1st Chronicles 9 ABLE MEN 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 either that person or others with their significance. In some cases, the unnamed person is in contained in a name that represents 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, their occupation or where they live, but on the fact that every person has been given life by God. He knows who each one is, where they live and what they do. "All Israel" was included in the genealogies but not every one in 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 are going to believe and practice of its teaching, we have opened ourselves to God's discipline for our unfaithfulness. These things that are 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 as well as the Old, we are able to learn from those early Christians and early assemblies the principles and practices passed on by them. 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 mwn 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 is the same everywhere. The word of God alone is the source of information and instruction that is 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.
Israelites, priests, Levites and those who served in the temple were all able to 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 as to where we are going to live and what our occupation will be. It is a wise man and woman who have 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 the consideration as to where we live. It is better to have less money and be in fellowship with God and His people, than to be rich or famous and be in the wrong place.
The restored community listed here would be at the end of 2nd Chronicles if the purpose was to give a time- line of events. So there was obviously a different reason to put these names ahead of the genealogy of Saul that is 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 to be engaged and the consequences of failing to do God's work in God's way. The Israelites were the common people who were responsible to provide all that was needed for the maintenance of the population and for the worship of 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 are working 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 are able to 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:P16]. We are able to give sacrificial gifts of support to the Lord's servants [Phil.4:18] and share in their labors. When we come together as well as 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, produces 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 [2Tim.4:6] may bring suffering, reproach and even death. Of greater value than any physical sacrifices is the sacrifice of obedience [1Sam.15:2]. We have a priestly ministry and are numbered in the " kingdom of priests."
The widespread ministry of Levites would be obvious where in the places where they lived. On certain times of the year they would be responsible to go to Jerusalem to take their turn at temple service. 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 for 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 in the night and unlock the doors in the morning. There was a fortune of precious things inside that building, but of far 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 able to be trusted to handle costly things in a safe way to avoid any blame or charge of doing things dishonestly. Whether in be money, gifts, offerings, building material and maintenance of the property, those people must be honest and reliable men.
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 all 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 that which 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 it be in our homes with our families or out in business and school with those who are strangers to God's grace. Each activity in which I am engaged 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. A consciousness of God's presence and knowing that He is guiding 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 then 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 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.
1Chronicles 9:27. “And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.” THE CHARGE. A charge to keep; a work laid on willing shoulders Of those who are by families chosen, by a Sovereign Lord who knows He has His reasons based on faithfulness of those whose blood-line Runs from distant days, and choices made – unpopular by others, But recognized by God, who places in the histories of families – true, A solemn sense of duty, and a commitment made, not to men but God.
About the gate, the younger generation gathers, looking at each other – Taking stock of others waiting too, for those who come to God with gifts – Gifts and sacrifices alike pass the learning eyes, and move to place of death. Other, older men, stand near the door where God with man, meets. Meets in solemn convocation, with thousands gathered and watched – Watched by men - tried and proven in smaller, lesser service in years past.
Now, with dignity and obvious respect – these standing ones, keep watch. Day and night with designated employ, they stand on guard – for God. It is no small or trifling thing to keep the door – the door that leads within. Within, in holy solitude – the place of life and latent death – and brightest light – Guarded a few steps before by incense rising in the flickering light of lamps; And the bread in rows – significant in meaning of a fellowship holy.
There, with the charge of God upon them – quietly they stand their post. The daily opening of doors, preparations there to make before the dawn-song starts. Then voices rising to the morning sun – and God – the songs begin.
The singers with their voices – bass and tenor – mingles with the sound of gathering feet and hands. Sounds of gathering food from without the camp – and Hallelujahs from within – Daily reminders of the blessed truth – God dwells with men.
May never I forget, the God of those gate-guards and keepers of the door, Is the same Supreme Almighty God to whom I owe allegiance full and genuine. His nature and His purposes remain the same; a people for His name, and for His Son. A kingdom of priests who worship daily in spirit and in truth, but not free-lances. His way is clearly taught, and guards about the gate and door, keep watch. Not their own choices, but simply to preserve for God, what belongs to Him.
“Father in heaven, I am thinking today of those Thou hast placed in the gates who learn Thy ways and word that others coming in can see and order prevails. There are those who farther on in life and experience are able to 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. I praise Thee for such ones appointed by Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”