It’s time! The different seasons in life may mean you are a Bible study leader at one point or a member. A choir director or a soprano. A guard or a tourist. David knew the successor to his kingship and that it was time to pass it on.
So far, in the Old Testament, the firstborn is a highlighted familial pattern. Yet, oftentimes God does not call the one we think most likely. I just heard a sermon that said God often chooses one from among you; as in, the one you would not expect, a common person, a neighbor if you will. He raises him up and provides him with the ability to do what He called him to. Again, oftentimes, these people are not already skilled in the area they are called to but need to rely on God for that (or a person God chooses to guide them); please don’t think that a coincidence.
It’s never too late to start….
Different roles…
I often think of David as a go-getter personality. He was sharp, forward-thinking, and a doer. He knew his role and did it well.
In the prior 7 chapters, it is shown that David’s role was to be a prepper. He fought the wars to establish the Promised Land which, in turn, provided a lot of the gold and materials for the temple to be built. Not to mention, he also had the plans ready to go (through God’s direction) for Solomon.
For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death.
1 Chronicles 22:5
From spoil won in battles they dedicated gifts for the maintenance of the house of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 26:27
In this set of chapters, it is also clear that David prepared the people and their hearts for serving in the temple. Chapters 23-26 formulate his forward-thinking mindset as he separates out Levitical roles, individuals, and duties for when the temple would be built. See, David had an incredible love for the Lord and wanted what was best for Him, even to the point of completing all of the prep work for his son to build the temple. He made it as easy as possible for Solomon to complete it.
The person, not the position…
While the firstborn was heralded throughout Israel, we see a different shift taking place in the wording here that brings about a different aspect. A greater focus is given now to the heart of the person rather than their position in the family. This shift starts with the Levitical assignments; most of these assignments were not given by rank, but equally divided.
They divided them by lot, all alike, for there were sacred officers and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar. And the scribe Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded them in the presence of the king and the princes and Zadok the priest and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests and of the Levites, one father’s house being chosen for Eleazar and one chosen for Ithamar.
These were the sons of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses. These also, the head of each father’s house and his younger brother alike, cast lots, just as their brothers the sons of Aaron, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of fathers’ houses of the priests and of the Levites.
1 Chronicles 24:5-6,30b-31, emphasis added
The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful, was 288. And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike.
1 Chronicles 25:7-8, emphasis added
Also to his son Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers’ houses, for they were men of great ability.
And Hosah, of the sons of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief)[.]
And they cast lots by fathers’ houses, small and great alike, for their gates.
1 Chronicles 26:6,10,13, emphasis added
The Chronicler, while providing historical records, really does his job well in getting us to look at the hearts of people. He does a great job here of shifting from the firstborn mindset held by the Israelites into a more specific relationship where the Levites are treated equally in service to God. It is not a hierarchical structure.
Chosen…
David then leads the charge to inform all of Israel what the plan is. He shares:
- that he wanted to build the temple but God said no,
- how God chose him as king,
- then how God chose Solomon to serve after him,
- how Solomon should prepare his mindset and heart,
- his plans preparation for the temple,
- how the goods and storehouses are filled with items for the temple,
- the instructions for the priests and Levites,
- specific weights for the items in the temple,
- a note of encouragement to be strong and courageous, and
- a directive to complete the mission.
What is really interesting to note, is that the leaders were chosen. If you have been around Christianity for awhile, you will likely have heard and know that it is through the line of Judah that Jesus would come.
Yet, when we think that through, Judah was not the firstborn. Neither was David. And neither was Solomon. There was a shift taking place that assumptions of status were not a necessary appointment (for kingship or otherwise).
Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me from all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father’s house, and among my father’s sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. He said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules, as he is today.’
1 Chronicles 28:4-7
So, too, our place within a specific family does not automatically mean we are chosen. The Chronicler shifts from the typical Israelite mindset, to the equality of those serving the Lord, to those specifically chosen by God. He masterfully guides the reader to see the heart of the matter: the person, not the position.
Imago dei…
The shift he takes us through is similar to the Christian walk. A person who just starts going to church may enter with a mindset that their worth is determined by their position in life. When they join a church, it is seen that all are to be treated equally as children of God. But after entering into a relationship with God, they recognize that each person is chosen by Him.
Apply this to your own life. You are not defined by your spouse, kids, parents, or siblings. You are not defined by the home you live in. You are not defined by your job or income level. You are an individual, made in God’s image. Imago dei. He not only created you (hair color, skin color, height, shoe size, etc.), but once a Christian, it means He also chose you!
God chose you, that is your worth, your value. Rest it in Him. All other placeholders for where you garner value will disappoint you because they are worldly at best, sinful at worst. The Bible warns Christians often to be careful and be on guard, your value and where you find it often directly correlates to your idols.
Time to pass it on…
David rested his value in the Lord. It was why he did everything possible to help his son complete his mission. His idol was not in making a name for himself by building a temple and he accepted the fact that his son would perform that task.
You may find yourself questioning your role in life. If you are a parent, the first role God gives is to raise your children in the Lord. While it may seem cumbersome, droll, unimportant, or overwhelming, consider it from a Davidic perspective. You are preparing your children for success. Not worldly success, but Biblical success. Read the Bible with them so they know it and aren’t just learning about it, encourage them to not just know the Lord but have a relationship with Him, guide their hearts to right thinking. With a David mindset, your role is of UPMOST importance. Focus on them as a person. We should want, as parents, to send our kids into the world with a foundation that will lead them to Biblical success.
This translates into all areas of life: your spouse, friends, job, etc. Have a David mindset to pass it on and pass it on well. Focus on the people, their hearts, and not their positions.
Last Week
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I have no greater joy than my children ‘s faith filled lives. All of grace.
Makes me smile for you!!
With so much emphasis on external factors in our culture, more and more we must embrace our identity as children of God!