What does it say?
David addressed those whom he appointed about his plans for the temple; namely, the officials of Israel, the princes of the tribes, the commanders, the overseers of property and treasury, and his sons. David assumes the covenant given him through Nathan the prophet (cf. 1 Ch. 17:1-15, & 2 Sa. 7:1-17) to mean Solomon. David states before the congregation that the temple is not for man but for the Lord God. David charges Israel to be strong and courageous in the building of the temple. David talks about all that he has given for the temple; and thereby, employs the congregation to give towards the building project. David then prays to the Lord about this before the congregation. A sacrifice of 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams and 1,000 lambs is made, then they ate and drank. And they made Solomon king and he sat on the thrown instead of David. After David’s death, Solomon went to Gibeon where the tabernacle was to worship the Lord. He offered sacrifices and prayed to God while at Gibeon. He asked the Lord for wisdom to lead Israel. The Lord God granted him wisdom, but also riches and honor because he did not ask for these. The wealth of Solomon is then summarized.
What does it mean?
David’s desire to build a temple to house God (the ark) was very strong. In fact, it seems that he accomplished everything required to build the temple except actually erecting it. Like we do with other things, David took the word of the Lord, given through Nathan the prophet and twisted it to mean what he wanted it to mean; namely, that Solomon is the descendant who would build a house for God whom God would be a Father too, and not take his lovingkindness away from, and settle him in the kingdom of God forever. This is quite an assumption to make; yet, the people rallied around him, for they also gave to the building project, celebrated with David at a feast and supported Solomon as his successor to the thrown. David’s charge to the congregation; namely, to be strong and courages, reminds me of Joshua’s charge to the leaders. Solomon began his reign rightly; namely, he worshiped God at the right place (Gibeon) where the tabernacles was. He asked the Lord God for wisdom and knowledge instead of riches, wealth, honor, the life of his enemies and a long life for himself. It seems that if we worship the Lord in accordance with his will, and come to him with a humble heart, he hears from heaven. Solomon was richly blessed by the Lord.
What shall I do?
I shall realize that even though I have something in my heart and mind to do, God may have other plans; therefore, it may not work out as I have planned. Also, I need to be careful when coercing others to go along with my plans. I shall worship the Lord at the tabernacle that he has ascribed; namely, through faith in Jesus Christ. And I shall always approach God in prayer with a humble and contrite heart.
