Scripture reading – 1 Chronicles 22; Psalm 30

Our Scripture reading brings us to the final chapter in David’s reign as king (1 Chronicles 22). The next chapter in our study in 1 Chronicles will begin with the statement: 1So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel” (23:1).

Psalm 30, the second portion of today’s reading, was written at an earlier period in David’s reign, for the title reads, “A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.” Time and space prevent a thorough study of each chapter; therefore, my focus will be that of the historian, 1 Chronicles 22.

1 Chronicles 22

David, accepting the end of his reign as king was imminent, devoted the last months of his life to making preparations for his son Solomon to build the Temple (22:1-19).

The Site of the Future Temple (21:22-30; 22:1)

“David said, This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel” (22:1); with those words, the king began preparations for Solomon to build a Temple unto the LORD. We noted in an earlier writing the future site of the Temple was the “threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite” (whom the writer of 2 Samuel cited as “Araunah the Jebusite”, 24:18). I have already stated the significance of that place in Israel’s history, for this was where Abraham had offered Isaac (Genesis 22), and Jacob had said, “How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:16-17).

David’s Preparations for Constructing the Temple (22:2-5)

David chose “strangers [non-Hebrews] that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God” (22:2). In addition to the great building stones, David “prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight; 4Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David” (22:3-4).

David understood his son was young and inexperienced, and the task to build a Temple worthy of the LORD would be a great undertaking. With the heart of a father, the king dedicated himself to not only preparing workmen and materials for the structure, but also preparing his son for the task.

David’s Charge and Instructions to Solomon (22:6-14)

The king described his longing had been to build a Temple for the LORD (22:6-7), but God had denied him that privilege, for his hands had been stained with the blood of many men whom he had slain in battle (22:8).

Suggesting Solomon might have wondered why this great job had fallen to him, David encouraged his son how the LORD had chosen him by name, saying, “9Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest…for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. 10He 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” (22:9-10).

David assured Solomon that the LORD was with him, and would prosper him as he built “the house of the LORD” (22:11). The king then prayed, and exhorted his son saying, “12Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God. 13Then 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” (22:12-13).

David Challenged Solomon with His Own Sacrifices and Diligence (22:14-16)

The king enumerated his preparations for the Temple, including the precious metals he had set aside (gold and silver), the brass and iron, and the timbers and stones (22:14). He had also chosen the workmen, for they were the craftsmen who would build the Temple (22:15). No expense would be spared in building the house of the LORD (22:16).

David Commanded the Leaders of Israel to Assist Solomon (22:17-19).

Acknowledging the youth and inexperience of Solomon, David bid all the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon, reminding them that the LORD had brought peace to the land for such a time (22:17-18). The king challenged them, saying, “19Now 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” (22:19).

Closing thoughts – Among the lessons we can take from today’s study is one David acknowledged, but many seniors ignore…the temporal nature of this earthly life.

David was old, his days were numbered, and he felt an urgency to prepare his son not only to be king, but he charged Solomon with the privilege for which God had chosen him… “build an house for the LORD God of Israel” (22:6-11).

The task was great, but David assured Solomon and the leaders of Israel that they had been chosen for such a time. The sum of David’s challenge was this: Set your hearts and affections to seek, and obey the LORD, and He would prosper you. Therefore, “build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God” (22:19).

Is the same true of you? The LORD blesses and prospers those who dedicate their hearts to seek, and serve Him.

Copyright 2021 – Travis D. Smith