We’ve been struggling at our house this week, some to read names like “Shemiramoth” and “Eliphelehu” correctly, others (guilty) to keep from busting a gut from laughing so hard during the attempts. By the time I determined that I will be able to participate in St Clairsville’s annual Bible Reading at the Courthouse Plaza, the Scripture selections were somewhat picked over, leaving David and I with chapters of the Old Testament that contain lists of old Hebrew names that easily tie up the tongue. We may not be able to correctly read ten chapters of 1 Chronicles in 45 minutes no matter how many times we listen to recordings on-line and practice the passages out loud. No matter. It’s unlikely anyone will know whether we’ve placed the emphasis on the wrong syllable or chosen the correct vowel sound
The Belmont County Courthouse, visible from our home
So, what’s the point? We, along with many, many folks from area churches, take a turn reading during the days-long event that opens with the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” and closes with “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Genesis – Revelation) It is a privilege to step up to the microphone, positioned in the county’s high place, begin reading where a friend or stranger left off, acknowledge that we are part of God’s family, make it publicly known that the Bible holds a high place of value in our lives, and pray that those who have ears to hear will be encouraged, challenged, changed by the powerful word of God. And since “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” we trust that even the difficult-to-pronounce names are used by the Holy Spirit to produce more than frustration or laughter.
As I put aside thoughts of wanting to read well, choosing to meditate on what the historical account we have been entrusted to read teaches, noticing just why each man’s name was included in a list or repeated in multiple paragraphs, inspiration begins.
My husband, David, has chosen to read chapters that enumerate David’s Mighty Men (or Warriors), men who believed that what God proclaimed to David, “You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler,” would come about, some from the tribe of Isachar who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” Men named in 1 Chronicles 15 were chosen to carry the Ark of the Covenant from its temporary location to Jerusalem, now the “City of David.”
As one who has made music with voice and flute since childhood, I took special note of the musicians appointed by David to “make a joyful noise with musical instruments” and with singing. Shemiramoth is named as a cymbal player and Elephelehut as a harpist. Kenaniah was in charge of the singing…because he was skillful at it. Asaph was appointed, along with his associates, to give praise to God in a specific manner, a manner in which, according to Matthew Henry’s commentary, only the schools of prophets had been employing, a way of worship now given to the community of Israel.
It is the Psalm recorded in 1 Chronicles 16, composed by David from various psalms (songs), and given to Asaph, that I will be reading at the Courthouse. These words of praise and wise instruction come rolling off the tongue, rather than tying it up! Here are a few of them:
Look to the LORD and his strength;
Seek his face always. (1 Chronicles 16:11)
Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens. (1 Chronicles 16:23-26)
Let the heavens rejoice,
let the earth be glad;
let them say among the nations,
“The LORD reigns!” (1 Chronicles 16:31)
Give thanks to the LORD for he is good;
his love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34)
According to the writer of 1 Chronicles, when the named and unnamed warriors had done their work, the named and unnamed Levites had transported the Ark to its rightful place, and the newly appointed musicians had led the people in praise and worship, all the people said, “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.”
Don’t be hesitant to open the Bible because there is much in it you don’t understand or can’t pronounce. When we approach these ancient texts with eyes to see and ears to hear, considering all that God has done from the beginning to the end, we will know, as the people of David’s kingdom knew, that “His love endures forever.”