During the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles that we introduced yesterday, the nation was a theocracy. Not a common word, it is
“a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god”.
Moving from Adam through to the returning exiles (9.1) yes, there were prominent people in leadership positions; Adam (1.1), Abraham (1.28), Isaac (1.34), and Moses (6.3) to name a few. However, at the core of the nation during this time was the truth that God ruled and led His people. Exodus 19, for example, says:
“…if you will diligently listen to me and keep my covenant, then you will be my special possession out of all the nations, for all the earth is mine, and you will be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
These are the words that you will speak to the Israelites.”
(vv.5-6, NET)
Whilst the people were given this huge privilege we will see how they chose to reject it and insist on a human king instead:
“…appoint over us a king to lead us, just like all the other nations have.”
(1 Samuel 8.4, NET)
Why is this important for us as we look at the SKC books?
As we will see, Saul was chosen by the Lord as the first king but was later replaced by David. It is then David who received this promise:
“Your house and your kingdom will stand before me permanently;
your dynasty will be permanent.’
(2 Samuel 7.16, NET)
The dynasty here is looking forward to the coming Messiah, Jesus (cf. Mark 10.47).
So, whilst at first glance the SKC books might seem detached from our new-covenant Christian faith that centres on the Lord Jesus, when we scratch below the surface, when we see the context, we see Him in every account and in every annal of God’s people’s history.
Will there ever be a return, then, to the system of God dwelling and ruling in and amongst His people?
Take this truth and its encouragement into today, and see one of the connections between the SKC books and you:
“Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more—or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.”
(Revelation 21.3-4, (cf. 20.6, 21.22), NET)
James Travis 