Year 1, Week 33, Day 5 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 33, Day 5

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of 1 Chronicles 1; Psalm 19; 21.

Today’s reading covers a genealogical survey back of humanity, but also includes a couple of Davidic Psalms that are pertinent to David’s kingship. 1 Chronicles 1 lists at least 160 names, starting with Adam, continuing to Abraham, and ending with the Edomites, who are descendants from Esau, who was a grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother to Jacob. 1 Chronicles 2 will focus on Jacob or Israel’s descendants with a special emphasis upon David, but today’s reading underscores the connection that the Israelites have with the other nations through Adam and Abraham. Psalm 19 explores the universal revelation that God displays to all people everywhere; but also includes the special revelation that is God’s Word. It is the special revelation of God’s Word that would be crucial for David to use as he leads Israel. Psalm 21 expresses David’s glad gratitude for the victory that the LORD has given to him in enabling him to be Israel’s king.

On of the things that struck me from today’s reading, particularly in the three passages that we read together, is the LORD hand upon David, to not just lead Israel, but to show God’s character to the world: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3). David could trace his origin all the way back to Adam; so could everyone else. While the LORD had a special purpose for Israel, and thus David, the LORD’s plans entail more than David and Israel. While they are living in a special covenant with the LORD, David and Israel would need to grasp an awareness of all nations. The Covenant with Abraham was much bigger than merely Abraham: “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3). We will soon see a special covenant with David and when we do, we will learn that it has global dimensions as well. Thus, as Psalm 19 teaches us, God has revealed himself—in a generalized and most universal way to everyone, everywhere.

But David and Israel would also be a means to show the other nations something vital about the LORD. They would need to know God’s special revelation—the Scriptures—so that they would trust and obey the LORD for everyone else, everywhere else to see. Much like the assignment given to Israel at Mt. Sinai: “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:4-6). Starting with David (see Deuteronomy 17:18-20), all of Israel would need the Word. Thus, Psalm 19, concerning God’s Word, explores six different descriptions, six specific characteristics, four particular things that it changes, and six different things that it accomplishes: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9). Having detailed what the Word is and what it does, David expressed the only proper response to the Word: “More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11). With the Word working in his life, David prayed: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

David’s commitment to the Word is rooted in what the LORD had done for him: “O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults! You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.” (Psalm 21:1-2). David knows that he is on the throne because of what the LORD has done for him. David knows that he is dependent upon the LORD: "For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved” (Psalm 21:7). The undertaking that David has been assigned is for the sake of Israel but also to be a witness before the nations: “Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out those who hate you…You will destroy their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from among the children of man” (Psalm 21:8-10). David embraced his role with grateful praise: “Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power” (Psalm 21:13).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe