Today started with explaining the military divisions. It listed the number of people of Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year. Each division numbered 24,000.
Then it discussed the leaders of the tribes, listing all the names for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the Lord had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet, wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.
Then David assembled all of Jerusalem and explained to them all that was commanded of him by the Lord. He said how the Lord had chosen him to be king, and had it in his heart to build a house for the Lord. Except, the Lord told him that it would not be him to build it, but his son Solomon. Solomon would also sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.
He continued that Solomon would build the house, for he was chosen as the Lord’s son. His kingdom would be established forever if he continued strong in keeping the Lord’s commandments and rules, as he was that day.
David told them that there in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, if they would hear God, and observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord their God, then they would possess that good land, and leave it for an inheritance to their children after them forever.
Then David told Solomon, “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary, be strong and do it.”
Then David gave Solomon his son the plan for building the temple. It was detailed, for in his mind he had everything designed. Everything was planned out and explained, according to building materials, dimensions, uses, locations, etc. Everything “he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan.”
David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, ever my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.”
David went on to explain how he had prepared everything to build the house of the Lord, listing the materials, the amounts, and the uses in gold and silver.
Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders, and the officers. Here also listed the materials and the amounts.
And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord. Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of the assembly. David said, “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
This part was really special to read. David’s prayer to the Lord is definitely worth reading, to see the praise, love, appreciation, thankfulness, and worship he gave to God. This can be found in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19.
When David finished praying, he said to all the assembly, “Bless the Lord your God,” and they all bowed their heads and paid homage to the Lord and to their king. They offered sacrifices to the Lord, and the next day burnt offerings; 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrificed in abundance for all Israel.
And they ate and drank before the Lord on that day with great gladness.
They made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and they anointed him prince for the Lord, and Zadok as priest. Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king in place of David his father. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.
All the leaders and the mighty men, and also the sons of King David, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon. And the Lord made Solomon very great in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel for forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. He died at a good age, full of days, riches, and honor. And Solomon his son reigned in his place.
