1 Chronicles 12-15
Jehovah’s Word Is Alive
Highlights From the Book of 1 Chronicles
CHAPTER 12
*** w05 10/1 p. 10 par. 5 Highlights From the Book of First Chronicles ***
12:8—In what way were the faces of the Gadite warriors like “the faces of
lions”? These valiant men were at David’s side in the wilderness. Their hair had grown
long. Having a hairy mane gave them a fierce, lionlike appearance.
*** w04 3/15 pp. 29-30 Ehud Breaks the Oppressor’s Yoke ***
The tribe of Benjamin, in fact, was renowned for its left-handed men. First Chronicles
12:1, 2 tells of Benjamite “mighty men, the helpers in the warfare, armed with the bow,
using the right hand and using the left hand with stones or with arrows in the bow.” This
ability could have been achieved, says one reference work, “by binding the right arms of
young children—hence ‘bound as to his right hand’—and inculcating dexterity with the
left.” Israel’s foes would normally be trained to meet right-handed warriors. Hence, much
of an enemy’s training could be nullified if he unexpectedly met a left-handed soldier.
*** w04 6/1 p. 22 Do Your Circumstances Control Your Life? ***
During the years that David lived as a fugitive, he too made the best of his
circumstances. While dwelling in the wilderness of Paran, he and his men protected the
flocks of Nabal from marauding bands. “A wall was what they proved to be around us
both by night and by day,” said one of Nabal’s shepherds. (1 Samuel 25:16) Later, during
his stay at Ziklag, David raided towns held by Israel’s enemies to the south, thus securing
Judah’s boundaries.—1 Samuel 27:8; 1 Chronicles 12:20-22.
Do we need to put forth more effort to make the best of our circumstances? While it
may be challenging to do so, we can succeed. In reflecting on his life, the apostle Paul
wrote: “I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be self-sufficient. . . . In
everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both how to be full and
how to hunger, both how to have an abundance and how to suffer want.” How did Paul
come to develop this approach to life? By his continued reliance on Jehovah. He
acknowledged: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to
me.”—Philippians 4:11-13.
*** w71 3/1 pp. 146-147 par. 4 Serving Jehovah with a Complete Heart ***
4 Ask yourself, then: What kind of person am I in the ‘secret person of my heart’? Am I
now serving Jehovah with a “complete heart,” with my “whole heart”? To serve with a
“complete heart” means to serve with a heart that is all one way in its motivation, not
halfhearted (Ps. 119:113) or doublehearted. (1 Chron. 12:33; Ps. 12:2) If we are serving
with our whole heart, then pleasing Jehovah God is the greatest thing in our lives, our
heart’s delight. Like the psalmist, we pray: “Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I
shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name.” (Ps. 86:11) So, our heart is
united, has singleness of purpose. (Prov. 23:19) Such a heart moves us steadily in one
direction, Jehovah’s way.
*** w83 3/1 p. 18 pars. 7-9 “Flocking Together in Battle Line” ***
7
Evidently some Israelites decided in favor of the condemned house of Saul. Others
decided on the basis of personal expediency. Still others remained indecisive. But sooner
or later the choice had to be made, and happy were those who wholeheartedly chose to
support David’s kingship! These were not selfish or taking the course of least resistance.
They were not double-minded. Rather, their support for Jehovah’s king led them to adopt
an active role as David’s subjects and soldiers. As 1 Chronicles 12:22 reports: “Day by
day people kept coming to David to help him, until it was as a great camp, like the camp
of God.”
8
From the details of the record we note that among these multitudes were those
“having a knowledge of how to discern the times to know what Israel ought to do.”
(1 Chronicles 12:32) These were not lukewarm in their allegiance to the king. They were
well armed so as to present themselves as ready to accept David’s lead in warfare. They
did not expect an easy life. They ‘discerned the times’ and knew that the kingdom was
surrounded by enemies that were ready to swallow up Israel and blot out the worship of
Jehovah. Those from east of the Jordan River were “men of war, flocking together in
battle line” and ready to serve under David with a “complete heart.”—1 Chronicles 12:38.
9
How thrilling it now is to observe unfolding before our very eyes a modern-day
antitype of that situation! The Greater David, Christ Jesus, has been chosen by Jehovah
and is now ruling as heavenly King. Worldly nations are opposed to his kingship. They
threaten to wipe out the King’s subjects on earth. (Psalm 2:1-3) Therefore, individuals
worldwide are being called upon to take their stand on one side of the issue or the other.
That issue is: Are they for the Kingdom of Jehovah’s Son or against it? Multitudes are
indecisive. Others determine their position merely by what is expedient, only selfishly
considering their own personal safety and gain.—Zephaniah 2:2, 3; Joel 3:14.
*** g92 6/8 p. 26 Left-Handedness—Disadvantage or Advantage? ***
Later, warriors who were able to use both the left and the right hand are mentioned as
serving in the armies of King David. (1 Chronicles 12:2) So anyone who shows prejudice
toward those who are left-handed is acting out of ignorance.
CHAPTER 13
*** w05 10/1 p. 10 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of First Chronicles ***
13:5—What is “the river of Egypt”? Some have thought that this expression refers
to a branch of the Nile River. However, it is generally understood that the reference is to
“the torrent valley of Egypt”—a long ravine marking the southwest boundary of the
Promised Land.—Numbers 34:2, 5; Genesis 15:18.
*** km 10/10 p. 3 Theocratic Ministry School Review ***
What was wrong with David’s reaction described at 1 Chronicles 13:11? [w05
10/1 p. 11]
13:11. Rather than becoming angry and blaming Jehovah when our efforts fail, we
must analyze the situation and try to see what caused the failure. Undoubtedly, David did
that. He learned from his mistake and later successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem,
using the proper method.
CHAPTER 14
*** w05 10/1 p. 11 par. 3 Highlights From the Book of First Chronicles ***
14:10, 13-16; 22:17-19. We should always approach Jehovah in prayer and seek his
direction before undertaking any endeavor that will affect us spiritually.
*** km 4/01 p. 5 Theocratic Ministry School Review ***
Why was the account at 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 of interest in Isaiah’s day, and why
should it be of interest to Christendom today? (Isa. 28:21) [Weekly Bible reading; see w91
6/1 p. 21 pars. 2-3.]
2
This time he was told to go to the rear of the Philistines with his troops. Jehovah
said: “When you hear the sound of a marching in the tops of the baca bushes, at that time
you act with decision, because at that time Jehovah will have gone out ahead of you to
strike down the camp of the Philistines.” And that is what happened. David waited until
Jehovah produced the sound of marching in the top of the baca bushes—perhaps by
means of a strong wind. Immediately, David and his troops leapt out from concealment
and attacked the distracted Philistines, defeating them with a great slaughter. The
religious idols that the Philistines left lying on the battlefield were gathered together and
destroyed.—2 Samuel 5:17-25; 1 Chronicles 14:8-17.
3
This was an unusual work, a strange deed, accomplished by Jehovah against the
Philistines and in behalf of his anointed king. This remarkable deed is of particular interest
because the prophet Isaiah warned that Jehovah would do something equally strange
and powerful against the spiritual drunkards of Judah. Hence, the unfaithful religious
leaders of Isaiah’s day needed to take note. Christendom today should also take note
because what happened to Judah was a pattern for Christendom’s eventual fate.
CHAPTER 15
*** w10 12/15 p. 21 pars. 4-6 Sing to Jehovah! ***
4
David himself composed many of the songs that the Levites
performed. Any Israelites who were privileged to be present on the
occasions when David’s psalms were sung must have been deeply
moved by what they heard. Later, when the ark of the covenant was
brought up to Jerusalem, “David . . . said to the chiefs of the Levites to station their
brothers the singers with the instruments of song, stringed instruments and harps and
cymbals, playing aloud to cause a sound of rejoicing to arise.”—1 Chron. 15:16.
5 Why was so much attention given to music in David’s day? Was it just because the
king was a musician? No, there was another reason, which was revealed centuries later
when righteous King Hezekiah revived the services at the temple. At 2 Chronicles 29:25,
we read: “He [that is, Hezekiah] had the Levites stationed at the house of Jehovah, with
cymbals, with stringed instruments and with harps, by the commandment of David and of
Gad the king’s visionary and of Nathan the prophet, for it was by the hand of Jehovah
that the commandment was by means of his prophets.”
6
Yes, through his prophets, Jehovah directed his worshippers to praise him with song.
Singers from the priestly tribe were even exempted from duties that other Levites were
required to perform so that they could devote sufficient time to composition and, most
likely, to rehearsal.—1 Chron. 9:33.
PUNTO SMT – Cosa trascuro di fare Davide quando tento di portare l’arca del
patto a Gerusalemme, e quale importante insegnamento possiamo trarre da questo
racconto? (1 Cron. 15:13). Ripasso della Scuola [26 ott., w03 1/5 pp. 10-11 parr. 11-13]
11 True worship involves more than symbolizing our dedication by water immersion,
attending congregation meetings, and sharing in the public ministry. Our entire way of life
is involved. Daily we are subjected to pressures—some subtle, some more obvious—that
could turn us away from the path that is in accord with godly devotion. How will we react
to these? When writing to faithful Christians in Ephesus, the apostle Paul urged them:
“Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:10) The wisdom of
doing that is illustrated by many situations reported in the Scriptures.
12
After the ark of the covenant had been returned to Israel and had been kept for
many years at Kiriath-jearim, King David desired to transfer it to Jerusalem. He consulted
with chiefs of the people and said that the Ark would be moved ‘if it seemed good to them
and it was acceptable with Jehovah.’ But he neglected to search adequately to ascertain
Jehovah’s will on the matter. If he had done so, the Ark would never have been loaded
onto a wagon. It would have been carried by Kohathite Levites on their shoulders, as God
had clearly instructed. Though David frequently inquired of Jehovah, he failed to do so in
a proper way on this occasion. The result was disastrous. David later acknowledged:
“Jehovah our God broke through against us, for we did not search after him according to
the custom.”—1 Chronicles 13:1-3; 15:11-13; Numbers 4:4-6, 15; 7:1-9.
13 When the Ark was finally transported by the Levites from the house of Obed-edom
to Jerusalem, a song composed by David was sung. It included the heartfelt reminder:
“Search after Jehovah and his strength, seek his face constantly. Remember his
wonderful acts that he has performed, his miracles and the judicial decisions of his
mouth.”—1 Chronicles 16:11, 12.
What about us? Do we search for God but then refuse to accept counsel? When a
concerned and caring elder uses the Bible to counsel us because we are getting
entangled with the world, do we show appreciation for the loving help being given us to
know “what is acceptable to the Lord”?
*** w05 4/1 p. 27 Making Jehovah Your God ***
When David was confronted with his sins,
however, he accepted responsibility for them and
did not shift the blame to others. He admitted that
the transporting of the Ark had not been properly
arranged, adding that “we did not search after
[Jehovah] according to the custom.” When
Nathan the prophet uncovered David’s adultery,
David replied by saying: “I have sinned against
Jehovah.” And once David became aware of the
foolishness of counting the people, he admitted: “I
have sinned very much in what I have done.”
David repented of his sins and remained close to
Jehovah.—1 Chronicles 15:13; 2 Samuel 12:13;
24:10.
*** w06 6/15 p. 31 A Lesson About Pride and Humility ***
AN INCIDENT in the life of King David highlights the
difference between true humility and wicked pride. It
happened after David had conquered Jerusalem and made
it his capital city. David looked to Jehovah as the real King
of Israel, so he arranged for the Ark, which symbolized
God’s presence, to be brought into the city. This event was
so important to David that he showed his joy for all to see
as he followed the priests who carried the Ark. The
inhabitants of Jerusalem saw their king “skipping about”
and “dancing . . . with all his power.”—1 Chronicles 15:15,
16, 29; 2 Samuel 6:11-16.
David’s wife Michal, however, did not join that joyful
procession. She watched from a window, and rather than
admiring David’s way of directing praise to Jehovah, she
“began to despise him in her heart.” (2 Samuel 6:16).
Since Jehovah is humble, it is no wonder that he hates
the “lofty eyes” of proud people. (Proverbs 6:16, 17) For displaying this wicked trait and
disrespecting the one God had chosen as king, Michal was denied the privilege of
bearing a son to David. She died childless. What an important lesson for us! All who want
God’s favor must follow these words: “Gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one
another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to
the humble ones.”—1 Peter 5:5.
*** w05 2/1 p. 26 par. 18 Jehovah Always Does What Is Right ***
Another account that might seem puzzling to some involves David’s attempt to bring
the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark was placed on a wagon, which was led by
Uzzah and his brother. The Bible states: “They came gradually as far as the threshing
floor of Nacon, and Uzzah now thrust his hand out to the ark of the true God and grabbed
hold of it, for the cattle nearly caused an upset. At that Jehovah’s anger blazed against
Uzzah and the true God struck him down there for the irreverent act, so that he died there
close by the ark of the true God.” Some months later, a second attempt succeeded when
the Ark was transported in the God-appointed way, carried on the shoulders of Kohathite
Levites. (2 Samuel 6:6, 7; Numbers 4:15; 7:9; 1 Chronicles 15:1-14) Some may ask: ‘Why
did Jehovah react so strongly? Uzzah was only trying to save the Ark.’ Lest we draw the
wrong conclusion, we do well to note some helpful details.
18
As mentioned earlier, Jehovah can read hearts. Since his Word calls Uzzah’s deed
an “irreverent act,” Jehovah may have seen some selfish motive that is not expressly
revealed in the account. Was Uzzah perhaps a presumptuous man, prone to overstep
due bounds? (Proverbs 11:2) Did leading in public the Ark that his family had guarded in
private give him an inflated sense of self-importance? (Proverbs 8:13) Was Uzzah so
faithless as to think that Jehovah’s hand was too short to steady the sacred chest that
symbolized His presence? Whatever the case, we can be sure that Jehovah did what was
right. He likely saw something in Uzzah’s heart that caused Him to render swift
judgment.—Proverbs 21:2.
21
*** w97 2/1 pp. 25-26 Music’s Place in Modern Worship ***
The ancient temple organization provided for complex arrangements of
instrumentation and voices in temple worship. (2 Chronicles 29:27, 28) There were
“directors,” “experts,” “learners,” and “heads of the singers.” (1 Chronicles 15:21; 25:7, 8;
Nehemiah 12:46) Commenting on their advanced musical skills, historian Curt Sachs
wrote: “The choruses and orchestras connected with the Temple in Jerusalem suggest a
high standard of musical education, skill, and knowledge. . . . Though we do not know
how that ancient music sounded, we have sufficient evidence of its power, dignity, and
mastership.” (The Rise of Music in the Ancient World: East and West, 1943, pages 48,
101-2) The Song of Solomon is an example of the creativity and quality of Hebrew
compositions. It is a story in song, similar to the libretto, or text, of an opera. The song is
called in the Hebrew text “Song of the Songs,” that is, the most excellent song. For the
ancient Hebrews, singing was an integral part of worship. And it allowed for positive
emotional expression in their praise of Jehovah.
*** w70 4/1 p. 221 Singing—a Part of Our Worship ***
Vocal and instrumental music became a prominent part of the temple worship at
Jerusalem. King David arranged for 4,000 out of a total of 38,000 Levites to be “givers of
praise to Jehovah.” (1 Chron. 23:3, 5) In particular was vocal and instrumental praise to
Jehovah featured on special occasions, as when David brought the ark of the covenant to
Jerusalem, when Solomon dedicated the temple he had built to Jehovah, and when the
Israelites under Nehemiah inaugurated the wall of Jerusalem they had rebuilt.—1 Chron.
15:1-28; 2 Chron. 5:11-14; Neh. 12:27-30, 38-42.