David Motivates Solomon to Build The Temple
September 15, 2021
Commentary
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple (vv. 11-13). He prays for Solomon that the Lord will keep his promise to help him build a temple (v. 11). He also asks the Lord to give Solomon wisdom and knowledge so he can rule Israel according to His law (v. 12). He knows that if he keeps the laws of Moses he will be successful (v.13). Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed by Him. Because he has leisure and opportunity to do it he should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom God’s gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service.
David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work (vv. 14-19. He told how he had all the supplies and the men to do the work (vv. 14-16). He tells Solomon that he has plenty of workers to do the job, so it is time to get started (v. 16). David then gives orders for the leaders to help Solomon (v. 17). He tells how God has helped him defeat all the people who had lived here and given peace from all the enemies. Now this land belongs to the Lord and his people (v. 18). A great reason for David to rejoice!
Application
Have I ever had a desire to do something but never able to see it accomplished? Then someone else came along and was able to do exactly what I wanted to do. How did I feel? Did I rejoice with them in what was happening? I need to rejoice in the success of others.
1 Chronicles 22:11– 19 (NET)
11 “Now, my son, may the Lord be with you! May you succeed and build a temple for the Lord your God, just as he announced you would. 12 Only may the Lord give you insight and understanding when he places you in charge of Israel, so you may obey the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will succeed, if you carefully obey the rules and regulations which the Lord ordered Moses to give to Israel. Be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! 14 Now, look, I have made every effort to supply what is needed to build the Lord’s temple. I have stored up 100,000 talents of gold, 1,000,000 talents of silver, and so much bronze and iron it cannot be weighed, as well as wood and stones. Feel free to add more! 15 You also have available many workers, including stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and an innumerable array of workers who are skilled 16 in using gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Get up and begin the work! May the Lord be with you!”
17 David ordered all the officials of Israel to support his son Solomon. 18 He told them, “The Lord your God is with you! He has made you secure on every side, for he handed over to me the inhabitants of the region and the region is subdued before the Lord and his people. 19 Now seek the Lord your God wholeheartedly and with your entire being! Get up and build the sanctuary of the Lord God! Then you can bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant and the holy items dedicated to God’s service into the temple that is built to honor the Lord.”