1 Chronicles 11:1-47

We now enter on the second section of this Book. In this section there are four movements: the story of David's crowning, the events connected with the Ark of God, the account of David's reign, and, finally, matters concerning the building of the Temple.

The chronicler passes over in silence the story of the seven years in which David reigned over Judah. There may be two reasons for this. First, this is the history of the greatness of David, and begins therefore with his crowning over the whole nation; and, second, it was in connection with that crowning that his activity concerning the Ark and the Temple commenced.

In this chapter the story is first told in simple and yet dignified language of the crowning at Hebron. So far as the people were concerned, this was based on their recognition of the divine appointment. Then comes the account of the taking of Jesus, which became the city of David's heart and the metropolis of the nation.

The chronicle of the mighty men and their deeds is full of color. It is principally interesting in view of what these men were in the days of David's exile. They had gathered to him in the mountain fastnesses, a company of men graphically described as in debt, in danger, and discontented. How wonderfully he had influenced them is seen in their remarkable devotion to him, and still more surprisingly in the heroic character they had developed.