1 Chronicles Chapter 22
David’s Charge to Solomon
A. David Gathers Men, Material, and a Vision
1. (1 Chronicles 22:2-4) David gathers men and material for building the temple
“So David commanded to gather the aliens who were in the land of Israel, and he appointed masons to cut hewn stones to build the house of God. And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails of the doors of the gates, and for the joints, and brass in abundance without weight, also cedar trees in abundance, for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.”
David began his preparations for the temple by gathering laborers from among the resident foreigners within Israel. These men, later numbering around seventy thousand according to 1 Kings 5:15-18, were conscripted to work under Solomon’s administration as part of the massive national building project. David also appointed skilled masons to cut large, expertly shaped stones for the foundational structure. He gathered iron in abundance for nails, hinges, fittings, and architectural supports, and bronze beyond measure to ensure that every sacred component would be constructed with durability and beauty.
David secured tremendous quantities of cedar wood from the Sidonians and Tyrians, whose forests in Lebanon were renowned throughout the ancient world. Cedar was strong, fragrant, and resistant to rot, making it the finest building material available. By using Gentile labor and Gentile timber, David demonstrated a theological truth: while the temple was God’s house for Israel, its construction involved the nations. Trapp notes that the tabernacle was built entirely by Israelites, but the temple was not, reminding us that the people of God in Christ are drawn from every nation. Payne also observes that David’s abundance of iron reflects Israel’s transition into what archaeology calls Iron I, as Israel now controlled territories once dominated by the iron-working Philistines.
2. (1 Chronicles 22:5) David’s vision for the preparation of the temple
“And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and glory throughout all countries, I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.”
David recognized that Solomon, though chosen by God, was still “young and tender,” inexperienced and untested in matters of leadership and statecraft. Solomon would later echo this in 1 Kings 3:7, declaring himself “but a little child” when God offered him anything he desired. David knew that if the temple were to meet the greatness of God, it must be built with excellence, majesty, and glory. It was to be “exceeding magnifical,” a building whose fame would reach far beyond Israel to all nations, declaring the greatness of the God who dwelt among His people.
David and Solomon undoubtedly discussed the plans, materials, dimensions, and overall vision of the temple together. One can almost imagine the aging David leaning over scrolls, pointing out architectural features, speaking of courtyards, pillars, chambers, altars, music, worship, and glory. Though David had been forbidden by God from building the temple due to the bloodshed of war, his heart remained fully invested. His humility and obedience shine brightly here. Instead of sulking over being prohibited from building it, David poured himself into preparing everything his son would need. Solomon inherited not merely wealth and kingship, but a fully prepared vision for a house worthy of the Lord.
David’s acceptance of God’s will placed him in a state of peace and strength. Morgan notes that this serenity grew from a man who had walked through storms, failures, victories, and deep repentance, and had finally rested in the assurance of God’s purposes for his life. Payne adds that the Chronicler emphasized David’s preparations because his own post-exilic audience needed encouragement to support temple worship in their time. David stood as the ideal model for dedicating oneself to God’s house, even if another generation would complete the work.
B. David’s Exhortation to His Son Solomon
1. (1 Chronicles 22:6-10) David’s testimony of the call to build the temple
“Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel. And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God, but the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars, thou shalt not build an house unto My name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about, for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build an 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 for ever.”
David summoned Solomon and charged him with the sacred responsibility of building the temple. This was not merely a parental hope or a king’s suggestion. It was the God-given assignment Solomon had been chosen to fulfill. David testified openly that he had long desired to build a house for the name of the Lord, but God had overruled his intention. The Lord explained that David’s life had been characterized by warfare and bloodshed. While none of David’s battles were sinful or unauthorized, God desired that His temple be built in a context of rest, peace, stability, and victory. The temple would be a symbol of God’s dwelling among His people, and therefore He appointed a man of peace to construct it.
God promised David that Solomon, whose name itself means “peaceful,” would reign in a time of quietness and security. The Lord would subdue Israel’s enemies, giving Solomon the stability required to build. Furthermore, God declared that He would be a Father to Solomon and Solomon would be His son, and He would establish Solomon’s throne forever. Payne notes that building the house “for the name of the Lord” means more than reputation, but indicates that the temple is built for God’s own presence. Poole adds that the symbolism points to Christ, the Prince of Peace, who would build the true spiritual temple not by might or power but by the Spirit and by the gospel of peace. David’s testimony ensured Solomon understood that this calling was divine, eternal, and holy.
2. (1 Chronicles 22:11-13) David warns Solomon to stay faithful to God and His word
“Now, my son, the Lord be with thee, and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as He hath said of thee. Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage, dread not, nor be dismayed.”
David blessed Solomon and prayed that the Lord would be with him and cause him to prosper in the great task of constructing the temple. The Chronicler consistently highlights the temple as the central accomplishment of Solomon’s reign and the crowning legacy of David’s preparation. Yet David immediately reminded Solomon that prosperity, strength, and success depended entirely on obedience to the law of the Lord. Wisdom and understanding were gifts Solomon must receive from God, and only through faithful adherence to God’s command could the king lead Israel rightly.
David exhorted Solomon with the same words God had spoken to Joshua: “Be strong and of good courage.” Solomon did not need to fear the nations surrounding Israel or the immense responsibility before him. God had already promised David that if his sons walked in obedience with all their heart and soul, they would never lose the throne of Israel. This meant that no matter the strength of Assyria, Egypt, Philistia, or Babylon, their threats could not overthrow the Davidic line as long as the king was faithful. God Himself would guard the throne. This was an astounding promise of divine stability, protection, and covenant faithfulness. David’s exhortation rooted Solomon’s courage not in his own abilities but in the unshakeable promises of God.
3. (1 Chronicles 22:14-16) What David did to prepare for the building of the temple
“Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver, and of brass and iron without weight, for it is in abundance. Timber also and stone have I prepared, and thou mayest add thereto. Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work. Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee.”
David explained to Solomon that his preparation had been immense and costly. He had gathered extraordinary quantities of gold, silver, bronze, and iron, along with massive amounts of timber and stone. His statement, “in my trouble I have prepared,” indicates that his efforts had been intense, sacrificial, and difficult. He worked through war, political turmoil, family trials, and national responsibilities, yet he made the temple preparations a lifelong priority. David’s work ensured that Solomon inherited not merely a calling but everything needed to fulfill it.
David’s preparations provided a pattern reflecting the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. As Ephesians 2:19-22 teaches, Christ is building a spiritual temple composed of His redeemed people. He accomplished this only after securing eternal victory at the cross and plundering the enemy through His resurrection. Christ, like David, could truly say that He took great trouble to prepare the house of the Lord.
The amounts listed are staggering: one hundred thousand talents of gold and one million talents of silver. Even if one assumes possible scribal inflation in transmission, David still amassed an overwhelming fortune. Clarke notes that David encouraged Solomon to add to these resources, implying that this monumental work should grow from generation to generation. Spurgeon applies this spiritually, urging mature believers to place a hand on the shoulder of the next generation and challenge them: “Thou mayest add thereto.”
David concluded with the exhortation, “Arise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee.” Preparation means nothing without action. Solomon had to begin the work and trust God’s presence as he did so. David’s example is one of quiet, faithful labor behind the scenes.
He gathered materials.
He prepared them.
He secured peace with surrounding nations.
He purchased the temple site.
He established the plans.
He organized the priesthood and temple servants.
Yet no one calls it David’s temple. The credit went to Solomon, and David accepted this with joy because he was a man after God’s heart. Spurgeon notes that many servants labor unseen, sowing seed, preparing ground, and laying foundations for the success of others. The godly gladly decrease so that another may increase. Pride resists such humility, but the kingdom of God is built through servants who care nothing for personal credit, only for God’s glory.
4. (1 Chronicles 22:17-19) David’s command to the leaders of Israel
“David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, Is not the Lord your God with you, and hath He not given you rest on every side? for He hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine 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, arise therefore, and build ye 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 to the name of the Lord.”
David then commanded all the leaders of Israel to support Solomon. Even the greatest calling cannot be fulfilled by one man alone. God-appointed leaders require other God-appointed leaders to stand with them. David reminded them that God had given Israel rest and victory over her enemies and had subdued the land under the Lord’s authority. The peace David secured created the ideal environment for temple construction.
David then commanded them, “Set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God.” This command came in the context of work, not leisure. Seeking God does not mean withdrawal from responsibility but consecration within responsibility. Seeking the Lord means obeying Him, devoting heart and soul to His will, and performing His work faithfully. Selman notes that seeking the Lord here means resolute obedience, not mystical searching for direction.
David connected devotion to action: “Arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God.” Seeking God required building the house where His presence would dwell, where the ark of the covenant and the holy vessels would finally rest in a permanent, God-chosen location.
Clarke reflects soberly on Solomon’s extraordinary opportunities. He started his reign with every possible advantage—a godly father, a unified kingdom, massive resources, peace on every side, and divine promises. Yet Solomon soon drifted, corrupted by foreign alliances and sensual indulgence, and died in idolatry. David’s legacy remained, but Solomon failed to uphold the fullness of his calling.
Spurgeon powerfully reminds us that David did not fail. Though he never built the temple, he did everything God permitted him to do. The workman may die, but God’s work continues. The devil can bury the man, but he cannot bury the work. The divine purpose marches on, unthreatened by the frailty of His servants.
