Section: Historical Books
Passage: 1 Chronicles 13-17
We find in the account of David and Israel in 1 Chronicles a beautiful example of centripetal mission. Israel, and David in particular, is highlighted as a showcase for the nations. What is striking is the function of Israel’s worship of God as evidence of this centripetal movement. In a sense it is missional worship, as we see in chapter 16, verse 8, “Let the whole world know what he has done” and again in verse 24, “Publish his glorious deeds among the nations” and 17:24 “may your name be established and honored forever so that all the world will say, ‘The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!’”. Chapter 17 predicts the coming of Christ and the eternal reign of God (17:11-14). This promised kingdom is described in ultimate terms; God will “establish his throne forever” (v. 12). This promised progenitor would surely build on God’s earlier promise to David, “Now I will make your name famous throughout the earth!” (v. 8), and God’s centripetal mission would be extended beyond the lifetime of David.
