First Chronicles

LeRoy Eims

In one of the ancient manuscripts of the Bible, the name given to the book of Chronicles means "the things that were omitted." That gives you a clue to the importance of the book of First and Second Chronicles.

They contain certain things that were omitted from the books of First and Second Kings. There is good evidence to believe that Ezra was the man whom God used to write these books.

The main purpose of these Chronicles is clear from their content. It is to give correct genealogies, the rank and order of the priests and Levites, so that they could perform their duties in line with the instructions that God had given in His Word. Upon returning to their land after the captivity, it was important that the religious leaders begin their duties again in accordance with the will of God.

It was also necessary to make clear the proper distribution of the land prior to the fall of Judah so that the families could come back to the old homestead. There was another vital aspect of all this: to re‑establish the temple worship required the giving of tithes. It was necessary for each family to be properly settled in order that they might be able to give the proper amount required.

It was also necessary to know who was to perform which service in the temple. The Levites were to receive their living from the tithes of the people, and the amount they received depended upon whether they were porters, singers, priests and so on.

Therefore the Chronicles are more than just a dry list of names to be waded through when we read this book. It shows that God went to great lengths to insure that everything was done properly, decently, and in order. The care for His people shines through these pages, and we catch a glimpse of the importance of establishing the proper worship of God.

It is obvious that to meet these requirements the people must be in possession of accurate records. It was of prime importance that the people realize that the captivity, however horrible it was, was simply an interlude in their lives. Their great religious heritage was in no way jeopardized by their being carried into pagan lands. All things must now be restored as it had been under the direction of God. They were to proceed with their destined role for which the Lord had chosen them.

Although many find the Book of First Chronicles rather dry reading, it has not been so with me. I have found great inspiration and instruction to my own life in the reading of this book. The initiative, courage, faith, and sacrificial spirit of David's men has challenged me time and again. It has given me direction in preparation for His service.

To read of men who were trained, equipped, disciplined and singleminded has given me guidance in my own pursuit of God. "Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand who could keep rank; they were not of double heart." (I Chronicles 12:33).

Time and again God has spoken to me about things in my own life that needed straightening out, stopped altogether, or begun for His glory. Let me challenge you to look at the Book of First Chronicles in this light, read it on your knees, and by the help of the Spirit of God, apply its great message to your life.