We see in 1 Chronicles 9:2-10:14 that this book now resumes with Israel’s history. It begins with the background comment from yesterday that “the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness” (verse 1), and the narrative picks up with “some Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants who were the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns” (verse 2). The passage here lists “those from Judah” (verses 3-9); the various priests (verses 10-13); the Levites (verses 14-16); and the temple servants. Identified specifically are “the gatekeepers.” (verses 17-27); “those in charge of the articles used in temple service” (verses 28-32); and the “musicians” (verses 34). In verses 35-44, we see the genealogy of Saul. Now in chapter 10, we read the controversial account of Saul’s death, and finally, we learn who really killed Saul. Did he take his own life? Was he killed by his armor-bearer or the young Amalekite? Which was it? Earlier (cf., June 2, Day #154 – God’s Retributive Justice), we established that Saul attempted suicide but unsuccessfully – “he was in the throes of death but still alive” (cf., 2 Samuel 1:9). We pointed out the significance of Saul’s death by the hands of an Amalekite because of his failure to obey the LORD and “destroy all the Amalekites totally” (cf., 12 Samuel 15:3). So who killed King Saul? Here in 2 Chronicles 10, we find the correct answer. Clearly, it couldn't have been Saul's armor-bearer, for he expired before Saul died. We read, “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance ... so the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David” (verse 13). Although it seems that each human participant in this incident definitely had a “hand in Saul’s death,” nevertheless, it was God alone Who finished the job and ended Saul's life. This shows us that man is not in charge - even of his own death. The domain of death is the sole realm of God alone. This section of the book answers the controversy surrounding Saul's death, and it further serves to establish who was God’s indisputable choice for Israel’s ordained king – David.
In Proverbs 18:17-19:2, we read today of the importance of our words and our relationships. Words are important because they reflect what’s in our heart, and our “tongues have the power of life and death” (18:21). Relationships are important because God created us to be social creatures who need each other. In spite of all our strengths, abilities, knowledge, and gifts, we are actually weak creatures who can accomplish very little without the help of others. For example, I struggle a lot trying to deal with king-sized bed linens (i.e., changing, washing, and folding them). It seems like a little thing, but for me, they are big things (king-sized killers, actually!), and they get the better of me. I wish I had a helper with those! Chapter 19 tells us that, from God’s perspective, the poverty of a blameless man is more desirable than the behavior of a perverse fool. We must choose our helpers carefully.
In Romans 14:1-18, Paul tells us that gray areas are also part and parcel of the Christian life. We live in a world where we find certain disputable issues of conviction or personal taste – neutral things in themselves – that are neither righteous nor sinful, yet we hold strong beliefs about them. Paul admonishes us to settle these issues in our own minds as either right or wrong and then refrain from judging others about their convictions regarding these matters. Sometimes, our own convictions make this issue difficult for us, but love and respect for other people – rather than judgment of them – is our appropriate response. What is important is to thank God and leave all the judgment to Him.
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