Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.” II Samuel 2:7 (II Samuel 2:1-7, I Chronicles 1-10)
With Saul’s death, David gives time to grieve and then inquires of God for his next move. David gives a blessing to the men that showed kindness by burying Saul and Jonathan and encourages them, as the transition from Saul’s house to David’s will have its turmoil.
Chronologically the book of Chronicles parallels the narratives of Saul’s demise through the fall of Jerusalem and Babylon’s rise. I Chronicles begins and continues for 9 chapters with the genealogy of God’s people from Adam to Saul. The writer is simply preserving history and interpreting it with this key fact: Peace and prosperity are residuals of obedience to God. Do not forget! Someone (Chronicles author) wanted to remind Israel, God’s judgement was a reality, but His promises awaited those who were faithful.
God promised David a lasting dynasty, a hope for all mankind. This was fulfilled through a helpless, tiny baby, with a less than perfect family tree, and an infinite supply of mercy and grace. God’s covenant kept is our assurance of life eternal. God is faithful.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Gretchen