1 Chronicles 27 & 28: The Captain
Verse of the Day: (27:1) Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.
1. Captain (27:1-22)
Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah: (27:16)
God’s ministry is a very personal and protective one as He through King David appointed 12 captains by their names to be in charge of 24,000 soldiers on a monthly rotational basis to protect Israel from their enemies. David also appointed rulers by their names to rule the respective tribes of Israel. Today, national security is of utmost importance after the world had experienced 2 World Wars that resulted in the loss of millions of lives. Indeed, let us believe in Jesus, the Son of God, as He is coming soon to judge the world, and this time, He shall not destroy it by the great flood, but by a great fire. (2 Peter 3:9-10)
2. Counsellor (27:23-34)
And Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion: (27:33)
Beside national defence, the next important ministry of Israel, was the welfare and survival of the people. God through David appointed counsellors and treasurers for Israel so that they could lead and provide for them. David also appointed Ahithophel as his personal counsellor, and Hushai as his companion, as two are better than one, because when one falls, the other will lift him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) However, Jesus, the Son of God, is our best Counsellor and Friend, as He is our Saviour. Let us thus seek God and His Word in our daily life because He shall never fail or forsake us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
3. Courage (28:1-21)
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. (28:20)
David was now in the last chapter of his life as he prepared for Solomon, his son, whom God had appointed him to be his successor, and also to build His house. God told David that he could only prepare the architectural design and materials, because he was a man of war and had shed much blood. David gladly accepted God’s will, and even encouraged Solomon to be strong and courageous, and to finish God’s work for His glory. Indeed, he was thankful to God for forgiving his sins, and saving his wretched soul. (Psalms 51)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I shall not fear as You are my Captain for all eternity.
