1 Chronicles 28-29

What’s Happening?

As one of his last acts as king, David prepares his son Solomon to build the temple and secure the promise God made to his family. God promised to accept David’s son as his own son and cause their family’s dynasty to last forever (1 Chronicles 28:2-7). So David summons all heads-of-state, royal officials, and warriors to his palace to finally coronate Solomon as king (1 Chronicles 28:1). David reminds those gathered that he secured peace for Israel through a series of bloody conflicts, and in so doing disqualified himself from building God’s temple. But God still promised that Solomon would build the temple David could not. With this good news in mind, David charges those gathered to listen to all God’s commands. And he warns his son that he must devote himself to seeking God’s guidance or else forfeit the eternal kingdom that has been promised (1 Chronicles 28:8-10).

David then gives Solomon everything he needs to rule God’s Kingdom and build his temple. He hands Solomon a series of temple blueprints that detail everything from architectural details to the weight of every fork and bowl that will be used in the temple (1 Chronicles 28:11-18). David has also organized and appointed thousands of priestly craftsmen, workers, and foremen (1 Chronicles 28:19-21). All that’s left for Solomon to do is start.

David turns to his officials again and tells them that the temple Solomon will build isn’t a testimony to Israel’s greatness but to God’s. To honor this, David donates all the wealth from his personal treasury (1 Chronicles 29:1-5). Following his example, the leaders of Israel freely donate hundreds of tons of gold, silver, and precious gems so that God’s house might match God’s greatness (1 Chronicles 29:6-9). 

In response to his leaders’ generosity, David sings that the temple is not their doing, but God’s. He praises that the God who owns all, rules over all, and is richer than everyone has promised to be Israel’s loving father (1 Chronicles 29:10-13). Everything they’ve given to build God’s temple was first a gift from God himself (1 Chronicles 29:14-16). David knows God doesn’t need their money, but wants their honest worship and obedience. So David prays that his people and his son will wholeheartedly keep all God’s commands forever (1 Chronicles 29:17-20).

The next day, Israel’s king is crowned. Thousands of animals are sacrificed. God’s people are cleansed of their sins and can enter Solomon’s reign with a clean slate. Solomon is then anointed with oil, seated on his throne (which is called God’s throne), and everyone bows to God’s chosen king (1 Chronicles 29:21-25). This is the highest point of Israel’s history so far. God’s people are cleansed, Solomon sits on God’s throne, everything has been provided for, and there seems to be nothing in the way of David’s son ruling forever.

Where is the Gospel?

If you are familiar with this moment in history from the book of Kings, significant details have been omitted. There is no mention of David’s failing health or even the coup attempted by David’s other son (1 Kings 1). The book of Chronicles gives its original readers an idealized history to make a specific point. The Chronicler wants to prove that when an obedient Davidic king sits on Israel’s throne and prioritizes the building of the temple, the whole nation flourishes as a result. If the Chronicler’s original readers want to regain something of Israel’s former glory, they must crown a son of David who follows God’s commands and promises to repair Israel’s temple. 

Ultimately, that son of David is Jesus (Matthew 1:1). Like David hoped for Solomon, David’s son Jesus obediently followed all of God’s commands (John 5:19-20). And more than accepting Solomon as his own son, Jesus was God’s son (Matthew 17:5). And the defining action of Jesus’ Kingship was to tear down Israel's corrupted temple and build a new one (John 2:19-22). Solomon’s temple was built through the generosity of God’s people, and Jesus did the same. Jesus generously gave up his own life. And through his obedient death he wipes his Kingdom’s sins away and offers his citizens a clean slate. Then, like Solomon ascended to his throne, Jesus rose from the dead and took his seat on God’s throne eternally. Just as David did everything he could to provide a kingdom and temple for his people, Jesus has done even more for us. All God’s promises are coming true in Jesus, the greater Solomon (Matthew 12:42).

See for Yourself

I pray that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see the God who has given us a King. And may you see Jesus as the obedient son of David who makes his people flourish.