Thursday, August 29 – 1 Chronicles 28, 29 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 73, “The Last Years of David”

1. Although God did not allow David to build the temple, how did the king show his dedication and interest in the project? 1 Chronicles 28:11-29

2. How did David encourage Solomon to undertake the building? Who would be supporting him? 1 Chronicles 28:21-22

3. In response to King David’s generosity, how did the heads of families and the people respond? 1 Chronicles 29:1-8

4. How did David view what he and the people gave to the Lord? 1 Chronicles 29:14

5. What was recorded about David’s life upon his death? 1 Chronicles 29:28

Commentary and Reflection:

The Adventist Bible Commentary states,

“This was a general assembly of the princes called by David to set before the leaders of the nation the project of building the Temple and to install Solomon publicly as king. Solomon had been anointed hurriedly and privately to forestall Adonijah’s usurpation (see 1 Kings 1:38, 39), but this was now to be the formal coronation.” (SDABC, 1 Chronicles 28:1).

Ellen G. White on David’s inspiration for designing the Temple:

“Christ was the foundation of the Jewish economy. He planned the arrangements of the first earthly tabernacle. He gave every specification in regard to the building of Solomon’s temple. The one who, in His earthly life, worked as a carpenter in the village of Nazareth was the heavenly Architect who designed the plan of the house in which His name was to be honored. The things of heaven and earth are more closely connected and are under Christ’s personal supervision more than many realize” (Manuscript 34, 1899)​

“David gave Solomon minute directions for building the temple, with patterns of every part, and of all its instruments of service, as had been revealed to him by divine inspiration. Solomon was still young, and shrank from the weighty responsibilities that would devolve upon him in the erection of the temple and in the government of God’s people. David said to his son, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 751).

” As the Lord had given Moses a pattern of the tabernacle he was to construct in the wilderness (Ex. 25:8, 9), so He had given David a revelation of the Temple plans (1 Chron. 28:19). Apian had been drawn up in accord with the revelation that had come to David, and this was now turned over to Solomon. Inasmuch as the Temple of Solomon was to take the place of the tabernacle built by Moses, and inasmuch as both structures, together with their services, were to teach important truths regarding the plan of salvation, it was important that divine direction be carefully followed.” (SDA Bible Commentary, 1 Chronicles 28:11).

Regarding David’s call to the people and their response, Patriarchs and Prophets states:

“With deepest interest the king had gathered the rich material for building and beautifying the temple. He had composed the glorious anthems that in afteryears should echo through its courts. Now his heart was made glad in God, as the chief of the fathers and the princes of Israel so nobly responded to his appeal, and offered themselves to the important work before them. And as they gave their service, they were disposed to do more. They swelled the offerings, giving of their own possessions into the treasury” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 752).

May God grant you a blessed day.