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1 CHRONICLES 16:37-18:17 | ROMANS 2:1-24 | PSALM 10:16-18 | PROVERBS 19:8-9
The account of David’s establishment of certain procedures concerning the Ark and its upkeep is recorded in considerable detail. Yesterday, we had learned about the appointment of certain individuals responsible for key duties related to prayer and worship, and in this chapter, more on that continues.
One of the most remarkable things for me is the mention of two men by the names of Heman and Jeduthan who were given the duties of playing certain instruments and singing the “sacred song” composed by David which consisted of these simple yet powerful words, “for his love endures forever.”
Even today, these are words of praise that are timeless! Let us repeat that over and over again—because it is the truth, and in the saying of it and the listening of it, I believe there is blessing.
And if David loved the Lord, he knew that the Lord loved him as well. The promises that the Lord makes to David via the prophet Nathan is proof of this. David’s reaction to this knowledge is one that would behoove each one of us to have. David shows the utmost humility in addressing the Lord and acknowledging these great promises.
He says: “Who am I, LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 17 And as if this were not enough in your sight, my God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You, LORD God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men. 18 “What more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant, 19 LORD. For the sake of your servant and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made known all these great promises. 20 “There is no one like you, LORD, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 21 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth whose God went out to redeem a people for himself, and to make a name for yourself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? 22 You made your people Israel your very own forever, and you, LORD, have become their God.
And in so showing his love and humility, David prospers as king of Israel. The last few verses of this chapter make note of this very thing by way of mentioning the important officials, who in concert with David ruled the kingdom of Israel with power and strength in the Lord’s provision.
The text says, 14 David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. 15 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; 16 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelekson of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was secretary; 17 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.
Turning now to our reading in the book of Romans, we find Paul exhorting the early Christians in Rome—both Jew and Gentile—in the proper ways of conducting themselves, particularly with respect to their views on their fellowmen. It is not for anyone to judge the other, he says, because we are mere humans, and must not judge and condemn even as we have no power to forgive and redeem.
Paul says this: 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
In particular, Paul has stern words for his Jewish brethren.
He says to them, 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
Turning next to our reading of the psalms, we find three short verses that are comforting to all believers, even to this day. Although penned by David, the great lover of God, and the poet-king of Israel, may it be that these very words may find their place on our lips today and bring the same measure of comfort and consolation:
16 The LORD is King forever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals
will never again strike terror.
Finally, two verses from the book of Proverbs that are worthy of record and rumination:
8 The one who gets wisdom loves life;
the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will perish.
May God bless the reading and reflection of His Word.
I enjoyed this and was reminded of the psalm you wrote: ‘One of the most remarkable things for me is the mention of two men by the names of Heman and Jeduthan who were given the duties of playing certain instruments and singing the “sacred song” composed by David which consisted of these simple yet powerful words, “for his love endures forever.”
Even today, these are words of praise that are timeless! Let us repeat that over and over again—because it is the truth, and in the saying of it and the listening of it, I believe there is blessing.’
Many thanks for your kind comments. I was also reminded of the piece that I wrote recently with that refrain: His love endures forever. Thank you for prompting me to write that.
God bless you.