2 Chronicles 1 & 2: Wonderful And Great
Verse of the Day: (2:9) Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great.

1. Wisdom (1:1-17)
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? (1:10)

Solomon became the king of Israel after David, his father, went to be with God. God was with Solomon, and one night He appeared before him and asked him what he required of Him. Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule and judge the people in his vast kingdom that his father had left him. God immediately gave wisdom to Solomon as He was pleased with his request as he did not ask for riches or the lives of his enemies or longevity. Indeed, let us pray to God for wisdom, which is to fear Him, and keep His commandments, because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)

2. Wonderful (2:1-16)
And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me. (2:3)

Wise Solomon hired the skilful men of King Huram of Tyre, who had earlier dealt with his father in the construction of the latter’s house. Solomon also asked Huram to supply him with abundance of timber from Tyre for the construction of the mammoth building project beside those materials that his father had prepared for him. Solomon sourced out the best materials as well as hired the best people from overseas so that God’s house shall be wonderful and great not only in Israel but throughout the entire world. Indeed, as believers of God, let us do our best, be it our study, sports, career, or ministry, as there shall be no more earthly activities the day we die, but we shall serve and worship God in our heavenly activities when we all get to heaven, the home of God. (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10)

3. Work (2:17-18)
And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work. (2:18)

Beside the people in Israel, Solomon hired thousands of foreign workers to supervise and work for his building project. He was determined not only to complete the construction of God’s house, but to follow every detail of the architectural design that God, through David, had passed to him, so that His house shall be the most magnificent and majestic building in the entire world. (1 Chronicle 28:19) Indeed, let us be busy serving and following God and His Word, as an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. (Psalms 119:105)  

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to do everything wonderful and great for Your glory.

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.

1 Chronicles 25 & 26: A Wise Counsellor
Verse of the Day: (26:14) And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

1. Word (25:1-31)
All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. (25:5)

King David’s leadership was God’s leadership, as he prayed in everything for His will to be done. David organised Israel by tribes and families according to their God’s given talents. He then appointed the sons of Asaph as God’s musicians to lead and teach Israel to sing and worship Him, while the sons of Heman he appointed them as His prophets to impart and share with them His Word as well as psalms and songs for their daily worship and application. Indeed, one day in heaven, we shall also worship and sing to God, serving and learning from Him for all eternity. (Revelation 22) Let us thus trust God and His Word, because it is powerful and living, piercing into our hearts and souls, convicting us of our sins, that we repent them, and do what is right before Him. (Hebrews 4:12-16)

2. Wise (26:1-19)
And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate. (26:13)

David’s leadership was God’s fearing and with His wisdom, as he only feared Him, and not man. He did not practice favouritism, as other than those like Zechariah, the wise counsellor, that God had blessed them with wisdom, he would cast lots for the various duties of the people. Indeed, let us fear God, and be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves, as we assign duties to our people in the ministry according to their God’s given talents. (Matthew 10:16-39) At the same time, let us be sober and vigilant in overcoming the devil, and be loving and forgiving to all, especially our enemies. (1 Peter 5:8-11)

3. Win (26:20-32)
Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. (26:27)

David’s leadership was based on God’s vision and direction, as he set aside the precious possessions and materials from the many battles that Israel had won against their enemies for the preparation of the construction of His majestic and magnificent house that Solomon, his son, shall build for His glory. He also appointed the Levites as treasurers to manage and account for all the treasures in Israel. Indeed, let us have God’s vision and direction, and be far-sighted and long-term in our planning for our lives, family, career and ministry, and at the same time, trusting Him for our daily needs, knowing that we are truly winners and conquerors through Him who loves and cares for us. (Romans 8:37-39)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.

1 Chronicles 23 & 24: Solomon His Son
Verse of the Day: (23:1) So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. 

1. Son (23:1-11)
And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites. (23:2)

We are not indispensable, as one day, we shall die, and God shall judge us for our belief, and for everything we have done on this earth. (Hebrews 9:27-28) David chose Solomon, one of his sons, as God had not only named him as his successor but also the one who shall build His house. (1 Chronicles 22:9-10) David then gathered all his people throughout Israel, and announced his successor so that they shall fully support and pray for him. Indeed, let us prepare and pray for our successor, especially our children, that they shall be trained and guided to trust and obey God in their lifetime. (Proverbs 22:1-6)

2. Sanctify (23:12-32)
The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever. (23:13)

God impressed upon David’s heart to specially prepare the sons of Amram, namely, Aaron and Moses, from the tribe of Levi, as they were instrumental in the spiritual training and development of the people of Israel. God had chosen and separated Aaron and his descendants to be His priests to minister at His sanctuary, and Moses, whom God called him as His man, and his descendants, shall assist Aaron and his priests at His sanctuary. These priests assisted by the Levites shall prepare the showbread, the fine flour for meat offering and the unleavened cakes, and offer all burnt sacrifices during the sabbaths, new moons and set feasts, and standing, thanking and praising Him every morning and evening. Indeed, all who believe in God must be sanctified and separated for His service before we can truly worship and serve Him in His holiness. (1 Peter 1:13-16)

3. Service (24:1-31)
And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service. (24:3)

God commanded David to organise the tribe of Levi, and in particular, Aaron and his descendants or the priests, in an orderly manner of service so that they shall bring glory to His name. God reminded Israel of how He struck Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, dead as they had offered strange fire before Him and thus defiled His sanctuary. (Leviticus 10:1-7) Indeed, let us serve God decently because He is the God of peace, and everything must be done according to His way and for His glory. (1 Corinthians 14:33-40)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to prepare and pray for my successor for Your glory.

1 Chronicles 21 & 22: The Full Price
Verse of the Day: (21:24) And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost. 

1. Provocation (21:1-19)
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. (21:1)

David became proud and self-sufficient as he failed to pray to God whether he should number his people, but instead sinned against Him when he numbered Israel as Satan had provoked him to do. Consequently, God through Prophet Gad gave him 3 choices as to how he and also Israel shall be punished. The first was 3 years’ famine, the second was that his enemies shall destroy Israel for 3 months and the last was that God’s angel and a deadly disease shall destroy them for 3 days. David chose the chastisement of God, and He sent the disease, and destroyed 70,000 people. David then pleaded with God, and He commanded him to build an altar at the threshingfloor of Ornan, the Jebusite, to offer sacrifices to atone his sins and stop His wrath. Indeed, let us resist the devil, and humble ourselves before God, and seek His will and direction in everything we do. (James 4:6-10)

2. Price (21:20-30)
And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof. (21:27)

When Ornan wanted to give the portion of the land of his threshingfloor, David insisted that he must pay the full price. Indeed, nothing is free, and though our salvation is free, yet it costs the precious life and blood of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. For without His blood, there is no atonement and the forgiveness of the sins of the world. (Hebrews 9:11-28)

3. Preparation (22:1-19)
And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. (22:5)

David was very thankful to God that he was chosen to be the lineage of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. Though God chose Solomon, David’s young and inexperienced son, instead of him, to build His house, that shall be the most magnificent and majestic palace throughout the world, yet David gladly accepted His choice and prepared all the materials for Solomon to construct it. David knew that God had denied him of building His house as he was a man of war and had shed much blood from the battles he fought against the enemies of Israel. (1 Chronicles 28:3) Indeed, let us be thankful to God knowing that He knows what is best for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You paid full price, Your Life and Blood, to atone me.

1 Chronicles 19 & 20: Be Of Good Courage
Verse of the Day: (19:13) Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight. 

1. Comfort (19:1-5)
And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. (19:2)

King David was kind to Hanun, the son of King Nahash of Ammon, when he sent his messengers to comfort him after the death of Nahash, who had been kind to him. However, Hanun, upon the advice of his princes, shamed David’s messengers by shaving their beard and cutting off their garments. They had thought the worst of David that he had sent spies to check out their land before launching an attack, and instead of being comforted, Hanun was suspicious of David’s motive. Let us thus comfort one another knowing that the best comforter is our God who knows our sorrows. (2 Corinthians 1-4)

2. Courage (19:6-19)
Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blesses, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever. (17:27)

David sent Joab and his army to battle against the Ammonites as Hanun hired the army of Syria to strengthen his army as they launched an attack against Israel. When Israel was surrounded by the armies of the Ammonites and the Syrians, Joab commanded Abishai, his brother, to split into two forces so that they could help each other depending on the outcome of their battle. Eventually, Joab and Abishai won the battle against their enemies because of their courage and teamwork, and above all, the God of Israel was with them. Indeed, let us be courageous and put on the whole armour of God in order to have victory over the devil and to yield ourselves as His servants of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:10-19)  

3. Crown (20:1-8)
And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David’s head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. (20:2)

The crown of a king is a symbol of his authority and power. After the defeat of the Ammonites, David took the crown of their king and put it on his head signifying that he was now their ruler. However, the best crown for all who believe in Jesus is the crown of righteousness that one day He shall bless us with, as we look forward to His appearing when we shall be with Him forever in His home in glorious heaven. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please grant me the courage to overcome the devil for Your glory.

1 Chronicles 17 & 18: Who Am I?
Verse of the Day: (17:16) And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

1. Word (17:1-15)
And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, (17:3)

Initially Prophet Nathan endorsed King David’s heart desire to build God’s house, instead of just pitching a tabernacle to house His ark, however, in the same night, the Word of God came to Nathan, and told him that David shall only prepare the materials for the construction, and only Solomon, his son, shall build His house. The reason was that David was a man of war and had shed much blood from the many battles that he had fought against the enemies of Israel. (1 Chronicles 28:1-8) Though God refused David to build His house, the latter humbly accepted it as he knew it was God who took him from a shepherd boy to be the ruler of Israel. He was thankful and grateful to God for granting him the wisdom and power to defeat all the enemies of Israel, especially, Goliath, the giant Philistine. (1 Samuel 17) Indeed, let us not use our own understanding, but pray and seek God and His Word and will as we do His great and mighty work. (Proverbs 3:5-10)

2. Who (17:16-27)
Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blesses, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever. (17:27)

David was overwhelmed that God had chosen his family to be the lineage of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Indeed, what a privilege to be called God’s children, joint-heirs with His Son, Jesus Christ, and more than conquerors through Him who loves us when we truly believe and trust in Him. (Romans 8) Let us therefore humble ourselves before God to know that we are only sinners saved by His amazing grace. (James 4:6-10)

3. Welfare (18:1-17)
He sent Hadoram his son to king David, to enquire of his welfare, and to congratulate him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, and smitten him; (for Hadarezer had war with Tou;) and with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass. (18:10)

After David’s victory over many of his enemies, King Tou of Hamath, sent Hadoram, his son, to congratulate him and asking him of his welfare, because David had defeated Hadarezer, King Tou’s enemy. Indeed, if God is for us, who can be against us? Let us fully trust and obey God, and He shall surely provide for our welfare, and grant us wisdom, power and victory over our sins, death and the devil. (1 Corinthians 15:51-58)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for saving my soul when I am a sinner bound for hell.

1 Chronicles 15 & 16: Thanking The LORD
Verse of the Day: (16:7) Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

1. Trumpets (15:1-29)
And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark. (15:24)

David was called a man after God’s heart because he truly repented his sins, and learned never to repeat it. This time David was determined to bring God’s ark the right way as he chose only the Levites to carry God’s ark on their shoulders from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem. When the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves, and finally brought God’s ark to Jerusalem, David and his people rejoiced and celebrated the return of it. David appointed singers and musicians to sing and play the musical instruments such as the trumpets, cornets, cymbals, psalteries and harps in great celebration of the return of God’s ark. However, the sad truth was that Michal, Saul’s daughter, David’s first wife, was the only one who despised David’s celebration and the return of God’s ark. Subsequently, God disciplined her unbelief, and she became childless. Indeed, let us believe in God and rejoice in Him knowing that He is good all the time. (Philippians 4:4)

2. Thanksgiving (16:1-36)
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (16:34)

David appointed Asaph and his brethren to lead in the worship of God as he sang and thanked God for who He is, and what He had done for him and Israel, and shall continue to do for them as they trusted Him. Indeed, let us be thankful to God for who He is, and what He had done, what He is doing and what He shall do for us! (Colossians 3:15-17)

3. Tabernacle (16:37-43)
And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon, (16:39)

David built a tabernacle in preparation of the arrival of God’s ark. He also appointed Zadok, the high priest, and his brothers, the priests, to take charge of all the services of the tabernacle. When the ark arrived, the people offered their burnt and peace offerings or animal sacrifices at the tabernacle confessing their sins and committing themselves to obey God and His Word. Today, we are God’s priests when we truly believe in Jesus. Now we no longer go to the church to offer animal sacrifices as we are God’s priests as well as His living sacrifices. (Romans 12:1-2) Indeed, let us boldly go to God seeking for His forgiveness, and asking Him to help us in our needs as we trust Him. (Hebrews 4:16)  

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, as long as I live I shall thank You for all that You have done for me.

1 Chronicles 13 & 14: The Ark Of Our God
Verse of the Day: (13:3) And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

1. Ark (13:1-14)
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. (13:10)

Time and again God forgave David even though he sinned against Him, and in fact, God even commended him as a man after His heart. (Acts 13:22) One of David’s sins was when he consulted with his leaders as to whether he should bring God’s ark to Israel when he should have just brought it in as God had commanded Moses to build His ark so that He shall dwell among Israel and they shall worship Him. (Exodus 25:8-22) Another of David’s sins was when he allowed his people to put God’s ark on a wagon pulled by an oxen instead of carrying it on their shoulders. God’s command was that only the sons of Kohath should carry His ark on their shoulders, and that they must never touch it. This was why God struck Uzza dead when he held His ark after the oxen had stumbled along the way. (Numbers 4:15) After that, David left God’s ark in the house of Obed-edom as he feared to bring it to Jerusalem. Indeed, let us be holy, as God’s ark, the Holy Spirit, resides within us when we truly believe in Jesus, the Son of God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) 

2. Anointing (14:1-8)
And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. (14:8)

Though David was anointed as king over Israel, yet he sinned against God by marrying many wives when at the beginning God’s command to man was that he must have only one wife. God gave the first man, Adam, only one wife, Eve, the first woman. (Genesis 2:20-25). However, when David truly repented his sins, and prayed, God forgave him and answered his prayers, by granting him victory over the Philistines. Soon, all the nations feared him. Indeed, let us call upon God, and He shall surely answer us. (Jeremiah 33:3)

3. Again (14:9-17)
Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. (14:14)

Amid David’s failures, God used him in great and mighty ways to lead Israel to overcome their enemies and possessed their Promised Land. Time and again David prayed, and God answered him his requests. Indeed, let us cast all our care upon God, and He shall answer us again and again, because He truly loves and cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Your Ark, the Holy Spirit, is in me, as I believe in You.

1 Chronicles 11 & 12: Lives In Jeopardy
Verse of the Day: (11:19) And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest. 

1. Jerusalem (11:1-9)
And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. (11:4)

God ordained David, a shepherd, to be the next king replacing Saul, the first king, as the latter had disobeyed Him. (Acts 13:21-24) King David then challenged Israel that whoever be the first to kill the Jebusites, their enemies who dwelt in Jerusalem, would be his captain. Joab was appointed as David’s captain as he was the first to kill the Jebusites. Israel defeated the Jebusites and claimed Jerusalem, the city which God’s house shall be built, and one day, it shall be the new Jerusalem, the holy city of God. (Revelation 21:1-4) Indeed, let us boldly claim God’s promises as we are His conquerors. (Romans 8:37-39) 

2. Jeopardy (11:10-47)
And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD, (11:18)

David could never be a godly king without God and his mighty men. 3 of his mighty men loved David so much that they jeopardised their lives by intruding into the camp of the Philistines to take the water of the well of Beth-lehem which he longed for it. When they successfully got the water and gave it to David, the latter poured it as an offering to God thanking Him for blessing him with such mighty men. All Israel then pledged their allegiance to David. Indeed, godliness, loyalty and teamwork are vital ingredients for the success of the family and church, where Jesus Christ is our Head and Chief. (Psalms 127)

3. Joy (12:1-40)
Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel. (12:40)

Almost all from the 12 tribes of Israel and from all walks of lives such as the mighty soldiers and the wise men to the ordinary and common folks came to Hebron with joy and unity to make David the king over all Israel. They brought food and drinks with them and celebrated with David for 3 days. Indeed, let us be leaders who truly follow God and His Word so that our people shall joyfully and faithfully follow us. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to live for You and even in jeopardy if it is Your will.