David Commissions Solomon
David assembles Israel’s leaders and tells them that he had desired to build a house for the ark, but God forbade him because he had shed blood in war.
N1ow David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men— every mighty man of valor. 2Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it, 3but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has shed blood.’
David traces God’s choosing from Judah to his own kingship and then to Solomon, who is appointed to build the house and rule under the condition of steadfast obedience. Before the gathered assembly, he urges Israel to keep God’s commands so the land remains their inheritance.
4Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel. 5And of all my sons— for the LORD has given me many sons— He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. 6And He said to me, ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him as My son, and I will be his Father. 7I will establish his kingdom forever, if he resolutely carries out My commandments and ordinances, as is being done this day.’ 8So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, keep and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever.
David turns directly to Solomon, urging him to know and serve God with a whole heart because God searches every heart and responds to seeking or forsaking. He ends by reminding Solomon that the Lord has chosen him to build the sanctuary and must be obeyed with courage.
9As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 10Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”