David's Temple Dedication
Introduction: David transferred his kingdom to his son Solomon, explained how the temple in Jerusalem was to be built with all the materials that were prepared, and delivered a dedication prayer for the temple. David had been told by the LORD that he could not build the temple, but his son Solomon was to have that honor.
NOTE: Scripture passages are from the American King James Version.
A — David Gave Solomon the Temple Plans
1 Chronicles 28 “11 Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlors thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat, 12 And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD. 19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand on me, even all the works of this pattern. 20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.”
Comments: King David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of all that he had by the Spirit, and there were many details. This is very much like the way the LORD had given precise details to Moses in the wilderness to prepare the tabernacle. David said the LORD had made him understand by guiding him to put the entire pattern down in writing. David then encouraged Solomon not to have any fear or dismay for the LORD God would not fail or forsake him until all was completed, and he would have the service of every willing skillful man for any manner of service.
B — David Informed All the People
1 Chronicles 29 “1 Furthermore David the king said to all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. 9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.”
Comments: King David addressed the people to make sure they understood that Solomon had been chosen by the LORD from among all of David's sons to be his successor. He told them that in addition to the many things already set aside for the temple, he added more of his own personal gifts out of his affection to the house of his God. David then challenged the people to consider whether they would be willing to consecrate service to the LORD. The chief men of Israel led the way in abundant giving for the house of God, and the people rejoiced because these offerings had been made freely and with a whole heart for God.
C — David Led the People in Praise and Prayer
1 Chronicles 29 “10 Why David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be you, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of you, and of your own have we given you. 18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of your people, and prepare their heart to you: 19 And give to Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes.”
Comments: Before the entire congregation David began by blessing the LORD God of Israel. He acknowledged many wonderful attributes of God as he exalted him as head above all, that he reigns over everything, and that all riches, power, victory, and greatness for man come from the LORD. David acknowledged that neither he nor the children of Israel were specially qualified for the privilege to offer in the manner they demonstrated, for everything they gave had come from God who supplies all things for life. David made an earnest request of the LORD to keep for ever in the thoughts of the heart of his people all of these things and to prepare their hearts for him — what a worthy prayer to ask for ourselves and for our fellow Christians.
D — Solomon's Second Coronation as King
1 Chronicles 29 “20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king. 22 And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him to the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.”
Comments: David gave the people an opportunity, and they blessed the LORD and bowed before him in worship. On the following day they offered many sacrifices and burnt offerings in great number for all Israel, eating and drinking before the LORD with great gladness. They made Solomon king the second time and anointed him to the LORD to be the chief ruler, and Zadok to be priest. This was a celebration better prepared to make positive affirmation before all the people, since the first ceremony had been hurriedly put together while Solomon's older brother Adonijah was being declared king without the knowledge or blessing of King David.
E — Solomon Began to Reign as King of Israel and Judah
1 Chronicles 29 “23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. 25 And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. 28 And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.”
Comments: After the second coronation, Solomon was firmly established on the throne of the LORD. That statement made an important distinction in the inspired text as the emphasis was not on David's throne, but a throne in service to the LORD. The LORD made Solomon great in the eyes of all Israel and gave him exceeding royal majesty more than any king before him in Israel. David the son of Jesse had reigned over Israel for forty years — seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem — and died at a very old age with a life that had been filled with riches and honor. Unlike his predecessor King Saul, David saw the peaceful transition of rule to his son Solomon before dying a natural death.
Reflections in Prayer
I thank you Lord that your mercy can bring each believer through times of difficulty and to a final rest that is a secure hope as you did for David. The full record of his life in scripture helps me to understand that even the most dedicated servant of God has times of failing, but you brought David through many difficulties and allowed him to make extensive preparations for the temple. What a blessed ending to David's life to see the child named for peace after David's transgression with Bathsheba. I am so thankful Lord that you have provided peace for me through the death and resurrection of your Son, and I pray that I will continually turn to your word for strength against the wiles of the one who wants to lead me to rebel against you. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who has sealed me to redemption. Hallelujah to my King! Amen.
Published 27 April 2013