DBG - May 10 - I Chronicles 11-12

In this chapter David is made king and his mighty men are assembled.

vs. 1-3 – This parallels II Samuel 5:1-3.  The Chronicles account begins with the establishment of David on the throne of all of Israel, basically jumping into the Samuel/Kings account at II Samuel 5. With the story of David and his heirs, so little attention is paid to the story leading up to this moment.

vs. 4-9 – This parallels II Samuel 5:6-9 Jerusalem is taken by David. Joab is made chief general for his assault and capture of the fortified hill of Zion.

vs. 10-47 - This parallels II Samuel 23:8-39.  The roster of David’s mighty men appears here at the beginning of the account, instead of at the end of the Samuel/Kings account. There are sixteen additional names here.

In this chapter the many men that aided David in his rise are acknowledged. 

vs. 1-7 – This parallels I Samuel 27:5-7.  These men of Saul’s own tribe defected to David during the final months of his time running from Saul. These men are noted for being highly skilled – ambidextrous! – warriors. The inclusion of these Benjaminite warriors seems to illustrate the acceptance of David from beyond his own tribe. It also provides a link between Saul’s tribe and David.

vs. 8-22 – This parallels I Samuel 29:11.  A roster of Gadite warriors is given, as well as mention of the arrival of those from Judah, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Note the Spirit-led words of Amasai in vs. 18. God was strengthening David by reinforcing his band with the best warriors in Israel.

vs. 23-40 - The combined forces of the tribes gathered to proclaim David king. The total was 339,600 warriors and 1,222 chiefs. The celebration feast of David’s coronation lasted for three days.

The 17th century poet John Donne famously wrote, “No man is an island entire of itself”.  David did not single-handedly build a great kingdom.  He had many remarkable people around him.  One of the great keys to his success was being able to utilize these effectively.  I think it is the same with Christians.  God never intended for Christians to be alone.  We are to be part of local church, where God brings remarkable people together to work in harmony for the glory of God. 

Since so much of the reading today speaks about the military that served under David, our hymn today has a military theme.  “In The Ranks” was written by Elisha Hoffman and calls us to join the ranks of Christians in the service of Christ.

1 In the ranks of Christ we stand
With the Savior’s noble band,
Joining with them hand in hand
To defend the truth and right
Touched by holy heavenly love,
“In His name” we forward move.
Praying to our God above
To aid us with His might.

Refrain:
In the ranks of Christ we stand
With the Savior’s noble band,
Joining with them hand in hand
To defend the truth and right!

2 To the homes of want and woe,
To the weary here below,
Some in Jesus’ name must go,
Thinking not of wealth or fame;
There for Jesus they must stand,
Lending all a “helping hand,”
Thus fulfilling Christ’s command,
The gospel to proclaim. [Refrain]

3 O the blessed Lord of light,
From yon palaces of white
Giving courage in the fight
To the soldiers true and brave.
We will serve Him here below,
“In His name” still forward go,
Till the world His love shall know,
And Jesus’ power to save. [Refrain]