April 21, 2025 - 1 Chronicles 26-29

Not only did David need to prepare building materials for the temple, he appointed the numerous persons who would serve at the temple:  gatekeepers, treasurers and other officials.  And then, as always, there was the concern about Israel’s enemies and the need to be prepared for attacks; thus, David divided his military into divisions along with appointing commanders.  Over the tribes, David assigned leaders much like state governors, I suppose.  The point of it all is that Israel lived in the real world with real enemies and with organizational needs.  Nothing merely haphazard would do.  After all this work, David spoke to the people about the temple, gave a charge to Solomon, and prayed:  “And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.  But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly?”  (29:13-14).  David was faithful and accomplished much but, at the end of the day, he recognized his complete dependence upon God.  As do we.

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name?

Would care to feel my hurt?

Who am I, that the bright and morning star would choose to light the way

For my ever wandering heart?

Not because of who I am

But because of what you’ve done

Not because of what I’ve done

But because of who you are.   –Mark Hall (2004)