DBG - May 15 - I Chronicles 26-27

In this chapter are listed further Temple and government officials.

vs. 1-19 – These porters are sometimes referred to as gatekeepers or doorkeepers. Gill writes of them as “whose business it was to open and shut the doors of the temple, to keep all impure and improper persons from entering into it, or any of the vessels being carried out of it, and to prevent tumults and riots about it”. Note in vs. 4 the return of Obededom, who had faithfully cared for the Ark before it was brought to Jerusalem. His faithful service was rewarded with his family being given these duties in the Temple.

vs. 20-32 – We note the work of the treasurers, who managed the wealth of the Temple.  In vs. 26 it is noted that these include the spoils of battles under Samuel, Saul, Abner and Joab.  With what David was able to add the Temple project was largely funded.

In this chapter we see the the army and tribal leaders under David.

vs. 1-15 – The total size of the army was 288,000 men.  These were divided into 12 corps, each serving 1 month of active duty.  This ensured a core of trained veterans were always ready if battle came.  More men could be mustered if needed.  The days of simply using whoever answered the call with whatever armament they possessed were coming to close.  The days of large standing armies is bout to begin.

vs. 16-22 – Two tribes are omitted: Asher and Gad. Manasseh has two princes, one for each side of Jordan. Gill speculates: “perhaps he that was prince of the tribe of Reuben, or else of the half tribe of Manasseh beyond Jordan, was ruler of Gad and Asher; these lying between Zebulun and Naphtali, might be under the prince of one of them.”

vs. 23-24 – This section opens with a comment about the details of David’s census not being finished or recorded. The remaining offices show the extent of David’s prosperity and organization.

I am thankful that God takes notice of those faithful servants who may not be great leaders or famous persons.  So many people have faithfully served and are forgotten to history.  But they are not forgotten by God. 

In this section of I Chronicles there is great importance placed on the offices and responsibilities that faithful men were entrusted with.  I am reminded of “Little is Much”, written by Kittie L. Suffield in 1924.  It reminds us that our faithfulness, even in the most menial of tasks, is known and rewarded by God.

1. In the harvest field now ripened
There’s a work for all to do;
Hark! the voice of God is calling
To the harvest calling you.

Refrain
Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown—and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ name.

2. In the mad rush of the broad way,
In the hurry and the strife,
Tell of Jesus’ love and mercy,
Give to them the Word of Life.

3. Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem too small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own.

4. Are you laid aside from service,
Body worn from toil and care?
You can still be in the battle,
In the sacred place of prayer.

5. When the conflict here is ended
And our race on earth is run,
He will say, if we are faithful,
Welcome home, My child—well done!