Chronicles was written after Israel’s return from exile. However, the content of the book covers the period that is recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. The author of Chronicles emphasizes the coming messiah through the line of David and the temple where the presence of God dwells. This is a hopeful reminder of all the LORD has done and will do for His people. Last week we saw the downfall of the first king of Israel, Saul, due to his disobedience to follow the words of the LORD. The kingdom is given to David, who is described as “better”. For example, David brings the Ark of the Covenant back into the center of worship for Israel. The Big Picture remains that God is holy, and God is gracious. Behind the challenges and successes, God’s steady hand guides the people into a relationship with God who speaks. David and specifically Uzzah, will learn the price of forgetting the word of the LORD. The foreigner, Obed-edom the Gittite, will be an example of God’s gracious presence available to all people.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 27
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of 1 Chronicles or 2 Samuel, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Exodus 25:13-15. Exodus 37:4-5. Read Numbers 4:5,15. What was God’s instruction concerning the holy things set apart for worship at the Tabernacle?
Read 1 Chronicles 15:12-15. What was the reason Uzzah died? Read 1 Chronicles 13:11-13. What was David’s response to the death of Uzzah by God?
Read 1 Chronicles 13:13-14. What did God do on behalf of the foreigner’s household? What does this help David understand about God’s law and God’s grace?
Read 1 Chronicles 15:26-1 and 1 Chronicles 16:2. What was David’s response after understanding God’s holiness and grace?
Read 1 Chronicles 17:7-15. What did God promise to do for David and his heirs? Read 1 Chronicles 17:16-22. Pick out the ways David praises the Lord’s greatness in contrast with his own smallness.
SHARE IT.
How has the story in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles been shocking so far, or have you noticed something in the text you previously had not?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the reading this week? Has anything reminded you of scripture in the New Testament?
How do you respond to disappointment, in yourself and in others? What from the readings this week helped you when dealing with disappointment? Who do you know is dissapointed in themselves right now that you could encourage?
Read 1 Chronicles 17:11-14. Read this concerning Solomon, but more importantly Jesus. How would this change how you go throughout your day to know Jesus’ kingdom is established forever? How does this impact how you view yourself and your neighbor?
Read 1 Chronicles 17:25. Read John 14:1-3. What was David’s reasoning behind having courage to pray to the LORD? Matthew 6:7-13. What concerns do you need to bring to the LORD today, and are you willing to yield to whatever God allows? (Remember how to P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield)
FINAL THOUGHT
David learned a very important lesson: God is holy. David was celebrating bringing the Ark, and then Uzzah was struck dead by touching the Ark. Uzzah died because of not following the LORD’s command in regards to the Ark. The Ark was the place God’s spirit dwelled. No unholy thing could be in God’s presence. The reality of God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness would have been lost if Uzzah was allowed to live. David reacted with fear and anger by giving the Ark to a foreigner for safe-keeping. God is gracious. God blesses the foreigner who keeps the Ark. David goes back to God’s commands to understand how to be in relationship with the Holy God. David again celebrates, however this time as God commanded, with worship the whole way. There is a tension between God’s holiness and God’s grace that is resolved only in Jesus. One of the thieves on the cross taunted Jesus to demonstrate His power, by removing himself off the cross to save himself. Jesus was obedient even unto death. The salvation of man would have been lost if Jesus was allowed to live. Jesus took the punishment that we deserve, like Uzzah, in order that we could live. We celebrate today that God is with us because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. See God’s holiness today. See God’s graciousness to you today. Celebrate the LORD Jesus today.
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