Weekly Guide：Week 64
April 14, 2019
Forward
We continue to read the First Chronicles this week.
May you all be renewed in God’s word each day!
Question
What were the duties of the Levites?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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When David was old and full of years, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.
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Levites twenty years old or more were counted individually and served in the temple of the Lord.
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The divisions of the descendants of Aaron.
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The rest of the descendants of Levi casted lots for their duties.
Meditation: My Story
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Fidelity - In addition to preparing the material resources for constructing the temple, David also prepared human resources. In my service at church, how may I take care of both material and human resources?
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Fidelity - What were the different duties in the temple? What similarities do they compare to the duties in churches today?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How were other duties in the temple assigned?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. They casted lots into twenty-four groups.
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The gatekeepers, through their leaders, had duties for ministering in the temple of the Lord, casted lots for each gate.
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Ahijah was in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries for the dedicated things.
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From the Izharites: Kenaniah and his sons were assigned duties away from the temple, as officials and judges over Israel.
Meditation: My Story
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Fidelity - We see the importance of music in worship as David assigned workers responsible for music in the temple to enable them to worship with music. How do I view music in worship?
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Fidelity - David’s workers served according to their gifts. Do I know what my gifts are? How may I thank the Lord for other people’s gifts have and serve with them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Who were in charge of David’s property?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The Israelites served the king were on monthly duty throughout the year.
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The leaders of the tribes of Israel.
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The officials in charge of King David’s property. David’s counselors. Joab was the commander of the royal army.
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David told the people about his wish to build a temple.
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David gave his son Solomon the plans for the temple. He encouraged Solomon to be strong and courageous and do the work.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - David wished to build the temple but when God told him not to, he obeyed because God’s will is higher than his will. Have I experienced similar situation in my journey of faith?
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Community - David displayed his reliance on God in the encouragement he gave Solomon. How do I encourage my children?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did David and the entire assembly prepare the materials for constructing the temple?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God-gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble-all of these in large quantities. David gave his personal treasures of gold and silver, as well.
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The leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.
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David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly.
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The whole assembly praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king.
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They acknowledged Solomon son of David as king a second time, anointing him before the Lord to be ruler and Zadok to be priest.
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David died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - David encouraged the assembly to give: “Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?” What would my response be if David was encouraging me?
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Identity - What was David’s attitude in his prayer? How did he see himself and the Israelites? How may I pray like David?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What happened when David’s son Solomon became king?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Solomon established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
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Solomon God for wisdom and knowledge, that he may lead this numerous people.
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God gave Solomon wisdom and knowledge as well as wealth, possessions and honor.
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Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the Lord and a royal palace for himself.
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Solomon sent message to Hiram king of Tyre asking for cedar logs. Hiram sent man of skills and logs.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Solomon asked God for wisdom to enable him to serve. What am I asking for? Am I focusing on my own desires or God’s kingdom?
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Fidelity - Solomon, the skilled workers, and labors worked together to construct the temple. Do I have the wisdom from God to co-work with others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did Solomon construct the temple?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Solomon began to build the temple on the threshing floor of Arunah.
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Solomon laid for building the temple of God using the cubit of the old standard.
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For the Most Holy Place he made a pair of sculptured cherubim and overlaid them with gold.
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For the front of the temple he made two pillars, a bronze altar, and the Sea of cast metal.
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He then made ten basins for washing, ten gold lampstands. He made the courtyard of the priests, and the large court and the doors for the court.
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Huram also made the pots and shovels and sprinkling bowls.
Meditation: My Story
- Fidelity - Solomon used precious materials and delicate tools with detailed methodology. When I serve, how may I serve with all my heart, all my mind, all my soul, and all my strength to glorify God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did David and the entire assembly prepare the materials for constructing the temple?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God-gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble-all of these in large quantities. David gave his personal treasures of gold and silver, as well.
+ The leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king's work gave willingly.
+ David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly.
+ The whole assembly praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king.
+ They acknowledged Solomon son of David as king a second time, anointing him before the Lord to be ruler and Zadok to be priest.
+ David died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - David encouraged the assembly to give: "Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?" What would my response be if David was encouraging me?
+ **Identity** - What was David's attitude in his prayer? How did he see himself and the Israelites? How may I pray like David?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened when David's son Solomon became king?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Solomon established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
+ Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge, that he may lead this numerous people.
+ God gave Solomon wisdom and knowledge as well as wealth, possessions and honor.
+ Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the Lord and a royal palace for himself.
+ Solomon sent message to Hiram king of Tyre asking for cedar logs. Hiram sent man of skills and logs.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Solomon asked God for wisdom to enable him to serve. What am I asking for? Am I focusing on my own desires or God's kingdom?
+ **Fidelity** - Solomon, the skilled workers, and labors worked together to construct the temple. Do I have the wisdom from God to co-work with others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Solomon construct the temple?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Solomon began to build the temple on the threshing floor of Arunah.
+ Solomon laid for building the temple of God using the cubit of the old standard.
+ For the Most Holy Place he made a pair of sculptured cherubim and overlaid them with gold.
+ For the front of the temple he made two pillars, a bronze altar, and the Sea of cast metal.
+ He then made ten basins for washing, ten gold lampstands. He made the courtyard of the priests, and the large court and the doors for the court.
+ Huram also made the pots and shovels and sprinkling bowls.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Solomon used precious materials and delicate tools with detailed methodology. When I serve, how may I serve with all my heart, all my mind, all my soul, and all my strength to glorify God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was the ark of the Lord's Covenant moved into the temple?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ King Solomon brought up the ark of the Lord's covenant from Zion, the City of David, to Jerusalem.
+ While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them.
+ Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands and prayed.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - In his prayer, Solomon emphasized that the temple is the temple for God's people's prayers. He asked God to listen to faithful prayers toward the temple. Is my church a church of prayers? How should I respond to prayer meetings?
+ **Fidelity** - David and Solomon wished to build the temple and it was finally completed. How do their fear of God and heart of servitude inspire me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God appear to Solomon?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
+ King and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord.
+ Solomon observed the festival at that time for seven days with all Israel.
+ Lord appeared to Solomon and told him his prayer was heard and "If you walk before me faithfully as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a successor to rule over Israel.' But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - God promises if we will humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear from heaven, and He will forgive our sin and will heal our land. How does this truth help me when I'm low and need help?
+ **Fidelity** - What was the reason God accepted the temple Solomon built and the burnt offering? Has God accepted my offerings? Why?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Solomon place the Israelites and foreigners after the completion of the temple and palace?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Solomon rebuilt the villages that Hiram had given him, and settled Israelites in them.
+ Solomon conscripted the descendants of all those people remaining in the land who were not Israelites to serve as slave labor.
+ Solomon did not make slaves of the Israelites for his work; they were his fighting men, commanders of his captains, and commanders of his chariots and charioteers.
+ On the altar of the Lord that he had built in front of the portico, Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings to the Lord.
+ In keeping with the ordinance of his father David, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their duties.
+ All Solomon's work was carried out, so the temple of the Lord was finished.
+ Hiram sent Solomon ships commanded by his own men, sailors who knew the sea.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Solomon built the temple and rebuilt the villages so that the Israelites may settle there. What effect did his action bring? How should I pray for the leaders of my country?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Judah drift toward subjugation?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he turned against Nebuchadnezzar and rebelled.
+ Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim succeeded him as king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months.
+ The officers of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon advanced on Jerusalem and laid siege to it. Jehoiachin surrendered to king of Babylon.
+ The king of Babylon took the treasures from the temple of the Lord and carried all Jerusalem into exile.
+ Zedekiah reigned in Jerusalem eleven years then rebelled against the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army and built siege works all around it.
+ Jerusalem was destroyed and the temple was plundered.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Why didn't God come to rescue Judah when the situation deteriorated, and the temple and people were plundered by the king of Babylon? How do I understand God's mercy and righteousness?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the genealogy of Israelites' ancestors?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Genealogy from Adam.
+ The family of Abraham.
+ Esau's sons.
+ The people of Seir.
+ The rulers of Edom.
+ Israel's sons.
+ Sons of Judah.
+ Hezron's sons.
+ Sons of Caleb.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The first in the genealogy of Israel was Adam. What does it mean to the Israelites? What does it mean to us?
+ **Integrity** - Er and Achar (Achan) were pointed out specifically for of their sins. What kind of legacy do I want to leave for myself, good or evil?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who were the descendants of David and Solomon?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Six sons were born to David in Hebron and thirteen sons in Jerusalem. These were sons of David besides the ones by his concubines. Tamar was their sister.
+ Sons of Solomon.
+ The descendants of Judah.
+ The descendants of Simeon.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Here recorded Jabez's prayer to God, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. What meaning does this special account have for me? How may I pray to God in a similar way?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the history of Israel to the east of the Jordan river?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The land settled by the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
+ God delivered the Hagrites to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
+ The two and half tribes were unfaithful to God and went into exile.
+ The descendants of Levi.
+ The men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest.
+ Aaron and his descendants presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place.
+ The locations of the settlements allotted to Aaron's descendants as their territory.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What was the secret to victory for Ruben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh when they were outnumbered by their enemy? Why did they later end up in exile? How do these accounts remind me? What determines our success or failure?
+ **Fidelity** - The responsibility of Aaron's descendants was to serve God according to Moses' law. How does God command me to serve? Am I following His command?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who were the descendants of the tribes to the west of Jordan river?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The sons of Issachar.
+ The descendants of Benjamin.
+ Sons of Naphtali.
+ The descendants of Manasseh.
+ The descendants of Ephraim.
+ Asher's sons.
+ The detailed genealogy of Benjamite.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The accounts of the tribes recorded in chapter 7 were relatively simple. Is my life's journey with or without God? Is it filled with the story of God or is there not much to talk about?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who were the Israelites living in Jerusalem?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ A detailed account of the Israelite descendants who were in Jerusalem.
+ The duties and responsibilities of the Levites in Jerusalem.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - This chapter recorded in detail the duties and responsibilities of the Levites for they served God. How does the record help me understand God's attributes and my own heart? How does it help to encourage me to serve faithfully?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses