1 Chronicles 21 - 22, 2 Samuel 24, Psalm 30 (23rd May) - Li Juan

1 Chronicles 21, 2 Samuel 24
Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to count the fighting men. Joab tried to stop him yet was not successful. Joab numbered 1100000 men in Israel who could handle the sword, yet did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering because of the king’s abhorrent command, and this command was also evil in God’s sight. Thus, God punished Israel.

The Lord gave 3 options to David through Gad:
1) 3 years of famine
2) 3 months of being swept away before the enemies with their swords overtaking him
3) 3 days of plague in the land with the Lord’s angel ravaging every part of Israel

David chose the third and the 3-day plague killed 70000 men of Israel. God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but He was grieved when He saw the calamity and He stopped the angel. David, who had sinned and done wrong in the first place, pled for God to not let this plague remain on the people. The plague stopped after David’s offering. David was then told to build an altar at the threshing floor where the angel had stood. However, David could not go before the altar to inquire of the Lord because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 22
David made extensive preparation of the materials for building the temple for the Lord, which is to be of great magnificent, fame and splendor in the sight of all nations. Solomon, David’s son, was then charged to build the house for the Lord. David could not do it himself as he had shed blood and waged war. However, Solomon would be a man of rest and peace, and Israel would be granted peace and quiet during his reign.

David encouraged Solomon. “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as He said you would. May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Then, David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon, and commanded them to devote their heart and soul to seeking the Lord, and to build the temple for the Name of the Lord.

Psalm 30
God lifted us from our depths, and brought us up from our graves. He is the one who can turn our mourning into dancing, our sorrows in to joy. Let us all devote our heart and soul to seek the Lord!