1 & 2 Chronicles are generally attributed to Ezra, whom we will get to know better in the book of the same name. Ezra is a priest who leads the people of Judah after they return from captivity in Babylon. He probably writes 1 & 2 Chronicles to re-introduce the people to their history after a couple of generations of being separated from their land. He covers the time from Creation to his own time through genealogies, which demonstrate God’s continuing faithfulness to the people of Judah. He then goes back to provide details about the reign of King David. The chapters we will be reading in 1 Chronicles are from the portion of the book talking about David. At the time of Ezra’s writing, Judah is weak and disorganized. Ezra is probably trying to encourage them by telling them of a time when their nation was strong.
If you have been following this reading plan, you may recognize that you have heard this story before. The Bible was written by many different authors, and sometimes a story is told by more than one of them. This story was also told back in 2 Samuel 6. Sometimes it can be helpful to compare the different versions of the story. This version emphasizes the various priestly families who were allowed to be involved in moving the ark of God and the fact that they needed to go through purification rituals before they could carry it. This author is emphasizing the need for purity in approaching God.
God loves everyone and wants to be in a relationship with all of us, but our approach to him needs to be on his terms. For us that is through faith in Jesus.