READING FOR APRIL 22, 2025: 1 CHRONICLES 3, 1 CORINTHIANS 13, PSALM 34:1-10 1 CHRONICLES 3 Our neighbor from Alexandria, IN, Win Corduan, has written an insightful commentary on this chapter for “The Gospel Coalition” website. Let’s benefit from his scholar- ship: “The reign of David, here and elsewhere, is broken up into two segments. There were about seven years in Hebron, at which time he was King of Judah. When members of other tribes signed up under his rule, he became King of Israel and moved his capital to Jerusalem.”
“These two places were also associated with different wives and their offspring. In Hebron, David had six sons, each with a different woman for a mother. Then, in Jerusalem, other children were born to him by yet other wives. One set of names stands out: Solomon and his mother Bathsheba. Ezra [Corduan believes Ezra is the author] does not mention the affair that David had with Bathsheba of which we know from 2 Samuel 11; she is simply one member of the list, which includes Solomon.”
“As we look at the list of David’s sons, it might surprise us that Solomon would be the heir. Presumably, the crown prince should have been Amnon, the oldest son. But the reason why things did not go this way is hidden in 3:9 with the reference to another woman named Tamar, David’s daughter, who had been raped by Amnon (2 Sam. 13). Absalom, her full brother killed Amnon, and David exiled Absalom him for a time, during which time he became his father’s rival. During the subsequent civil war, Absalom was killed (2 Sam. 14–19). Daniel, the second oldest may have died as a child. Adonijah, the fourth oldest son had counted on the throne once David was gone or incapacitated (1 Kgs. 1); however, God had designated Solomon.”
God always chooses rightly according to His purposes. How does God designate us today as righteous? “Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith; however, Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.” (Rom. 9:30-31).
1 CORINTHIANS 13 This may be one of the best-known chapters in the New Testament. It is read at almost every wedding. It is a beautiful poem about the virtue of love. The love that Paul talks about in this chapter has little to do with emotions. Love (Agape – unconditional love) is recognized by actions. We share our love and grace with others by what we do (not what we feel).
This chapter is an Encomium poem. This is a type of poem that glorifies a person, thing, or abstract idea (www.britannica.com). In this case, Paul is praising the virtue of love. The poem begins by using Paul as an example. He uses the Spiritual Gifts listed in Chapter 12 to set the stage. Paul is trying to say that no matter how magnificent the act or the expression of a Spiritual Gift, if love is missing it is worthless. It is self-promotion and fruitless. Only through love can the Spiritual Gifts bring fruit. Paul goes on to list things that love is (patient, kind,
READINGS FOR APRIL 22, 2025 CONTINUED:1 CORINTHIANS 13, PSALM 34:1-10 and truthful); and things that it is not (does not envy, does not boast, not proud, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrong, does not delight in evil). These statements help us to see what love is. It is not selfish. It is outwardly focused.
To emphasize the power of love, Paul tells us: “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Cor. 13:7). There are two words introduced in this verse that will play out through- out this chapter, (trust, faith, and hope). When we love, we have the ability to have faith (trust) in others and in God. When love is present, we can always keep a grasp on the hope that we have been given. It is love that helps us to get through trials. It is love of God and neighbor that gives us faith and hope for the future.
Paul then compares love to the Spiritual Gifts of tongues, prophecy, and knowledge. These gifts are for a moment. There will come a day when they are no longer needed. In the realm of eternity, there will be a day when we are in the presence of Christ and the Spiritual Gifts will no longer be required. Love never fails. It will always exist because God is love (1 John 4:8). Paul reminds us that all that we see in this life is a poor reflection of what is yet to come. We cannot fully comprehend all that God is. We cannot see all that God’s love, grace, and mercy has done for us in this life. But there will be a day when we see everything clearly. It will be a day of celebration. Paul ends the poem: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:13). These three things are of utmost importance. Faith in God through Jesus Christ. Hope through the working of the Holy Spirit. And, most of all, love.
PSALM 34:1-10 Psalm 34 is an alphabetic acrostic. The first verse begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (aleph) and each verse begins with the next letter. The psalm begins with praise to God for an answer to prayer (verses 1-7). The psalm continues with instruction for the people. The title of this psalm gives its historical context (see 1 Samuel 21:10-15). While David was fleeing from King Saul, he went to the area of Gath. Because he was afraid of the King, he pretended to be insane. The King of Gath let him go because he did not want to deal with him. The psalm begins with a hymn of praise. The first three verses call those who have been troubled to join David in praising God for his goodness. The reason for this praise is be- cause God has rescued David from a difficult time. David prayed to God in his fears and God answered those prayers. Those who call on the name of God will be saved. In verse eight, the psalm shifts to wisdom sayings. Verse eight is often quoted and sometimes the metaphor is difficult to understand. The idea of “tasting” God seems odd. The concept is that if we “try” God; if we put our trust in God; we will see that God is good. We will see that we are blessed in the protection of God.
