Verse 2

Hear me, my brethren, and my people--This was the style of address becoming a constitutional king of Israel (Deu 17:20; Sa1 30:23; Sa2 5:1). I had in mine heart--I proposed, or designed. to build an house of rest--a solid and permanent temple. for the footstool of our God--God seated between the cherubim, at the two extremities of the ark, might be said to be enthroned in His glory, and the coverlet of the ark to be His footstool. and had made ready for the building--The immense treasures which David had amassed and the elaborate preparations he had made, would have been amply sufficient for the erection of the temple of which he presented the model to Solomon.

Verse 3

thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood--The church or spiritual state of the world, of which the temple at Jerusalem was to be a type, would be presided over by One who was to be pre-eminently the Prince of Peace, and therefore would be represented not so fitly by David, whose mission had been a preparatory one of battle and conquest, as by his son, who should reign in unbroken peace.

Verse 4

he hath chosen Solomon--The spirit of David's statement is this:--It was not my ambition, my valor, or my merit that led to the enthronement of myself and family; it was the grace of God which chose the tribe, the family, the person--myself in the first instance, and now Solomon, to whom, as the Lord's anointed, you are all bound to submit. Like that of Christ, of whom he was a type, the appointment of Solomon to the kingdom above all his brethren was frequently pre-intimated (Ch1 17:12; Ch1 22:9; Sa2 7:12-14; Sa2 12:24-25; Kg1 1:13).

Verse 7

I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments--The same condition is set before Solomon by God (Kg1 3:14; Kg1 9:4).

Verse 8

Now . . . in the sight of all Israel, . . . keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord, &c.--This solemn and earnest exhortation to those present, and to all Israel through their representatives, to continue faithful in observing the divine law as essential to their national prosperity and permanence, is similar to that of Moses (Deu 30:15-20).

Verse 9

HE ENCOURAGES SOLOMON TO BUILD THE TEMPLE. (Ch1 28:9-20) And thou, Solomon my son--The royal speaker now turns to Solomon, and in a most impressive manner presses upon him the importance of sincere and practical piety. know thou--He did not mean head knowledge, for Solomon possessed that already, but that experimental acquaintance with God which is only to be obtained by loving and serving Him.

Verse 11

Then David gave to Solomon . . . the pattern--He now put into the hands of his son and successor the plan or model of the temple, with the elevations, measurements, apartments, and chief articles of furniture, all of which were designed according to the pattern given him by divine revelation (Ch1 28:19).

Verse 12

the pattern of all that he had by the spirit--rather, "with him in spirit"; that is, was floating in his mind.

Verse 15

the candlesticks of silver--Solomon made them all of gold--in this and a few minor particulars departing from the letter of his father's instructions, where he had the means of executing them in a more splendid style. There was only one candlestick and one table in the tabernacle, but ten in the temple.

Verse 18

the chariot of the cherubim--The expanded wings of the cherubim formed what was figuratively styled the throne of God, and as they were emblematical of rapid motion, the throne or seat was spoken of as a chariot (Psa 18:10; Psa 99:1). It is quite clear that in all these directions David was not guided by his own taste, or by a desire for taking any existing model of architecture, but solely by a regard to the express revelation of the divine will. In a vision, or trance, the whole edifice, with its appurtenances, had been placed before his eyes so vividly and permanently, that he had been able to take a sketch of them in the models delivered to Solomon.

Verse 20

Be strong and of good courage--The address begun in Ch1 28:9 is resumed and concluded in the same strain.

Verse 21

behold, the courses of the priests and Levites--They were, most probably, represented in this assembly though they are not named. also the princes and all the people--that is, as well the skilful, expert, and zealous artisan, as the workman who needs to be directed in all his labors. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 29

Verse 1

A great deal of service David had done in his day, had served his generation according to the will of God, Act 13:36. But now the time draws night that he must die, and, as a type of the Son of David, the nearer he comes to his end the more busy he is, and does his work with all his might. He is now a little recovered from the indisposition mentioned Kg1 1:1, when they covered him with clothes, and he got no heat: but was cure is there for old age? He therefore improves his recovery, as giving him an opportunity of doing God and his country a little more service. I. He summoned all the great men to attend him, that he might take leave of them all together, Ch1 28:1. Thus Moses did (Deu 31:28), and Joshua, Jos 23:2; Jos 24:1. David would not declare the settlement of the crown but in the presence, and to the satisfaction, of those that were the representatives of the people. II. He addressed them with a great deal of respect and tenderness. He not only exerted himself to rise from his bed, to give them the meeting (the occasion putting new spirits into him), but he rose out of his chair, and stood up upon his feet (Ch1 28:2), in reverence to God whose will he was to declare, and in reverence to this solemn assembly of the Israel of God, as if he looked upon himself, though major singulis - greater than any individual among them, yet minor universis - less than the whole of them together. His age and infirmities, as well as his dignity, might well have allowed him to keep his seat; but he would show that he was indeed humbled for the pride of his heart both in the numbers of his people and his dominion over them. It had been too much his pleasure that they were all his servants (Ch1 21:3), but now he calls them his brethren, whom he loved, his people, whom he took care of, not his servants, whom he had command of: Hear me, my brethren, and my people. It becomes superiors thus to speak with affection and condescension even to their inferiors; they will not be the less honoured for it, but the more beloved. Thus he engages their attention to what he was about to say. III. He declared the purpose he had formed to build a temple for God, and God's disallowing that purpose, Ch1 28:2, Ch1 28:3. This he had signified to Solomon before, Ch1 22:7, Ch1 22:8. A house of rest for the ark is here said to be a house of rest for the footstool of our God; for heaven is his throne of glory; the earth, and the most magnificent temples that can be built upon it, are but his footstool: so much difference is there between the manifestations of the divine glory in the upper and lower world. Angels surround his throne, Isa 6:1. We poor worms do but worship at his footstool Psa 99:5; Psa 132:7. As an evidence of the sincerity of his purpose to build the temple, he tells them that he had made ready for it, but that God would not suffer him to proceed because he had appointed other work for him to do, which was enough for one man, namely, the managing of the wars of Israel. He must serve the public with the sword; another must do it with the line and plummet. Times of rest are building times, Act 9:31. IV. He produced his own title first, and then Solomon's, to the crown; both were undoubtedly jure divino - divine. They could make out such a title as no monarch on earth can; the Lord God of Israel chose them both immediately, by prophecy, not providence, Ch1 28:4, Ch1 28:5. No right of primogeniture is pretended. Detur digniori, non seniori - It went by worth, not by age. 1. Judah was not the eldest son of Jacob, yet God chose that tribe to be the ruling tribe; Jacob entailed the sceptre upon it, Gen 49:10. 2. It does not appear that the family of Jesse was the senior house of that tribe; from Judah it is certain that it was not, for Shelah was before Pharez; whether from Nahshon and Salmon is not certain. Ram, the father of Nahshon, had a elder brother, Ch1 2:9. Perhaps so had Boaz, Obed, and Jesse. Yet "God chose the house of my father." 3. David was the youngest son of Jesse, yet God liked him to make him king; so it seemed good unto him. God takes whom he likes, and likes whom he makes like himself, as he did David, a man after his own heart. 4. Solomon was one of the youngest sons of David, and yet God chose him to sit upon the throne, because he was the likeliest of them all to build the temple, the wisest and best inclined. V. He opened to them God's gracious purposes concerning Solomon (Ch1 28:6, Ch1 28:7): I have chosen him to be my son. Thus he declares the decree, that the Lord had said to Solomon, as a type of Christ, Thou art my son (Psa 2:7), the son of my love; for he was called Jedidiah, because the Lord loved him, and Christ is his beloved Son. Of him God said, as a figure of him that was to come, 1. He shall build my house. Christ is both the founder and the foundation of the gospel temple. 2. I will establish his kingdom for ever. This must have its accomplishment in the kingdom of the Messiah, which shall continue in his hands through all the ages of time (Isa 9:7; Luk 1:33) and shall then be delivered up to God, even the Father, yet perhaps to be delivered back to the Redeemer for ever. As to Solomon, this promise of the establishment of his kingdom is here made conditional: If he be constant to do my commandments, as at this day. Solomon was now very towardly and good: "If he continue so, his kingdom shall continue, otherwise not." Note, If we be constant to our duty, then, and not otherwise, we may expect the continuance of God's favour. Let those that are well taught, and begin well, take notice of this - if they be constant, they are happy; perseverance wears the crown, though it wins it not. VI. He charged them to adhere stedfastly to God and their duty, Ch1 28:8. Observe, 1. The matter for this charge: Keep, and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God. The Lord was their God; his commandments must be their rule; they must have respect to them all, must make conscience of keeping them, and, in order thereunto, must seek for them, that is, must be inquisitive concerning their duty, search the scriptures, take advice, seek the law at the mouth of those whose lips were to keep this knowledge, and pray to God to teach and direct them. God's commandments will not be kept without great care. 2. The solemnity of it. He charged them in the sight of all Israel, who would all have notice of this public charge, and in the audience of their God. "God is witness, and this congregation is witness, that they have good counsel given them, and fair warning; if they do not take it, it is their fault, and God and man will be witnesses against them." See Ti1 5:21; Ti2 4:1. Those that profess religion, as they tender the favour of God and their reputation with men, must be faithful to their profession. 3. The motive to observe this charge. It was the way to be happy, to have the peaceable possession of this good land themselves and to preserve the entail of it upon their children. VII. He concluded with a charge to Solomon himself, Ch1 28:9, Ch1 28:10. He was much concerned that Solomon should be religious. He was to be a great man, but he must not think religion below him - a wise man, and this would be his wisdom. Observe, 1. The charge he gives him. He must look upon God and the God of his father, his good father, who had devoted him to God and educated him for God. He was born in God's house and therefore bound in duty to be his, brought up in his house and therefore bound in gratitude. Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. He must know God and serve him. We cannot serve God aright if we do not know him; and in vain do we know him if we do not serve him, serve him with heart and mind. We make nothing of religion if we do not mind it, and make heart-work of it. Serve him with a perfect, that is, an upright heart (for sincerity is our gospel perfection), and with a willing mind, from a principle of love, and as a willing people, cheerfully and with pleasure. 2. The arguments to enforce this charge. (1.) Two arguments of general inducement: - [1.] That the secrets of our souls are open before God; he searches all hearts, even the hearts of kings, which to men are unsearchable, Pro 25:3. We must therefore be sincere, because, if we deal deceitfully, God sees it, and cannot be imposed upon; we must therefore employ our thoughts, and engage them in God's service, because he fully understands all the imaginations of them, both good and bad. [2.] That we are happy or miserable here, and for ever, according as we do, or do not, serve God. If we seek him diligently, he will be found of us, and that is enough to make us happy, Heb 11:6. If we forsake him, desert his service and turn from following him, he will cast us off for ever, and that is enough to make us miserable. Note, God never casts any off till they have first cast him off. Here is, (2.) One argument peculiar to Solomon (Ch1 28:10): "Thou art to build a house for the sanctuary; therefore seek and serve God, that that work may be done from a good principle, in a right manner, and may be accepted." 3. The means prescribed in order hereunto, and they are prescribed to us all. (1.) Caution: Take heed; beware of every thing that looks like, or leads to, that which is evil. (2.) Courage: Be strong, and do it. We cannot do our work as we should unless we put on resolution, and fetch in strength from divine grace.

Verse 11

As for the general charge that David gave his son to seek God and serve him, the book of the law was, in that, his only rule, and there needed no other; but, in building the temple, David was now to give him three things: - 1. A model of the building, because it was to be such a building as neither he nor his architects ever saw. Moses had a pattern of the tabernacle shown him in the mount (Heb 8:5), so had David of the temple, by the immediate hand of God upon him, Ch1 28:19. It was given him in writing, probably by the ministry of an angel, or as clearly and exactly represented to his mind as if it had been in writing. But it is said (Ch1 28:12), He had this pattern by the Spirit. The contrivance either of David's devotion or of Solomon's wisdom must not be trusted to in an affair of this nature. The temple must be a sacred thing and a type of Christ; there must be in it not only convenience and decency, but significancy: it was a kind of sacrament, and therefore it must not be left to man's art or invention to contrive it, but must be framed by divine institution. Christ the true temple, the church the gospel temple, and heaven the everlasting temple, are all framed according to the divine councils, and the plan laid in the divine wisdom, ordained before the world for God's glory and ours. This pattern David gave to Solomon, that he might know what to provide and might go by a certain rule. When Christ left with his disciples a charge to build his gospel church he gave them an exact model of it, ordering them to observe that, and that only, which he commanded. The particular models are here mentioned, of the porch, which was higher than the rest, like a steeple, - then the houses, both the holy place and the most holy, with the rooms adjoining, which were for treasuries, chambers, and parlours, - especially the place of the mercy-seat (Ch1 28:11), - of the courts likewise, and the chambers about them, in which the dedicated things were laid up. Bishop Patrick supposes that, among other things, the tabernacle which Moses reared and all the utensils of it, which there was now no further occasion for, were laid up here, signifying that in the fulness of time all the Mosaic economy, all the rites and ceremonies of that dispensation, should be respectfully laid aside, and something better come in their room. He gave him a table of the courses of the priests, patterns of the vessels of service (Ch1 28:13), and a pattern of the chariot of the cherubim, Ch1 28:18. Besides the two cherubim over the mercy-seat, there were two much larger, whose wings reached from wall to wall (Kg1 6:23, etc.), and of these David here gave Solomon the pattern, called a chariot; for the angels are the chariots of God, Psa 68:17. 2. Materials for the most costly of the utensils of the temple. That they might not be made any less than the patterns, he weighed out the exact quantity for each vessel both of gold and silver, Ch1 28:14. In the tabernacle there was but one golden candlestick; in the temple there were ten (Kg1 7:49), besides silver ones, which, it is supposed, were hand-candlesticks, Ch1 28:15. In the tabernacle there was but one table; but in the temple, besides that on which the show-bread was set, there were ten others for other uses (Ch2 4:8), besides silver tables; for, this house being much larger than that, it would look bare if it had not furniture proportionable. The gold for the altar of incense is particularly said to be refined gold (Ch1 28:18), purer than any of the rest; for that was typical of the intercession of Christ, than which nothing is more pure and perfect. 3. Directions which way to look for help in this great undertaking. "Fear not opposition; fear not the charge, care, and trouble; fear not miscarrying in it, as in the case of Uzza; fear not the reproach of the foolish builder, that began to build and was not able to finish. Be not dismayed. (1.) God will help thee, and thou must look up to him in the first place (Ch1 28:20): The Lord God, even my God, whom I have chosen and served, who has all along been present with me and prospered me, and to whom, from my own experience of his power and goodness, I recommend thee, he will be with thee, to direct, strengthen, and prosper thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee." Note, We may be sure that God, who owned our fathers and carried them through the services of their day, will, in like manner, if we be faithful to him, go along with us in our day, and will never leave us, while he has any work to do in us or by us. The same that was Joshua's encouragement (Jos 1:5), and Solomon's, is given to all believers, Heb 13:5. He will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. God never leaves any unless they first leave him. (2.) "Good men will help thee, Ch1 28:21. The priests and Levites will advise thee, and thou mayest consult them. Thou hast good workmen, who are both willing and skilful;" and these are two very good properties in a workman, especially in those that work at the temple. And, lastly, "The princes and the people will be so far from opposing or retarding the work that they will be wholly at thy command, every one in his place ready to further it." Then good work is likely to go on when all parties concerned are hearty in it, and none secretly clog it, but all drive on heartily in it.

Verse 1

And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes,.... Whose names are given in Ch1 27:16. and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course; monthly, each having 24,000 men under him, whose names are expressed, Ch1 27:2. and the captains over the thousands; of which there were twenty four in a course, at the head of each 1000, under the chief captain: and captains over the hundreds: centurions under the second captains: and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons; whose names may be read in Ch1 27:25. with the officers: the courtiers: and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men; both men of valour, and of wealth and riches: these David assembled unto Jerusalem; the metropolis of the kingdoms and where his court and palace were.

Verse 2

Then David the king stood up upon his feet,.... Rose from the bed or couch on which he lay, as Kimchi thinks, being somewhat recovered of his paralytic disorder, and being willing to exert himself on this occasion; or he rose up from the seat or throne, on which he before sat, in honour to this august assembly before him, and that he might be the more easily heard; for which reason we are told (r) it was a custom with the ancients even for kings to stand up when they had a number of people about them they spoke to; and if anyone sat it was reckoned a new and strange thing; so Agamemnon, when wounded, did not speak sitting, until he had made an excuse for it: and said, hear me, my brethren, and my people; having something of moment and importance to say unto them, and which required their diligent attention; and though they were his subjects, he calls them his brethren, being of the same nation and religion, and to show his modesty and humility; in which he was a type of Christ, the King of kings, see Heb 2:11. as for me, I had it in my heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord; where it might abide, and not be removed from place to place; the same he had told Solomon, Ch1 22:7. and for the footstool of our God; or "even for it", for the ark is meant, which is so called, Psa 99:5 for as the Lord sat between the cherubim over the mercy seat, the lid of the ark, it was, speaking after the manner of men, a footstool to him: and had made ready for the building; prepared materials for it; see Ch1 22:4. (r) Eustathius in Homer. Iliald. 1. p. 46. Vid, Iliad. 19. ver. 77, 79.

Verse 3

But God said unto me, thou shalt not build an house for my name,.... This he said by Nathan the prophet, Sa2 7:5. because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood: see Ch1 22:8.

Verse 4

Howbeit, the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever,.... Passing by all his brethren who were elder than he, he pitched upon him, and ordered him to be anointed king of Israel, see Sa1 16:10, and that for ever, for a long time, as long as he lived; or rather in his posterity for many years to come, and best of all in his antitype Christ, the son of David, see Luk 1:32. for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; the tribe of Judah to be the seat of government, and one out of that tribe to be the chief ruler, see Ch1 5:2. and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; out of that tribe he chose his father's family, to take from thence one to be king of Israel: and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel; though the youngest of them, Sa1 16:11, this was his will and pleasure.

Verse 5

And of all my sons, for the Lord hath given me many sons,.... Whose names, and the order of their birth, may be read in Ch1 3:1. he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel; to be his successor in it: this he says to observe to them, that this was not merely his own will and choice, nor the fruit and effect of a fond affection to Solomon; nor was it barely in pursuance of a promise made to Bathsheba, she had obtained of him; but it was according to the will and appointment of God, and therefore to be the more regarded.

Verse 6

And he said unto me, Solomon that son, he shall build my house,.... See Sa2 7:13. and my courts; in the house or temple: for I have chosen him to be my son; predestinated him to the adoption of children, Eph 1:5. and I will be his father; see Sa2 7:14.

Verse 7

Moreover, I will establish his kingdom for ever,.... The same is said in Sa2 7:13. if he be constant to do my commandments, and my judgments, as at this day; if he continued in the observance of them, as he had begun, and went on in until that day; this is added here, and was not spoken by Nathan, when what goes before was; for Solomon was not then born, but must be suggested to David since, and as it should seem at this time.

Verse 8

Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the congregation of the Lord,.... Whom this assembly represented: and in the audience of our God; before him, as Jarchi, in whose presence they were, and who heard and saw all that passed, and to whom David appeals as a witness; the Targum is,"before the Word of the Lord.''before whom all things are naked and open, Heb 4:12. keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God; seek to know them, search for them in the word of God, and endeavour to keep them: that ye may possess this good land; continue in the possession of it, for by their obedience they held it, Isa 1:19. and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever; that so they might not be removed from it, and carried captive into other lands, as they were for their disobedience.

Verse 9

And thou, Solomon my son,.... Who was present in this assembly, and presented to them by David as his successor, and their future king: and having addressed them, he turns himself to him, and exhorts him, saying: know thou the God of thy father; who was his Father and covenant God, and whom he served and worshipped, and who had bestowed upon him many favours, both temporal and spiritual; and having had such an experience of his goodness, he exhorts his son to seek to know more and more of him, and to own and acknowledge him as his God, and to love and fear him: serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind; cordially and sincerely, cheerfully and freely, neither in an hypocritical manner, nor through force and constraint, nor with loathing and weariness: for the Lord searcheth all hearts; the hearts of all men, even of kings, and knows from what principles and with what views and in what manor they serve him: and understandeth all the imaginations of the thought; not only the thoughts of the heart, when regularly formed and ranged in order, hut even the very beginning of them, the first motions of the mind, and before they are well formed, see Gen 6:5. if thou seek him; by prayer and supplication in his house and ordinances: he will be found of thee; grant his presence and bestow his favours, see Isa 4:6. but if thou forsake him: his word, his ways, his worship: he will cast thee off for ever; from being king, or enjoying that peace, prosperity, and happiness, which otherwise would be enjoyed.

Verse 10

Take heed now,.... Of offending God by forsaking him; or see, consider, and observe now what he was further about to say to him, concerning the building of the temple, as follows: for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary; a temple for the ark, called the sanctuary, Num 7:9 the Targum is, the Word of the Lord hath chosen thee, &c. be strong, and do it, be of a good heart and courage, and set about it with vigour and resolution.

Verse 11

Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch,.... The breadth, and length, and height of it, which was to be placed at the east end of the temple, and was the entrance into it: and, of the houses thereof; the holy place, and the most holy, which latter is called the greater house, Ch2 3:5, and of the treasures; where things belonging to the temple were laid up, the priests' vestments, and other things: and of the upper chambers; where the priests lay or met for conversation, Jer 35:2. and of the inner parlours thereof; where the priests ate of the holy things; all these seem to he buildings against the wall of the temple round about, Kg1 6:5. and of the place of the mercy seat: the holy of holies, where that, with the cherubim over it, and the ark under it, were placed.

Verse 12

By the Spirit of God, who gave him the whole form of the temple, and all things relative to it; just as God showed to Moses the pattern of the tabernacle in the mount; the Targum is, by the spirit of prophecy that was with him. The Jews suppose that Samuel the prophet was first made acquainted with it, and he made it known to David: of the courts of the house of the Lord: the outward court, the court of the priests, &c. and of all the chambers round about: see Kg1 6:5. of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things; of the difference of which, see Ch1 26:20.

Verse 13

And also for the courses of the priests and Levites,.... Where they should serve, of which, as fixed and ordered by David, see Ch1 24:1. and for all the work of the service of the house of the Lord; they should be employed in: and for all the vessels of service in the house of the Lord; which they should use therein.

Verse 14

He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service,.... Whatever was to be made of gold, David was directed by the Spirit of God what weight or quantity of gold should be made use of in making it, as appears from some following instances: silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service; so likewise whatever instruments or vessels, for the service of the temple, were to be made of silver, he had a direction from the Spirit of God what weight each was to be of, or what quantity of silver was to be used in it, and this he gave; according to Jacob Jehudah Leon (s), the vessels of gold were 340,000, the vessels of silver 470,000, in all 810,000. (s) Relation of Memorable Things in the Tabernacle and Temple, ch. 4. p. 19.

Verse 15

Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof,.... These candlesticks were ten, and each had seven lamps, and were placed five on one side the Mosaic candlestick, and five on the other, as say the Jews, see Kg1 7:49, and the weight of gold for each candlestick, according to the above writer (t), was one hundred pounds; and for both candlesticks and lamps, David, by the Spirit of God, was directed to give: and for the candlesticks of silver, by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick; the weight of silver for them was fixed; of these nowhere else read. Kimchi thinks these were for the chambers of the priests, to give them light when they ate and lay there. (t) Ibid. (Relation of Memorial Things in the Tabernacle and the Temple, ch. 4.) p. 20.

Verse 16

And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table,.... For though there were but one table for the shewbread in the tabernacle of Moses, there were ten in the temple of Solomon, Ch2 4:8 and each of them contained one hundred pounds in weight (u): and likewise silver for the tables of silver; these were placed in the court, as Jarchi thinks, on which they flayed the sacrifices; or, as Kimchi, on which they slew them, and laid the flesh of the burnt offerings on them, which he gathers from Eze 40:39. (u) Jacob Leon, ibid. (Relation of Memorable Things in the Tabernacle and Temple, ch. 4. p. 20.)

Verse 17

Also pure gold for the flesh hooks,.... To take the pieces of flesh out of the pots, in which they were boiled: and the bowls and the cups; and for the golden basins he gave gold by weight for every basin; which were vessels made use of for the receiving and sprinkling the blood of the sacrifices: likewise silver by weight for every basin of silver; for it seems some of them were of silver, as others were of gold.

Verse 18

And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight,.... This was also one hundred pounds weight in gold, with which it was to be overlaid (w): and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubim; which were two large ones, besides those which Moses made; and these were not made of gold, as they were, but overlaid with it, see Kg1 6:23 which with them made four; and to which the four living creatures in Ezekiel's vision allude, and make the "mercavah", or chariot, the Jews so much speak of, perhaps from this and other like phrases; and the Lord sitting here as in a chariot, not only denotes the glory and splendour of the Shechinah, or divine Majesty; but, as some observe, his readiness to ride off and depart, when displeased and provoked, see Eze 10:18, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord; not that spread their wings over the ark, and covered it, that the Mosaic cherubim did; but these spread their wings before it from wall to wall, so that it could not be seen by any that turned aside the vail, and even by the high priest when he entered into the holy of holies: the ark, with the cherubim, which were on that, weighed two hundred pounds of pure gold, according to the Jacob Leon (x). (w) Ibid. (Relation of Memorable Things in the Tabernacle and Temple, ch. 4. p. 20.) (x) Ibid.

Verse 19

All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me,.... Either by an impulse of his Spirit on him, whereby it was as it were written on his mind, and as clearly represented to him, as if he had it in writing before him; though the Jews think that all was first made known to Samuel, or some other prophet, who delivered it to David in writing, as from the Lord: but I see not why it may not be understood that David had the pattern of the temple, and all things relative to it, by an handwriting from the Lord himself, through the ministry of angels, as Moses received the two tables, the handwriting of the Lord, from himself; for the words, as they lie in order in the Hebrew text, are, the whole of this "in writing from the hand of the Lord, unto me, he made me to understand: even all the works of this pattern"; the particulars of which are given before. All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me,.... Either by an impulse of his Spirit on him, whereby it was as it were written on his mind, and as clearly represented to him, as if he had it in writing before him; though the Jews think that all was first made known to Samuel, or some other prophet, who delivered it to David in writing, as from the Lord: but I see not why it may not be understood that David had the pattern of the temple, and all things relative to it, by an handwriting from the Lord himself, through the ministry of angels, as Moses received the two tables, the handwriting of the Lord, from himself; for the words, as they lie in order in the Hebrew text, are, the whole of this "in writing from the hand of the Lord, unto me, he made me to understand: even all the works of this pattern"; the particulars of which are given before. 1 Chronicles 28:20 ch1 28:20 ch1 28:20 ch1 28:20And David said to Solomon his son, be strong, and of good courage, and do it,.... See Gill on Ch1 28:10. fear not, nor be dismayed; that thou shalt meet with any opposition in the work, or not be able to finish it for want of materials and workmen, or money to pay them: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; to guide and direct, prosper and succeed; the Targum is,"the Word of the Lord God, my God, will be thy help:" he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee; a promise made to Joshua, and is applicable to every good man in whatsoever good work he is concerned, Jos 1:5, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord; built the temple, and all the apartments of it, and courts belonging to it, and made and provided all the utensils and vessels necessary for the service and worship of God.

Verse 20

And, behold, all the courses of the priests and the Levites,.... Which David had lately fixed to take their turns in the temple, when built: even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God; to advise and assist him in everything relating to the service of the sanctuary, which they might be supposed best to understand: and there shall be with thee, for all manner of workmanship, every willing skilful man for any manner of service; men that were not only well skilled in all manner of curious work that was necessary for the service of the house, but were willing to employ their skill to the uttermost for it, and such David had provided, Ch1 22:15, also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment: to do whatever he should order, whether to overlook the workmen, or to contribute to the expenses of the work. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 29

Verse 1

And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes,.... Whose names are given in Ch1 27:16. and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course; monthly, each having 24,000 men under him, whose names are expressed, Ch1 27:2. and the captains over the thousands; of which there were twenty four in a course, at the head of each 1000, under the chief captain: and captains over the hundreds: centurions under the second captains: and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons; whose names may be read in Ch1 27:25. with the officers: the courtiers: and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men; both men of valour, and of wealth and riches: these David assembled unto Jerusalem; the metropolis of the kingdoms and where his court and palace were.

Verse 2

Then David the king stood up upon his feet,.... Rose from the bed or couch on which he lay, as Kimchi thinks, being somewhat recovered of his paralytic disorder, and being willing to exert himself on this occasion; or he rose up from the seat or throne, on which he before sat, in honour to this august assembly before him, and that he might be the more easily heard; for which reason we are told (r) it was a custom with the ancients even for kings to stand up when they had a number of people about them they spoke to; and if anyone sat it was reckoned a new and strange thing; so Agamemnon, when wounded, did not speak sitting, until he had made an excuse for it: and said, hear me, my brethren, and my people; having something of moment and importance to say unto them, and which required their diligent attention; and though they were his subjects, he calls them his brethren, being of the same nation and religion, and to show his modesty and humility; in which he was a type of Christ, the King of kings, see Heb 2:11. as for me, I had it in my heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord; where it might abide, and not be removed from place to place; the same he had told Solomon, Ch1 22:7. and for the footstool of our God; or "even for it", for the ark is meant, which is so called, Psa 99:5 for as the Lord sat between the cherubim over the mercy seat, the lid of the ark, it was, speaking after the manner of men, a footstool to him: and had made ready for the building; prepared materials for it; see Ch1 22:4. (r) Eustathius in Homer. Iliald. 1. p. 46. Vid, Iliad. 19. ver. 77, 79.

Verse 3

But God said unto me, thou shalt not build an house for my name,.... This he said by Nathan the prophet, Sa2 7:5. because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood: see Ch1 22:8.

Verse 4

Howbeit, the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever,.... Passing by all his brethren who were elder than he, he pitched upon him, and ordered him to be anointed king of Israel, see Sa1 16:10, and that for ever, for a long time, as long as he lived; or rather in his posterity for many years to come, and best of all in his antitype Christ, the son of David, see Luk 1:32. for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; the tribe of Judah to be the seat of government, and one out of that tribe to be the chief ruler, see Ch1 5:2. and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; out of that tribe he chose his father's family, to take from thence one to be king of Israel: and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel; though the youngest of them, Sa1 16:11, this was his will and pleasure.

Verse 5

And of all my sons, for the Lord hath given me many sons,.... Whose names, and the order of their birth, may be read in Ch1 3:1. he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel; to be his successor in it: this he says to observe to them, that this was not merely his own will and choice, nor the fruit and effect of a fond affection to Solomon; nor was it barely in pursuance of a promise made to Bathsheba, she had obtained of him; but it was according to the will and appointment of God, and therefore to be the more regarded.

Verse 6

And he said unto me, Solomon that son, he shall build my house,.... See Sa2 7:13. and my courts; in the house or temple: for I have chosen him to be my son; predestinated him to the adoption of children, Eph 1:5. and I will be his father; see Sa2 7:14.

Verse 7

Moreover, I will establish his kingdom for ever,.... The same is said in Sa2 7:13. if he be constant to do my commandments, and my judgments, as at this day; if he continued in the observance of them, as he had begun, and went on in until that day; this is added here, and was not spoken by Nathan, when what goes before was; for Solomon was not then born, but must be suggested to David since, and as it should seem at this time.

Verse 8

Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the congregation of the Lord,.... Whom this assembly represented: and in the audience of our God; before him, as Jarchi, in whose presence they were, and who heard and saw all that passed, and to whom David appeals as a witness; the Targum is,"before the Word of the Lord.''before whom all things are naked and open, Heb 4:12. keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God; seek to know them, search for them in the word of God, and endeavour to keep them: that ye may possess this good land; continue in the possession of it, for by their obedience they held it, Isa 1:19. and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever; that so they might not be removed from it, and carried captive into other lands, as they were for their disobedience.

Verse 9

And thou, Solomon my son,.... Who was present in this assembly, and presented to them by David as his successor, and their future king: and having addressed them, he turns himself to him, and exhorts him, saying: know thou the God of thy father; who was his Father and covenant God, and whom he served and worshipped, and who had bestowed upon him many favours, both temporal and spiritual; and having had such an experience of his goodness, he exhorts his son to seek to know more and more of him, and to own and acknowledge him as his God, and to love and fear him: serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind; cordially and sincerely, cheerfully and freely, neither in an hypocritical manner, nor through force and constraint, nor with loathing and weariness: for the Lord searcheth all hearts; the hearts of all men, even of kings, and knows from what principles and with what views and in what manor they serve him: and understandeth all the imaginations of the thought; not only the thoughts of the heart, when regularly formed and ranged in order, hut even the very beginning of them, the first motions of the mind, and before they are well formed, see Gen 6:5. if thou seek him; by prayer and supplication in his house and ordinances: he will be found of thee; grant his presence and bestow his favours, see Isa 4:6. but if thou forsake him: his word, his ways, his worship: he will cast thee off for ever; from being king, or enjoying that peace, prosperity, and happiness, which otherwise would be enjoyed.

Verse 10

Take heed now,.... Of offending God by forsaking him; or see, consider, and observe now what he was further about to say to him, concerning the building of the temple, as follows: for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary; a temple for the ark, called the sanctuary, Num 7:9 the Targum is, the Word of the Lord hath chosen thee, &c. be strong, and do it, be of a good heart and courage, and set about it with vigour and resolution.

Verse 11

Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch,.... The breadth, and length, and height of it, which was to be placed at the east end of the temple, and was the entrance into it: and, of the houses thereof; the holy place, and the most holy, which latter is called the greater house, Ch2 3:5, and of the treasures; where things belonging to the temple were laid up, the priests' vestments, and other things: and of the upper chambers; where the priests lay or met for conversation, Jer 35:2. and of the inner parlours thereof; where the priests ate of the holy things; all these seem to he buildings against the wall of the temple round about, Kg1 6:5. and of the place of the mercy seat: the holy of holies, where that, with the cherubim over it, and the ark under it, were placed.

Verse 12

By the Spirit of God, who gave him the whole form of the temple, and all things relative to it; just as God showed to Moses the pattern of the tabernacle in the mount; the Targum is, by the spirit of prophecy that was with him. The Jews suppose that Samuel the prophet was first made acquainted with it, and he made it known to David: of the courts of the house of the Lord: the outward court, the court of the priests, &c. and of all the chambers round about: see Kg1 6:5. of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things; of the difference of which, see Ch1 26:20.

Verse 13

And also for the courses of the priests and Levites,.... Where they should serve, of which, as fixed and ordered by David, see Ch1 24:1. and for all the work of the service of the house of the Lord; they should be employed in: and for all the vessels of service in the house of the Lord; which they should use therein.

Verse 14

He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service,.... Whatever was to be made of gold, David was directed by the Spirit of God what weight or quantity of gold should be made use of in making it, as appears from some following instances: silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service; so likewise whatever instruments or vessels, for the service of the temple, were to be made of silver, he had a direction from the Spirit of God what weight each was to be of, or what quantity of silver was to be used in it, and this he gave; according to Jacob Jehudah Leon (s), the vessels of gold were 340,000, the vessels of silver 470,000, in all 810,000. (s) Relation of Memorable Things in the Tabernacle and Temple, ch. 4. p. 19.

Verse 15

Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof,.... These candlesticks were ten, and each had seven lamps, and were placed five on one side the Mosaic candlestick, and five on the other, as say the Jews, see Kg1 7:49, and the weight of gold for each candlestick, according to the above writer (t), was one hundred pounds; and for both candlesticks and lamps, David, by the Spirit of God, was directed to give: and for the candlesticks of silver, by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick; the weight of silver for them was fixed; of these nowhere else read. Kimchi thinks these were for the chambers of the priests, to give them light when they ate and lay there. (t) Ibid. (Relation of Memorial Things in the Tabernacle and the Temple, ch. 4.) p. 20.

Verse 16

And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table,.... For though there were but one table for the shewbread in the tabernacle of Moses, there were ten in the temple of Solomon, Ch2 4:8 and each of them contained one hundred pounds in weight (u): and likewise silver for the tables of silver; these were placed in the court, as Jarchi thinks, on which they flayed the sacrifices; or, as Kimchi, on which they slew them, and laid the flesh of the burnt offerings on them, which he gathers from Eze 40:39. (u) Jacob Leon, ibid. (Relation of Memorable Things in the Tabernacle and Temple, ch. 4. p. 20.)

Verse 17

Also pure gold for the flesh hooks,.... To take the pieces of flesh out of the pots, in which they were boiled: and the bowls and the cups; and for the golden basins he gave gold by weight for every basin; which were vessels made use of for the receiving and sprinkling the blood of the sacrifices: likewise silver by weight for every basin of silver; for it seems some of them were of silver, as others were of gold.

Verse 18

And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight,.... This was also one hundred pounds weight in gold, with which it was to be overlaid (w): and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubim; which were two large ones, besides those which Moses made; and these were not made of gold, as they were, but overlaid with it, see Kg1 6:23 which with them made four; and to which the four living creatures in Ezekiel's vision allude, and make the "mercavah", or chariot, the Jews so much speak of, perhaps from this and other like phrases; and the Lord sitting here as in a chariot, not only denotes the glory and splendour of the Shechinah, or divine Majesty; but, as some observe, his readiness to ride off and depart, when displeased and provoked, see Eze 10:18, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord; not that spread their wings over the ark, and covered it, that the Mosaic cherubim did; but these spread their wings before it from wall to wall, so that it could not be seen by any that turned aside the vail, and even by the high priest when he entered into the holy of holies: the ark, with the cherubim, which were on that, weighed two hundred pounds of pure gold, according to the Jacob Leon (x). (w) Ibid. (Relation of Memorable Things in the Tabernacle and Temple, ch. 4. p. 20.) (x) Ibid.

Verse 19

All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me,.... Either by an impulse of his Spirit on him, whereby it was as it were written on his mind, and as clearly represented to him, as if he had it in writing before him; though the Jews think that all was first made known to Samuel, or some other prophet, who delivered it to David in writing, as from the Lord: but I see not why it may not be understood that David had the pattern of the temple, and all things relative to it, by an handwriting from the Lord himself, through the ministry of angels, as Moses received the two tables, the handwriting of the Lord, from himself; for the words, as they lie in order in the Hebrew text, are, the whole of this "in writing from the hand of the Lord, unto me, he made me to understand: even all the works of this pattern"; the particulars of which are given before. All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me,.... Either by an impulse of his Spirit on him, whereby it was as it were written on his mind, and as clearly represented to him, as if he had it in writing before him; though the Jews think that all was first made known to Samuel, or some other prophet, who delivered it to David in writing, as from the Lord: but I see not why it may not be understood that David had the pattern of the temple, and all things relative to it, by an handwriting from the Lord himself, through the ministry of angels, as Moses received the two tables, the handwriting of the Lord, from himself; for the words, as they lie in order in the Hebrew text, are, the whole of this "in writing from the hand of the Lord, unto me, he made me to understand: even all the works of this pattern"; the particulars of which are given before. 1 Chronicles 28:20 ch1 28:20 ch1 28:20 ch1 28:20And David said to Solomon his son, be strong, and of good courage, and do it,.... See Gill on Ch1 28:10. fear not, nor be dismayed; that thou shalt meet with any opposition in the work, or not be able to finish it for want of materials and workmen, or money to pay them: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; to guide and direct, prosper and succeed; the Targum is,"the Word of the Lord God, my God, will be thy help:" he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee; a promise made to Joshua, and is applicable to every good man in whatsoever good work he is concerned, Jos 1:5, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord; built the temple, and all the apartments of it, and courts belonging to it, and made and provided all the utensils and vessels necessary for the service and worship of God.

Verse 20

And, behold, all the courses of the priests and the Levites,.... Which David had lately fixed to take their turns in the temple, when built: even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God; to advise and assist him in everything relating to the service of the sanctuary, which they might be supposed best to understand: and there shall be with thee, for all manner of workmanship, every willing skilful man for any manner of service; men that were not only well skilled in all manner of curious work that was necessary for the service of the house, but were willing to employ their skill to the uttermost for it, and such David had provided, Ch1 22:15, also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment: to do whatever he should order, whether to overlook the workmen, or to contribute to the expenses of the work. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 29

Verse 1

28:1–29:25 Here the account of Solomon’s coronation continues from 23:1-2. David is presented at the pinnacle of his strength as he transfers authority to Solomon (cp. 1 Kgs 1:1–2:9).

28:1 This assembly of all the officials of Israel includes all whose names were mentioned in the preceding chapters.

Verse 2

28:2-10 The account of David’s first discourse includes a message addressed to his people (28:2-8) and a message to Solomon (28:9-10). The main focus of the address is David’s desire for Solomon to build a Temple. In addition, David addressed two other important themes: God’s selection of Solomon, and the people’s obligation to keep God’s commandments.

28:2 David described the Temple as a place where the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant . . . could rest. The term “rest” describes the conquest of the land and the establishment of peace (e.g., Deut 12:9). In the wilderness, the Ark rested at the end of battle (Num 10:35-36). When David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, the Ark’s “rest” became permanent, as David expressed in a psalm of worship: “Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place, along with the Ark, the symbol of your power” (Ps 132:8). God had chosen Mount Zion as his resting place.

Verse 4

28:4-6 the Lord . . . has chosen me . . . to be king over Israel forever: God’s selection of David actually began with Judah (Gen 49:8-12), culminated with David (1 Sam 16:1-13), and continued with Solomon (1 Chr 28:5-6, 10). All subsequent kings reigned by virtue of God’s promise to David.

Verse 9

28:9-10 David’s message to Solomon did not stress the privileges of being chosen as king but emphasized the responsibilities of assuming the throne. The primary obligation was to seek the Lord, to worship and serve him. The Lord also required an unflinching resolve to build the Temple sanctuary.

Verse 11

28:11-21 God gave David the actual plans for the Temple through divine inspiration (28:19). On other occasions God also provided plans for the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Exod 25:9) and for the future Temple of Ezekiel (Ezek 40:4).

Verse 14

28:14-18 This list of vessels legitimized each object in the Temple by specifically recounting what God had communicated about them through David.

Verse 18

28:18 for the Lord’s “chariot”—the gold cherubim: The cherubim were various images of composite creatures found in connection with thrones and palaces. Ancient kings sat on cherub thrones. In God’s throne room (the Most Holy Place of Israel’s sanctuary), cherubim atop the Ark of the Covenant served a similar function (see Exod 25:18-22; 2 Sam 6:2; Ps 99:1; cp. Ezek 10).