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One-sentence summary: Solomon is made king and exhorted by his father to follow the Lord and complete the temple, and David dies at a good old age.
Chronicles are recorded of the gatekeepers and treasurers of
Israel. There are other jobs as well for those who serve the king in various ways. It says that David did not take a number of Israelites 21 years and younger because the Lord had said he would multiply Israel like the stars of heaven. It also says he did not finish his other census (the one taken in disobedience) because the Lord's wrath had come on all Israel. Some of Israel are over the vineyards, over the olive trees, the stores of oil, and over the herds. Some are counselors and scribes and companions to the king, and Joab is general of the army.
David assembles the leaders, officers and captains. Also, all the mighty men of valor are there. He addresses them and tells them that he wants a "house of rest" for the ark and for the footstool of God and had prepared to build it, but that the Lord told him he could not since he had been a man of war, but that He did choose him to be king forever, as he chose Judah to rule and chose him specifically from his father's house. He tells the people Solomon has been chosen as king and to build the Lord's house and courts. Also, the Lord has said He will establish Solomon's kingdom forever if he is steadfast to keep God's covenants. He warns them all to seek out all the commandments of the Lord that they may possess "this good land" and leave it as an inheritance to their children forever. He admonishes Solomon to know the God of his father and search him with a loyal heart and a willing mind, because, he says, the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intents of the heart. "If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever." He tells him to consider how the Lord has chosen him to build His house and exhorts him to be strong and do it. He gives him the plans and materials and tells him that the Lord has made him to understand all he is to do by "writing by His hand upon [him.]" He tells him to be strong and of good courage and to do it . He says, "Do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you..." He says all the people will listen to him.
David tells the assembly that his son is young and inexperienced and the work is great, since the temple is not for man but for God. He has beautiful, precious stones, marbles, gold, and other elaborate materials for the house. He says he has given over and above to God's house all he has prepared because he has set his affections on God's house; he has given his own special treasure of gold and silver. He asks who is willing to consecrate themselves that day to the Lord. Then, the leaders and officers and captains willingly offer materials. They also give precious stones. Then, "the people [rejoice] because they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart, they had offered willingly to the Lord. And King David also rejoices greatly." He blesses the Lord in front of all the assembly. He says: "Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel, our Father forever and ever. Yours, oh Lord, is the greatness the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty, for all that is in heaven and in Earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom, oh Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might. In Your hand is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given you. For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, as were all our fathers. Our days on Earth are as a shadow and without hope. Oh, Lord, our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand and is all Your own. I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart, I have willingly offered all these things. And now, with joy, I have seen Your people who are present here to offer willingly to You. Oh, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our Fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the hearts of your people, and fix their heart toward You. And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your [ways] [and] to build the temple..." Then, he tells the people to bless the Lord, and they all bless the Lord and bow their heads and prostrate themselves before the Lord and David and make offerings to the Lord. And they eat and drink before the Lord with "great gladness" that day; they make Solomon priest a second time and anoint him, and he sits on the throne instead of David. It says that he prospers and that all the leaders and David's sons obey him, and the Lord exalts him exceedingly before all Israel. It also says royal majesty is bestowed on him more than any other king. So David reigns 40 years total, and he dies "in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor," and Solomon reigns in his place.
Thoughts/discussion questions:
May our hearts be like David: understanding God's heart, caring about His thoughts, will, and glory, and teaching our sons and daughters after us that it is good to serve Him!