April 18, 2026 - 1 Chronicles 8-11

The genealogies continue with Saul’s family, his rule, his death, and the anointing of David as king.  Leadership transitions are always a challenge; sometimes, they go smoothly, sometimes not; sometimes, good preparation has taken place, sometimes, they are sudden, even happening because of some unforeseen crisis.  But the Lord had ready Saul’s replacement.  In fact, even while Saul was still king, David was chosen and prepared as the future king of Israel.  There was no doubt as to what God intended.  And though a great sinner (like all of us), David was a man after God’s own heart. 

I’m always struck by the mixed bag that David’s life and rule were.  So much bad, so many challenges, yet so much good.   Sort of a salt and pepper story, just like all our lives.  And yet, God persevered with David, and he so patiently perseveres with us.  Malachi had it right:  “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed” (3:6).  We are up and down, all around, and here and there.  But our God remains the same faithful God he has always been.  How good to rest in him!  More on David, later, from the following chapters.

Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with thee.

Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;

As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness,

Great is thy faithfulness,

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed thy hand hast provided;

Great is thy faithfulness,

Lord unto me.   -- Thomas O. Chisholm (1923)