Old Testament · 29 chapters
1 Chronicles.
First Chronicles retells Israel’s history through genealogies and David’s reign, emphasizing worship, the temple, and the covenant. For a community looking back after exile, it links present identity with God’s enduring purposes.
Choose a chapter 1 Chronicles · 29 chapters
Read a chapter. Find its meaning.
Choose a chapter for the complete Bible text and a short summary to guide your reading.
Chapter 1.
Genealogies trace humanity from Adam through Abraham and neighboring peoples. The record establishes the broad family setting before narrowing toward Israel.
Read chapter 55 versesChapter 2.
Judah’s descendants are listed, including the line leading to David. Family connections, settlements, and remembered individuals locate the royal family within Israel’s history.
Read chapter 24 versesChapter 3.
David’s sons and the descendants of Solomon are recorded. The royal line continues through the exile and into later generations.
Read chapter 43 versesChapter 4.
Further genealogies describe Judah and Simeon, with notes about occupations, settlements, and expansion. Jabez’s brief prayer appears within these family records.
Read chapter 26 versesChapter 5.
The descendants of Reuben, Gad, and eastern Manasseh are recorded. Their military successes and eventual exile are connected with trust in God and later unfaithfulness.
Read chapter 81 versesChapter 6.
Levi’s descendants, priestly lines, temple musicians, and assigned cities are listed. The genealogy emphasizes the continuity and organization of Israel’s worship.
Read chapterChapter 7.
Family records cover Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The entries preserve tribal identity through descendants, settlements, and fighting strength.
Read chapter 40 versesChapter 8.
Benjamin’s genealogy is expanded with particular attention to Saul’s family. The record prepares for the transition from genealogies to the history of kingship.
Read chapter 44 versesChapter 9.
The people who resettle Jerusalem are listed alongside priests, Levites, and gatekeepers. Their duties show how worship and community life are restored after exile.
Read chapter 14 versesChapter 10.
Saul and his sons die in battle against the Philistines. The account interprets Saul’s downfall through unfaithfulness and the failure to seek God.
Read chapter 47 versesChapter 11.
All Israel recognizes David as king, and he takes Jerusalem. The chapter then recalls the exploits of the mighty warriors who supported him.
Read chapter 40 versesChapter 12.
Warriors gather around David before and during his rise to kingship. Their united support culminates in a joyful national celebration at Hebron.
Read chapter 14 versesChapter 13.
David consults the people about bringing the ark to Jerusalem. Uzzah’s death interrupts the procession, and the ark remains temporarily with Obed-edom.
Read chapter 17 versesChapter 14.
David’s household and royal position grow stronger. He seeks God’s direction in battles with the Philistines and wins decisive victories.
Read chapter 29 versesChapter 15.
David prepares a proper procession for the ark, with Levites carrying it as instructed. Music, sacrifice, and celebration accompany its arrival in Jerusalem.
Read chapter 43 versesChapter 16.
The ark is installed, and worship leaders are appointed. A song calls Israel to remember God’s works, proclaim his glory, and give thanks.
Read chapter 27 versesChapter 17.
David’s desire to build a temple receives a different promise: God will establish his house. David responds with gratitude and prayer for the promised future.
Read chapter 17 versesChapter 18.
David wins victories over surrounding nations and dedicates captured wealth to God. Officials are appointed as his reign is described in terms of justice.
Read chapter 19 versesChapter 19.
The Ammonites humiliate David’s envoys and hire allied forces for war. Israel defeats the coalition, weakening its opposition.
Read chapter 8 versesChapter 20.
The capture of Rabbah is followed by brief accounts of battles with Philistine giants. The victories show David’s warriors continuing to overcome formidable enemies.
Read chapter 30 versesChapter 21.
David’s census brings judgment on Israel through a plague. His repentance and sacrifice at Ornan’s threshing floor identify the future temple site.
Read chapter 19 versesChapter 22.
David gathers materials and charges Solomon to build the temple. He urges both his son and Israel’s leaders to seek God and support the work.
Read chapter 32 versesChapter 23.
David organizes the Levites for service under Solomon. Their responsibilities shift toward the needs of a settled sanctuary and regular worship.
Read chapter 31 versesChapter 24.
Priests are divided into ordered groups for service, and Levitical assignments are also arranged. The use of lots distributes responsibilities among the families.
Read chapter 31 versesChapter 25.
Musicians from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun are organized for worship. Their service combines skilled music with an explicitly sacred calling.
Read chapter 32 versesChapter 26.
Gatekeepers, treasurers, and officials receive their responsibilities. The record shows that guarding, managing resources, and administering justice all support the community’s life.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 27.
Military divisions, tribal leaders, and managers of royal property are listed. The chapter portrays the practical organization supporting David’s kingdom.
Read chapter 21 versesChapter 28.
David publicly charges Solomon and the leaders to remain faithful. He gives Solomon plans for the temple and encourages him to carry the work through.
Read chapter 30 versesChapter 29.
David and the people give generously for the temple, and David offers a prayer of praise. Solomon is established as king, and David’s reign ends.
Read chapterKing James Version (KJV). Bible text supplied by eBible.org and the CrossWire Bible Society. Summaries are written with AI assistance and are separate from Scripture. Read the chapter itself when considering its meaning.