KEY PLACES IN 1 CHRONICLES
The genealogies of 1 Chronicles present an overview of Israel’s history. The first nine chapters are filled with genealogies tracing the lineages of people from the Creation to the exile in Babylon. Saul’s death is recorded in chapter 10. Chapter 11 begins the history of David’s reign over Israel.
1 Hebron Although David had been anointed king years earlier, his reign began when the leaders of Israel accepted him as king at Hebron (11:1–3).
2 Jerusalem David set out to complete the conquest of the land begun by Joshua. He attacked Jerusalem, captured it, and made it his capital (11:4—12:40).
3 Kiriath-jearim (Kirjath-jearim) The Ark of the Covenant, which had been captured by the Philistines in battle and returned (1 Samuel 4—6), was in safekeeping in Kirjath-jearim. David summoned all Israel to this city to join in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. Unfortunately, it was not moved according to God’s instructions, and as a result, one man died. David left the Ark in the home of Obed-edom until he could discover how to transport it correctly (13:1–14).
4 Tyre David did much building in Jerusalem. King Hiram of Tyre sent workers and supplies to help build David’s palace. Cedar, abundant in the mountains north of Israel, was a valuable and hardy wood for the beautiful buildings in Jerusalem (14:1—17:27).
5 Baal-perazim David was not very popular with the Philistines because he had slain Goliath, one of their greatest warriors (1 Samuel 17). When David began to rule over a united Israel, the Philistines set out to capture him. But as David and his army approached Jerusalem, they attacked the Philistines at Baal-perazim. His army defeated the mighty Philistines twice, causing all the surrounding nations to fear David’s power (14:11–17). After these battles, David moved the Ark to Jerusalem (this time in accordance with God’s instructions for transporting the Ark). There was great celebration as the Ark was brought into Jerusalem (15:1—17:27). David spent the remainder of his life making preparations for the building of the Temple, a central place for the worship of God (18:1—29:30).