Chapters 27 & 28 provide numbers and details on David’s military, give the names of the tribal leaders, and present information about other civic officials. Lots of detail, here, and it seems as if one could get, as we put it, “lost in the weeds.” However, this material is important in that it reminds us that the biblical narrative is not merely some sort of mystical “pie-in-the-sky” thing. This is real history with all its necessary details.
And, then, David instructs his son, Solomon, to build the temple for the Lord and encourages him, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished” (28:20). How often has God had to remind his people that they are not alone; we think of Abraham and Moses and Elijah and Jeremiah (indeed, all the prophets), and so many more. And, of course, we remember Jesus’ encouragement to his disciples and to us: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). On this day between Good Friday and the resurrection, indeed, every day, we can live our lives with joy and with the confidence that our God is always with us!
O wondrous knowledge, deep and high,
Where can a creature hide?
Within Thy circling arms I lie,
Enclosed on every side.
So let Thy grace surround me still,
And like a bulwark prove
To guard my soul from every ill,
Secured by Sovereign love. –Isaac Watts (1740)
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