David’s kingdom was an era of prosperity for most Israelites. As we reach the close of his life and kingship in 1 Chronicles. The last chapter of Chronicles, in fact, tells us that David “died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor.” (1 Chronicles 29:28a) Why then, do Chapters 22 to 27 painstakingly list out all of the various delegations of labour? Musicians, priests, to those in the military under David’s rule? Today, we’ll take a look at 1 Chronicles 27, which covers the division of labour in David’s army.
The various sections of the Israel military and their leaders are covered from verses 2 to 22, inclusive of their numbers as recorded in the census. In verse 23 to 24, however, we see that David actually does not keep a record of those 20 and younger, believing to trust in God’s promise of multiplying the people of Israel like the stars in the sky. Even so, Joab began to count these youth, but God’s wrath struck Israel before he could complete it, and the number went unrecorded.
This was not the first time Joab, the commander of the army, went against David’s wishes. For instance, he had killed Absalom when he rebelled, and in the end, Solomon had Joab killed (1 Kings 2:29-24). Even though he was the leader of God’s army, he often went against His will, trusting his own human logic, even supporting Adonijah rather than God’s chosen heir, Solomon. (1 Kings 1:1-27)
As a leader today, whose will do we follow? Do we rely on God or our own human senses to decide on our next action? With the authority given to us, be it in influencing our brethren to more concrete duties in church, we should always put God’s plans before our own ideas. The many leaders of David’s army and the people put in charge over the various work knew the part they had to play in obedience to their anointed king, and in extension, their God. Their faithfulness is recorded in the Bible, such that thousands of years later, the people of today see their work in His word.
Let us reflect on how we, too, can be faithful servants in our own service to God.
