This chapter has the feeling of making sure the house is in order. We see David at the end of his earthly reign going through all his preparations to make sure everything is ready before he has the big talk with Solomon. This task of building the temple is just about to be handed on to Solomon with all preparations in place.
When reading through the list of military divisions and their correct order and place, I can see a picture similar to Queen Elizabeth II inspecting the troops at the annual Trooping of the Colour event. It gives an air of majesty and brings to remembrance Proverbs 30:29-31: ‘There are three things which are majestic in pace, yes, four which are stately in walk: A lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn away from any; a greyhound, a male goat also, and a king whose troops are with him.’ And we can see King David here, giving the final inspection of his troops and leaders of the tribes, remembering the glory years.
In the remembering of the glory years, there is an interesting mention in verses 23 and 24: ‘But David did not take the number of those twenty years old and under, because the Lord had said He would multiply Israel like the stars of the heavens. Joab the son of Zeruiah began a census but he did not finish, for wrath came upon Israel because of this census; nor was the number recorded in the account of the chronicles of King David.’ Of course, a full account was given in 1 Chron 21. And the author wants to give assurance that this is not a time to show off pomp and pride. But this is a time of God’s servant-king, David, getting ready to hand on the very best to the next generation.
Another similar hand-over takes place between Jesus and His disciples. In Luke 22:14 -30: Jesus is in his final preparations in handing over the work for which He was sent on to the disciples. They sat down to share the Passover, and Jesus reveals to them the Lord’s supper. Yet, verse 24 says ‘now there was a dispute among them as to which of them should be considered the greatest.’ The Lord answers, ‘For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.’ How are we doing with our serving?
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Pray for our Queen to hand over well.
If you are able, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC_Jah6FTCE A modern Passion.