1 Chronicles
Summary
David prepares vast quantities of stone, cedar, and metals for the house of the LORD, declaring that the Temple must be exceedingly magnificent and famous throughout all countries. He publicly charges his son Solomon to build the sanctuary, explaining that though he himself was a man of war, Solomon will be a man of peace who will establish the throne forever. David also commands the leaders of Israel to set their hearts and souls to seek the LORD and to help Solomon in the monumental task of building the sanctuary.
Then David said, "This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel."
So David gave orders to gather the foreigners who were in the land of Israel; and he appointed stonecutters to cut finished stones to build the house of God.
And David prepared large amounts of iron for the nails of the doors of the gates and for the couplings, and more bronze than could be weighed,
and cedar logs beyond number; for the Sidonians and those from Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
Now David said, "Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will therefore now make preparation for it." So David made abundant preparations before his death.
Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a house for the LORD God of Israel.
And David said to Solomon, "My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the LORD my God;
but the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight.
Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.
He shall build a 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 forever.'
Now, my son, may the LORD be with you; and may you prosper, and build the house of the LORD your God, as He has said to you.
Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfil the statutes and judgements which the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not dread or be dismayed.
Indeed, with much effort I have prepared for the house of the LORD one hundred thousand talents of gold and one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for it is so abundant. I have also prepared timber and stone, and you may add to them.
Moreover there are many workmen with you: stonecutters and masons and carpenters, and all kinds of skilful men for every kind of work.
Of gold and silver and bronze and iron there is no limit. Arise and begin working, and the LORD be with you.
David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,
"Is not the LORD your God with you? And has He not given you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and before His people.
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God. Therefore arise and build 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 for the name of the LORD."