Why does the book of 1 Chronicles not follow a strict chronological order? The book will follow a chronological order for a few chapters and then details from the future are given and then the story is relayed in chronological order again. The death of Saul was told in 1 Chronicles chapter 10 but in chapter 11 and 12 we go backwards in the timeline to before Saul’s death story to see the men of arms at David’s side. And by the end of chapter 12 we are again at a point after Saul’s death with celebration of David’s kingship. What is the point to all of this jumping around in time? Does the book of 1 Chronicles focus more on the key people and the critical events that occurred in their lives?
It is interesting how these genealogies are given around key events. From all the names given in 1 Chronicles 11 and 12 we know who chose to support David while he waited for God to deliver the kingdom to him. While the end of 1 Samuel gives details of how David obtains victory over Saul it is in 1 Chronicles that you are given details of the men who came to aid David. “For day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God.” 1 Chronicles 12:22 What awesome imagery that gives! You get a real feel for the army that God was blessing David with as well as a perfect imperfect picture of what the army of God is like.
What brought all of these men to David? “Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.” 1 Chronicles 12:32 God brought these men to David’s aid because He was giving the nation of Israel over to him and taking it away from Saul.
It is encouraging to see how we can find strength in God when He is for us. Guard your steps today and seek to love God as you learn to cling to him in every moment of life. When we give God preeminence in our lives we can have assurance that we are seeking out what God would desire for our lives. Where is your strength found: yourself or God?
