"David was facing the end of his life. With typical
faithfulness, there was one thing on his mind: the realisation of the great
temple of Yahweh, for which he had set his heart. In his farewell speech he
charges the elders of Israel to continue his passion for the temple, and to
support his son, Solomon, in the great work to which Yahweh had committed him.
David's glorious reign reaches a climax as the aristocracy of Israel is gathered
together, and in the presence of Solomon, David makes his final request and
exhortation. In his passionate address he sets out: [1] How Yahweh chose David
and Solomon: vv 1-8; [2] A personal charge to Solomon, and the passing over of
the plans and ordering of the temple: vv 9-19; [3] The work had been commenced
by Yahweh, and it is for Solomon to complete it: vv 20.21.
"Publicly the king advises the young heir to the throne
regarding his conduct and duty, and makes reference to the great divine work
that Solomon must do. He pledges the nation's support, and challenges the people
to be liberal in their donations to this work, by a personal example of
liberality. Solomon is proclaimed and anointed king. and with a final prayer and
thanksgiving, David's work is brought to a fitting close. By training a shepherd
in youth to become a hero in warfare, and a king in old age, there remained for
the people an example of steadfast faith and unity of purpose. David was a fit
type of Christ, for his actual personal reign never ended, but instead merged
into that of his son who stood as joint-king with his Father. In his son
Solomon, David built the temple on Zion. He provided all the elements, the gold,
silver and instruments of every king, and thereby typified the work of the Lord
Jesus in his redemptive work, so that a glorious temple of living stones might
be accomplished to the honour and glory of Yahweh" (GEM).
1Ch 28:2
David sat as a worshiper (2Sa 7:18), lay as a penitent (2Sa
12:16), and, stood as a servant (1Ch 28:2).
Notice David's humble and respectful manner toward
inferiors.
FOOTSTOOL: The Ark of the Covenant, and the Temple --
where the Almighty resides (Psa 99:5; 132:7; Lam 2:1; 1Ch 28:2; Isa 60:13;
66:1).
1Ch 28:3
BECAUSE YOU ARE A WARRIOR AND HAVE SHED BLOOD: Cp 1Ki
5:3: "You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all
sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the LORD his God until the
LORD put his enemies under his feet." Reason: not that David was unworthy, but
that he was too busy fighting God's wars. (Or, alternatively, did David simply
ASSUME that this was the reason -- when, in fact, it was not?)
1Ch 28:5
THE THRONE OF THE KINGDOM: David's throne is the same
as the throne of the Lord (1Ch 29:23).
1Ch 28:6
"This is a verse with many beautiful overtones. A
consideration of the following passages will bring them out. There is sonship,
temple-building and rest all associated with Solomon here and, of course, with
Jesus: 2Sa 7:13,14; 2Ch 1:9; Zech 6:12,13; Heb 3:3-6; 4:5" (PC).
1Ch 28:11
DAVID GAVE HIS SON SOLOMON THE PLANS...: As Moses had
been directly instructed by God: Exo 25:40. God gives precise instructions for
worshiping Him: here, the outward preparation; but here, and later also: inward
preparations also.
1Ch 28:21
We are all workers to build God's temple: Isa 66:1,2; 1Pe 2:5;
1Co 3:16; 6:9; 2Co 6:16; Eph 2:20-22; Heb 3:6; Rev 3:12.