1 Then David said, This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.

2 And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the 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 Also 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 builded for the Lord must 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.

6 Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an 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 an house unto the name of the Lord my God:

8 But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 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 prosper 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 prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of 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.

15 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.

17 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 set 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 house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's preparations for the temple.
On occasion of the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built; upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. David must not build, but he would do all he could; he prepared abundantly before his death. What our hands find to do for God, and our souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before our death; for after death there is no device nor working. And when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Said - Thro' the instinct and direction of God's spirit, by which as he is said to have had the pattern of the house, porch, altar, &c. (1 Chronicles 28:11-12) , (1 Chronicles 28:19) , so doubtless he was instructed as to the place where the house should be built. This - This is the place appointed by God for the building of his temple and altar.
McArther Bible Commentary
This section recounts David's preparations for Solomon to build the temple. General preparation and various charges are discussed in 1Ch 22:1-19. The division of labor unfolds in 1Ch. 23:1-27:33. Solomon's final commission comes in 1Ch. 28:1-29:20.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 21:18 1 Chronicles 21:30 2 Chronicles 3:1

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's preparations for the temple.
On occasion of the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built; upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. David must not build, but he would do all he could; he prepared abundantly before his death. What our hands find to do for God, and our souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before our death; for after death there is no device nor working. And when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere.
McArther Bible Commentary
aliens. These were non-Israelite artisans made up of descendants of the Canaanites (2Ch 8:7-10) and war captives (2Ch 2:7), for whom the Mosaic legislation provided compassion and protection (cf. Exo 22:21; Exo 23:9; Lev 19:33; Deu 24:14-15) and from whom service was exacted. Only here were the laborers called "aliens" (cf. 1Ki 5:13-18).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 5:17 1 Kings 5:18 1 Kings 9:20 1 Kings 9:21 2 Chronicles 2:17

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's preparations for the temple.
On occasion of the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built; upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. David must not build, but he would do all he could; he prepared abundantly before his death. What our hands find to do for God, and our souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before our death; for after death there is no device nor working. And when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere.
McArther Bible Commentary
iron … bronze. David would have acquired the iron technology from the Philistines (1Sa 13:19-21), and the bronze would have come from spoils of war (cf. 1Ch 18:8).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 7:47 1 Chronicles 22:14 1 Chronicles 29:2 1 Chronicles 29:7

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's preparations for the temple.
On occasion of the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built; upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. David must not build, but he would do all he could; he prepared abundantly before his death. What our hands find to do for God, and our souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before our death; for after death there is no device nor working. And when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere.
McArther Bible Commentary
cedar. This came from Lebanon, the heavily wooded and mountainous country north of Israel, and was provided by the residents of Sidon and Tyre, most likely under the leadership of David's friend, King Hiram (cf. 1Ch 14:1; 1Ki 5:1).
Bible Cross References
Numbers 24:6 1 Kings 5:6

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's preparations for the temple.
On occasion of the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built; upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. David must not build, but he would do all he could; he prepared abundantly before his death. What our hands find to do for God, and our souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before our death; for after death there is no device nor working. And when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Prepared, &c. - And good reason, because it was intended for the honour of the great God, and was to be a type of Christ, in whom all fulness dwells, and in whom are hid all treasures.
McArther Bible Commentary
young. Solomon was born early in David's reign (c. 1000-990 B.C.) and was at this time twenty to thirty years of age. The magnificent and complex challenge of building such a monumental edifice with all its elements required an experienced leader for preparation. magnificent. David understood that the temple needed to reflect on earth something of God's heavenly majesty, so he devoted himself to the collection of the plans and materials, tapping the vast amount of spoils from people he had conquered and cities he had sacked (1Ch 22:14-16).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 3:7 1 Chronicles 29:1 Proverbs 4:3

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
McArther Bible Commentary
Here is David's careful instruction to Solomon for the building which David could not do because he had killed so many in his battles (1Ch 22:8). Cf. 1Ki 5:3.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 12:20 1 Kings 2:1

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 7:2 2 Samuel 7:3 1 Chronicles 17:1 1 Chronicles 22:19 Psalm 132:5

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shed blood - Not that wars are simply unlawful, but to teach us that the church (whereof the temple was an illustrious type) should be built by Christ, the prince of peace, (Isaiah 9:6) , and that it should be gathered and built up, not by might or power but by God's spirit, (Zechariah 4:6) , and by the preaching the Gospel of peace. David therefore was less fit for that service, than one who had not been called to such bloody work. Likewise by setting him aside for this reason, God shewed how precious human life is to him.
McArther Bible Commentary
David reflects on the covenant God had made with him (cf. 2 Sam. 7; 1 Chr. 17), which included (1) the divine mandate that Solomon build the temple and (2) overtones of the messianic reign.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 8:19 1 Chronicles 28:3

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 12:24 2 Samuel 12:25 1 Kings 1:13 1 Kings 2:15 1 Kings 3:7 1 Kings 4:20 1 Kings 4:24 1 Kings 4:25 1 Kings 5:4 1 Chronicles 22:18 1 Chronicles 28:5 2 Chronicles 6:15

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 7:13 2 Samuel 7:14 1 Kings 2:15 1 Kings 2:24 1 Kings 5:5 1 Kings 8:15 1 Kings 9:5 1 Chronicles 17:12 1 Chronicles 28:5 2 Chronicles 6:15 Psalm 89:26

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
McArther Bible Commentary
David's spiritual charge to Solomon resembles the Lord's exhortation to Joshua (cf. Jos 1:6-9). Solomon asked God for and received the very "wisdom and understanding" his father, David, desired for him (cf. 1Ki 3:3-14; 2Ch 1:7-12). He learned the value of such spiritual counsel and passed it on in Ecc 12:1, Ecc 12:13.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 17:37 1 Samuel 20:13 1 Chronicles 22:16

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 3:9 2 Chronicles 1:10 Psalm 119:34

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
God Blesses Those Who Cherish Principle
—Did the Lord make a mistake in placing Solomon in a position of so great responsibility? Nay. God prepared him to bear these responsibilities, and promised him grace and strength on condition of obedience. [1 Chronicles 22:13 quoted.]The Lord sets men in responsible places, not to act out their own wills, but His will. So long as they cherish His pure principles of government, He will bless and strengthen them, recognizing them as His instrumentalities. God never forsakes the one who is true to principle. (Manuscript 164, 1902).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 31:6 Joshua 1:6 1 Kings 2:3 1 Chronicles 28:7 1 Chronicles 28:10 1 Chronicles 28:20 2 Chronicles 32:7 Psalm 72:1 Haggai 2:4 Zechariah 8:9

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Trouble - This he alleges as a reason why he could do no more, because of the many wars, whereby much of his treasures were exhausted. Talents - A talent of Gold in the first constitution was three thousand shekels, as may be gathered from (Exodus 38:24-26) , and so this amounts to a vast sum, yet not impossible for David to get, considering how many and great conquests he made, and what vast spoils and presents he got; and that he endeavoured by all honourable ways to get as much as he could, out of zeal for God's house. And whereas some object, that this quantity of gold and silver was sufficient, tho' the whole fabrick of the temple had consisted of massy gold and silver, it is to be considered, that all this treasure was not spent upon the materials of the temple, but a great part of it upon the workmen, who were nigh two hundred thousand, whereof a great number were officers, and what was not employed in the building of the temple, was laid up in the sacred treasures.
McArther Bible Commentary
one hundred thousand … gold. Assuming a talent weighed about 75 pounds, this would be approximately 3,750 tons, a staggering amount of gold. one million … silver. This would be approximately 37,500 tons of silver.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 7:47 1 Chronicles 22:3 1 Chronicles 22:15 1 Chronicles 29:4

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:11 1 Chronicles 22:14 1 Chronicles 22:16 2 Chronicles 2:7

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's instructions to Solomon.
David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Be doing - When thou shalt come to the throne. The sense of God's presence must not slacken our endeavours; because he is with us, we must rise and be doing. Then he will be with us even to the end. Work out your salvation, and God will work in you.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 17:37 1 Samuel 20:13 1 Chronicles 22:11 1 Chronicles 22:15

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The prices commanded to assist.
Whatever is done towards rendering the word of God generally known and attended to, is like bringing a stone, or an ingot of gold, towards erecting the temple. This should encourage us when we grieve that we do not see more fruit of our labours; much good may appear after our death, which we never thought of. Let us not then be weary of well doing. The work is in the hands of the Prince of peace. As he, the Author and Finisher of the work, is pleased to employ us as his instruments, let us arise and be doing, encouraging and helping one another; working by his rule, after his example, in dependence on his grace, assured that he will be with us, and that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.
McArther Bible Commentary
Knowing that Solomon was young and inexperienced (1Ch 22:5) and that he could not undertake this colossal project alone, David wisely enlisted the loyalty and help of his leaders to transfer their allegiance to Solomon, who would carry out the divine will and the last wishes of his father. The Lord undertook to make Solomon the wisest man on earth (cf. 1Ki 3:3-14).
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 28:1 1 Chronicles 22:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The prices commanded to assist.
Whatever is done towards rendering the word of God generally known and attended to, is like bringing a stone, or an ingot of gold, towards erecting the temple. This should encourage us when we grieve that we do not see more fruit of our labours; much good may appear after our death, which we never thought of. Let us not then be weary of well doing. The work is in the hands of the Prince of peace. As he, the Author and Finisher of the work, is pleased to employ us as his instruments, let us arise and be doing, encouraging and helping one another; working by his rule, after his example, in dependence on his grace, assured that he will be with us, and that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 22:9 1 Chronicles 23:25

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The prices commanded to assist.
Whatever is done towards rendering the word of God generally known and attended to, is like bringing a stone, or an ingot of gold, towards erecting the temple. This should encourage us when we grieve that we do not see more fruit of our labours; much good may appear after our death, which we never thought of. Let us not then be weary of well doing. The work is in the hands of the Prince of peace. As he, the Author and Finisher of the work, is pleased to employ us as his instruments, let us arise and be doing, encouraging and helping one another; working by his rule, after his example, in dependence on his grace, assured that he will be with us, and that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 8:6 1 Kings 8:21 1 Chronicles 22:7 1 Chronicles 28:9 2 Chronicles 5:7 Psalm 14:2 Jeremiah 29:13