Read 1 Chronicles 24
Highlights:
Duties assigned to priests; musicians and singers; divisions of the porters (gatekeepers); treasurers and other officers and judges.
There were four thousand porters whose duties were to open and close all the gates, act as guards against intruders, and assist and encourage worshipers to minister in the House of the Lord (I Chr. 26:12). The gatekeepers were called able men for . . . the service (26:8) — valiant men of integrity and courage who would not neglect their responsibilities, regardless of the circumstances. Concerning the divisions of the porters (26:1), only about one is it said that God blessed him (Obed-edom) (26:4-5). God greatly blessed Obed-edom during the time the Ark of the Covenant was in his home. Three months earlier, King David had planned to take the Ark to Jerusalem and make Jerusalem the religious center of all Israel.
At that time, the Ark was placed on an ox cart driven by Uzza and Ahio, who were to transport it from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem. Along the way, Uzza was struck dead for touching the Ark while attempting to steady it. David was displeased with God and refused to take the Ark on to Jerusalem. It was taken instead to the home of Obed-edom (II Sam. 6:1-11; I Chr. 13:7-11).
Then three months later, after hearing how God blessed Obed-edom, David again planned to have the Ark brought to Jerusalem. But this time he made sure it was transported in the way God had directed (15:2-3; Ex. 24:15; Num. 4:15; 7:9).
The Ark was prominent in leading the Israelites through the wilderness (10:33-36). Because it contained the Ten Commandments which God had given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, it was a symbol of the authority of God. When Obed-edom received the Ark, he received more than the inspired Word of God; he received the very presence of God (Ex. 25:22; 30:6,36; I Sam. 4:4; II Sam. 6:2).
Just as the Ark brought the blessing of God to the home of Obed-edom, so He will bless all who allow Christ, the Son of God, and His Word to rule their lives (John 1:12). The more our thoughts are occupied with Christ and His Word, the more we realize His presence.
Just before He ascended into heaven, Jesus declared: All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Spirit): Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt. 28:18-20).
Thought for Today:
In God is my salvation and my glory: the Rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God (Ps. 62:7).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Temple treasures (I Chr. 26:20-28).Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all a believer needs (Phil. 4:19).
Word Studies:
24:2 executed served in; 24:5 divided by lot lots were cast to determine the will of God (Prov. 16:33); 24:19 orderings schedules; 25:5 lift up the horn sound the trumpet.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Brad Miller (NC) • Country: Guatemala (12.3 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian languages • Religious freedom • 60% Catholic; 35% Protestant; 2% Animist; 1.5% Other; 1.5% None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that you will sanctify the Lord God in your heart (I Pet. 3:15).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 6
Memory Verse for the Week: John 15:7
