The Book of 1 Chronicles (or Notes). Bible Lesson 7
just for your thoughts
The Book of 1 Chronicles (or Notes). Bible Lesson 7.
Read 1 Chronicles 14:2.
This same word also appears in 2 Samuel 5:12.
Generally, most of the events recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel are also found in 1 Chronicles. Whenever the same statement appears in two books, it is our duty to study that passage with special attention.
Although different explanations are given for this verse, I wish to share the understanding that I have received.
When a believer or a servant of God is blessed abundantly, he must certainly understand one thing: Why is God blessing me so much? If a believer rightly discerns this and walks accordingly, he will be able to completely fulfill the will of the Lord.
In the Old Testament, two men rightly understood this purpose of God’s blessings: Joseph and David.
Joseph, though hated by his brothers and thrown into a pit, was raised by God to the second highest position in Egypt—the greatest empire of that time. Joseph did not regard this exaltation as a promotion for himself. Instead, he correctly understood God’s purpose: to preserve the chosen descendants from the terrible famine of that time by bringing them into Egypt and keeping them alive, so that the covenantal promise to Abraham would continue unbroken.
At that time Joseph spoke these remarkable words:
"God sent me before you to preserve life… to keep you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:5–9).
Joseph understood the main reason for his blessings: God lifted him up not for himself, but to save Abraham’s descendants—his brothers—from famine. Recognizing this, Joseph brought his father and all his brothers’ families to Egypt and protected them.
In the same way, God took David, who had been wandering after sheep in the wilderness, and exalted him to the highest position—king of Israel. David also did not consider this exaltation as a personal promotion but understood it was for the sake of his people.
David demonstrated this in three ways:
He protected his people from enemies.
He delivered Israel from surrounding nations and gave the people peace without fear.
He ruled with justice.
“David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people.” (2 Samuel 8:15).
He knew the authority God gave him was not for himself but for his people. Any leader who considers his authority not as his own possession but for the sake of the flock, the church, or the ministry entrusted to him—that person is a true leader, shepherd, and servant of God.
He cared for the spiritual needs of the people.
For many years the Ark of the Covenant had been missing from the tabernacle. David restored it to its rightful place, reviving the nation’s worship. He made all the preparations for building a magnificent temple for God so that the people might worship Him properly.
Though David had many faults, he possessed a very sharp spiritual understanding. One reason for David’s victorious life was this spiritual sharpness.
We must earnestly pray to God for this one thing: spiritual discernment. We desire sharpness in many areas of life, but we must never be dull in spiritual matters.
We must remember: we are never the owners of God’s blessings. They are not for us alone. God expects us to use His blessings for the benefit of others and for the sake of His Kingdom.
We are not the owner of God’s blessings. God expects us to use the blessing of God for the sake of His Kingdom.