I Chronicles 22: Preparing for the Lord's House
Then David said, This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.
And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God.
And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;
Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel.
And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God:
But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.
Now, my son, the Lord be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as he hath said of thee.
Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee.
David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,
Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the Lord, and before his people.
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.
I Chronicles 22 offers a fascinating glimpse into David's heart and strategic planning as he prepares for the construction of the temple, a project he was divinely forbidden from undertaking himself. This chapter reveals not only David's devotion to God, but also his wisdom in leadership and his deep concern for his son Solomon's success. Let's delve into the details of this pivotal chapter.
The Significance of the Chosen Site (22:1)
Following the events of I Chronicles 21, where David purchased the threshing floor of Ornan (Araunah) the Jebusite, David recognized the profound significance of this location. I Chronicles 22:1 states, "This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel." This declaration wasn't a mere hunch; it was a conviction born out of God's intervention, signified by the fire from heaven and the commanded sheathing of the angel's sword (I Chronicles 21:25-27). David understood that this was the divinely appointed place for the temple, a truth later confirmed in II Chronicles 3:1.
It's remarkable to consider that God, in His sovereignty, orchestrated events, even using David's sin of taking a census, to ultimately lead him to Mount Moriah, the very place where Abraham had offered Isaac (Genesis 22). What the enemy intended for evil, God turned into a blessing, designating Israel's holiest site. This serves as a powerful reminder that God is ultimately in control, even over the schemes of the devil. He can take our mistakes and the enemy's wicked plans and transform them to accomplish His righteous purposes. Our awesome God has Satan on a leash.
David's Diligent Preparations (22:2-5)
Although David wouldn't personally build the temple, he poured his heart and resources into ensuring its future construction. I Chronicles distinguishes itself from Samuel and Kings by highlighting David's extensive preparations for the temple, a testament to his unwavering commitment to God.
David meticulously gathered skilled workers and vast quantities of materials, driven by the desire that the temple "must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries" (I Chronicles 22:5). His ambition wasn't for personal glory, but for God's glory to be known and revered by all nations. This begs the question: Is our service to the Lord marked by a similar pursuit of excellence?
David also recognized Solomon's youth and inexperience as potential obstacles. He understood the magnitude of the project and the need for thorough preparation. This suggests that David spent his remaining days preparing his son to be a leader. Dads, take note.
A Charge to Solomon: Prophecy and Promise (22:6-10)
The day arrived when David summoned Solomon and entrusted him with the monumental task of building the temple (I Chronicles 22:6). He delivered to his son an incredible word of prophecy and promise from God concerning Solomon’s future reign (22:7-10). David shared a divine prophecy, revealing God's promise of peace and stability during Solomon's reign. God promised him rest from all his surrounding enemies (22:9). Solomon's very name, derived from "shalom," the Hebrew word for peace, served as a constant reminder of this divine promise.
Solomon was not only inheriting a kingdom, but also the covenant blessings and promises God had given to David to establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever (22:10). This placed Solomon in the messianic line and appointed him to the greatest assignment anyone in Israel could ever hope to have: to build a house for the Lord. I don’t know of anyone in the Bible who got off to a better start than Solomon. He inherited the kingdom of Israel, and God himself promised him rest from all his surrounding enemies (22:9).
Seeking Wisdom and Courage (22:11-16)
David's prayer for Solomon was that God would grant him "insight and understanding" (I Chronicles 22:11-12). He knew that true leadership required divine wisdom, the ability to discern God's will and apply it to earthly matters. This prayer profoundly impacted Solomon, who later requested "wisdom and knowledge" from God (II Chronicles 1:7-10). David’s heart desire for Solomon was the same as God’s heart desire for Solomon—that he would walk in the ways of the Lord. This should be the deepest desire of all Christian parents for their children.
David also emphasized the importance of obedience to God's law, stating that Solomon's success depended on carefully following the statutes and ordinances commanded to Moses (I Chronicles 22:12). Obedience is not merely a set of rules, but a pathway to blessing and fulfillment.
David concluded his charge with words of encouragement: "Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged" (I Chronicles 22:13). These words echo God's encouragement to Joshua (Joshua 1:9), highlighting the ever-present need to combat fear and discouragement, especially when facing daunting tasks. The most powerful antidote to fear is knowledge of the Lord’s presence. That’s why David concluded with the phrase, May the LORD be with you (22:16).
Enlisting Support and Seeking the Lord (22:17-19)
Recognizing that Solomon couldn't accomplish this task alone, David enlisted the support of all the leaders of Israel (I Chronicles 22:17). He urged them to assist Solomon, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and a unified effort towards building the temple.
David’s final exhortation to them was to "seek the LORD your God" and begin building (I Chronicles 22:19). This is a timeless principle applicable to any endeavor: Seek God's guidance and direction, and then take action. That’s perfect advice no matter what endeavor you are about to begin. Seek the Lord—and get started.
I Chronicles 22 provides valuable lessons on leadership, preparation, and reliance on God. It reminds us that even when we are not the ones directly carrying out God's plans, we can still play a vital role in preparing the way for others. David's example encourages us to pursue excellence in our service to God, to pray for wisdom and courage, and to seek His guidance in all that we do.
Then David said, This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.
And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God.
And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;
Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel.
And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God:
But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.
Now, my son, the Lord be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as he hath said of thee.
Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee.
David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,
Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the Lord, and before his people.
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.
I Chronicles 22 offers a fascinating glimpse into David's heart and strategic planning as he prepares for the construction of the temple, a project he was divinely forbidden from undertaking himself. This chapter reveals not only David's devotion to God, but also his wisdom in leadership and his deep concern for his son Solomon's success. Let's delve into the details of this pivotal chapter.
The Significance of the Chosen Site (22:1)
Following the events of I Chronicles 21, where David purchased the threshing floor of Ornan (Araunah) the Jebusite, David recognized the profound significance of this location. I Chronicles 22:1 states, "This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel." This declaration wasn't a mere hunch; it was a conviction born out of God's intervention, signified by the fire from heaven and the commanded sheathing of the angel's sword (I Chronicles 21:25-27). David understood that this was the divinely appointed place for the temple, a truth later confirmed in II Chronicles 3:1.
It's remarkable to consider that God, in His sovereignty, orchestrated events, even using David's sin of taking a census, to ultimately lead him to Mount Moriah, the very place where Abraham had offered Isaac (Genesis 22). What the enemy intended for evil, God turned into a blessing, designating Israel's holiest site. This serves as a powerful reminder that God is ultimately in control, even over the schemes of the devil. He can take our mistakes and the enemy's wicked plans and transform them to accomplish His righteous purposes. Our awesome God has Satan on a leash.
David's Diligent Preparations (22:2-5)
Although David wouldn't personally build the temple, he poured his heart and resources into ensuring its future construction. I Chronicles distinguishes itself from Samuel and Kings by highlighting David's extensive preparations for the temple, a testament to his unwavering commitment to God.
David meticulously gathered skilled workers and vast quantities of materials, driven by the desire that the temple "must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries" (I Chronicles 22:5). His ambition wasn't for personal glory, but for God's glory to be known and revered by all nations. This begs the question: Is our service to the Lord marked by a similar pursuit of excellence?
David also recognized Solomon's youth and inexperience as potential obstacles. He understood the magnitude of the project and the need for thorough preparation. This suggests that David spent his remaining days preparing his son to be a leader. Dads, take note.
A Charge to Solomon: Prophecy and Promise (22:6-10)
The day arrived when David summoned Solomon and entrusted him with the monumental task of building the temple (I Chronicles 22:6). He delivered to his son an incredible word of prophecy and promise from God concerning Solomon’s future reign (22:7-10). David shared a divine prophecy, revealing God's promise of peace and stability during Solomon's reign. God promised him rest from all his surrounding enemies (22:9). Solomon's very name, derived from "shalom," the Hebrew word for peace, served as a constant reminder of this divine promise.
Solomon was not only inheriting a kingdom, but also the covenant blessings and promises God had given to David to establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever (22:10). This placed Solomon in the messianic line and appointed him to the greatest assignment anyone in Israel could ever hope to have: to build a house for the Lord. I don’t know of anyone in the Bible who got off to a better start than Solomon. He inherited the kingdom of Israel, and God himself promised him rest from all his surrounding enemies (22:9).
Seeking Wisdom and Courage (22:11-16)
David's prayer for Solomon was that God would grant him "insight and understanding" (I Chronicles 22:11-12). He knew that true leadership required divine wisdom, the ability to discern God's will and apply it to earthly matters. This prayer profoundly impacted Solomon, who later requested "wisdom and knowledge" from God (II Chronicles 1:7-10). David’s heart desire for Solomon was the same as God’s heart desire for Solomon—that he would walk in the ways of the Lord. This should be the deepest desire of all Christian parents for their children.
David also emphasized the importance of obedience to God's law, stating that Solomon's success depended on carefully following the statutes and ordinances commanded to Moses (I Chronicles 22:12). Obedience is not merely a set of rules, but a pathway to blessing and fulfillment.
David concluded his charge with words of encouragement: "Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged" (I Chronicles 22:13). These words echo God's encouragement to Joshua (Joshua 1:9), highlighting the ever-present need to combat fear and discouragement, especially when facing daunting tasks. The most powerful antidote to fear is knowledge of the Lord’s presence. That’s why David concluded with the phrase, May the LORD be with you (22:16).
Enlisting Support and Seeking the Lord (22:17-19)
Recognizing that Solomon couldn't accomplish this task alone, David enlisted the support of all the leaders of Israel (I Chronicles 22:17). He urged them to assist Solomon, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and a unified effort towards building the temple.
David’s final exhortation to them was to "seek the LORD your God" and begin building (I Chronicles 22:19). This is a timeless principle applicable to any endeavor: Seek God's guidance and direction, and then take action. That’s perfect advice no matter what endeavor you are about to begin. Seek the Lord—and get started.
I Chronicles 22 provides valuable lessons on leadership, preparation, and reliance on God. It reminds us that even when we are not the ones directly carrying out God's plans, we can still play a vital role in preparing the way for others. David's example encourages us to pursue excellence in our service to God, to pray for wisdom and courage, and to seek His guidance in all that we do.