Eternal Friend and Neighbor

The King and His Civil Leaders

(1 Chronicles 27, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 6, 2018)

[1] This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers' houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:

[2] Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division in the first month; in his division were 24,000. [3] He was a descendant of Perez and was chief of all the commanders. He served for the first month. [4] Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division of the second month; in his division were 24,000. [5] The third commander, for the third month, was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the chief priest; in his division were 24,000. [6] This is the Benaiah who was a mighty man of the thirty and in command of the thirty; Ammizabad his son was in charge of his division. [7] Asahel the brother of Joab was fourth, for the fourth month, and his son Zebadiah after him; in his division were 24,000. [8] The fifth commander, for the fifth month, was Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were 24,000. [9] Sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were 24,000. [10] Seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. [11] Eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. [12] Ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjaminite; in his division were 24,000. [13] Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. [14] Eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah of Pirathon, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. [15] Twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his division were 24,000.

[16] Over the tribes of Israel, for the Reubenites, Eliezer the son of Zichri was chief officer; for the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah; [17] for Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; for Aaron, Zadok; [18] for Judah, Elihu, one of David's brothers; for Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; [19] for Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; for Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel; [20] for the Ephraimites, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; for the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; [21] for the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; for Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; [22] for Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel. [23] David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the LORD had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. [24] Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.

[25] Over the king's treasuries was Azmaveth the son of Adiel; and over the treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah; [26] and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub; [27] and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite. [28] Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan the Gederite; and over the stores of oil was Joash. [29] Over the herds that pastured in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai. [30] Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. [31] All these were stewards of King David's property.

[32] Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni attended the king's sons. [33] Ahithophel was the king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend. [34] Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king's army.

David's military divisions and civil officers

The Lord brought forward men who were willing to serve King David in the battles that Israel faced. There were chosen men at the head of families of ground troops, foot soldiers serving month by month according to the king's direction. There were other men who served as civil leaders. It was in the unauthorized counting of these tribes in the days of David that so much trouble came upon Israel. But this only reinforced the promise that the Lord would make “Israel” as numerous as the stars of heaven.

Stewards of the king's property, advisers, and friends of the king

There were other appointed men throughout the land that served the king. They were managers over David's property and his interests. David also had counselors that played a prominent role in the affairs of God's people and an official “friend” or “neighbor” who stuck with him when so many others were turning away from him. All of these great men of responsibility were necessary for the functioning of the nation of Israel in her prime. The Chronicler's great hope was to see this kingdom reestablished.

Jesus and the kingdoms of this world now

Immediately before Jesus ascended into heaven His disciples asked Him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.” He went on to correct their misunderstanding of the the extent of His reign. Their vision of the kingdom was too small. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The rulers and authorities among men and angels exercise their power and influence in the present age, but Jesus is in charge of everything in heaven and on earth. He is working out His grand design using us as His ambassadors and witnesses, and also as ground soldiers in all areas of life according to the gifts and calling that He has given us. As those who live in America, we hold to certain spiritual truths regarding the world: 1. It belongs to the Almighty Creator, Ruler, and Judge. 2. He is the Source of all rights. 3. Underlords who would contradict His Laws may be lawfully and submissively resisted.

Jesus and the kingdom of God now and forever

We would add to this American Declaration of Independence good start three more points regarding this world: 1. It is fading away, while God's kingdom is forever. 2. Jesus is the the King over both this fading world and the new heavens/earth. 3. This God/Man is your friend if you receive Him. He calls you to the high office of King's friend.

The kingdom of Jesus is being established throughout the earth through the proclamation of the gospel. One day our King will come in judgment. He will show forth the fullness of His reign throughout the great extent of the new heavens and earth. Many who have proven to be faithful in even small responsibilities during their brief days of mortality will serve Him in much greater ways when He has fully established His everlasting kingdom. Whether now or in that future Day of the Lord, we serve at the pleasure of the King. Our lives are not our own. We have been bought with a price.

Sermon Point: Our King is in charge of everything. It is our honor to serve in any way He desires. He is our eternal Friend and Neighbor.

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 56 – The present age and the light of life

Gospel Reading—John 20:30-31

[30] Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.