INTERESTING FACTS : JOHN HART, JUDGE; LEGISLATOR; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION

 

"THANKS BE GIVEN UNTO ALMIGHTY GOD THEREFORE, AND KNOWING THAT IT IS APPOINTED FOR ALL MEN ONCE TO DIE AND AFTER THAT THE JUDGMENT [HEBREWS 9:27] . . . PRINCIPALLY, I GIVE AND RECOMMEND MY SOUL INTO THE HANDS OF ALMIGHTY GOD WHO GAVE IT AND MY BODY TO THE EARTH TO BE BURIED IN A DECENT AND CHRISTIAN LIKE MANNER . . . TO RECEIVE THE SAME AGAIN AT THE GENERAL RESURRECTION BY THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD."

 

DAILY READING : 1 CHRONICLES 25 - 27

 

TEXT : 1Ch 27:23  But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens. 1Ch 27:24  Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.

 

THEME : FAITH

 

The ordination of singing and playing of music to the Lord figured prominently during the time of David, Though the "prophesying" was merely as we have it today - the singing of sacred music from the Word of God or from the hearts of men who wrote [such as David did] spiritual songs to glorify God.

 

Matthew Henry elaborates.

 

Observe, I. Singing the praises of God is here called prophesying (1Ch_25:1-3), not that all those who were employed in this service were honoured with the visions of God, or could foretel things to come. Heman indeed is said to be the king's seer in the words of God (1Ch_25:5); but the psalms they sang were composed by the prophets, and many of them were prophetical; and the edification of the church was intended in it, as well as the glory of God. In Samuel's time singing the praises of God went by the name of prophesying (1Sa_10:5; 1Sa_19:20), and perhaps that is intended in what St. Paul calls prophesying, 1Co_11:4; 1Co_14:24.

 

II. This is here called a service, and the persons employed in it workmen, 1Ch_25:1. Not but that it is the greatest liberty and pleasure to be employed in praising God: what is heaven but that? But it intimates that it is our duty to make a business of it, and stir up all that is within us to it; and that, in our present state of corruption and infirmity, it will not be done as it should be done without labour and struggle. We must take pains with our hearts to bring them, and keep them, to this work, and to engage all that is within us.

 

III. Here were, in compliance with the temper of that dispensation, a great variety of musical instruments used, harps, psalteries, cymbals (1Ch_25:1, 1Ch_25:6), and here was one that lifted up the horn (1Ch_25:5), that is, used wind-music. The bringing of such concerts of music into the worship of God now is what none pretend to. But those who use such concerts for their own entertainment should feel themselves obliged to preserve them always free from any thing that savours of immorality or profaneness, by this consideration, that time was when they were sacred; and then those were justly condemned who brought them into common use, Amo_6:5. They invented to themselves instruments of music like David.

 

IV. The glory and honour of God were principally intended in all this temple-music, whether vocal or instrumental. It was to give thanks, and praise the Lord, that the singers were employed, 1Ch_25:3. It was in the songs of the Lord that they were instructed (1Ch_25:7), that is, for songs in the house of the Lord, 1Ch_25:6. This agrees with the intention of the perpetuating of psalmody in the gospel-church, which is to make melody with the heart, in conjunction with the voice, unto the Lord, Eph_5:19.

 

V. The order of the king is likewise taken notice of, 1Ch_25:2 and again 1Ch_25:6. In those matters indeed David acted as a prophet; but his taking care for the due and regular observance of divine institutions, both ancient and modern, is an example to all in authority to use their power for the promoting of religion, and the enforcing of the laws of Christ. Let them thus be ministers of God for good.

 

VI. The fathers presided in this service, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun (1Ch_25:1), and the children were under the hands of their father, 1Ch_25:2, 1Ch_25:3, 1Ch_25:6. This gives a good example to parents to train up their children, and indeed to all seniors to instruct their juniors in the service of God, and particularly in praising him, than which there is no part of our work more necessary or more worthy to be transmitted to the succeeding generations. It gives also an example to the younger to submit themselves to the elder (whose experience and observation fit them for direction), and, as far as may be, to do what they do under their hand. It is probable that Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun, were bred up under Samuel, and had their education in the schools of the prophets which he was the founder and president of; then they were pupils, now they came to be masters. Those that would be eminent must begin early, and take time to prepare themselves. This good work of singing God's praises Samuel revived, and set on foot, but lived not to see it brought to the perfection it appears in here. Solomon perfects what David began, so David perfects what Samuel began. Let all, in their day, do what they can for God and his church, though they cannot carry it so far as they would; when they are gone God can out of stones raise up others who shall build upon their foundation and bring forth the top-stone.

 

VII. There were others also, besides the sons of these three great men, who are called their brethren (probably because they had been wont to join with them in their private concerts), who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, and were cunning or well skilled therein, 1Ch_25:7. They were all Levites and were in number 288. Now, 1. These were a good number, and a competent number to keep up the service in the house of God; for they were all skilful in the work to which they were called. When David the king was so much addicted to divine poesy and music many others, all that had a genius for it, applied their studies and endeavours that way. Those do religion a great deal of good service that bring the exercises of devotion into reputation. 2. Yet these were but a small number in comparison with the 4000 whom David appointed thus to praise the Lord, 1Ch_23:5. Where were all the rest when only 288, and those but by twelve in a course, were separated to this service? It is probable that all the rest were divided into as many courses, and were to follow as these led. Or, perhaps, these were for songs in the house of the Lord (1Ch_25:6), with whom any that worshipped in the courts of that house might join; and the rest were disposed of, all the kingdom over, to preside in the country congregations, in this good work: for, though the sacrifices instituted by the hand of Moses might be offered but at one place, the psalms penned by David might be sung every where, 1Ti_2:8.

 

TRUTH FOR TODAY : "WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE REWARDS OF KEEPING AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF BREAKING GOD'S COMMANDS!

 

At times, wedged in between the genealogies, we find words of wisdom, warning, exhortation, or edification for ourselves. Such we have in verses 23 - 24 in 1st Chronicles 27. Here we learn a few things to consider.

 

The Bible tells us two things concerning David's numbering of Israel. First, we read it was Satan that moved David to number Israel. 1Ch 21:1  "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." Then, we read it was God. 2Sa 24:1  "And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah."

 

Now, here we gain a great deal of wisdom. In passages like these, critics of the Bible rejoice since they believe they have found irrefutable evidence of an irrevocable contradiction. If that were true, God could not be the Author of the Bible since God cannot contradict Himself. The Law of Non-contradiction, the foundation of [all] correct reasoning according to Aristotle, would be violated. However, for the student of the Bible, we found a deeper insight into the Word of God, the nature of God, the activity and purpose of Satan, and the responsibility of man.

 

As we compare Scripture with Scripture - the Bible being a self-interpretive Book, we learn that Satan is permitted by God to tempt, as He tests His people. For instance, with Job we learn -

 

Job 1:6  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Job 1:7  And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. Job 1:8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Job 1:9  Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Job 1:10  Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. Job 1:11  But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. Job 1:12  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

 

In Job's case, Satan asks for permission and God grants it. However, we know God was held responsible by Job as the author of His sufferings. Further, in the end, God teaches Job many lessons about His nature. Though mysterious, we see a relationship between God and Satan where Satan is permitted to perform evil, which in the end works good. Thus, both Scriptures are accurate and truthful and not at all contradictory but rather complimentary. In other words, both Scriptures tell the "whole story."

 

We have another example of a similar nature. It is the account of Ahab's death.

 

1Ki 22:20  And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. 1Ki 22:21  And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. 1Ki 22:22  And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

 

Again, although arcane and hard to comprehend fully, nevertheless we see God in consultation with spirit beings and granting permission to deceive Ahab through false prophets. Ultimately, Ahab died in this battle.

 

Thus, as we compare Scripture with Scripture we draw reasoned, coherent, and intelligible conclusions  concerning God and Man. When David numbered Israel, it says he did  not number those under twenty years of age. The reason more than likely, is that he was merely interested in those [men] who were able to go to war.

 

Still, the principle of Genesis 28:14  that says - "And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." It would also violate Genesis 32:12 - "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude." Thus, the leaders of Israel were forbidden to [arbitrarily] number the people for in so doing it would be a breach of faith. That is, specifically, God said the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be so many you could not number them. Thus, in this instance, David did not act in faith and brought judgment on the people.

 

We must come to realize and employ the law of faith that states that if we obey God, we reap the benefits, and if we disobey God, we receive the consequences. The word "consequence" is interesting in that  it has its origin in Middle English: via Old French from Latin consequentia, from consequent-, consequi ‘follow closely'. [Oxford English Dictionary] Hence, rewards or consequences "follow closely" the life of faith or its counterpart disobedience. Remember, doing is the sign of true faith, not hearing [only].

 

Rom_2:13  (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

 

Jas_1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.