BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE

PROCLAMATION

“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 …’ ”  1 Chronicles 28:20 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  In Chapter 24 the author begins by listing the sons of Aaron.  He includes the names of Nadab and Abihu who died before Aaron (1 Chronicles 24;1-2) because they presented an unauthorized fire before The Lord (Leviticus 10:1) and did not give the proper respect to the holiness and glory of God. (Leviticus 10:2-3)  Then the author presented the order in which they served as determined by the drawing of lots. (1 Chronicles 24:4-19)  In the remainder of the chapter the author presented the sons of Levi. (1 Chronicles 24:20-31)  In Chapter 25 David with the captains of the army appointed the worship leaders.  The author then lists the names of the men and the order in which they would serve. (1 Chronicles 25:1-31)  In Chapter 26 David completes the assignments for service within the temple. (1 Chapter 26:1-32)  In Chapter 27 David presents the commanders and officers of the military (1 Chronicles 27:1-15) and the leaders of the tribes of Israel. (1 Chronicles 27:16-22)  Then he presents the other officials, like those having authority over the king’s storehouses, agriculture, and herds.  Then finally he named his advisors and counselors. (1 Chronicles 27:23-34)  Afterwards, David gave his farewell address and charged all of the leaders of Israel. (1 Chronicles 28:1)  He recounts the events around his wanting to build a temple for the ark and all of his efforts to prepare things so that Solomon could build the temple. (1 Chronicles 17:1-27 and 28:2-8)  David repeated his instructions to Solomon and his charges to the Levites and the priests. (1 Chronicles 28:9-21)

 

APPLICATION

David was a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22)  However, David was a man, and he sinned and fell short.  When he did sin, then he also confessed, prayed, and asked to be forgiven. (Psalm 51:3-12)  David was sincere in his prayers and his praise.  He gave his son Solomon good advise regarding obeying the word of God. (1 Chronicles 28:9 and 28:20)  We would do well to also heed that advice.  We ought to love and serve The Lord God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27)  We also need to be courageous and steadfast in His Holy Word.  And when we fall short, we need to confess our sins and request to be forgiven. (1 John 1:9)