SOAP 05/10/2016; 1 Chronicles 27:32

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 18; Psalm 56 Matthew 27*


S) "³² Also Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of understanding, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni tutored the king’s sons."

1 Chronicles 27:32 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 27

O) This section has an accounting of various officials in David's court, and in this verse we gain a little more insight to David's progeny. It's worth noting that the name Jehiel appears a few times in the Bible, all around this time, but only this verse specifies "son of Hachmoni," so there's some possibility that this is a different man. However, based on common practices, and the relation to Hachmoni (making him a "Hachmonite"), it seems likely this tutor was a brother of one of David's mighty men (see 1 Chronicles 11:11). This is an important possibility, because I think it reveals some more of the king's mindset. Also, it should be noted that the word "tutored" literally means, "was with," making him a charged with the royal kids. If this was a brother of one of his Mighty Men, what that's telling us, is that David really trusted this guy. I don't think David was intentionally shirking responsibility, but he may have actually thought this was the best solution to a demanding life. We know, because the rest of the story is only a few chapters away, that David's kids ran amuck of the kingdom. It's easy to say, then, that David made a huge mistake by passing responsibility of teaching his kids, off to another man. Whoever this man was, though, I'm not sure he can be blamed (because the Bible doesn't really blame him, or even mention him, again). David also, cannot directly be blamed for the actions of his kids, although he no-doubt sewed some bad seeds (by setting a terrible president of rape, for example).


A) This verse isn't a surprise, and it's not a warning, exactly. What it is, is a reminder that another man cannot make up for the bad things I teach my kids, no matter how great a tutor he may be. I pray my kids have great youth pastors, and small group leaders, as they grow into their faith as young adults. However, if I am counting on other people to cover for my mistakes, I am gravely mistaken. I know I'll make mistakes in parenting (Lord knows I already have), but I can only pray that God's grace is also at work in them. It will only be through Jesus, that they heal from any wounds I unintentionally, or unknowingly, inflict on them. It will only be through their own knowledge of the Most High, learning in the Bible, that any gaps in my teaching them will be filled. It is only by the grace of God, that they will not repeat my mistakes. Another person certainly cannot bear that responsibility. To be sure, the same grace that must work in them, is already at work in me. I thank God that I am not who I was, and that Jesus has already begun changing me. I must lean on the Holy Spirit, to gain a "head start" of sorts, in raising them well. We homeschool our kids, in large part, because we feel a conviction to be more directly involved in the education of our kids. Having said that, I cannot rest on my laurels, letting my wife do all the work. She's not meant to do that alone, either.


P) Father, this afternoon, I feel the heavy weight of responsibility, teaching and raising my kids. I know what is at stake. I know how quickly faithfulness to You can evaporate from one generation to the next. For that reason, I pray all the more that Your grace would work upon my kids, and their kids, and in every generation after me. Let them know You, personally and intimately. Change their hearts. Help me to teach my kids well, to know Your ways, to seek Your face. Help me to teach every generation after me, as long as I have Your breath in my lungs. Don't let me ever rely on others to cover for my laziness. Help me take the most active role, when it comes to raising my kids. Help me to be united with Kristin in this endeavor, God. Help me engage with her, to plan with her, to parent with her. Let us be like-minded, finding unity in the Holy Spirit. As we both seek You and Your will for our kids, let us stay on the same page in our perspectives, prayers, and practices, as we raise kids to know and love You deeply. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.