1 Chronicles Bible Lesson 3 –
Just for your thoughts.
1 Chronicles
Bible Lesson 3 –
Read chapter 5:1.
In this one verse, God has hidden many truths. It clearly reveals God’s sovereignty.
Reuben was Israel’s firstborn. Yet, though he was the firstborn, because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, another son of Israel.
Therefore, in the genealogical record, he was not reckoned as the firstborn.
In a family, the eldest son, when the inheritance is divided, receives a double portion. He also holds a special honor within family relationships.
When Jacob blessed his sons in his final days, he reminded Reuben of his sin with his father’s concubine and declared prophetically that he would not excel (Genesis 35:22).
At the same time, speaking about Judah, Jacob prophesied: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes”—meaning Israel’s rulership belonged to Judah until the coming of the Messiah.
Even before that, Jacob had adopted Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own sons and thus gave them the right of the firstborn—two portions in the land of Canaan which Israel was to inherit.
From this we understand: as far as the birthright of the firstborn (double portion of land) is concerned, it went to Joseph’s descendants through Ephraim and Manasseh; but as far as leadership and rulership are concerned, it was given to Judah.
“The double portion of land due the firstborn went to Joseph (through Ephraim and Manasseh), and the double portion as far as leadership was concerned went to Judah.”
Through this verse we learn the following lessons:
It is God’s sovereignty to decide to whom He gives blessings.
To some, He may pour out worldly blessings.
To some, He may grant spiritual blessings.
To some, He may assign leadership responsibility.
To some, He may appoint the ministry of serving alongside leaders.
God does not give all blessings to all people.
The same is true with gifts. Joseph ruled Egypt from the position next to Pharaoh.
Though Joseph had the ability to govern, God did not allow his descendants to inherit the throne. That opportunity was given only to Judah.
Man cannot fully understand God’s sovereign decisions with human reasoning.
We are called to remain faithful in the calling with which God has called us and to finish our race. It is not our task to question, “Why is God using others in such a way?”
We are called to be content in our ministry, to run faithfully in the calling God has given us, and to fulfill His will.