If anyone knows Melissa…

Day 122 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 10-12

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2 CHRONICLES 10 – REHOBOAM FORSOOK COUNSEL OF OLD MEN AND TOOK COUNSEL FROM THE YOUNG

Rehoboam Is King, Jeroboam Returned Out of Eygpt
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. – 2 Chronicles 10:1-2

Ease the Grievous Servitude and We Will Serve Thee
And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed. – 2 Chronicles 10:3-5

King Rehoboam Forsook the Counsel With the Old Men
And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, – 2 Chronicles 10:6-8a

King Rehoboam Took Counsel with the Young Men
and (king Rehoboam) took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him. And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us? And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. – 2 Chronicles 10:8b-11

What Portion Have We in David?
And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. – 2 Chronicles 10:16

Israel Rebelled Against the House of David Unto This Day
But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. – 2 Chronicles 10:17-19

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2 CHRONICLES 11 – THE THING IS DONE OF ME

Ye Shall Not Go Up and Fight Against Your Brother
And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭

They Walked in the Way of David and Solomon
And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭

Abijah Dealt Wisely
And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king. And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭11‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭

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2 CHRONICLES 12 – REHOBOAM FORSOOK THE LAW OF THE LORD AND ALL ISRAEL WITH HIM

Rehoboam Forsook the Law of the LORD
And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. – 2 Chronicles 12:1

They Have Humbled Themselves
Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭

When He Humbled Himself the Wrath of the LORD Turned
So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king’s house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made. Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king’s house. And when the king entered into the house of the LORD, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber. And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭

He Prepared Not His Heart to Seek the LORD
So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

Day 121 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 7-9

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2 CHRONICLES 7 – MINE EYES SHALL BE OPEN AND MY EARS ATTENT

The Glory of the LORD Filled the House
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. – 2 Chronicles 7:1-3

I Have Heard Thy Prayer
Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king’s house: and all that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. – 2 Chronicles 7:11-12

If My People…
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. – 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

As for Thee
And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. – 2 Chronicles 7:17-18

But if Ye Turn Away
But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭19-‭22‬ ‭

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2 CHRONICLES 8 – THE HOUSE OF THE LORD WAS PERFECTED

My Wife Shall Not Dwell in the House of David
And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. – 2 Chronicles 8:11

All was Done According to the Commandment of Moses and Orders of David
Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch, even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded. And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures. – 2 Chronicles 8:12-15

The House of the LORD was Perfected
Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭8‬:‭16‬

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2 CHRONICLES 9 – SOLOMON REIGNED FORTY YEARS

All the Kings of the Earth Sought to Hear Solomon’s Wisdom
And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. – 2 Chronicles 9:22-23

Solomon Slept with His Fathers
And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭9‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭

Day 120 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 4-6

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2 CHRONICLES 4 – AN ALTAR OF BRASS

Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the heights thereof. – 2 Chronicles 4:1

Summary of the Brazen Castings
1. Pots (cauldrons)
2. Shovels (2Chr. 4:11,16)
3. Basons
4. Two pillars (2Chr. 3:15-17)
5. Two pommels (bowls) of the chapiters for tops of pillars (2Chr. 4:12)
6. The two chapiters
7. The two wreaths to cover the pommelsof the chapiters for tops of the pillars
8. The four hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths; two rows of pomegranates on each wreath, to cover the two pommels of the chapiters on the tops of the pillars (2Chr. 4:13)
9. The ten bases for the ten small lavers
10. The ten lavers for the bases (2Chr. 4:14)
11. One large molten sea (2Chr. 4:15)
12. The twelve great oxen under the sea
13. Many pots for various uses (2Chr. 4:16)
14. Fleshhooks
15. Many other articles of brass used in the service of sacrifices
16. The brazen altar (2Chr. 4:1)

Summary of the Gold Work
1. The many vessels
2. The golden altar
3. The table for the showbread (2Chr. 4:19; 1Ki. 7:48)
4. The ten candlesticks (2Chr. 4:20)
5. Their lamps (2Chr. 4:20-21)
6. The flowers for the lamps (2Chr. 4:21)
7. The tongs
8. The snuffers (2Chr. 4:22)
9. The basons (2Chr. 4:22; 4:8)
10. The spoons (2Chr. 4:22; 1Ki. 7:30)
11. The censers (2Chr. 4:22)
12. The entrances of the temple
13. The doors of the holy and most holy places
14. The walls and ceilings (2Chr. 3:5)
15. The interior decorations (2Chr. 3:5-7)
16. The nails of the inner temple (2Chr. 3:9)
17. The upper chambers (2Chr. 3:9)
18. The cherubim (2Chr. 3:10-13)
19. The ten tables for candlesticks (2Chr. 4:7-8)
20. The altar of incense (1Ki. 7:48)
21. Hinges (1Ki. 7:50)

(Lists taken from Dake Study Bible Notes)

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2 CHRONICLES 5 – BY REASON OF THE CLOUD

The Priests Could Not Stand to Minister
And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) it came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. – 2 Chronicles 5:11-14

I love 2 Chronicles 5:14. Why couldn’t the priests stand? The Bible tells us…for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

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2 CHRONICLES 6 – AN HOUSE OF HABITATION FOR THEE

An House of Habitation for Thee and a Place for Thy Dwelling For Ever
Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David. – 2 Chronicles 6:1-4

Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens Cannot Contain Thee
But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭6:18‬

Day 119 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 1-3

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2 CHRONICLES 1 – WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

Give Me Now Wisdom and Knowledge
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? – 2 Chronicles 1:7-10

Wisdom and Knowledge is Granted Unto Thee
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. – 2 Chronicles 1:11-12
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2 CHRONICLES 2 – A WISE SON ENDUED WITH PRUDENCE AND UNDERSTANDING

Solomon Determined to Build an House
And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. – 2 Chronicles 2:1

Who Is Able to Build Him an House?
Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭6‬

Because the LORD Hath Loved His People
Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them. Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭

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2 CHRONICLES 3 – THE MOST HOLY HOUSE

Solomon Began to Build at Jerusalem in Mount Moriah
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭

Solomon Built the House of God as Instructed David
Now these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits. And the porch that was in the front of the house, the length of it was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold. And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains. And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim. He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭

The Length was According to the Breadth, Twenty Cubits and He Overlaid it with Fine Gold
And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents. And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭

Two Cherubims and A Vail of Blue, Purple, and Crimson
And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold. And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub. And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub. The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward. And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭14‬ ‭

Two Pillars Named Jachin and Boaz
Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains. And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭

Day 118 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 26-29

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1 CHRONICLES 26 – DAVID MADE RULERS FOR EVERY MATTER PERTAINING TO GOD AND AFFAIRS OF THE KING

The Spoils Helped Maintain the House of the LORD
Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles 26:27

Officers in All the Business of the LORD
And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in service of the king. – 1 Chronicles 27:30

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1 CHRONICLES 27 – JONATHAN DAVID’S UNCLEAN WAS A COUNSELLOR, A WISE MAN, AND A SCRIBE

And Hushai the Archite was the King’s Companion
– And over the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:
– and over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:
– and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:
– and over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the low plains was Baal-hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:
– and over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:
– over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:
– and over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David’s.
– Also Jonathan David’s uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king’s sons:
– and Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion:
– and after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king’s army was Joab. 
– 1 Chronicles 27:25-34

I found it interesting that God had recorded in His Word not only the details of assignments but also who was assigned to each task for those that stood with king David. There were so many ways to serve. Some were over the gardens, some over vineyards, some over cattle, some over camels, some over people. Some were counselors, some were warriors, and at least one was a friend. If you are blessed to have been divinely assigned to stand alongside someone, I believe God is writing down the details in His chronicles just as He did of these.

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1 CHRONICLES 28 – GOD WILL BE WITH THEE, HE WILL NOT FAIL THEE NOR FORSAKE THEE

Keep and Seek All the Commandments of the LORD Your God
Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: but God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: and of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭2‬-‭8‬ ‭

Know Thou the God of Thy Father
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. – 1 Chronicles 28:9-10

Be Strong and of Good Courage
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 29 – ALL THAT IS IN THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH IS THINE

With Perfect Heart They Offered Willingly to the LORD
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. – 1 Chronicles 29:9-15

It is true that if you give willingly to the Lord, you will rejoice.

Day 117 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 22-25

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1 CHRONICLES 22 – THEN SHALT THOU PROSPER

If Thou Takest Heed to Fulfil the Statutes and Judgments Which the LORD Charged Moses
And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel. And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: but the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever. Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed. – 1 Chronicles 22:5-13

Now Set Your Heart and Your Soul to Seek the LORD
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles 22:19

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1 CHRONICLES 23 – DAVID MADE SOLOMON KING OVER ISRAEL

When David was Old and Full of Days
So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬ ‭

Stand Every Morning to Thank and Praise the LORD
and to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; and to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD: and that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭30-‭32‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 24 – DIVIDED AND ORDERED

Divided
Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. – 1 Chronicles 24:1

Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. – 1 Chronicles 24:5

Divide – to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign, impart

Ordered
These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him. – 1 Chronicles 24:19

Order – The classification of priests according to their service ; to arrange

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1 CHRONICLES 25 – SEPARATED AND NUMBERED

Separated
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service. – 1 Chronicles 25:1

Separate – to divide, to make a distinction, to divide into parts, to be set apart

Numbered
So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight. And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar. – 1 Chronicles 25:7-8

Number – to be counted

What I got from our reading today was that everyone had a job to do. We see the word “division” used in a positive way. They were divided, ordered, separated, and numbered with no partiality because as we see here, David divided them by the casting of lots.

DAY 116 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 19-21

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1 CHRONICLES 19 – LET THE LORD DO THAT WHICH IS GOOD IN HIS SIGHT

David Sent Messengers to Comfort the Children of Ammon
Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead. And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away. Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syria-maachah, and out of Zobah. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭6

Let Us Behave Ourselves Valiantly
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight. So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him. And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem. And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 20 – AT THE TIME KINGS GO OUT FOR BATTLE

But David Tarried in Jerusalem
And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David’s head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. – 1 Chronicles 20:1-3

The Giants Fell By the Hands of David and His Servants
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver’s beam. And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant. But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David’s brother slew him. These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭4-‭8‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 21 – SATAN STOOD UP AGAINST ISRAEL

Satan Provoked David
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword. But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.
1 Chronicles 21:1-6

Things were going well for David, but as we have all experienced, when things are going well, Satan tries to get in there. Satan incited David to number the people of Israel. In other words, David wanted to take a census. David put that task on Joab. Joab was totally against David’s plan but did as he was ordered. Joab counted everyone except the tribes of Levi and Benjamin. The Bible doesn’t say why he didn’t count these two tribes.

God is not pleased. David admits to God that he’s done a foolish thing and begs for forgiveness. God sends a message to David and tells him to pick a punishment. 1. Israel has to suffer three years of famine. 2. Israel has to have three months of enemy attacks. 3. There will be three days of God’s wrath and pestilence. David’s choice was number 3. So, God plagues the entire country, and 70,000 people die. Then God sends an angel to destroy Jerusalem. At the last minute, God reconsiders.

God ordered the angel to stop right as the angel is standing with sword drawn and ready to smite at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David sees the angel and begs God to spare the people since he was the one who sinned. God’s angel tells David to make an altar there. So David asks Ornan to sell him the property. Ornan sees the angel too and tries to give David the land and everything we would need, including the sacrifice.

But king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
1 Chronicles 21:24

So David paid 600 shekels of gold, and he built the altar. God was pleased, and God told the angel to put away his sword. Because of all that happened in that place, David decides this is the place to build a temple. But the Bible ends the chapter saying that because of the fear David felt at seeing the angel’s sword, he was afraid to worship there.

What is the lesson here? Even if (or especially if) things are going well for you, listen to good counsel and inquire of the Lord before you act. Every action we take affects the Body as a whole. Every action! 

Please help us all, Lord, to stop and inquire of You…and then listen to Your voice or the voice of those You send to speak into our lives and situations.

Day 115 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 16-18

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1 CHRONICLES 16 – GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD

A Psalm to Thank the LORD
Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 
13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;
17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,
18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;
19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.
20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;
21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,
22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.
24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.
25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.
33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.
34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.
36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD. – 1 Chronicles 16:7-36

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1 CHRONICLES 17 – O LORD, THERE IS NONE LIKE THEE

Thy Servant Hath Found in His Heart to Pray Before Thee
16 And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
17 And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.
18 What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.
19 O LORD, for thy servant’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things.
20 O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?
22 For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, LORD, becamest their God.
23 Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said.
24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
25 For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee.
26 And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:
27 now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever. – 1 Chronicles 17:16-27

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1 CHRONICLES 18 – THE LORD PRESERVED DAVID

David Reigned and Executed Judgment and Justice Among All His People
Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭13b‬-‭14‬

Day 114 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 13-15

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1 CHRONICLES 13 – DAVID GATHERED ALL THE CONGREGATION OF ISRAEL

We Enquired Not in the Days of Saul
And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us: and let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul. And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭

And David was Afraid of God that Day
And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had. – 1 Chronicles 13:7-14

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1 CHRONICLES 14 – DAVID ENQUIRED OF GOD

Shall I Go Up Against the Philistines?
And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand. So they came up to Baal-perazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim. And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire. – 1 Chronicles 14:8-12

The Fame of David Went Out Into All the Land
And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley. Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines. David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer. And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭14‬:‭13-‭17‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 15 – DAVID PREPARED A PLACE FOR THE ARK OF GOD

None Ought to Carry the Ark but the Levites
And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it. And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭

Sanctify Yourselves that Ye May Bring Up the Ark of the LORD
and said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order. So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel. And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭

All Israel Brought Up the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD with Praise
So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obed-edom with joy. And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭25‬-‭28‬ ‭

Michal Despised David in Her Heart
And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭29‬ ‭

Day 113 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 10-12

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1 CHRONICLES 10 – SAUL DIED FOR HIS TRANSGRESSION

Which He Committed Against the LORD, Even Against the Word of the LORD
So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; and enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. – 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

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1 CHRONICLES 11 – DAVID POURED IT OUT TO THE LORD

Shall I Drink the Blood of These Men that Put Their Lives in Jeopardy?
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate! And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD, and said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest. – 1 Chronicles 11:17-19

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1 CHRONICLES 12 – THERE WAS JOY IN ISRAEL

If Ye Come to Help Me, Mine Heart Shall Be Knit Unto You
And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David. And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭

All These Men of War Came with a Perfect Heart
All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king. And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them. Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭38‬-‭40‬ ‭