1 Chronicles 22

1 Chronicles 22:1-5

We have here, 1. David’s preparation to build the house of God, ver. 1—5. 2. His instructions to Solomon concerning the work, ver. 6—10. 3. His charge to the prince to affil him, ver. 17—19.

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. 4. Allo 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 built for the house of the Lord, will 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.

That a house should be built, was before resolved: here, v. 1. the spot is fixed upon, and the preparations begun.

1. The reasons given for the immediate concern David was in to make preparation for the building, though himself might not enjoy the honour of it, were, 1. The magnificence of the house of God. An abode, though not becoming the divine inhabitant, yet superior to all that earth had seen beside, to engage the attention of strangers, who might be induced by its grandeur to visit it. 2. Solomon was young, and should the crown devolve to him, it would encourage him to proceed, when so much was ready to his hand. Nor, (1.) Whilst our moment is prolonged, it becomes as to labour for God. (2.) They who are thong, should rule their younger and weaker brethren of the more difficult services.

2. The persons he employed were strangers; either they were more able artills, or he would have no forvile work laid on free-born Israelites; or as a figure of things to come, when gentiles should be called not only into the church, but be employed as master builders.

3. The preparations made were salt and cofty, v. 2, 3, 4. No labours nor expence should be spared, where God’s glory is concerned.

4. Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.

5. 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, laying, ‘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 proper 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 proper, if thou takest heed to fall, fill the statues and judgments which the LORD charged, and all those with concerning Israel: be strong and 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.

6. 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.

1 Chronicles 22:6-16

The work of building the temple being by Divine appointment delegated to Solomon, David gives him instructions concerning it.

1. Because of the perpetual wars in which he was engaged, and the blood he had died, God forlived him to do it, but affirmed him wishal, that a son should be born to him, in whose days Israel should be at peace, and he at leisure to undertake the arduous task. Note, (1.) The church of Christ may not be built by the sword of war, but by the preaching of the gospel of peace. (2.) They who have before from other occasions, are more immediately called to employ it in the work of God.

2. As Before Christ said, said,

3. As an encouragement, David informs him, (1.) That all preparations were already made, v. 12. notwithstanding the troubles in which he had been involved. They were immensely indeed, amounting, in silver and gold, beside brals, iron, tedbir, flour, to near eight hundred million of our money; but it is rather thought Kikkar here signifies an ingot of less value than the Mossic talent. (2.) That God hath promised to establish his kingdom for ever, therefore that he could never do enough to show his gratitude for the mercy, v. 10—14. Note, The more God hath done for us, the greater is our obligation to serve him.

4. He exhorts him not to be discouraged at the greatness of the work, or the difficulties in the way, v. 13. as also to take heed to all God’s commandments; from obedience to which, he might hope for God’s blessing, v. 15. Note, (1.) They who are intent on building up Christ’s church, need much courage, for they will find many adventures and difficulties. (2.) It is not the greatness of the work, but the spirituality of the temper that gives it value before God.

5. David prays that God would give him wisdom and understanding thus to walk and act; and bids him without delay adverbs himself to the works, up and be doing; adverbs concluding the Lord would be with him. Note, (1.) When we arise from prayer, we may comfortably and confidently expect that God will prosper the work of our hands. (2.) Truth on his support and blessing should quicken our own endeavours.

6. ¶ 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 ’let 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 houle that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 22:17-19

David exhorts the princes to allot his son in the undertaking. Kings needable ministers, to execute the good they design.

1. They must set their heart to kick the Lord, as most bound by his mercies, v. 18. Note, The great and leading concern should be, that the heart be right with God.

2. He calls upon them to help Solomon to build the sanctuary, v. 19. Note, (1.) When the heart is engaged, head, hand, and purse, will be employed in the service. (2.) The most zealous and active minister wants assistance, and every private christian is called upon to lend a helping hand.