David’s Charge to Solomon: Building God’s Temple and Seeking a Perfect Heart

Executive Summary

1 Chronicles 28 recounts a pivotal moment in Israelite history: David’s final address to the assembly of Israel, entrusting the kingdom and the momentous task of building the Temple to his son Solomon. David emphasizes not only the architectural plans, divinely inspired, but also the spiritual prerequisites for both the kingdom and the king. He calls Solomon to a perfect heart and a willing mind, underscoring that obedience to God is the cornerstone of true leadership and lasting legacy. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to God’s sovereign plan and the importance of seeking Him in all our endeavors, reminding us that even the grandest projects are futile without a foundation of faith and a commitment to righteousness. The chapter highlights the blueprint for successful leadership and a lasting spiritual legacy: **David’s Charge to Solomon**, rooted in obedience and a deep relationship with God.

David, nearing the end of his reign, gathers all of Israel to share the divine plan for the Temple and to install Solomon as his successor. This chapter isn’t simply a passing of the torch; it’s a profound spiritual and practical instruction manual for leadership, service, and building for God’s glory. This is where we see the heart of a king, a prophet, and a father intertwined.

Commentary Sections

1 Chronicles 28:1

KJV: And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

NKJV: Now David assembled all the leaders of Israel: the officers of the tribes and the captains of the divisions who served the king, the captains over the thousands and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possessions of the king and of his sons, with the officials, the mighty men, and all the valiant men to Jerusalem.

David’s comprehensive gathering signifies the gravity of the occasion. He convenes not just the royal court, but representatives from every facet of Israelite society – military leaders, tribal princes, financial stewards. This underlines that building the Temple is a collective responsibility, involving all God’s people. It also paints a picture of a well-organized kingdom. We could learn to build a domain, just like the solid foundation of David’s kingdom.

Spiritual Application: We are all called to participate in God’s work according to our gifts and abilities. No contribution is too small; every role is vital in building up the body of Christ.

1 Chronicles 28:2-3

KJV: Then David stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

NKJV: Then King David stood up on his feet and said, “Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made preparations to build it. But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.’”

David’s standing acknowledges God’s sovereignty. He recounts his heartfelt desire to build the Temple, acknowledging that despite his intentions, God forbade him because of his past as a warrior. This isn’t a rebuke, but a recognition of God’s specific purpose for him and a setting apart of the Temple as a symbol of peace. The reason for the rejection is related to purity. Consider this quote from St. Gregory of Nyssa: “Καθαρότης οὖν ἐστιν ἡ ἀλήθεια τῆς ψυχῆς.” (Katharotes oun estin hē alētheia tēs psychēs.) — “Purity is the truth of the soul.” (De Vita Moysis, PG 44:301). David’s war-filled hands couldn’t build a house of rest and truth.

Spiritual Application: God often redirects our plans, not because we are inadequate, but because He has a different, often greater, purpose in mind. Humility and acceptance of God’s will are paramount.

1 Chronicles 28:4-7

KJV: Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the family of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.

NKJV: However the Lord God of Israel chose me above all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever, for He has chosen Judah to be the ruler. And of the house of Judah, the house of my father, and among the sons of my father, He was pleased with me to make me king over all Israel. And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. Now He said to me, ‘It is your son Solomon who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he is determined to keep My commandments and My judgments, as it is this day.’”

David highlights God’s sovereign choice, emphasizing that both his kingship and Solomon’s were divinely ordained. He emphasizes that Solomon was chosen not just because he was David’s son, but by God Himself. This divine selection brings a weighty responsibility to Solomon’s shoulders. The promise of an established kingdom is conditional – contingent upon Solomon’s obedience. This echoes the covenant relationship between God and His people. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Οὐ γὰρ διὰ σέ, φησιν, ἀλλὰ διὰ τὸν λαόν σου τοῦτον ποιῶ.” (Ou gar dia se, phēsin, alla dia ton laon sou touton poiō.) – “For not because of you, He says, but for the sake of this people I do this.” (Commentary on Isaiah, PG 70:456). God’s actions, even blessings on leaders, are often tied to His relationship with His people.

Spiritual Application: Divine calling comes with responsibility. Our talents and blessings are gifts from God, and we are accountable to use them for His glory. Obedience is the key to sustained blessings and a lasting legacy.

1 Chronicles 28:8

KJV: Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children for ever.

NKJV: Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the congregation of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, keep and seek after all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance for your children forever.

David calls for both obedience (“keep”) and a sincere pursuit (“seek”) of God’s commandments. This isn’t just about outward adherence, but about cultivating a heart that desires to know and follow God. This verse ties obedience to the possession of the Promised Land, emphasizing that spiritual faithfulness is linked to physical prosperity and the inheritance of future generations. Notice how this verse connects earthly inheritance with obedience; our spiritual decisions impact future generations. This aligns with the concept of generational curses/blessings, something we often deal with in our pastoral care. We need a partner to host our websites for us, so we can reach more people and minister to their needs.

Spiritual Application: Obedience to God isn’t a burden, but a pathway to blessing and a secure future for ourselves and our descendants. We must strive not only to follow God’s commands but to cultivate a genuine love for them.

1 Chronicles 28:9

KJV: And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

NKJV: As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

This is the crux of David’s instruction to Solomon. It’s a call to a personal relationship with God – to “know” Him, not just know *about* Him. The phrase “perfect heart” (shalem levav in Hebrew) doesn’t mean sinless perfection, but wholeness and undivided devotion. Serving with a “willing mind” signifies joyful obedience, not grudging compliance. David warns Solomon that God sees the heart and that relationship with Him is conditional: seeking Him leads to finding Him, while forsaking Him leads to abandonment. This concept of God searching the hearts resonates deeply within our Coptic Orthodox tradition. We believe in the all-seeing eye of God, ever-present and judging our intentions. This is echoed in the Liturgy of St. Basil where we pray for God to cleanse us from all hidden faults.

Spiritual Application: Our relationship with God must be genuine, heartfelt, and marked by a desire to know Him intimately. We must cultivate a heart of undivided devotion and a willing mind, knowing that God sees our true intentions.

1 Chronicles 28:10-19

KJV: Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. 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 parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat, And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD. He gave gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service: Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, with the weight for each candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick. And gold by weight for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver: Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver: And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD. All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. 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 thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

NKJV: “Take heed now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.” Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the vestibule, its houses, its treasuries, its upper chambers, its inner chambers, and the place of the mercy seat; and the plans for all that he had by the Spirit, of the courts of the house of the Lord, of all the chambers all around, of the treasuries of the house of God and of the treasuries for the dedicated things; also for the divisions of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and for all the articles of service in the house of the Lord by weight for things of gold, for all articles of every kind of service; also by weight for all articles of silver, for all articles of every kind of service; the weight for the gold candlesticks and their lamps, with the weight for each candlestick and its lamps; and the weight for the silver candlesticks and their lamps, with the weight for each candlestick and its lamps, according to the use of each candlestick. And he gave gold by weight for the tables of the showbread, for each table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver; and pure gold for the forks, the basins, and the pitchers. Also he gave gold by weight for each golden bowl; and silver by weight for each silver bowl; and refined gold by weight for the altar of incense, and gold for the plans of the chariot of the cherubim that spread their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord. “All this,” said David, “the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the details of the plans.” And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. Here are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and everyone who is skillful will be with you in all manner of workmanship, for all kinds of service; also the leaders and all the people will be completely at your command.”

David doesn’t just pass on the desire to build the Temple, but a detailed blueprint received “by the Spirit.” This signifies divine inspiration and the importance of following God’s specific instructions. The meticulous detail underscores the reverence and precision required in God’s service. He gives Solomon the gold, silver, and the people required to complete the task. He also encourages him to be strong. The phrase “Be strong and of good courage” is repeated, emphasizing the importance of faith and boldness in the face of daunting tasks. David assures Solomon of God’s unwavering presence and support. This reliance on divine guidance is a core tenet of our Coptic Orthodox faith. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire us in all our endeavors. St. Athanasius writes, “Ο γὰρ Λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ, πάντα πληρῶν, καὶ ἐν πᾶσι καὶ πανταχοῦ ἐστίν.” (Ho gar Logos tou Theou, panta plērōn, kai en pasi kai pantachou estin.) – “For the Word of God, filling all things, is in all things and everywhere.” (Against the Heathen, PG 25:16).

Spiritual Application: When pursuing God’s calling, we must seek His specific guidance and be diligent in following His instructions. We must also trust in His unwavering presence and support, knowing that He will equip us for the task at hand.

1 Chronicles 28:20-21

KJV: 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 thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

NKJV: And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. Here are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and everyone who is skillful will be with you in all manner of workmanship, for all kinds of service; also the leaders and all the people will be completely at your command.

David reinforces his charge to Solomon, emphasizing God’s unwavering presence and support. He assures Solomon that God will not fail him until the Temple is complete. David also highlights the availability of skilled workers and the support of the people, demonstrating that Solomon is not alone in this undertaking. This collaborative effort reinforces the idea that building for God is a shared responsibility, requiring unity and cooperation. This sense of community and shared responsibility is something our church emphasizes in our mission work, and why we need to contact a professional to help us stay connected.

Spiritual Application: God doesn’t call us to accomplish His work alone. He provides the necessary resources, including skilled people and supportive communities. We must embrace collaboration and trust in God’s promise to never leave nor forsake us.

Subtopic Sections

Key reflections on David’s instructions to Solomon:

• ✨ Divine Blueprint: The detailed plans for the Temple were divinely inspired, highlighting the importance of seeking and following God’s specific instructions in all our endeavors.
• 💡 Spiritual Prerequisites: Building for God requires not just physical resources, but also a “perfect heart” and a “willing mind,” emphasizing the importance of a genuine and devoted relationship with Him.
• 📖 Obedience as the Foundation: David repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments as the key to sustained blessings and a lasting legacy.
• 📜 God’s Unwavering Presence: David assures Solomon of God’s unwavering presence and support, encouraging him to “be strong and of good courage” in the face of challenges.
• 🕊️ Collaborative Effort: Building for God is a shared responsibility, requiring unity, cooperation, and the utilization of diverse gifts and abilities within the community.

FAQ ❓

• Q: What does it mean to have a “perfect heart” as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 28:9?

  A: A “perfect heart” in this context doesn’t mean sinless perfection, but rather a heart that is wholly devoted to God, undivided in its loyalty and commitment to His will. It signifies a genuine and sincere desire to please God in all aspects of life.

• Q: Why was David not allowed to build the Temple, despite his desire to do so?

  A: God forbade David from building the Temple because he was a man of war and had shed much blood. This wasn’t a rebuke, but a symbolic designation of the Temple as a place of peace and rest, best suited to be built by Solomon, a king known for his wisdom and peaceful reign.

• Q: What is the significance of the detailed plans for the Temple being divinely inspired?

  A: The divinely inspired plans emphasize the importance of following God’s specific instructions in all our endeavors. It highlights that building for God requires not just good intentions, but also a careful adherence to His revealed will and design.

• Q: How can we apply David’s instructions to Solomon in our modern lives?

  A: We can apply David’s instructions by cultivating a genuine relationship with God, seeking His guidance in all our decisions, being obedient to His commandments, and trusting in His unwavering presence and support. We should also recognize that building for God is a collaborative effort, requiring us to utilize our gifts and abilities in service to others.

Conclusion

1 Chronicles 28 provides profound insights into leadership, faith, and building for God’s glory. David’s charge to Solomon transcends the historical context, offering timeless principles for individuals and communities alike. The key takeaway is that true success isn’t measured by material accomplishments alone, but by a deep and abiding relationship with God. The call to “know the God of your father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind” resonates deeply, urging us to examine our own hearts and motivations. We must strive for wholeness of heart, offering our service not out of obligation, but out of genuine love and devotion. Like Solomon, we too are entrusted with building, whether it be our families, careers, or communities. Let us approach these tasks with the same diligence, humility, and reliance on God’s grace, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake us. Embrace **David’s Charge to Solomon**, seeking God’s will and relying on His strength in all your endeavors.

Tags

1 Chronicles 28, David’s Instructions, Solomon, Temple, Building for God, Obedience, Perfect Heart, Willing Mind, Divine Guidance, Spiritual Leadership

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Explore 1 Chronicles 28 – David’s Charge to Solomon: A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on building God’s Temple and seeking a perfect heart. Discover timeless lessons on faith, leadership, and divine guidance.