it. Only let us observe, 1. Princes sin and the people suffer for it. It was a bad time with Israel when they fled before the Philistines and fell down slain (1Ch_10:1), when they quitted their cities, and the Philistines came and dwelt in them, 1Ch_10:7. We do not find that they were at this time guilty of idolatry, as they had been before, in the days of the judges, and were afterwards, in the days of the kings. Samuel had reformed them, and they were reformed: and yet they are thus given to the spoil and to the robbers. No doubt there was enough in them to deserve this judgment; but that which divine Justice had chiefly an eye to was the sin of Saul. Note, Princes and great men should in a special manner take heed of provoking God's wrath; for, if they kindle that fire, they know not how many may be consumed by it for their sakes. 2. Parents sin and the children suffer for it. When the measure of Saul's iniquity was full, and his day came to fall (which David foresaw, 1Sa_26:10), he not only descended into battle and perished himself, but his sons (all but Ishbosheth) perished with him, and Jonathan among the rest, that gracious, generous man; for all things come alike to all. Thus was the iniquity of the fathers visited upon the children, and they fell as parts of the condemned father. Note, Those that love their seed must leave their sins, lest they perish not alone in their iniquity, but bring ruin on their families with themselves, or entail a curse upon them when they are gone. 3. Sinners sin and at length suffer for it themselves, though they be long reprieved; for, although sentence be not executed speedily, it will be executed. It was so upon Saul; and the manner of his fall was such as, in various particulars, answered to his sin. (1.) He had thrown a javelin more than once at David, and missed him; but the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. (2.) He had commanded Doeg to slay the priests of the Lord; and now, in despair, he commands his armour-bearer to draw his sword and thrust him through. (3.) He had disobeyed the command of God in not destroying the Amalekites, and his armour-bearer disobeys him in not destroying him. (4.) He that was the murderer of the priests is justly left to himself to be his own murderer; and his family is cut off who cut off the city of the priests. See, and say, The Lord is righteous.

 

1 Chronicles 10:8-14

 

Here, I. From the triumph of the Philistines over the body of Saul we may learn, 1. That the greater dignity men are advanced to the greater disgrace they are in danger of falling into. Saul's dead body, because he was king, was abused more than any other of the slain. Advancement makes men a mark for malice. 2. That, if we give not to God the glory of our successes, even the Philistines will rise up in judgment against us and condemn us; for, when they had obtained a victory over Saul, they sent tidings to their idols - poor idols, that knew not what was done a few miles off till the tidings were brought to them, nor then either! They also put Saul's armour in the house of their gods, 1Ch_10:10. Shall Dagon have so honourable a share in their triumphs and the true and living God be forgotten in ours?

 

II. From the triumph of the men of Jabesh-Gilead in the rescue of the bodies of Saul and his sons we learn that there is a respect due to the remains of the deceased, especially of deceased princes. We are not to enquire concerning the eternal state; that must be left to God: but we must treat the dead body as those who remember it has been united to an immortal soul and must be so again.

 

III. From the triumphs of divine Justice in the ruin of Saul we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner or later: Saul died for his transgression. 2. That no man's greatness can exempt him from the judgments of God. 3. Disobedience is a killing thing. Saul died for not keeping the word of the Lord, by which he was ordered to destroy the Amalekites. 4. Consulting with witches is a sin that fills the measure of iniquity as soon as any thing. Saul enquired of one that had a familiar spirit, and enquired not of the Lord, therefore he slew him, 1Ch_10:13, 1Ch_10:14. Saul slew himself, and yet it is said, God slew him. What is done by wicked hands is yet done by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Those that abandon themselves to the devil shall be abandoned to him; so shall their doom be. It is said (1Sa_28:6) that Saul did enquire of the Lord and he answered him not: but here it is said, Saul did not enquire of God; for he did not till he was brought to the last extremity, and then it was too late.

 

1 Chronicles 11:1-9

 

David is here brought to the possession.

 

I. Of the throne of Israel, after he had reigned seven years in Hebron, over Judah only. In consideration of his relation to them (1Ch_11:1), his former good services, and especially the divine designation (1Ch_11:2), they anointed him their king: he covenanted to protect them, and they to bear faith and true allegiance to him, 1Ch_11:3. Observe, 1. God's counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way. If God had said, David shall rule, it is in vain to oppose it. 2. Men that have long stood in their own light, when they have long wearied themselves with their lying vanities, it is to be hoped, will understand the things that belong to their peace and return to their own mercies. 3. Between prince and people there is an original contract, which both ought religiously to observe. If ever any prince might have claimed an absolute despotic power, David might, and might as safely as any have been entrusted with it; and yet he made a covenant with the people, took the coronation-oath, to rule by law.

 

II. Of the strong-hold of Zion, which was held by the Jebusites till David's time. Whether David had a particular eye upon it as a place fit to make a royal city, or whether he had a promise of it from God, it seems that one of his first exploits was to make himself master of that fort; and, when he had it, he called it the city of David, 1Ch_11:7. To this reference is had, Psa_2:6. I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. See here what quickens and engages resolution in great undertakings. 1. Opposition. When the Jebusites set David at defiance, and said, Thou shalt not come hither. he resolved to force it, whatever it cost him. 2. Prospect of preferment. When David proposed to give the general's place to him that would lead the attack upon the castle of Zion, Joab was fired with the proposal, and he went up first, and was chief. It has been said, "Take away honour out of the soldier's eye and you cut off the spurs from his heels."

 

1 Chronicles 11:10-47

 

We have here an account of David's worthies, the great men of his time that served him and were preferred by him. The first edition of this catalogue we had, 2Sa_23:8, etc. This is much the same, only that those named here from 1Ch_11:41 to the end are added. Observe,

 

I. The connexion of this catalogue with that which is said concerning David, 1Ch_11:9. 1. David waxed greater and greater, and these were his mighty men. Much of the strength and honour of great men is borrowed from their servants and depends upon them, which cannot but somewhat diminish pomp and power in the opinion of those that are wise. David is great because he has great men about him; take these away, and he is where he was. 2. The Lord of hosts was with him, and these were the mighty men which he had. God was with him and wrought for him, but by men and means and the use of second causes. By this it appeared that God was with him, that he inclined the hearts of those to come over to him that were able to serve his interest. As, if God be for us none can be against us, so, if God be for us, all shall be for us that we have occasion for. Yet David ascribed his success and increase, not to the hosts he had, but to the Lord of hosts, not to the mighty men that were with him, but to the mighty God whose presence with us is all in all.

 

II. The title of this catalogue (1Ch_11:10): These are the men who strengthened themselves with him. In strengthening him they strengthened themselves and their own interest; for his advancement was theirs. What we do in our places for the support of the kingdom of the Son of David we shall be gainers by. In strengthening it we strengthen ourselves. It may be read, They held strongly with him and with all Israel. Note, When God has work to do he will not want fit instruments to do it with. If it be work that requires mighty men, mighty men shall either be found or made to effect it, according to the word of the Lord.

 

III. That which made all these men honourable was the good service that they did to their king and country; they helped to make David king (1Ch_11:10) - a good work. They slew the Philistines, and other public enemies, and were instrumental to save Israel. Note, The way to be great is to do good. Nor did they gain this honour without labour and the hazard of their lives. The honours of Christ's kingdom are prepared for those that fight the good fight of faith, that labour and suffer, and are willing to venture all, even life itself, for Christ and a good conscience. It is by a patient continuance in well-doing that we must seek for glory, and honour, and immortality; and those that are faithful to the Son of David shall find their names registered and enrolled much more to their honour than these are in the records of fame.

 

IV. Among all the great exploits of David's mighty men, here is nothing great mentioned concerning David himself but his pouring out water before the Lord which he had longed for, 1Ch_11:18, 1Ch_11:19. Four very honourable dispositions of David appeared in that action, which, for aught I know, made it as great as any of the achievements of those worthies. 1. Repentance for his own weakness. It is really an honour to a man, when he is made sensible that he has said or done any thing unadvisedly, to unsay it and undo it again by repentance, as it is a shame to a man when he has said or done amiss to stand to it. 2. Denial of his own appetite. He longed for the water of the well of Bethlehem; but, when he had it, he would not drink it, because he would not so far humour himself and gratify a foolish fancy. He that has such a rule as this over his own spirit is better than the mighty. It is an honour to a man to have the command of himself; but he that will command himself must sometimes cross himself. 3. Devotion towards God. That water which he thought too good, too precious, for his own drinking, he poured out to the Lord for a drink offering. If we have any thing better than another, let God be honoured with it, who is the best, and should have the best. 4. Tenderness of his servants. It put him into the greatest confusion imaginable to think that three brave men should hazard their lives to fetch water for him. In his account it turns the water into blood. It is the honour of great men not to be prodigal of the blood of those they employ, but, in all the commands they give them, to put their own souls into their souls' stead.

 

V. In the wonderful achievements of these heroes the power of God must be acknowledged. How could one slay 300 and another the same number (1Ch_11:11, 1Ch_11:20), another two lion-like men (1Ch_11:22), and another an Egyptian giant (1Ch_11:23), if they had not had the extraordinary presence of God with them, according to that promise, Jos_23:10, One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God fighteth for you?

 

VI. One of these worthies is said to be an Ammonite (1Ch_11:39), another a Moabite (1Ch_11:46), and yet the law was that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the congregation of the Lord, Deu_23:3. These, it is likely, had approved themselves so hearty for the interest of Israel that in their case it was thought fit to dispense with that law, and the rather because it was an indication that the Son of David would have worthies among the Gentiles: with him there is neither Greek nor Jew.