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From the first verse of 1 Chronicles, I knew I was in for a really exciting book….
“Adam, Seth, Enosh,” – 1 Chronicles 1:1
If any Bible verse personifies the word “action,” that has to be it.
“Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,” – 1 Chronicles 1:2
No way, Bible! Three more dude’s names?! And did you say “Mahalalel?” That guy is crazy! I can’t imagine what comes next!
“Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah.” – 1 Chronicles 1:3
Whoa, Bible! Four more dude’s names?! That’s one more name that the number of names in each of the first two verses! And I haven’t even hit a verb yet! How is any human expected to handle this much awesomeness!?!?!
Lucky for all my faithful readers (and I’m talking to both of you), I survived the rest of 1 Chronicles so the Word series will continue.
Saul, David, Saul and David
After about 10 chapters of names, we’re introduced to this king named Saul and then a guy named David who… wait a second… this sounds familiar. Didn’t I already read this story in 1 Samuel? Aw man, this is a rerun! Turns out 1 Chronicles (or as I like to refer to it – “See 1 Samuel”) covers a lot of the same stuff as 1 Samuel. Unoriginal repackage content – kinda like Thomas Kinkade “paintings.” (Burn, Kinkade!)
After doing a little research, I found out that there is some difference between the books. Chronicles tends to paint a more positive picture of similar events compared to Samuel and Kings. Seems like Samuel/Kings were written during the exile (a dark and oppressed time in Jewish history), while Chronicles was written later on, after these stories had taken on a more nostalgic, good-old-days feel. The passage of time can reframe memories, I guess.
Beyond Melting Nazis
For this week’s design, I chose a passage where David (king at the time) brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the Ark of the Covenant (if you open it, angels come out, fly around and melt all the Nazis and bad guys), but after a little research, I found out I still had a lot to learn.
The Ark held several objects:
- Aaron’s shepherd rod which he threw down and turned into a snake back in the Egypt days
- The tablets with the 10 Commandments
- Some manna
Basically, it sounds like the Ark held Yahweh’s presence and was really important to the Israelites. During the days of King Saul (king before David), the importance of the Ark among the people seemed to fade. It wasn’t even kept in Jerusalem anymore. When David became king, he changed that and brought the Ark back to Jerusalem – and partied the whole way.
The Ark seemed to be all about remembering the past. Every object in there was an example of how God provided for the Israelites. It makes me wonder what I have in my life that helps me remember what God has done for me… or if I’ve allowed the importance of those memories fade.
Next week, Chronicling part two.
Tags: 1 Chronicles, Ark of the Covenant, Bible, David, Historical books, Word
Posted on Friday, April 16.
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Beautiful study on the Ark, very interesting how you brought up popular culture of the Ark burning up the Nazis in Indiana Jones, very funny when you think about it. :) At the same time very powerful portrayal of the power of God, can see it in its fullness and live WOW! Thank God that Christ is now our Ark and Covenant and our source of Manna :) I think people are still searching for the Ark today, don’t think we will lay eyes on it until Christ returns…maybe?!?
Correction, I meant.. “Cannot see it in its fullness and live.”
These are really getting good. I like the retro feel this one has. Your color choice is also really nice. Keep it up!
Thanks for the feedback, Loswl and Philip! It means a lot coming from 2 designers whose work I admire.
I can only assume that I am one of the two faithful readers you referred to in this post. I am famous now. I shall give you a signature for free and you can sell it for millions. You’re welcome.
Hehehe… no really, cool job again. I like the research that you’re doing on top of just reading the book. I hadn’t noticed that 1 Samuel and 1 Chronicles were similar but written at a different time and with a different perspective.
Since you’ve obviously heard from the two readers who’s work you admire, i thought I should balance it out with some comments of my own.
I love (LOVE) the subtle, yet blatant reference to America being the new Jerusalem. The red white and blue color scheme clearly points to the verified fact that while the presence of God in the OT dwelled in the Ark, the God of the now takes up residence in the good ol’ US of A.
People who don’t concede that have obviously never seen JesUSAves spelled out on a cross in our colors … that don’t run, by the way.
Nice work, Jim.
Marie – The most recent numbers put me at 8 readers, minimum. Needless to say, I’m feeling pretty proud of myself. It’s a staggering (and quite humbling) statistic. Thanks for the feedback :)
Trevor – I take comfort in knowing that I still have 53 books left to correct your theology :)
53 more books?!
How many total are there again?
Wait, are you Catholic?
You’re not seriously gonna do all the ones we don’t even read, are you?
…like Obadiah, Nahum, and Romans