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Brief Summary:
The first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles are dedicated to lists and genealogies. Further lists and genealogies are scattered throughout the rest of 1 Chronicles. In between, the Book of 1 Chronicles records David’s ascension to the throne and his actions thereafter. The book concludes with David’s son Solomon becoming King of Israel. Briefly outlined, the Book of 1 Chronicles is as follows:
Chapters 1:1-9:23 – Selective Genealogies;
Chapters 9:24-12:40 – David’s ascent;
Chapters 13:1-20:30 -David’s reign.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
The Book of 1 Chronicles Summary
The death of Saul.
The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul’s reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner or later; Saul died for his transgression. 2. That no man’s greatness can exempt him from the judgments of God. 3. Disobedience is a killing thing. Saul died for not keeping the word of the Lord. May be delivered from unbelief, impatience, and despair. By waiting on the Lord we shall obtain a kingdom that cannot be moved.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 10 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 10:12
12 all the valiant men arose, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
The death of Saul.
The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul’s reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner or later; Saul died for his transgression. 2. That no man’s greatness can exempt him from the judgments of God. 3. Disobedience is a killing thing. Saul died for not keeping the word of the Lord. May be delivered from unbelief, impatience, and despair. By waiting on the Lord we shall obtain a kingdom that cannot be moved.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 10 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 10:13
13 So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Yahweh, because of Yahweh’s word, which he didn’t keep; and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire,
The death of Saul.
The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul’s reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner or later; Saul died for his transgression. 2. That no man’s greatness can exempt him from the judgments of God. 3. Disobedience is a killing thing. Saul died for not keeping the word of the Lord. May be delivered from unbelief, impatience, and despair. By waiting on the Lord we shall obtain a kingdom that cannot be moved.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 10 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 10:12
12 all the valiant men arose, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
(Read 1 Chronicles 11:1-9)
David was brought to possess the throne of Israel after he had reigned seven years in Hebron, over Judah only. God’s counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way. The way to be truly great, is to be really useful, to devote all our talents to the Lord.
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1 Chronicles 11 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 11:1
Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.
(Read 1 Chronicles 11:1-9)
David was brought to possess the throne of Israel after he had reigned seven years in Hebron, over Judah only. God’s counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way. The way to be truly great, is to be really useful, to devote all our talents to the Lord.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 11 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 11:2
2 In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. Yahweh your God said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.’”
(Read 1 Chronicles 11:1-9)
David was brought to possess the throne of Israel after he had reigned seven years in Hebron, over Judah only. God’s counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way. The way to be truly great, is to be really useful, to devote all our talents to the Lord.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 11 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 11:3
3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to Yahweh’s word by Samuel.
(Read 1 Chronicles 12:1-22)
Here is an account of those who appeared and acted as David’s friends, while he was persecuted. No difficulties or dangers should keep the sinner from coming to the Savior, nor drive the believer from the path of duty. Those who break through, and overcome in these attempts, will find abundant recompence. From the words of Amasai we may learn how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus; his we must be throughly; on his side we must be forward to appear and act. If we are under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to have our lot among them, and to declare ourselves on their side; if in faith and love we embrace the cause of Christ, he will receive, employ, and advance us.
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1 Chronicles 12 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 12:18
18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said, “We are yours, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse. Peace, peace be to you, and peace be to your helpers; for your God helps you.” Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
(Read 1 Chronicles 13:6-14)
Let the sin of Uzza warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing with holy things; and let none think that a good design will justify a bad action. Let the punishment of Uzza teach us not to dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it, and it will be to us a savour of life unto life.
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1 Chronicles 13 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
I Chronicles 13:14
14 God’s ark remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months; and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom’s house and all that he had.
David’s victories.
In this chapter we have an account of, 1. David’s kingdom established. 2. His family built up. 3. His enemies defeated. This is repeated from 2 Samuel 5. Let the fame of David be looked upon as a type and figure of the exalted honour of the Son of David.
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1 Chronicles 14 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
I Chronicles 14:15
15 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”
(Read 1 Chronicles 15:1-24)
Wise and good men may be guilty of oversights, which they will correct, as soon as they are aware of them. David does not try to justify what had been done amiss, nor to lay the blame on others; but he owns himself guilty, with others, of not seeking God in due order.
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1 Chronicles 15 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 15:16
16 David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers with instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up their voices with joy.
(Read 1 Chronicles 16:7-36)
Let God be glorified in our praises. Let others be edified and taught, that strangers to him may be led to adore him. Let us ourselves triumph and trust in God. Those that give glory to God’s name are allowed to glory in it. Let the everlasting covenant be the great matter of our joy his people of old, be remembered by us with thankfulness to him. Show forth from day to day his salvation, his promised salvation by Christ. We have reason to celebrate that from day to day; for we daily receive the benefit, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. In the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the servants of God in distress.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 16 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 16:8
Oh give thanks to Yahweh. Call on his name. Make what he has done known among the peoples.
(Read 1 Chronicles 16:7-36)
Let God be glorified in our praises. Let others be edified and taught, that strangers to him may be led to adore him. Let us ourselves triumph and trust in God. Those that give glory to God’s name are allowed to glory in it. Let the everlasting covenant be the great matter of our joy his people of old, be remembered by us with thankfulness to him. Show forth from day to day his salvation, his promised salvation by Christ. We have reason to celebrate that from day to day; for we daily receive the benefit, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. In the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the servants of God in distress.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 16 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 16:9
Sing to him. Sing praises to him. Tell of all his marvelous works.
(Read 1 Chronicles 16:7-36)
Let God be glorified in our praises. Let others be edified and taught, that strangers to him may be led to adore him. Let us ourselves triumph and trust in God. Those that give glory to God’s name are allowed to glory in it. Let the everlasting covenant be the great matter of our joy his people of old, be remembered by us with thankfulness to him. Show forth from day to day his salvation, his promised salvation by Christ. We have reason to celebrate that from day to day; for we daily receive the benefit, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. In the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the servants of God in distress.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 16 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 16:10
Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.
(Read 1 Chronicles 16:7-36)
Let God be glorified in our praises. Let others be edified and taught, that strangers to him may be led to adore him. Let us ourselves triumph and trust in God. Those that give glory to God’s name are allowed to glory in it. Let the everlasting covenant be the great matter of our joy his people of old, be remembered by us with thankfulness to him. Show forth from day to day his salvation, his promised salvation by Christ. We have reason to celebrate that from day to day; for we daily receive the benefit, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. In the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the servants of God in distress.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 16 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek Yahweh and his strength. Seek his face forever more.
(Read 1 Chronicles 16:7-36)
Let God be glorified in our praises. Let others be edified and taught, that strangers to him may be led to adore him. Let us ourselves triumph and trust in God. Those that give glory to God’s name are allowed to glory in it. Let the everlasting covenant be the great matter of our joy his people of old, be remembered by us with thankfulness to him. Show forth from day to day his salvation, his promised salvation by Christ. We have reason to celebrate that from day to day; for we daily receive the benefit, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. In the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the servants of God in distress.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 16 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 16:23
Sing to Yahweh, all the earth! Display his salvation from day to day.
(Read 1 Chronicles 16:7-36)
Let God be glorified in our praises. Let others be edified and taught, that strangers to him may be led to adore him. Let us ourselves triumph and trust in God. Those that give glory to God’s name are allowed to glory in it. Let the everlasting covenant be the great matter of our joy his people of old, be remembered by us with thankfulness to him. Show forth from day to day his salvation, his promised salvation by Christ. We have reason to celebrate that from day to day; for we daily receive the benefit, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. In the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the servants of God in distress.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
1 Chronicles 16 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 16:34
Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
David’s purposes; God’s gracious promises.
This chapter is the same as Isaiah 42:1; and it is for his sake, upon account of his mediation, that the promises are made good to all believers; it is in him, that they are yea and amen. For His sake it is done, for his sake it is made known; to him we owe all this greatness, from him we are to expect all these great things. They are the unsearchable riches of Christ, which, if by faith we see in themselves, and see in the Lord Jesus, we cannot but magnify as the only true greatness, and speak honourably of them. For this blessedness may we look amidst the trials of life, and when we feel the hand of death upon us; and seek it for our children after us.
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1 Chronicles 17 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 17:20
20 Yahweh, there is no one like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
David’s victories.
This chapter is the same as 2 Samuel 8. Our good fight of faith, under the Captain of our salvation, will end in everlasting triumph and peace. The happiness of Israel, through David’s victories, and just government, faintly shadowed forth the happiness of the redeemed in the realms above.
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1 Chronicles 18 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 18:11
11 King David also dedicated these to Yahweh, with the silver and the gold that he carried away from all the nations; from Edom, from Moab, from the children of Ammon, from the Philistines, and from Amalek.
David’s wars.
The story is here repeated of David’s war with the Ammonites and the Syrians their allies, and the victories he obtained over them, which we read just as it is here related, 2 Sa. 10. Here is, I. David’s civility to the king of Ammon, in sending an embassy of condolence to him on occasion of his father’s death (v. 1, 2). II. His great incivility to David, in the base usage he gave to his ambassadors (v. 3, 4). III. David’s just resentment of it, and the war which broke out thereupon, in which the Ammonites acted with policy in bringing the Syrians to their assistance (v. 6, 7), Joab did bravely (v. 8-13), and Israel was once and again victorious (v. 14-19).
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1 Chronicles 19 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 19:2
2 David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.”
So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun to comfort him.
David’s wars.
Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
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1 Chronicles 20 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
1 Chronicles 20:8
8 These were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.