VERY ABLE MEN. 1st Chronicles 9 The writer of the Chronicles had the matter of continuity in his mind as he wrote the genealogies and history for those of the new generation. Is God still with us? Does the covenant remain in effect after all the sins we have committed? All of the Chronicles were written to make clear to the returned Jews that Jehovah is the Sovereign Lord who does not change. He still blesses obedience and will punish disobedience. He still acts on behalf of His people, and all of His judgments are just.
The value of this legacy and the point of the genealogies are given in the first nine chapters. The Levites are still the tribe that serves in the temple as gatekeepers, doorkeepers, and those who serve the Lord on behalf of His people. The priesthood is still to follow the family of Aaron and be maintained by people who meet the qualifications. The words of the law and the prophets are still the focus of covenant life as it was under the leadership of David and Solomon. Since there was no king, the written words were crucial to maintain their relationship with the Lord. To obey what was written would bring positive effects, and to disobey would leave them open to immediate retribution. Sin always brings judgment one way or another.
The purpose of the lists of genealogies in the first nine chapters of 1st Chronicles does not seem to be that every person's name appears in some list to impress that person or others with their significance. In some cases, the unnamed person is contained in a name representing the whole family.
The important thing is that God knows every person by name. It is a very special occasion when a name is added to "The Lamb's Book of Life." The value of every human is not found in their family name, occupation, or where they live, but in the fact that God has given every person life. He knows who each one is, where they live, and what they do. "All Israel" was included in the genealogies, but not everyone was named. Names of people are left out, but the person is connected through the ones listed on the domestic list as to who they belonged to in a family, the political list as to what they were occupied with, or the religious lists as to their role in the worship of God. "All Israel" was included specifically or by proxy.
It was a powerful reminder to the returned Israelites that their genealogy extended from creation to where they were personally at the moment of restoration. Any casual thought for an excuse for their sin would be removed as the Spirit of God reminded them of who they are before God. The historical records of the Israeli kings included every one of them and the cause of their captivity. "All Israel" and the sin and unfaithfulness of the people that took them to Babylon are linked. It seems like the Jews learned the lesson as far as worshipping idols of other nations was concerned. From the most liberal Jews to the most orthodox, there is a certain adherence to the Old Testament scriptures and a public reading of them in synagogues today. There is an awareness of their heritage that affects the religious and the atheistic Jews as a tie that binds them together.
A lesson for us is that if we ignore the word of God or even pick and choose what we will believe and practice from its teachings, we have opened ourselves to God's discipline for our unfaithfulness. These things written regarding the people of God in the past are "written for our learning" in the same way genealogies were written for their learning. When we read through the New Testament and the Old Testament, we can learn from those early Christians and assemblies the principles and practices they passed on. The doctrines and scriptural teaching we hold and practice are taught to us by those old believers, and "the things which we have learned among many witnesses, we are to commit to faithful men who are able to teach others also."
The "traditions of men" can be good or bad. Certain practices suitable to a community or a culture can be the best way to maintain a work of God in that place. It may not be suitable in another part of the world, but the truth of the word of God is the same everywhere. The word of God alone is the source of information and instruction consistent with God's will. It should be practiced under divine authority in every person and place, and will be by those who are committed to obeying our Lord. How we apply it locally is up to wise and spiritual leadership.
The “first inhabitants” were those in the first group of exiles who returned, likely including those who had remained to tend to the land during the seventy years of captivity. One or two generations later, they were to bring moral and spiritual order back to the temple service and the land in general. Israelites, priests, Levites, and those who served in the temple could all get back that which belonged to them by the right of inheritance.
Along with those from the southern tribes came people from other tribes in the north who had moved into Jerusalem or its suburbs to be near the temple. They likely had not been taken captive 130 years earlier because they knew what was going to happen because of the rampant idolatry in the northern ten tribes. Some Jews from various tribes had moved to Judea, and there they could be part of the worship of the people of God as God intended.
The Lord's people today have to make similar decisions about where we will live and our occupation. It is a wise man or woman who has first committed themselves to God and His word, who will either stay where there is a scripturally gathered assembly of believers or move to where there is one. The amount of money we can earn or the work we like best should not be considered when deciding where we live. It is better to have less money and fellowship with God and His people than to be rich or famous and in the wrong place.
If the purpose were to give a timeline, the restored community listed here would be at the end of 2nd Chronicles. So, there was a different reason to put these names ahead of the genealogy of Saul at the end of this chapter, leading the written account into the reign of David that follows. Those people had to have impressed on them the importance of the work in which they were engaged and the consequences of failing to do God's work in God's way.
The Israelites were ordinary people who were responsible for providing all that was needed for maintaining the population and worshiping God. The priests had a unique role that only they could fill. The Levites had duties designated to them that were the link throughout the whole nation. The gatekeepers had a specific role of guarding the house of God against all evil. When all of these occupations work together, there is unity among the people of God and a testimony to those around.
Spiritual priesthood today involves sacrifices of many different kinds. There are acceptable sacrifices [Heb.8:3] that we can offer to our God today. One is the sacrifice of a consecrated body [Rom. 12:1]. There is the sacrifice of audible praise [Heb. 13:15] and of temporal gifts [Heb. 13:16]. We can give sacrificial gifts of support to the Lord's servants [Phil.4:18] and share in their labors. When we come together and in private, we can offer the sacrifice of thanks to God [Ps. 107:22]. This often leads to the sacrifice of joy to God for His many mercies to us [Ps. 27:6]. Repentance of sin and recovery to fellowship with God produce the sacrifice of contrition [Ps. 51:7]. To live righteously before the world [Ps. 4:5] is a sacrifice when we refuse to compromise with that which is wrong. Paul indicated the sacrifice of self [2nd Tim. 4:6] may bring suffering, reproach, and even death. The sacrifice of obedience is of greater value than any physical sacrifices [1st Sam. 15:2]. We have a priestly ministry and are numbered in the " kingdom of priests."
The widespread ministry of the Levites would be evident in the places where they lived. They would be responsible for going to Jerusalem to take their turn at temple service at certain times of the year. There were guards, gatekeepers, and doorkeepers designated to take care of things outside the temple. The Levites were responsible for having everything ready and done in order every day. They were to have all the supplies prepared for use in the temple. The priests were responsible for preparing the oil and spices.
In the assembly of which we are a part, we have our service to fulfill according to the gifts which God has given. These are for the benefit of the Lord's people and the glory of God. The significance of our work does not depend on the recognition we may get from people, but rather on what we do for God and for the blessing of others. My attitude toward the role God has given me is as important, and maybe more so, than the actions of my service. Some may be mentioned publicly, and what has been placed in our hands is not even recognized by people. That is not what puts a value on our work. "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord."
Gatekeepers were placed at each of the four doors of the temple to guard them at night and unlock the doors in the morning. There was a fortune of precious things inside that building, but of greater importance was the presence of God who dwelt among His people, and evidence of that fact was in that building. Gatekeepers of the temple then, and the house of God today, have to be trusted to handle costly things safely to avoid any blame or charge of doing things dishonestly. Those people must be honest and reliable men, whether in money, gifts, offerings, building material, or property maintenance.
There will likely be attacks against that which belongs to God in His house, "which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." When the duties of each steward are fulfilled without compromise for any reason, the right spirit of fellowship and worship can be kept warm and vibrant. When that is true, the singers can edify themselves and each other as they sing "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs," and sing and make melody in their hearts unto the Lord." Those who participate publicly on behalf of the assembly will have a fragrance of Christ when they pray and preach. The ungrieved Holy Spirit will be able to lead each person to present to the Lord what is fitting and "in order." Preparation for service leads to effectiveness in service and worship.
Each day of the week is part of our commitment to stewardship, whether in our homes with our families or out in business and school with those who are strangers to God's grace. Each activity I am engaged in can be a priestly service, a maintenance work like that of the Levites, a protective role for the benefit of others, or a source of support for all of us. Consciousness of God's presence and knowing He guides us in and through situations is a steward’s privilege.
Once those who returned from exile understood who they were in God's eyes and where they were in God's program of the ages, a united people were ready to hear or read how they came to be where they were presently. The narrative begins with Saul's genealogy and moves on into the history of David's kingship right up to the time of Solomon. There were able men then, and there are able men now. It is the responsibility of able men to be available men.
There is a charge to keep; a work laid on the willing shoulders of those chosen by a Sovereign Lord who knows each person. His reasons are based on the faithfulness of those whose bloodline runs from distant days, and choices are made by each generation that may be unpopular with others. God places in the histories of families a solemn sense of duty, and a commitment made, not to men but God, who recognizes they are true men of faith.
Around the gate, the younger generation gathers, looking at each other, taking stock of others who are waiting for those who come to God with gifts to offer. Gifts and sacrifices alike pass the learning eyes and move to the place of death. Other, older men stand near the door where God meets with man. They all meet in solemn convocation, with thousands gathered and watched by men tried and proven in smaller, lesser service in years past.
Now, with dignity and evident respect, these standing ones keep watch. Day and night, they watch with designated employ, knowing they stand on guard for God. Keeping the door – the door that leads within is no small or trifling thing. Within, in holy solitude – the place of life and latent death – and brightest light –is guarded a few steps before by incense rising in the flickering light of lamps. The bread is in rows, which is significant in the meaning of a holy fellowship.
There, with God's charge upon them, they quietly stand their post, daily opening the doors and making preparations before the dawn song starts. Then, with synchronized voices rising to the morning sun, the songs of praise to God begin. The singers with their voices – bass and tenor – mingle with the sound of gathering feet and hands. Sounds of gathering food from without the camp – and Hallelujahs from within. These are daily reminders of the blessed truth – God dwells with men.
May I never forget that the God of those gate-guards and keepers of the door is the same Supreme Almighty God to whom I owe allegiance, complete and genuine. His nature and purposes remain the same: a people for His name and Son. A kingdom of priests who worship daily in spirit and truth, but not freelancers. His way is clearly taught, and truth guards the gate and door, keeping watch lest false teaching comes in. Those guards, gatekeepers, do not judge by their own choices, but are placed there by God to preserve what belongs to Him.
God has placed in the gates of the assembly those who learn His ways and word so that others coming in can see and order prevails. There are those who, farther on in life and experience, can lead and guide the actions and the priestly service that none may fail in due respect for that which is of God, and for God.
They blended in, those laborers for the Lord who were easily overlooked. They were always in their appointed place, doing the work given by God. They were unsung by men who, to the passersby, would be like a piece of furniture. They were skilled in the work to which they were called, “very able,” qualified to do what God appointed.
Some would be there with stooped shoulders, bent down by burdens borne on behalf of others. Others were near the doors – unobtrusive – blending in, but with watching, wary eyes scanning those entering the place where God met with His people. At times, a guiding hand removes one or two from the throng to ask questions about who they were and why they were there.
Some of those who served lived nearby, close to God’s house, because their important work was done in early morning darkness. Rising from their beds while others slept, they hastened to their appointed tasks before the first morning rays signaled the sacrifice was about to be offered. Sounds echoed in the darkness of the doors opening, the morning sacrifice unpenned and made ready for the coming priest.
Who knows their names or the work they do? They are only noticed if they are absent and their work is undone. Others are working in the ovens, making sure the bread is right and ready to be placed in orderly rows. In the background is the sound of singing – day and night – from those whose service is praise.
It goes on today, altered in some ways by the New Covenant but following the same pattern of divine instruction and guidance by our God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In the local assembly, the Unseen Presence lays upon broad shoulders a yoke to wear with honor. Some “very able” men labor in the Word to feed the flock of God. The “keepers of the entry” are in their place, with open eyes and alert ears. There are those with the “charge upon them” to open and prepare for worshiping the Lord. The bread of God has been prepared and baked in warm ovens of ready hearts. The emblematic loaf symbolizing the Source and Cost of the Covenant is in place. The cup of the fellowship of eternal life, paid for by the precious blood of Christ, is beside the loaf. Songs of praise and worship have been sounding in private chambers, unheard except by God, but now in full-voice breaks forth in public worship – all of this by “the Helps.” I thank God for “the helps.”
After reviewing the spiritual and moral matters of the legacy the Israelites had and were a part of, the chronicler gave the genealogy of Saul, Israel’s first king.