We skipped a few chapters in the chronological progression through this book because they are genealogies which include many generations that had not yet been born (and a few still are not). This chapter specifically covers the descendants of David.
“These are the sons of David who… were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon… The son of Solomon was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, Amon his son, Josiah his son. The sons of Josiah: Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.” (v(1, 5, 10-15 abr)
This list of names may look familiar to us – they are the Kings of the united kingdom of Israel, and the divided Kingdom of Judah. Beginning with David in 1010 BC, and ending with Zedekiah in 586 BC, everyone on this list (except Johanan) had a turn leading God’s people – some for better, and some for worse (roughly 38% good, 62% evil).
The important thing to note here is God’s covenant promise to David: ” ‘When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you… my steadfast love will not depart from him… And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’ ” (2 Sam 7:12,15,16 abr)
God keeps this covenant with David, maintaining a Davidic heir in the leadership of Israel/Judah for 1043 calendar years (concluding with Jesus). That is quite a legacy made possible through David’s obedience to God, and God’s sovereignty over His people.
Note: Though the historical timeline of ‘David’s throne’ ended with Jesus in 33 AD, we know that Jesus and His kingdom are eternal, so God’s promise of “Your throne shall be established forever” is fulfilled, it is just no longer measured on human calendars.
If we ever find ourselves wondering if it’s worthwhile to obey God, the answer is always ‘yes, it’s worth it’. Over 1000 years of history and 18 generations of leaders were set in place by one person’s obedience – who knows what legacy our obedience will bring? I encourage us to remain faithful and obedient to God, because we’ll never know what impact we will have on future generations.
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent Lord, Your steadfast love and sovereign guidance endure forever. Father You established the earth and all those upon it, and have set Your children apart for many generations. Please help us to remain faithful and obedient, glorifying You until the end of this earth and the eternal kingdom of Jesus is fully known. For Your honor, glory, and praise, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training