1 Then David said, This [is] the house of the LORD God, and this [is] the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.
2 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.
3 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;
4 Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
5 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.
6 Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.
7 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:
8 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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.
12 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.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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.
16 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.
17 David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, [saying],
18 [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.
19 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.
Overview of 1 Chronicles Chapter 22
1 Chronicles Chapter 22 focuses on King David’s preparations for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which his son Solomon would eventually build. The chapter highlights themes of legacy, divine instruction, and the importance of worship in Israelite culture.
Key Themes
- Preparation for the Temple: David’s vision for a permanent dwelling for God.
- Divine Guidance: The importance of following God’s instructions in worship.
- Legacy and Succession: David’s role in establishing Solomon as his successor.
- Generosity and Sacrifice: The significance of contributing to God’s work.
Detailed Analysis
1. David’s Decision to Build the Temple (Verses 1-5)
In the opening verses, David expresses his desire to build a house for the Lord. This desire is significant as it reflects a shift from the portable tabernacle to a permanent structure, symbolizing a stable relationship between God and His people.
- David’s Realization: David acknowledges the need for a house for God, contrasting his own luxurious palace with the transient nature of the tabernacle.
- God’s Response: God informs David that he will not build the Temple due to his history of warfare and bloodshed, emphasizing the holiness of the Temple.
- Solomon’s Role: The chapter foreshadows Solomon’s future as the builder of the Temple, establishing a clear line of succession.
2. David’s Preparations (Verses 6-16)
David takes proactive steps to prepare for the Temple’s construction, demonstrating his commitment to worship and his understanding of the importance of planning in fulfilling God’s will.
- Gathering Materials: David collects materials such as gold, silver, bronze, and iron, showcasing his dedication and foresight.
- Instructions to Solomon: David gives Solomon specific instructions, emphasizing the importance of following God’s commands in building the Temple.
- Encouragement and Support: David encourages Solomon to be strong and courageous, reinforcing the spiritual and moral responsibilities of leadership.
3. The Charge to the Leaders of Israel (Verses 17-19)
David addresses the leaders of Israel, calling them to support Solomon in his task. This moment highlights the communal aspect of worship and the collective responsibility of the nation.
- Unity in Purpose: David urges the leaders to assist Solomon, promoting a unified effort in the construction of the Temple.
- Spiritual Focus: David emphasizes the need to seek the Lord and follow His commands as they embark on this significant project.
Conclusion
1 Chronicles Chapter 22 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel’s history, illustrating the transition from David’s reign to Solomon’s leadership. It encapsulates the themes of preparation, divine guidance, and the importance of worship, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Temple as a central place of worship for the Israelites. David’s actions reflect a deep commitment to God and a desire to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
