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Scripture reading – 1 Chronicles 22; Psalm 30
Our Scripture reading brings us to the final chapter of David’s reign as king (1 Chronicles 22). The next chapter 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” (1 Chronicles 23:1).
Psalm 30, the second portion of today’s reading, was written earlier 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
Accepting the end of his reign as king was imminent, David devoted the last months of his life to preparing for his son Solomon to build the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:1-19).
The Site of the Future Temple (1 Chronicles 21:22-30; 1 Chronicles 22:1)
We read, “Then David said, This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel” (1 Chronicles 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”, 2 Samuel 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 (1 Chronicles 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” (1 Chronicles 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” (1 Chronicles 22:3-4).
David understood his son was young and inexperienced, and building a Temple worthy of the LORD was a great undertaking. With the heart of a father, the king dedicated himself to preparing workmen and materials for the structure and his son for the task.
David’s Charge and Instructions to Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:6-14)
The king described that his longing had been to build a Temple for the LORD (1 Chronicles 22:6-7), but God had denied him that privilege, for his hands were stained with the blood of many men whom he had slain in battle (1 Chronicles 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” (1 Chronicles 22:9-10).
David assured Solomon that the LORD was with him and would prosper him as he built “the house of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 22:11). The king then prayed and encouraged 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 Lordthy God. 13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lordcharged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed” (1 Chronicles 22:12-13).
David Challenged Solomon with His Sacrifices and Diligence (1 Chronicles 22:14-16)
The king then 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 (1 Chronicles 22:14). David had also chosen the workmen, for they were the craftsmen who would build the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:15). No expense was to be spared in building the house of the LORD (1 Chronicles 22:16).
David Commanded the Leaders of Israel to Assist Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:17-19).
Acknowledging the youth and inexperience of Solomon, David commanded all the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon. He reminded them that the LORD had brought peace to the land for such a time (1 Chronicles 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” (1 Chronicles 22:19).
Closing thoughts –
Among the lessons we can take from today’s study is one David acknowledged, but I fear many elderly 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” (1 Chronicles 22:6-11).
The task was great, but the king assured Solomon and the leaders of Israel that they were chosen for such a time. David’s challenge was this: Set your hearts and affections to seek and obey the LORD, and He would prosper them.
Believer, the LORD asks the same of all who seek His blessings. We should dedicate and consecrate ourselves to seek and obey the LORD and trust He will prosper and make our lives fruitful.
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
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