Alastair J. Roberts

The book of Exodus, for most of us, has an exciting half and a boring half: the blood and thunder and escape (Exodus 1–19), followed by the law and the preparation of the tabernacle (20–40). The story of David, likewise, comprises two biblical sections, one of which is vastly more dramatic than the other: the tense, intriguing plot of 1 and 2 Samuel, and the more pedestrian detail of 1 Chronicles, which largely consists of preparation for temple worship. Yet in each case, the authors conclude with the focus on the house of God rather than the fights and betrayals. Exodus ends with the glory of God filling the tabernacle. Second Samuel ends with the purchase of the land on which the temple will be built. First Chronicles ends with a financial offering for the temple, and David’s prayer of thanksgiving. It is as if the authors are saying that David and Moses saw rescue and failure, victory and loss. But more than anything else, they had a passion for the house of God.