1 Chronicles 22

This chapter focuses on David’s preparations for building the temple of God, a task he cannot complete himself due to his history as a warrior. Instead, he charges his son Solomon to undertake this monumental project. David gathers materials, offers advice, and instructs Israel’s leaders to support Solomon in this divine mission.

1 Chronicles 22:1 (NKJV)
1 Then David said, “This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”

David recognizes the importance of the location for the temple after the Lord revealed it to him. This is where the altar will be built for sacrifices and worship, symbolizing God’s dwelling among His people. David’s proclamation also confirms that the site chosen is holy ground, dedicated to the future worship of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 22:2-5 (NKJV)
2 So David commanded to gather the aliens who were in the land of Israel; and he appointed masons to cut hewn stones to build the house of God.
3 And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails of the doors of the gates and for the joints, and bronze in abundance beyond measure,
4 and cedar trees in abundance; for the Sidonians and those from Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
5 Now David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparation for it.” So David made abundant preparations before his death.

David starts gathering materials and laborers, including foreigners living in Israel, to build the temple. He ensures that the house of God will be constructed with the finest materials, including iron, bronze, and cedar wood from Sidon and Tyre. Knowing that Solomon is still young and inexperienced, David takes it upon himself to make all necessary preparations so that Solomon can build a temple that will stand as a testament to God’s glory.

1 Chronicles 22:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a 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 a house to the name of the Lord my God;

David calls Solomon and gives him the responsibility to build the temple. He shares his personal desire to have built it himself but acknowledges that this was not God’s plan for him. David expresses his deep commitment to the Lord by explaining that it was always his intention to build a house for God’s name.

1 Chronicles 22:8-10 (NKJV)
8 But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight.
9 Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.
10 He shall build a 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 forever.’

David recounts to Solomon how God had spoken to him, explaining that David could not build the temple because he had been a man of war and had shed much blood. Instead, Solomon, whose name means "peace," was chosen by God to build the temple. Solomon would bring peace and rest to Israel, and his reign would be marked by tranquility, making him the right person to undertake this sacred task. The promise of God is not only for the building of the temple but also for the establishment of Solomon's kingdom.

1 Chronicles 22:11-13 (NKJV)
11 Now, my son, may the Lord be with you; and may you prosper, and build the house of the Lord your God, as He has said to you.
12 Only may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the Lord your God.
13 Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed.

David offers a blessing to Solomon, praying that the Lord would grant him wisdom and success in fulfilling God’s command to build the temple. David encourages Solomon to walk in God’s ways, obeying the Law of Moses, which would guarantee his prosperity. David emphasizes the need for courage and faith, reminding Solomon that his success depends on his obedience and reliance on God.

1 Chronicles 22:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Indeed I have taken much trouble to prepare for the house of the Lord: one hundred thousand talents of gold and one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond measure, for it is so abundant. I have prepared timber and stone also, and you may add to them.
15 Moreover there are workmen with you in abundance: woodsmen and stonecutters, and all types of skillful men for every kind of work.
16 Of gold and silver and bronze and iron there is no limit. Arise and begin working, and the Lord be with you.

David explains the immense resources he has accumulated for the construction of the temple, including vast amounts of gold, silver, bronze, and iron, as well as timber and stone. He assures Solomon that there are plenty of skilled workers ready to help with the task. With everything in place, David urges Solomon to begin the work, reminding him that God will be with him throughout the process.

1 Chronicles 22:17-19 (NKJV)
17 David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,
18 “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has He not given you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my 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. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy articles of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord.”

David calls upon the leaders of Israel to support Solomon in his task, reminding them that God has given Israel peace and victory over its enemies. He encourages them to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul as they work to build the sanctuary, which will house the Ark of the Covenant and the sacred items used in worship. David emphasizes that this is a holy mission, one that will bring honor to God’s name.