Questions from the Scripture text: Who is at the center (1 Chronicles 9:35) of the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 9:35-44? With what event does 1 Chronicles 10:1 interrupt the genealogies? How did it go for Israel (verse 1)? And for whom, specifically (1 Chronicles 10:2)? What happened to Saul in 1 Chronicles 10:3? What did he ask his armorbearer to do (1 Chronicles 10:4)? Why wouldn’t he? So, what did Saul do instead? And what did the armorbearer do (1 Chronicles 10:5)? How does 1 Chronicles 10:6 summarize all this? With what result for Israel (1 Chronicles 10:7)? And what did the Philistines do (1 Chronicles 10:8-10)? Who heard of this (1 Chronicles 10:11)? What did they do (1 Chronicles 10:12)? How do 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 summarize Saul’s demise? For what did he die? What didn’t he keep? What did he also do? Of whom did he not inquire? What did YHWH do to him? And to the kingdom?
Who will be king? 1 Chronicles 9:35–10:14 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that only Christ’s kingdom is forever.
This passage presents us with a cautionary tale. It begins promisingly enough: with the Benjamite line that has been given special place, alongside those of Judah and Levi, because they chose to dwell in Jerusalem, alongside Judah and Levi. The line itself (1 Chronicles 9:35-44) goes from Jeiel to Azel and his sons. Saul is obviously the focus, as 1 Chronicles 10:1–14 shows, but due to his failure, he becomes little more than a speedbump in the middle of the genealogy.
The focus is on the sad end of Saul, its devastating effects upon his household and Israel, and the reasons for it. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 give us the Spirit’s own summary: Saul died for his unfaithfulness. He did not keep the Word of YHWH. He consulted a medium for guidance. He did not seek YHWH.
In one sense, the Philistines killed him (1 Chronicles 10:2-3). In another sense, he killed himself (1 Chronicles 10:4). But, ultimately, it was YHWH Who killed him (1 Chronicles 10:14). This is the line that ends in disaster for his house (1 Chronicles 10:6), and humiliation and fasting for his people (1 Chronicles 10:12).
We mustn’t put our hope in any king other than Christ. The next large section of 1 Chronicles focuses on David, whose house continues, and will culminate in the One Who is perfectly faithful and righteous. As Israel have returned from exile, they must continue looking forward to Him. This means reestablishing Jerusalem and continuing in the hope that the King and His kingdom will yet come. We also must hope only in Christ as King. We have other government, under His. And we have our place and duties among His people. But our hope cannot be in that government, or in the part that we have been given, but only in the Son of David.
In what ways might you be tempted to have your hope (or lack thereof) in who is in power on earth? What place have you been given among God’s people? How does taking/filling that place submit to King Jesus? How are you keeping your hope in Him alone?
Sample prayer: Lord, when Saul was unfaithful, and did not keep Your Word, or seek You, You killed Him. But there have been many times when we were unfaithful, or did not keep Your Word, or did not seek You. We thank You that, in Your mercy to us, we still live. And, though we learn from Chronicles not to rest our hope upon earthly government, yet there have been many times when we pursued politics above piety. Please give to us to be diligent and courageous in the part that You have given us among Your people, trusting in Christ alone as our great King, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP180 “Christ Shall Have Dominion” or TPH456 “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners”
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