Chapt 26:
Duties of the Gatekeepers and Treasuries
Many names were named. One insight would be that if God deems a person important, he would have it recorded somewhere. Hope our names are recorded in one of His books!
Chapt 27:
Military Divisions
Each division took turns every month of the year to do their military duties. And each division consist of 24 000 people. So huge! So there are 12 divisions that are headed by 12 captains! (According to the months in the year)
Leaders of the Tribes
There was also a leader over every tribe, they were called officers.
One thing I notice is that God don't like to count the armies. He made the promise that He would multiply Israel like stars in heaven but everytime someone starts a census to count the strength of the team, the wrath of God would fall upon Israel. Why ah? That's a question to ask in our heads.
Other state officials
There were people doing different roles, taking care of different things:
1. King's treasuries (Finance)
2. Storehouses of the field, cities, villages, fortresses (Logistics)
3. Work of the field
4. Vineyards
5. Produce of vineyards for the supply of wine
6. Olive trees and sycamore trees.
7. Store of oil
8. Herds
9. Camels
10. Flocks
11. Donkeys
All these were officials over King David's property.
12. Jehonathan (David's uncle) was a counselor, wise man and scribe WA SO CAPABLE
13. Jehiel was with the king's son (I suppose he teaches them something?)
14. Ahitpiel was the king's counselor
15. Hushai was the king's companion (Like the taijian)
16. Joab the general of the king's army
Wa the king's officials super organised hor. I wonder whether governments learn some of these organisation from the bible.
Chapt 28
Solomon instructed to build the temple.
David gathered all the leaders of Israel, officers of the tribes and the captains of the divisions, captains of the thousands, captains of the hundreds, stewards of all substance and possession of the king and his sons, along with the officials, valiant men (brave men?) and mighty men of valor.
King David rose and told everyone that they need to build a house of rest for the ark of covenant of the Lord. Because God said to David that he is not allowed to build the house for he have been a man of war and have shed blood, even though He has chosen David's house to be the king over Israel forever. God told David that Solomon was to build the house and the courts of God. God will also establish his kingdom forever, if he is steadfast to observe his commandments and judgements.
(I think the same applies for us. For God to be with us, we really need to observe his commandments and judgements.)
I like this part!
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 10Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.
Nice hor. We need to do it also ok?
So David gave Solomon the plans for everything. He also gave the gold, silver to be used for the different services in building God's temple.
This part also very nice.
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.
He also told Solomon that everyone under him will be completely at his command.
Chapt 29
Offerings for Building the Temple
David has prepared all that he can for the house of God. (David is really a man after God's heart hor, everything that he did for God, he did with all his ability and all that he can)
So he gave a speech and said what are the things he prepared. After that he asked who is willing to consecrate themself to the Lord. So all the leaders, captains and officials gave willingly for the work of God.
David's praise to God
David blessed God before all the assembly.
Solomon appointed King
After that they made sacrifices to the Lord and offered burnt offerings to the Lord.
(wonder where they have such a big place to hold such a big meeting with so many people. And without microphone. David must have a very loud voice or its a place with very good acoustics)
The Lord exalted Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
The Close of David's Reign
David reigned in Israel for 40 years. 7 years in Hebron, 33 years in Jerusalmen. And he died in a good old age and Solomon reigned in his place.
Psalms 127
Labouring and Prospering with the Lord.
Solomon wrote this.
Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
5Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate
Really very happy to be serving the children (:
Okay abrupt end.
