1 Chronicles 28
BSB1 Now David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men—every mighty man of valor. 2 Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it, 3 but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has spilled blood.’ 4 Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel. 5 And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. 6 And He said to me, ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him as My son, and I will be his Father. 7 I will establish his kingdom forever, if he resolutely carries out My commandments and ordinances, as is being done this day.’ 8 So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, keep and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever. 9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 10 Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it." 11 Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, storehouses, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the room for the mercy seat. 12 The plans contained everything David had in mind for the courts of the house of the LORD, for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated things, 13 for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of service in the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD: 14 the weight of all the gold articles for every kind of service; the weight of all the silver articles for every kind of service; 15 the weight of the gold lampstands and their lamps, including the weight of each lampstand and its lamps; the weight of each silver lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand; 16 the weight of gold for each table of showbread, and of silver for the silver tables; 17 the weight of the pure gold for the forks, sprinkling bowls, and pitchers; the weight of each gold dish; the weight of each silver bowl; 18 the weight of the refined gold for the altar of incense; and the plans for the chariot of the gold cherubim that spread their wings and overshadowed the ark of the covenant of the LORD. 19 “All this,” said David, “all the details of this plan, the LORD has made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me." 20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of the house of God, and every willing man of every skill will be at your disposal for the work. The officials and all the people are fully at your command."
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 28
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Chronicles 28
- Themes from 1 Chronicles 28
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 28
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Chronicles 28, King David gathers the leaders of Israel and gives them instructions for the building of the Temple. He emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and provides detailed plans for the construction of the Temple. David also transfers leadership to his son Solomon, charging him to be strong and courageous in following God's will. The chapter highlights David's desire to build a house for God, but God's refusal due to David's history of bloodshed. Instead, God chooses Solomon to build the Temple, and David provides him with detailed plans and instructions. The chapter concludes with David's charge to the leaders of Israel to support Solomon in the construction of the Temple and to follow God's commands.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles, which tells the story of the kingdom of Israel from the death of Saul to the reign of Solomon. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with his people and the fulfillment of his promise to David. The chapter is closely connected to 1 Chronicles 22, which also deals with the preparation for the construction of the Temple.
Heart Application
This chapter applies to our lives today by reminding us of the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind. We are called to be strong and courageous in following God's will, and to trust in his power and provision. The chapter also reminds us of the importance of humility and recognition of our own limitations, and the need to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about King David preparing for the construction of the Temple and transferring leadership to his son Solomon. David emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and seeking him with a whole heart. The chapter reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's will and the need to trust in his power and provision. (1 Chronicles 28:9, 1 Chronicles 28:20)
Voices from the Church
“The Temple was a symbol of God's presence among his people, and the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to be the Temple of the Holy Spirit, and to seek God with a whole heart.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter highlights the importance of spiritual leadership, as David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will. This serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership in the church and in individual lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Chapter (1 Chronicles 28:1-2) — The chapter begins with David gathering the leaders of Israel and giving them instructions for the building of the Temple. He emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and provides detailed plans for the construction of the Temple.
- David's Charge to Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:3-7) — David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will, and to trust in God's power and provision. He also provides Solomon with detailed plans and instructions for the construction of the Temple.
- The Importance of Seeking God (1 Chronicles 28:8-10) — The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind. David notes that God searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought, and that those who seek him will be found by him.
- The Consequences of Disobedience (1 Chronicles 28:11-19) — The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience, as David notes that God will reject those who forsake him. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in his power and provision.
- Conclusion (1 Chronicles 28:20-21) — The chapter concludes with David's charge to the leaders of Israel to support Solomon in the construction of the Temple and to follow God's commands. The chapter reminds us of the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind, and of trusting in his power and provision.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and providence, as David notes that God has chosen Solomon to build the Temple. This serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, and of recognizing his sovereignty over all things.
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership, as David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will. This serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership in the church and in individual lives.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience, as David notes that God will reject those who forsake him. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in his power and provision.
- The Importance of Seeking God
- The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind. David notes that God searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought, and that those who seek him will be found by him.
Lessons from 1 Chronicles 28
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter teaches us the importance of humility and recognition of our own limitations. David's willingness to accept God's refusal to let him build the Temple demonstrates his humility and trust in God's sovereignty.
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership, as David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will. This serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership in the church and in individual lives.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience, as David notes that God will reject those who forsake him. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in his power and provision.
- The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind. David notes that God searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought, and that those who seek him will be found by him.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Power and Provision — The chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision. David's charge to Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
Themes from 1 Chronicles 28
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and providence, as David notes that God has chosen Solomon to build the Temple. This serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, and of recognizing his sovereignty over all things.
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership, as David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will. This serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership in the church and in individual lives.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience, as David notes that God will reject those who forsake him. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in his power and provision.
- The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind. David notes that God searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought, and that those who seek him will be found by him.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Power and Provision — The chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision. David's charge to Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of spiritual leadership, and what are some key characteristics of godly leaders?
- What are some consequences of disobedience, according to the chapter?
- How does the chapter remind us of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision?
- What are some ways in which we can apply the principles of the chapter to our own lives and ministries?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Chapter (1 Chronicles 28:1-2)
| 28:1 | The chapter begins with David gathering the leaders of Israel and giving them instructions for the building of the Temple. He emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and provides detailed plans for the construction of the Temple. |
| 28:2 | David notes that he had intended to build the Temple himself, but God had refused due to his history of bloodshed. |
2. David's Charge to Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:3-7)
| 28:3 | David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will, and to trust in God's power and provision. He also provides Solomon with detailed plans and instructions for the construction of the Temple. |
| 28:4 | David notes that God has chosen Solomon to build the Temple, and that he will be with him to help him in the construction process. |
| 28:5 | David emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and seeking him with a whole heart and a willing mind. |
| 28:6 | David notes that God will be with Solomon and will not fail him, and that he will establish his kingdom forever. |
| 28:7 | David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will, and to trust in God's power and provision. |
3. The Importance of Seeking God (1 Chronicles 28:8-10)
| 28:8 | The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind. David notes that God searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought, and that those who seek him will be found by him. |
| 28:9 | David charges Solomon to know the God of his father and to serve him with a whole heart and a willing mind. He notes that God will be with Solomon and will help him in the construction of the Temple. |
| 28:10 | David emphasizes the importance of seeking God and trusting in his power and provision. |
4. The Consequences of Disobedience (1 Chronicles 28:11-19)
| 28:11 | The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience, as David notes that God will reject those who forsake him. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in his power and provision. |
| 28:12 | David provides Solomon with detailed plans and instructions for the construction of the Temple, and notes that God will be with him to help him in the process. |
| 28:13 | David emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and seeking him with a whole heart and a willing mind. |
| 28:14 | David notes that God will establish Solomon's kingdom forever, and that he will be with him to help him in the construction of the Temple. |
| 28:15 | David provides Solomon with detailed plans and instructions for the construction of the Temple, and notes that God will be with him to help him in the process. |
| 28:16 | David emphasizes the importance of seeking God and trusting in his power and provision. |
| 28:17 | David notes that God will be with Solomon and will help him in the construction of the Temple, and that he will establish his kingdom forever. |
| 28:18 | David provides Solomon with detailed plans and instructions for the construction of the Temple, and notes that God will be with him to help him in the process. |
| 28:19 | David emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and seeking him with a whole heart and a willing mind. |
5. Conclusion (1 Chronicles 28:20-21)
| 28:20 | The chapter concludes with David's charge to Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will, and to trust in God's power and provision. He notes that God will be with him to help him in the construction of the Temple. |
| 28:21 | David emphasizes the importance of seeking God and trusting in his power and provision, and notes that God will establish Solomon's kingdom forever. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 1 Chronicles 28?
The main theme of 1 Chronicles 28 is the preparation for the construction of the Temple and the transition of leadership to Solomon. The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind, and of trusting in his power and provision. (1 Chronicles 28:9, 1 Chronicles 28:20)
Why did God refuse to let David build the Temple?
God refused to let David build the Temple due to his history of bloodshed. (1 Chronicles 28:2-3)
What are the consequences of disobedience, according to the chapter?
The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience, as David notes that God will reject those who forsake him. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in his power and provision. (1 Chronicles 28:9, 1 Chronicles 28:19)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 28:1 → 1 Samuel 17:1-58 | The chapter begins with David gathering the leaders of Israel and giving them instructions for the building of the Temple. This is reminiscent of David's earlier victory over Goliath, which demonstrated his trust in God's power and provision. (1 Samuel 17:1-58) |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 28:2 → 1 Chronicles 22:8-10 | David notes that he had intended to build the Temple himself, but God had refused due to his history of bloodshed. This is consistent with God's earlier statement to David, in which he noted that David would not be allowed to build the Temple due to his history of bloodshed. (1 Chronicles 22:8-10) |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 28:3 → Deuteronomy 31:7-8 | David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will, and to trust in God's power and provision. This is reminiscent of Moses' charge to Joshua, in which he encouraged him to be strong and courageous in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 28:9 → Proverbs 28:5 | The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind. David notes that God searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought, and that those who seek him will be found by him. This is consistent with the wisdom literature, which emphasizes the importance of seeking God and trusting in his power and provision. (Proverbs 28:5) |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 28:10 → Psalm 138:8 | David emphasizes the importance of seeking God and trusting in his power and provision. This is consistent with the psalms, which often express trust in God's power and provision. (Psalm 138:8) |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 28:11 → 1 Kings 8:1-66 | The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience, as David notes that God will reject those who forsake him. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in his power and provision. The dedication of the Temple, as described in 1 Kings 8, serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God and trusting in his power and provision. (1 Kings 8:1-66) |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 28:12 → Ezra 5:1-17 | David provides Solomon with detailed plans and instructions for the construction of the Temple, and notes that God will be with him to help him in the process. The rebuilding of the Temple, as described in Ezra 5, serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God and trusting in his power and provision. (Ezra 5:1-17) |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 28:20 → Hebrews 11:1-40 | The chapter concludes with David's charge to Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will, and to trust in God's power and provision. This is consistent with the New Testament emphasis on faith and trust in God's power and provision. (Hebrews 11:1-40) |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 28:20 → John 14:15 | The chapter concludes with David's charge to Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will, and to trust in God's power and provision. This is consistent with Jesus' command to his disciples to love him and keep his commandments, and to trust in his power and provision. (John 14:15) |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 28:21 → Revelation 21:1-27 | David emphasizes the importance of seeking God and trusting in his power and provision, and notes that God will establish Solomon's kingdom forever. This is consistent with the New Testament vision of the eternal kingdom of God, in which God will dwell with his people forever. (Revelation 21:1-27) |
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?" by John Piper | This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all el |
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A Perfect Heart and a Willing Mind by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing when something is wrong in the church. He warns against being so focused on personal interests and material pos |
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(God's Sanctuary) 04 Men of His Own Heart 3 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning how to find God's will. They highlight that there are similar conditions for people to learn these lessons. The sp |
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(God's Sanctuary) 01 Building Gods Sanctuary by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal and intimate relationship with God. They highlight that while there are many good books, teachers, and sc |
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(Pdf Book) Realities of Faith / 4 Chapters by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink shares the profound experiences of her community in witnessing God's miraculous answers to prayer, emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance in the face |
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The Fourth Tabernacle (Birmingham Conference) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of inviting the Holy Spirit into our gatherings and lives. He prays for the Spirit to fill the house and acknowledges that wi |
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David - the Father by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the discovery of a stone with a mark on it, which suddenly takes on new meaning and significance. The speaker then mentions a brilliant lawyer |
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Building Up Yourself - Part 1 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reminding the audience of the words spoken by the apostles of Jesus Christ about the presence of mockers in the last days who would follow th |
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Contributions of the 1st and 2nd Awakening by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the importance of surrendering our hearts to God, emphasizing the need for a perfect heart devoted to Him, exploring the concept of holiness and the obligat |
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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 5 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for expansion and enlargement in the spiritual lives of believers. God uses tests and trials to bring about this growth and to fulfi |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 28
In this chapter, we see David's preparation for the construction of the Temple and the transition of leadership to Solomon. David's charge to Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision. The chapter also highlights the importance of seeking God with a whole heart and a willing mind, and of obeying his commands. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every plan and thought; if we seek him, he will be found by us; but if we forsake him, he will reject us forever.' (1 Chronicles 28:9) The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, spiritual leadership, and obedience to God's commands, and encourages us to trust in God's power and provision. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
David's humility
David's willingness to accept God's refusal to let him build the Temple demonstrates his humility and recognition of his own limitations. This serves as an example for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
The importance of spiritual leadership
The chapter highlights the importance of spiritual leadership, as David charges Solomon to be strong and courageous in following God's will. This serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership in the church and in individual lives.
The consequences of disobedience
The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience, as David notes that God will reject those who forsake him. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for believers to seek God with a whole heart.









