# Overview 1 Chronicles Chapter 28 presents a pivotal moment in the leadership of #Israel as #KingDavid addresses the assembly, including the princes, captains, and officials, regarding the future of the kingdom. David announces that #God has chosen his son #Solomon to succeed him as king and to build the #Temple, a task that David himself was not permitted to undertake due to his history as a warrior. David emphasizes the divine selection of Solomon, highlighting God’s sovereign choice and His promises to David’s lineage. This chapter underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and the necessity of maintaining a heart devoted to Him, as David charges Solomon to serve God with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind. David provides Solomon with detailed plans for the construction of the Temple, which he received through divine inspiration. He outlines the specific designs for the Temple’s courts, storerooms, and furnishings, emphasizing the sacredness of this monumental task. The chapter concludes with David exhorting the assembly and Solomon to be strong and courageous, trusting in the Lord’s presence and provision. David’s speech reflects a deep faith in God’s promises and a commitment to ensuring that the worship of God remains central in the life of the Israelite community. This chapter serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of spiritual leadership grounded in divine guidance. ## Theological Insights 1 Chronicles 28 highlights key aspects of #David’s final instructions and the divine plan for #Solomon, offering several theological insights: 1. **Divine Election and Covenant**: #David emphasizes that it was the Lord who chose him to be king over #Israel, and it was the Lord who chose #Solomon to succeed him and build the temple ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 28#verse 4|v. 4-6]]). This reflects the theme of divine election, where God sovereignly chooses individuals for specific purposes, as seen in the selection of #Abraham ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]]), #Moses ([[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]]), and #David himself ([[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]]). 2. **The Temple as a Divine Institution**: The construction of the temple is not merely a human initiative but a divine mandate. David received the plans for the temple "by the Spirit" ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 28#verse 12|v. 12]]), indicating that the temple is a divine institution intended for God's dwelling among His people. This echoes the significance of the tabernacle built under #Moses' leadership ([[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]]). 3. **Faithfulness and Obedience**: David's charge to Solomon to "acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind" ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 28#verse 9|v. 9]]) underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience in leadership. This theme is consistent throughout scripture, as seen in the blessings tied to obedience in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]] and the call to faithfulness in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1]]. 4. **God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**: David’s instructions to Solomon highlight the balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Although God has chosen Solomon and provided the plans, Solomon must "be strong and do the work" ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 28#verse 10|v. 10]]). This is reminiscent of Paul's exhortation in [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 2#verse 12-13|Philippians 2:12-13]], where believers are to "work out" their salvation, knowing that God works in them. 5. **The Continuity of God’s Promise**: David refers to the everlasting nature of God’s covenant with him and his lineage ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 28#verse 7|v. 7]]), pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the #Messiah, from the line of #David, as affirmed in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]. 6. **The Role of Community and Worship**: The involvement of leaders and the community in the preparation and eventual construction of the temple ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 28#verse 21|v. 21]]) highlights the communal aspect of worship and the collective responsibility of God’s people, a theme that is echoed in the New Testament church ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]]). These insights remind believers of the importance of divine guidance, faithful leadership, and communal worship in fulfilling God's purposes. ## Thematic Connections ### God's Sovereignty and Choice In 1 Chronicles 28, we see the theme of #God's #sovereignty and divine choice prominently displayed. #David recounts how God chose him to be king over #Israel and subsequently chose #Solomon, his son, to succeed him and build the #Temple. This theme is consistent throughout Scripture, as God’s sovereign choice is evident in the selection of leaders like [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Abraham]], [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Moses]], and [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16|David]] himself. ### The Importance of Obedience David emphasizes to Solomon the importance of obeying God’s commandments and seeking Him with a whole heart and willing mind. This aligns with the biblical theme of obedience found in passages such as [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6|Deuteronomy 6]], where the Israelites are instructed to love the Lord with all their heart and soul. Obedience to God is a recurring theme that underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people. ### The Role of the Temple The instructions for building the #Temple highlight its role as the central place of worship and sacrifice in Israel. This theme is connected to the earlier establishment of the tabernacle in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25|Exodus 25]] and the significance of the temple in later texts such as [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8|1 Kings 8]], where Solomon dedicates the temple. It symbolizes God’s presence among His people and serves as a focal point for communal worship. ### Generational Legacy and Responsibility David’s charge to Solomon reflects the theme of generational legacy and responsibility. He passes on the divine mandate to build the temple, emphasizing the continuity of God’s promises and purposes through generations. This theme resonates with other biblical narratives, such as God’s promises to [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 17|Abraham]] and their fulfillment through his descendants, and the cyclical leadership roles seen in the book of [[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges]]. ### Faith in God's Provision David’s assurance to Solomon that God will provide wisdom and understanding echoes the theme of faith in God’s provision. This is seen in other Scriptures, such as God’s provision for the Israelites in the wilderness in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16|Exodus 16]] and the divine wisdom granted to Solomon as recorded in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3|1 Kings 3]]. This theme encourages reliance on God’s faithfulness and resources rather than on human strength alone. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Davidic Covenant In [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 28]], #David reminds the assembly of the covenant God made with him, emphasizing that his son #Solomon was chosen to succeed him and build the house of the Lord. This is a fulfillment of the promise God made in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-13]] where God assures David that He will raise up his offspring who will establish the kingdom and build a house for His name. This covenant is foundational for understanding the prophetic lineage that ultimately leads to [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] Christ, who fulfills the eternal aspect of David's throne as seen in the New Testament. ### The Temple as a Foreshadowing David's charge to Solomon to build the temple reflects the prophetic anticipation of a dwelling place for God among His people. This physical temple foreshadows the coming of #Emmanuel, “God with us,” fulfilled in Jesus Christ. According to #NewTestament scriptures, Jesus Himself becomes the ultimate temple, and through His resurrection, believers are also made into the temple of God, as indicated in [[John/John Chapter 2|John 2:19-21]] and [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 3|1 Corinthians 3:16]]. ### The Eternal Kingdom David speaks of an everlasting kingdom that God will establish through his lineage. This echoes the prophetic vision of an eternal kingdom promised to David, ultimately realized in Jesus Christ. The fulfillment of this kingdom is depicted in the New Testament, particularly in the book of [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 11|Revelation 11:15]], where the kingdom of the world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever. ### The Role of Obedience David's exhortation to Solomon to know God, serve Him with a whole heart, and have a willing mind points to the prophetic theme of covenantal faithfulness, which is central throughout the Old Testament. This is fulfilled in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeys the Father and inaugurates a new way of relationship with God, as seen in passages like [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]]. Solomon's role as a builder of the temple is a shadow of the obedience required under the new covenant, where believers are called to be living stones in the spiritual house of God, as expressed in [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 2|1 Peter 2:5]]. ## Verses - **1 Chronicles 28:1** - "David summoned all the officials of #Israel to #Jerusalem—the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions, the other generals and captains, the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other brave warriors in the kingdom." - See [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 11]] for David's mighty men. - **1 Chronicles 28:2** - "David rose to his feet and said: ‘My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it,’" - Reference [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]] where God first speaks to David about the temple. - **1 Chronicles 28:3** - "but God said to me, ‘You must not build a Temple to honor my name, for you are a warrior and have shed much blood.’" - See [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 5]] for Solomon's role in building the temple. - **1 Chronicles 28:4** - "Yet the Lord, the God of #Israel, has chosen me from among all my father’s family to be king over Israel forever. For he has chosen the tribe of #Judah to rule, and from among the families of Judah, he chose my father’s family. And from among my father’s sons, the Lord was pleased to make me king over all Israel." - See [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 49]] for Jacob's blessing on Judah. - **1 Chronicles 28:5** - "And from among my sons—for the Lord has given me many—he chose #Solomon to succeed me on the throne of Israel and to rule over the Lord’s kingdom." - Reference [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 1]] for Solomon's anointing as king. - **1 Chronicles 28:6** - "He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon will build my Temple and its courtyards, for I have chosen him as my son, and I will be his father." - See [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]] for God's promise to David about Solomon. - **1 Chronicles 28:7** - "And if he continues to obey my commands and regulations as he does now, I will make his kingdom last forever.’" - Reference [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 11]] for Solomon's eventual disobedience. - **1 Chronicles 28:8** - "So now, with God as our witness, and in the sight of all Israel—the Lord’s assembly—I give you this charge. Be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance." - See [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 4]] for the importance of obeying God's commands. - **1 Chronicles 28:9** - "And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." - Reference [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 29]] for seeking God. - **1 Chronicles 28:10** - "So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.” - See [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1]] for encouragement to be strong and courageous. - **1 Chronicles 28:11** - "Then David gave Solomon the plans for the Temple and its surroundings, including the entryway, the storerooms, the upstairs rooms, the inner rooms, and the inner sanctuary—which was the place of atonement." - Reference [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]] for the tabernacle plans God gave to Moses. - **1 Chronicles 28:12** - "David also gave Solomon all the plans he had in mind for the courtyards of the Lord’s Temple, the outside rooms, the treasuries, and the rooms for the gifts dedicated to the Lord." - See [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 22]] for David's preparations. - **1 Chronicles 28:13** - "The king also gave Solomon the instructions concerning the work of the various divisions of the priests and Levites in the Temple of the Lord. And he gave specifications for the items in the Temple that were to be used for worship." - Reference [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 2]] for instructions on worship. - **1 Chronicles 28:14** - "David gave instructions regarding how much gold and silver should be used to make the items needed for service." - See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]] for the detailed descriptions of items for worship. - **1 Chronicles 28:15** - "He told Solomon the amount of gold needed for the gold lampstands and lamps, and the amount of silver for the silver lampstands and lamps, depending on how each would be used." - Reference [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]] for the lampstand in the tabernacle. - **1 Chronicles 28:16** - "He designated the amount of gold for the table on which the Bread of the Presence would be placed and the amount of silver for other tables." - See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]] for the table of showbread. - **1 Chronicles 28:17** - "David also designated the amount of gold for the solid gold meat hooks used to handle the sacrificial meat and for the basins, pitchers, and dishes, as well as the amount of silver for every dish." - Reference [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 4]] for the service of the tabernacle. - **1 Chronicles 28:18** - "He designated the amount of refined gold for the altar of incense. Finally, he gave him a plan for the Lord’s chariot—the gold cherubim whose wings were stretched out over the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant." - See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 37]] for the construction of the Ark and its covering. - **1 Chronicles 28:19** - "‘Every part of this plan,’ David told Solomon, ‘was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord.’" - Reference [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 31]] for God's instructions to Moses. - **1 Chronicles 28:20** - "Then David continued, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.’" - See [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 31]] for words of encouragement to Joshua. - **1 Chronicles 28:21** - "The various divisions of priests and Levites will serve in the Temple of God. Others with skills of every kind will volunteer, and the officials and the entire nation are at your command." - Reference [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 23]] for the organization of the Levites.