An apple tree demonstrates that it is an apple tree by bearing apples, and an orange tree by bearing oranges. Likewise, the family tree of God’s people demonstrates its nature by bearing kings and priests. If they are really God’s people, they will be in a right relationship with Him, and this is a two-way street. He directs them in proper government, which implies the kingship. And they approach Him in proper worship, which necessitates the priesthood. Judah’s tribe is paramount for the Chronicler, for King David came from this branch of the tree. David was the finest fruit of all, showing this to be a tree of the LORD’s planting. However, the earliest royal fruit among the sons of Israel emerged not from Judah, but from Benjamin, the tribe of King Saul. So the previous chapter highlights Benjamin’s genealogy. That list of names will serve as a transition to the death of Saul, which opens the narrative in chapter 10. Now in 1 Chronicles 9, we find another large section of the book devoted to the tribe of Levi, from which came “the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants” (v 2). These included various families and groups from all Israel, both north and south (v 3-9). Those who returned to the land after the exile are listed in the order of priests (v 10-13), the specially designated “Levites” (v 14-16), the gatekeepers (v 17-27), and other temple servants, including singers (v 28-34). All these were involved in one way or another with the centralized worship of Israel at the temple in Jerusalem. There the high priest stood, offering sacrifices on behalf of God’s people. This served as a visual reminder, not only that God hates sin, but He provides a means of atonement so that His people may dwell securely in His presence. This whole scene may be from a bygone age, but the message is unchanging: the great need of men and women is to be brought into and kept in a right relationship with God. For this, we need both a priest and a king, and in Jesus Christ, we have both. His eternal priesthood and kingship brings everlasting righteousness for people of all nations who put their trust in Him. Twice it says that Saul descended, not from those who “lived in Jerusalem,” but from those who “lived in Gibeon” (8:28-29; 9:34-35). This is significant because David was from Jerusalem. Here the temple was built and God made His presence known. God chose the city of David as well as his house. So we are reminded that God’s plan must be carried out by God’s people in God’s way. In the case of ancient Israel, God’s way was David and Jerusalem. For us, there is but one way of salvation—through Jesus and His atoning cross. For further meditation: