1 Chronicles

A genealogy traces the human line from Adam through Noah's sons, Abraham's descendants, Esau's clan chiefs, and the kings of Edom. This opening places Israel's story within the context of all humanity.

The genealogy of Judah is traced, including the line from Judah through Perez to David. Caleb's descendants and other Judahite families are also listed, establishing Judah as the preeminent tribe.

David's sons are listed, followed by the royal line through Solomon to the exile and beyond. This chapter preserves the Davidic dynasty through the exile, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promise.

Continued genealogies of Judah and Simeon, including the prayer of Jabez who asks God to enlarge his territory and keep him from harm. God grants his request. Simeon's descendants expand their territory.

The genealogies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are recorded, along with their territorial wars. The eastern tribes are eventually exiled by Assyria because they were unfaithful to God.

The genealogy of Levi is detailed, including the priestly line through Aaron and the Levitical musicians appointed by David. The 48 Levitical cities are listed, showing their distribution throughout Israel.

The genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher are recorded. Notable among Ephraim's descendants is Joshua son of Nun. These records establish the tribal identities for the post-exilic community.

Benjamin's genealogy is expanded, especially the family of King Saul. This detailed record of Saul's lineage provides context for the transition of kingship from Saul to David.

A list of those who returned from exile and resettled in Jerusalem, including priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and temple servants. This chapter bridges the genealogies to the narrative, showing the restored community.

Saul and his sons die in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. The Chronicler explains that Saul died because of his unfaithfulness to God, including consulting a medium, so God turned the kingdom over to David.

All Israel anoints David king at Hebron. He captures Jerusalem and makes it his capital. His mighty warriors are listed, including Jashobeam who killed 300 with his spear and the three who broke through Philistine lines for Bethlehem water.

Warriors from various tribes, including some from Saul's own tribe of Benjamin, join David during his years as a fugitive. The chapter celebrates the diverse and growing support David received, culminating in the great assembly that made him king.

David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. When the oxen stumble and Uzzah touches the Ark, God strikes him dead. David is afraid and leaves the Ark at the house of Obed-edom, where it brings great blessing.

David establishes himself in Jerusalem. He defeats the Philistines twice at Baal-perazim and the Valley of Rephaim by seeking God's guidance. David's fame spreads to all nations.

David properly transports the Ark to Jerusalem on the shoulders of the Levites as the Law prescribes. He organizes musicians and singers for the joyful procession. David dances before the Lord with great celebration as the Ark enters the City of David.

The Ark is placed in the tent David prepared. David appoints Levites to minister before the Ark and delivers a psalm of thanksgiving combining elements of Psalms 105, 96, and 106. Regular worship is established before the Ark.

David wants to build God a temple, but God tells Nathan to relay the Davidic covenant: God will build David a house — an eternal dynasty. David responds with a humble prayer of amazement and gratitude.

David defeats the Philistines, Moabites, Arameans, and Edomites, expanding his kingdom. He dedicates the captured treasures to God. David reigns with justice and righteousness over all Israel.

David's ambassadors are humiliated by the Ammonites. The Ammonites hire Aramean mercenaries, but Joab defeats both forces. The Arameans eventually make peace with Israel, abandoning the Ammonite alliance.

Joab conquers Rabbah, the Ammonite capital, and David takes the crown of their king. Philistine giants are killed by David's warriors, including a giant with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.

David sinfully orders a census of Israel. God offers three punishments; David chooses plague, and 70,000 die. David sees the destroying angel at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, buys it, and builds an altar where God stops the plague — the future temple site.

David prepares abundantly for the temple he cannot build, gathering materials of gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, and stone. He charges Solomon to build the temple and be strong and courageous, echoing God's words to Joshua.

David organizes the 38,000 Levites into divisions for temple service: 24,000 as temple workers, 6,000 as officials and judges, 4,000 as gatekeepers, and 4,000 as musicians. Their duties are detailed.

David organizes the priests into 24 divisions by lot for rotating temple service. This system ensures orderly worship and becomes the template used for centuries, including in Jesus' time when Zechariah served in the division of Abijah.

David organizes the temple musicians into 24 divisions corresponding to the priestly divisions. The musicians include the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, totaling 288 trained musicians who prophesy with instruments.

The gatekeepers and treasurers for the temple are organized. Gatekeepers from the Korahites and Merarites are assigned to various gates. Officials are appointed to oversee the temple treasuries and serve as administrators throughout Israel.

David's military and civil administration is organized: twelve army divisions of 24,000 men each rotate monthly. Tribal leaders, royal property overseers, and David's personal counselors are named, including Ahithophel and Hushai.

David assembles all Israel's leaders and reveals the temple plans God gave him by the Spirit. He publicly charges Solomon to build the temple and gives him the detailed blueprints, assuring him that God will be with him until every task is finished.

David leads by example with a massive personal offering for the temple, and the leaders and people give generously and joyfully. David offers a magnificent prayer of praise, acknowledging that everything comes from God. Solomon is anointed king, and David dies.