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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 28 verses 11–21
As for the general charge that David gave his son to seek God and serve him, the book of the law was, in that, his only rule, and there needed no other; but, in building the temple, David was now to give him three things: - 1. A model of the building, because it was to be such a building as neither he nor his architects ever saw. Moses had a pattern of the tabernacle shown him in the mount (Heb 8:5), so had David of the temple, by the immediate hand of God upon him, Ch1 28:19. It was given him in writing, probably by the ministry of an angel, or as clearly and exactly represented to his mind as if it had been in writing. But it is said (Ch1 28:12), He had this pattern by the Spirit. The contrivance either of David's devotion or of Solomon's wisdom must not be trusted to in an affair of this nature. The temple must be a sacred thing and a type of Christ; there must be in it not only convenience and decency, but significancy: it was a kind of sacrament, and therefore it must not be left to man's art or invention to contrive it, but must be framed by divine institution. Christ the true temple, the church the gospel temple, and heaven the everlasting temple, are all framed according to the divine councils, and the plan laid in the divine wisdom, ordained before the world for God's glory and ours. This pattern David gave to Solomon, that he might know what to provide and might go by a certain rule. When Christ left with his disciples a charge to build his gospel church he gave them an exact model of it, ordering them to observe that, and that only, which he commanded. The particular models are here mentioned, of the porch, which was higher than the rest, like a steeple, - then the houses, both the holy place and the most holy, with the rooms adjoining, which were for treasuries, chambers, and parlours, - especially the place of the mercy-seat (Ch1 28:11), - of the courts likewise, and the chambers about them, in which the dedicated things were laid up. Bishop Patrick supposes that, among other things, the tabernacle which Moses reared and all the utensils of it, which there was now no further occasion for, were laid up here, signifying that in the fulness of time all the Mosaic economy, all the rites and ceremonies of that dispensation, should be respectfully laid aside, and something better come in their room. He gave him a table of the courses of the priests, patterns of the vessels of service (Ch1 28:13), and a pattern of the chariot of the cherubim, Ch1 28:18. Besides the two cherubim over the mercy-seat, there were two much larger, whose wings reached from wall to wall (Kg1 6:23, etc.), and of these David here gave Solomon the pattern, called a chariot; for the angels are the chariots of God, Psa 68:17. 2. Materials for the most costly of the utensils of the temple. That they might not be made any less than the patterns, he weighed out the exact quantity for each vessel both of gold and silver, Ch1 28:14. In the tabernacle there was but one golden candlestick; in the temple there were ten (Kg1 7:49), besides silver ones, which, it is supposed, were hand-candlesticks, Ch1 28:15. In the tabernacle there was but one table; but in the temple, besides that on which the show-bread was set, there were ten others for other uses (Ch2 4:8), besides silver tables; for, this house being much larger than that, it would look bare if it had not furniture proportionable. The gold for the altar of incense is particularly said to be refined gold (Ch1 28:18), purer than any of the rest; for that was typical of the intercession of Christ, than which nothing is more pure and perfect. 3. Directions which way to look for help in this great undertaking. "Fear not opposition; fear not the charge, care, and trouble; fear not miscarrying in it, as in the case of Uzza; fear not the reproach of the foolish builder, that began to build and was not able to finish. Be not dismayed. (1.) God will help thee, and thou must look up to him in the first place (Ch1 28:20): The Lord God, even my God, whom I have chosen and served, who has all along been present with me and prospered me, and to whom, from my own experience of his power and goodness, I recommend thee, he will be with thee, to direct, strengthen, and prosper thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee." Note, We may be sure that God, who owned our fathers and carried them through the services of their day, will, in like manner, if we be faithful to him, go along with us in our day, and will never leave us, while he has any work to do in us or by us. The same that was Joshua's encouragement (Jos 1:5), and Solomon's, is given to all believers, Heb 13:5. He will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. God never leaves any unless they first leave him. (2.) "Good men will help thee, Ch1 28:21. The priests and Levites will advise thee, and thou mayest consult them. Thou hast good workmen, who are both willing and skilful;" and these are two very good properties in a workman, especially in those that work at the temple. And, lastly, "The princes and the people will be so far from opposing or retarding the work that they will be wholly at thy command, every one in his place ready to further it." Then good work is likely to go on when all parties concerned are hearty in it, and none secretly clog it, but all drive on heartily in it.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:20 presents King David's poignant and powerful final charge to his son Solomon, as the young king-elect stood poised to embark on the colossal and sacred undertaking of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse serves as a profound theological statement, interweaving the divine imperative for human courage and diligence with the steadfast promise of God's unwavering presence and faithfulness, assuring Solomon that the LORD Himself would empower and sustain him through the completion of this monumental, divinely-ordained task.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Imperative Mood, seen in David's direct commands: "Be strong and of good courage," "do [it]," "fear not," and "nor be dismayed." These commands are not suggestions but forceful directives, reflecting the gravity of the task and the authority of the one commissioning. There is also clear Parallelism in the negative commands ("fear not, nor be dismayed") and the divine promises ("he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee"), which emphasizes the comprehensive nature of both the human challenge and the divine assurance. The phrase "Be strong and of good courage" functions as an Echo or Allusion to previous divine commissions, particularly to Joshua (Joshua 1:6-9), linking Solomon's task to the grand narrative of God's redemptive history and the pattern of divine empowerment for His chosen leaders. The entire verse is imbued with Covenant Language, particularly in the promise of God's unfailing presence and non-abandonment, which is a hallmark of God's relationship with His people throughout the Old Testament. Finally, the "house of the LORD" functions as a Symbol of God's dwelling among His people, representing His presence, His holiness, and the center of Israelite worship and identity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:20 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that divine calling is always accompanied by divine enablement. It underscores God's faithfulness to His purposes, even when those purposes are carried out through fallible human agents. The promise that God "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" is not merely a personal assurance to Solomon but a foundational principle of God's character revealed throughout Scripture. It teaches that our courage and perseverance in God's work are not self-generated but flow from a confident reliance on His unwavering presence and power. This verse bridges the gap between human responsibility and divine sovereignty, demonstrating that while God commissions us to "do it," He also guarantees His active participation and sustaining grace until the work is complete. It reminds us that no task for God is too great when God Himself is with us, empowering us to fulfill His divine will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's charge to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20 offers profound and timeless encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the principles of divine calling, courage, and God's faithfulness transcend historical contexts. Just as Solomon faced a daunting, unprecedented task, we too are called to participate in God's kingdom work, whether in our vocations, families, communities, or ministries, often encountering challenges that feel overwhelming. This verse invites us to confront our fears and anxieties not with self-reliance, but with a deep-seated trust in the same God who promised to be with Solomon. It teaches us that God equips those He calls, and His presence is the ultimate source of strength and courage. When we feel inadequate or overwhelmed by the "work for the service of the LORD" placed before us, we can cling to the assurance that He will not fail us nor forsake us, empowering us to persevere until His purposes are fulfilled through us, relying on His unfailing grace and power.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was David forbidden from building the Temple, and why was Solomon chosen instead?
Answer: David passionately desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the ark of the covenant, but God revealed through the prophet Nathan that David, as a "man of war" who had shed much blood, was not the one chosen for this peaceful task (1 Chronicles 22:8 and 1 Kings 5:3). Instead, God chose Solomon, whose name means "peace" (from shalom), to build the Temple during a time of peace and rest for Israel (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). This decision highlighted God's sovereignty in choosing His instruments and underscored the Temple's purpose as a place of peaceful worship and communion, rather than a monument built by conquest.
Is the promise "he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" only for great leaders like Solomon, or does it apply to all believers?
Answer: While this promise was given specifically to Solomon for a monumental task, its underlying principle of God's unwavering faithfulness is a foundational truth for all believers. The New Testament affirms this promise for all who are in Christ. For instance, Hebrews 13:5 quotes a similar Old Testament promise, applying it universally: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Jesus Himself promised His disciples, and by extension all believers, His perpetual presence: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Therefore, while the context was specific, the divine character it reveals—God's steadfast loyalty and commitment to His people—is a timeless assurance for every Christian as they undertake the "work for the service of the LORD" in their lives.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 28:20, with David's charge to Solomon to "Be strong and of good courage" and the promise of God's unfailing presence in the building of the Temple, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon built a physical temple, a shadow of God's dwelling, Christ is the true and greater Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity (John 2:19-21). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate builder of God's spiritual house, the Church, composed of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). Just as Solomon was commissioned for a divine work, Jesus was sent by the Father to accomplish the greatest work of all—redemption and reconciliation. His commission to His disciples, to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," came with the same bedrock assurance: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20). The Holy Spirit, promised by Christ, empowers believers to "be strong and of good courage" in their mission, ensuring that God's presence will "not fail" or "forsake" them (Acts 1:8). Ultimately, the "work for the service of the house of the LORD" culminates not in a physical structure, but in the New Jerusalem, where God's presence is so complete that there is no need for a temple, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22-23), signifying the finished work of Christ and His eternal dwelling with His redeemed people.