Old Testament · Historical Books · World English Bible
1st Chronicles
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever."
— 1 Chronicles 16:34 
The Reading LensEvery verse pulled to the top of a book is chosen by three questions: Where is God’s heart here? Who is He protecting? Who is being saved by the action? It marks the place where those answers come into clearest focus — a “look at this, in this book.”
About the Book
1 Chronicles retells Israel's story from Adam through David, written for the people returning from exile to remind them who they are. After nine chapters of genealogy, it centers on David — his rise, his mighty men, and above all his passion to bring the ark to Jerusalem and to prepare a house for God.
The hero verse is the song David appoints when the ark comes home: give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving kindness endures forever. That refrain echoes across the whole Bible — the one-line creed of a people who have learned that God's mercy outlasts everything.
29 Chapters
Adam to Abraham
The genealogy of the nations and the chosen line.
The Sons of Israel
The descendants of Jacob, with Judah in focus.
The Line of David
The royal lineage traced through the exile.
Judah and Simeon
Clans and towns — and the prayer of Jabez.
Reuben, Gad, Manasseh
The eastern tribes and their fate.
The Levites
The priestly line and the singers appointed by David.
The Northern Tribes
Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, and others.
Benjamin and Saul
The line that produced Israel's first king.
Those Who Returned
The first to resettle Jerusalem after exile.
The Death of Saul
Saul falls; the kingdom passes to David.
David Made King
All Israel anoints him; his mighty men listed.
The Warriors Join David
The fighting men who rallied to him at Ziklag and Hebron.
Bringing the Ark
A first attempt ends in tragedy when Uzzah touches it.
David's House and Victories
His family grows; the Philistines are defeated.
The Ark Brought Rightly
This time carried by the Levites, with song.
The Song of Thanks
Start HereThe ark installed; David's psalm — give thanks, for His loving kindness endures forever.
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his loving kindness endures forever.” — v.34
God's Covenant with David
“Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever.”
David's Victories
The kingdom secured on every side.
War with Ammon
Insult answered; Aram and Ammon defeated.
More Victories
Giants of Gath fall before David's men.
The Census and the Plague
David's pride, the people's suffering, and the altar at Ornan's threshing floor.
Preparations for the Temple
David gathers materials and charges Solomon to build.
The Levites Organized
Their duties for the house of God arranged.
Divisions of the Priests
The courses of service appointed by lot.
The Temple Musicians
Singers and players set apart for worship.
Gatekeepers and Treasurers
Stewards of the gates and the storehouses.
Officials of the Kingdom
Military divisions and civil administrators.
David's Charge to Solomon
“Know the God of your father, and serve him with a whole heart.”
Offerings for the Temple
The people give freely; David blesses the LORD and dies in peace.