1 Chronicles 28 explained: David Hands the Temple to Solomon

David gathers the leaders (vv. 1-3)

David calls every important official to Jerusalem so the handover of the kingdom happens in public, and he stands to speak to them as family and as his own people rather than as servants. He explains that he wanted to build a permanent home for the ark (the sacred chest that stood for God's presence, pictured as the footstool of God's throne), but God refused because David was a warrior who had shed blood.

Chosen, not by birth order (vv. 4-7)

David stresses that God chose Judah though it was not the eldest tribe, chose him though he was the youngest son, and has now chosen Solomon from among many sons, so the throne is God's gift and no one's birthright. God promises to be like a father to Solomon and to make his kingdom last forever, but only if he keeps obeying, and Christians later read this lasting kingdom as pointing to Jesus, a descendant of David.

A charge to people and son (vv. 8-10)

The leaders are told to keep God's commands so they can hold on to the land and pass it to their children. Solomon is told to know God personally and serve him wholeheartedly and willingly, because God sees every thought: seek him and he will be found, abandon him and be rejected.

The blueprints (vv. 11-19)

David hands over plans for every part of the temple, from its rooms and storehouses to the work rotas of the priests and the exact weights of gold and silver for lamps, tables, bowls and the incense altar. He says God guided him in drawing them up, and "the chariot" refers to the golden cherubim, winged figures whose wings spread over the ark and were pictured as God's throne.

Be strong and do the work (vv. 20-21)

David's closing words echo the encouragement Moses gave Joshua when Joshua took over leadership: do not be afraid, because God will not leave you until the job is done. He reminds Solomon that priests, skilled workers, officials and the whole people are ready to help.

Key verse: 1 Chronicles 28:20

Something to think about

What makes it easier or harder to pour yourself into a project that someone else will finish and get the credit for?