David took pains to organise the descendants of the priests, even Aaron’s sons, and divide them into groups to carry out their assigned responsibilities, 1 Chronicles 24:1,3.

All these divisions were done by casting lots, and so there was no room for partiality, vs 5, vs 31! The death of Nadab and Abihu for offering strange fire before the Lord, served as a precedent for all who had the calling of God upon their lives, and yet chose to walk in disobedience, vs 3, Leviticus 10:1,2! David and the army officers also appointed those who had musical ability, to prophesy and play stringed instruments in praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord, 1 Chronicles 25:1. Heman was the king’s prophet, vs 5 and Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the supervision of the king, vs 6.

Once again lots were cast in order to determine their responsibilities, vs 8. Next, he arranged for the appointment and the division of the gatekeepers from the divisions of Korah and Merari, to serve as watchmen at the different gates in the Lord’s house,, *1 Chronicles 26:1-19. Their fellow Levites were given various responsibilities concerning looking after the storehouses, both in and outside the temple too, vs 20-32; 1 Chronicles 27:25-31. Commanders of the army, as well as their officers served the king in various matters. Each division was assigned to serve for one month during the year, 1 Chronicles 27:1-24. All this being done, David then called together all the officials in Jerusalem and gave them instructions concerning the building of the Lord’s temple, 1 Chronicles 28.

He emphasized the importance of obeying all the Lord’s commands and exhorted Solomon, his son, to obey the God of his father and serve Him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit, for the Lord was One who examined all minds and understood every motive of one’s thoughts, vs 9. David himself, gave him the blueprint just as the LORD directed David and gave him insight, vs 19. He encouraged Solomon to be strong, brave and unafraid, for the Lord was sure to be with him and not abandon him until the work was completed, vs 20! David pointed out that although he desired to build the temple himself, yet God said that he could not do so on account of the blood he shed as a warrior, vs 2,3; and God Himself chose Solomon, instead, to do the needful, vs 5,6.

Here we see that inspite of David being the king, he humbled himself under the mighty hand of God and stayed within his boundary. As he did so, he became a great blessing to God’s people who in turn respected and obey him. Similarly, each person had his own part to play in the building of the temple or in serving the king and the Lord’s people as was required in line with their giftings.

While in those days they cast lots, today we have the Holy Spirit as our teacher and the Word of God as our infallible guide. As each one follows faithfully, the house of God will be built without strife, confusion and chaos.

Those who defy God’s authority, either knowingly or ignorantly, like Nadab, Abihu or Uzzah will eventually meet with discipline, in line with God’s impartial sense of justice! Let us, therefore, take heed to these examples and run in such a way so as to win and build exactly how we see God doing, for as we finish the race and keep the faith, we too will assuredly find reserved for us the crown of righteousness, whom the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to all who have set their affection on His appearing, 2 Timothy 4:7,8! Amen.

Rowena Thomas
Mumbai, India.