A PSALM IN CHRONICLES
Israel's Northern Kingdom lasted less than 250 years. During this time, nineteen kings reigned over this kingdom and all of them were wicked. The longest reign of any king of Israel was 41 years. One king lasted only seven days. Judah, the Southern Kingdom, fared somewhat better. They survived more than 325 years with twenty kings. Seven of the leaders were good; thirteen were evil. One king reigned 55 years, but two governments continue in the two books of Chronicles.
The name Chronicles comes from the Greek word which is related to our word chronology. These books give a colorful and clear account of Israel's history arranged in sequence. There are several differences between the books of Kings and the books of Chronicles. These are not discrepancies or inconsistencies but omissions. It is necessary to read both if one is to have the full history of Israel. Chronicles emphasizes Jewish ceremony and genealogies, whereas Kings is dominated by the prophets. Jerome, a church father of the fourth century A.D., considered Chronicles the epitome of the Old Testament. Modern readers find these books rich in history and spiritual lessons.
As in the book of Judges, the message of Chronicles comes through clearly: Man cannot survive if he ignores God. We must allow the Creator to govern our personal lives each day. Another lesson we learn in this book is that God is longing to help man. In David's beautiful psalm recorded here, we find how deeply God desires to assist those who will turn to Him. Riches, honor, and strength come from God to those who love Him. Chronicles shows how hopeless it is for man to try to "go it" alone. Man will always be miserable until he fully turns to Christ with his whole being.
“Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.”
1 Chronicles 29:12 KJV
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