The Book of 1 Chronicles Chapter 28 stands as a pivotal testament in the Old Testament, resonating with the articulation of King David‘s instructions for Solomon, his son, and the chosen heir to carry on God’s mandate and construct His heavenly temple. In the backdrop of the larger context of Chronicles, this chapter illuminates the profound inheritance of faith, duty, and strength to be transmitted from a father to his son.
With the aspiration to foster a deeper understanding, this article seeks to provide a comprehensive commentary on this significant chapter. Our exploration will be underpinned by a Charismatic Christian perspective, appreciating the suggestive role of the Holy Spirit’s guidance as underpinned throughout the Scriptures.
Our commentary will shed light on the divine wisdom encapsulated in King David’s counsel, the metaphor of the divine temple, and the tangible manifestation of God’s promise in the lineage of David as prophesied through Nathan in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. Welcome to this profound exploration, an odyssey of faith, purpose, and divine prophecy found in 1 Chronicles Chapter 28.
- An Exegetical Overview of 1 Chronicles 28: David's Final Instructions
- The Davidic Covenant: Divine Promise in 1 Chronicles 28:5-7
- III. David’s Charge to Solomon: Wisdom and Faith in 1 Chronicles 28:9-10
- Architectural Symbolism in the Temple Plans: Reflections on 1 Chronicles 28:11-19
- David’s Call to Fearlessness and Wholehearted Devotion in 1 Chronicles 28:20-21
- Conclusion
An Exegetical Overview of 1 Chronicles 28: David’s Final Instructions
In this chapter of Chronicles, specifically 1 Chronicles 28, King David presents his last instructions to the Israelites and to his son, Solomon. He explains the intricacies of divine selection as he reveals that even though he desired to build a dwelling place for God, the Lord didn’t let him due to the numerous wars he waged. This duty was bestowed upon Solomon, his son. (1 Chronicles 28:2-7) David goes on to detail his plans for the temple and reminds the people of their heritage and the responsibilities that come with it.
- Firstly, David communicates the reality of his divine choice to lead Israel. He isn’t shy about expressing his destiny nor the nature of his reign. (1 Chronicles 28:4)
- Secondly, David relates his impassioned wish to build a house of rest for the Ark of the Covenant, the footstool of God. It is a transparent account where David shows his fervor for the Lord, but also humbly recognizes his place in God’s plan. (1 Chronicles 28:2)
- Thirdly, the anointing and calling of Solomon as King and the builder of the temple are detailed. This divine choice is not left to human perceptions or frailties, but to God’s ultimate plan. The promise, however, has a condition tied to it. Solomon is required to maintain his service and loyalty to God. (1 Chronicles 28:7-8)
In a poignant address to the assembly, David gives a very transparent handover to Solomon. He charges his son, Solomon, to serve God wholeheartedly and promises to him that God would never abandon him if he remains faithful.
He goes on to bestow the detailed architectural plans for the temple to Solomon, emphasizing that these plans were given to him by inspiration from God. (1 Chronicles 28:9-20) In this final directive, David illuminates the need for obedience, prayer, and trust in the Lord’s wisdom and guidance. He exhorts Solomon one last time to be strong and of good courage and ushers in not only a new building project but a new era of Israelite history.
The Davidic Covenant: Divine Promise in 1 Chronicles 28:5-7
In the book of 1 Chronicles 28:5-7, God makes a profound and everlasting covenant with David and his progeny, reaffirming the divine intention to establish a Kingdom that will transcend earthly limitations. This pact, known as the Davidic Covenant, promises not just temporal dominion but enduring spiritual leadership.
Key aspects of the covenant mentioned in these passages include:
- A Divine Endorsement: The Lord’s support is unreservedly pledged to David and his seed (1 Chronicles 28:5).
- A Perpetual Kingdom: David’s throne is established as ever-lasting, thus signifying a kingdom that goes beyond mere earthly reign (1 Chronicles 28:7).
- A Conditional Covenant: The fulfillment of the covenant is linked with the successor’s adherence to God’s commands and decrees, adding an aspect of responsibility (1 Chronicles 28:7).
This covenant is a pivotal theme in both the Old and New Testaments. The ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to David points to the coming of Jesus Christ, who is referred colloquially in Christian theology as the “Son of David”. The Davidic Covenant thus forms an integral part of God’s overarching salvation narrative, linking the Old Testament with the New Testament promises.
However, it is essential for a believer to recognize that the promises of the Davidic Covenant extend beyond the physical boundaries of an earthly kingdom. God promises that if David’s progeny remain steadfast and faithful, their throne would endure forever, foreshadowing the eternal Kingdom of God, where Jesus reigns as King. This serves as an important reminder for us that our ultimate allegiance should be to God’s eternal Kingdom and not transient earthly powers.
III. David’s Charge to Solomon: Wisdom and Faith in 1 Chronicles 28:9-10
Understanding the Content of 1 Chronicles 28:9-10
In 1 Chronicles 28:9-10, David, near the end of his life, charges his son Solomon with the task of building the temple of the Lord. Understanding the physical and spiritual enormity of this responsibility, David urges Solomon, “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“(1 Chronicles 28:9, ESV).
Brimming with wisdom and faith, David both admonishes and encourages his heir, emphasizing the importance of developing a relationship with God, which forms the humbling core of this divine assignment.
Impartation of Wisdom and Faith
David’s advice to Solomon is twofold. First, he highlights the need for wisdom – the understanding and knowledge of God. However, this understanding is rooted not only in intellectual comprehension but also in a personal relationship with God.
This encompasses accepting Him as the true God, embracing His commandments, and leading a life respectful of His authority. Second, David underscores the importance of faith, symbolized by “serving God with a whole heart and a willing mind”. This implies a wholehearted commitment and trust in God.
Implications for Today’s Believers
David’s wise counsel to Solomon holds valuable spiritual lessons for today’s believers as well. List-wise, it teaches us to:
- Seek God earnestly and diligently, knowing He will reveal Himself to those who search for Him with sincerity.
- Serve God with a genuine and steadfast spirit, understanding that the Lord appreciates honest and eager worship, rather than empty rituals and practices.
- Remember, always, that God discerns our heart’s intentions, signifying the importance of purity and authenticity in our relationship with Him.
In conclusion, these verses affirm that wisdom and faith, encompassing knowing God and earnestly serving Him, are fundamental to a meaningful relationship with the Lord. As implied in David’s counsel to Solomon, building God’s temple—whether physically in Solomon’s case or metaphorically in our lives—requires more than mere actions. It requires a heart and mind fully dedicated to understanding, loving, and serving God.
Architectural Symbolism in the Temple Plans: Reflections on 1 Chronicles 28:11-19
According to 1 Chronicles 28:11-19, King David provided Solomon with very detailed, divinely-inspired templates for the construction of the Temple. This highlights that every part of the Temple’s design held a direct symbolic significance, echoing spiritual truths and heavenly realities. The Temple, being a symbol of God’s dwelling place among His people, had not just functional but transformative dimensions, revealing divine intentions and expectations.
The Inner Sanctuary, where the Ark of the Covenant was located, symbolizes the holiest place where God’s presence descended. The holy of holies is described as having two cherubim of olive wood (1 Kings 6:23). In the Bible, cherubim are often associated with God’s divine presence and glory (Ezekiel 10). The Most Holy Place thus showcases intimacy with God, where only the high priest could enter once a year (Hebrews 9:7).
The Outer Court, meanwhile, was a space for the communal and participatory worship of God’s people. The court contained the Altar of Burnt Offerings and the Lavatory Basin (Exodus 27:1-8; 30:17-21).
- The Altar speaks of the necessity of sacrifices for the atonement of sins, which points towards Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 10:12).
- The Basin used for washing signifies purification and readiness for service, resonating Christ’s call for His disciples to be cleansed and prepared for His ministry (John 13:10).
By examining these structures and their symbolism, we see that the Temple’s architecture was a profound representation of humanity’s relationship and journey with God. From the outermost parts, representing the entry point of faith and repentance, all the way to the innermost sanctums, illustrating deep communion with the divine, the Temple outlines a spiritual blueprint for worship and interaction with God.
David’s Call to Fearlessness and Wholehearted Devotion in 1 Chronicles 28:20-21
In 1 Chronicles 28:20-21, King David is seen giving his son Solomon a powerful exhortation and assurance. He encourages Solomon not to be afraid or discouraged as he sets out to construct the temple of the Lord, highlighting the fact that God will be with him all throughout the process. This passage represents David not just giving sound advice to his son but also providing an enduring biblical principle that each Christian can take hold of in their spiritual journey.
Given David’s statement to Solomon in verse 20, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you”, we learn three important principles:
- Be strong and courageous: David calls Christians to be spiritually strong and courageous, emphasizing the need to approach God’s task with confidence in the Lord.
- Do the work: Engaging in God’s work is an obligation that each Christian has. It shows our commitment and obedience to the Father, and it requires diligent effort and hard work.
- Do not be afraid or discouraged: Fear and discouragement are feelings that often overwhelm us, especially when faced with daunting tasks. However, David points us to the reliability of God and His promise to be with us, reducing any room for fear or discouragement.
In verse 21, David assures Solomon that all necessary resources for the temple’s construction would be readily available, and that he would also have the cooperation of the temple workers. “And behold, the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and every willing man of any skill will be at your disposal for the work. Also the officials and all the people will be wholly at your command.”
This verse likewise bears an important reminder for Christians today: that God always provides all that is needed to do His work, whether it be material resources, willing workers, or divine guidance. Above all, it emphasizes that God, in His sovereignty, aligns everything according to His purposes, and ultimately, His glory.
These verses offer significant insights into how Christians are to approach their responsibilities, knowing that as we engage in God’s work, we can do so fearlessly and with wholehearted devotion. The faithfulness of God as depicted in these verses reinforces our call to betake the work of the Kingdom, trusting that God will always be with us and will supply all our needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 Chronicles Chapter 28 serves as a vital cornerstone in our understanding of God’s kingdom, leadership, and succession plans. It introduces us to the wisdom, humility, fear and faithfulness of our great ancestor, David. His explicit charge to Solomon and to all Israel is an immediate reminder to all of us today, that God is keenly interested in the details of our lives and His plan for us is always of utmost concern to Him.
David’s words in 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NKJV) – “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought” – still resonate powerfully today. This is a timeless call to wholehearted devotion and willing service to the Creator, bearing in mind that He knows our every desire and thought.
The narrative around the building of the temple further illustrates that God’s work must be done God’s way; the divine pattern, the divine resources, and the divine blessing. This chapter truly encapsulates the transition of leadership from David to Solomon, the divine choice against human choice.
As we close this commentary, let’s remember that David’s life, though marked with challenges, was one lived in accordance with God’s will. His devotion to the building of the temple reflects his obedience, diligence, and heart for God. May we also strive to exhibit these characteristics as we journey through our Christian walk, always remembering that it is not about perfection, but direction. May the commentary on this chapter inspire us to live purposefully, serve willingly, and seek God earnestly.
