1Ch 22 | MHM | STEP | Preparations for the Temple. This chapter explains how God prepared for the building of His temple. David chose the place where the temple would stand, following God’s guidance. Even though David could not build the temple himself, he made many preparations for it. The temple was meant to be a magnificent building to honor God and show His greatness to all nations. David gathered materials and workers so that his son Solomon could finish this important work. v. 1 : David announced, by God’s inspiration, This is the house of the Lord God . God chose this place for His temple. The land belonged to a Jebusite, which showed that God’s house would welcome people from all nations (Acts 15:16-17 ). The place was a threshing floor, reminding us that the church is like God’s threshing floor, where He separates good from evil (Isaiah 21:10 ). The altar was built before the temple, showing that worship and sacrifice come first.

‏ 1 Chronicles 22

Preparations for the Temple.

This chapter explains how God prepared for the building of His temple. David chose the place where the temple would stand, following God’s guidance. Even though David could not build the temple himself, he made many preparations for it. The temple was meant to be a magnificent building to honor God and show His greatness to all nations. David gathered materials and workers so that his son Solomon could finish this important work.

v. 1: David announced, by God’s inspiration, This is the house of the Lord God . God chose this place for His temple. The land belonged to a Jebusite, which showed that God’s house would welcome people from all nations (Acts 15:16-17 ^a). The place was a threshing floor, reminding us that the church is like God’s threshing floor, where He separates good from evil (Isaiah 21:10 ^b). The altar was built before the temple, showing that worship and sacrifice come first.

v. 2-4: David gathered materials for the temple (1 Chronicles 22:2-4 ^c). He collected cedar wood from Tyre and Sidon, stones, iron, and brass. The daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift (Psalm 45:12 ^d). David also gathered foreign workers living in Israel to help with the building. He did not make Israelites do hard labor because they had been freed from slavery in Egypt. These foreign workers were converts to the Jewish faith, but they did not have the same status as Israelites.

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v. 5: David prepared abundantly before his death . He knew he was getting old and wanted to make sure everything was ready. We should do our work for God with all our strength while we are alive, because after death we cannot work anymore. David had two reasons for preparing so much. First, Solomon was young and might delay the work, so having materials ready would help him start quickly. Second, the temple needed to be magnificent to honor the great God. Its beauty would inspire worshippers and attract people from other nations to learn about the true God. David said the temple would bring fame and glory to God in all countries, and that kings would bring gifts because of it (Psalm 68:29 ^e).

The Charge to Solomon

In this section, David gives important advice and instructions to his son Solomon. Solomon is about to take on a big responsibility—building the temple for the Lord. David shares why he cannot build the temple himself, explains why Solomon is chosen, describes the preparations he has made, and encourages Solomon to be faithful and courageous in this work.

v. 6: David calls for Solomon and tells him his main job is to build a house for the Lord God of Israel . Although Solomon is still young, David believes he is able to learn and follow these important instructions.

v. 7–8: David explains why he himself cannot build the temple. He wanted to do it (1 Chronicles 22:7 ^f), but God did not allow him because he had shed much blood in war (1 Chronicles 22:8 ^g). This shows that God values human life. The temple should be built by someone who brings peace, not by someone who has been a man of war. This also points to Jesus, who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them (Luke 9:56 ^h).

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v. 9–10: David tells Solomon that God has chosen him for this special job. God promised that David would have a son named Solomon who would build the temple. Solomon’s peaceful reign will give him the time and opportunity to complete the work. God will give him rest from enemies and peace at home, so he should focus on building the house for God (1 Chronicles 22:9–10 ⁱ). God also promises to establish Solomon’s kingdom. David encourages Solomon to remember that God’s promises should make us eager to serve Him.

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v. 12, 16: David prays for Solomon, asking God to give him wisdom and understanding as he leads Israel . David emphasizes that if God gives us a task, He will also provide the wisdom needed to accomplish it. David finishes by encouraging Solomon with the words, “Up, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee” (1 Chronicles 22:16 ^j). God’s presence should inspire us to work diligently and not be lazy. When we do our part, we can trust that God will be with us.

v. 13: David warns Solomon to keep God’s commandments and obey everything God told Moses . Building the temple is not an excuse to ignore God’s law. Even as king, Solomon must remember that he is under God’s authority. David also encourages Solomon to be strong and brave, telling him not to fear. Even though building the temple is a massive task, Solomon should not worry about failure. This is God’s work, and God will help him finish it. Similarly, we need courage and determination when doing God’s work.

v. 14, 16; 18:11: David describes the enormous preparations he has made for the temple—gold, silver, brass, iron, and other treasures. He does not mention this to boast but to encourage Solomon. The amount is very large, possibly exceeding what can be counted (1 Chronicles 22:14, 16 ^k). David also includes the things dedicated to God from his victories (1 Chronicles 18:11 ^l). He wants Solomon to know there is a strong foundation for the work. David also urges Solomon not to rely completely on what has already been prepared but to add to it and keep improving. Those who build on the work of others still have more to do, and Solomon must carry the project forward with diligence.

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The Charge to the Princes of Israel

In this section, David speaks to the leaders of Israel. He encourages them to help Solomon with the big job of building the temple for the Lord. David knows that even a good king needs the support of wise and willing helpers. He reminds the princes of all that God has done for them and calls them to serve God with all their hearts.

v. 17: David asks the princes of Israel to support Solomon and to work together to accomplish this important task. He knows that Solomon cannot do it alone. Everyone must help in their own way to make the work successful.

v. 18: David reminds the leaders that God has given them many blessings—victory in battles, rest from their enemies, and a good land to live in. He tells them that because God has done so much for them, they should be eager to serve Him in return. The more God does for us, the more we should want to do for Him .

v. 19: David urges the princes to set your heart and soul to seek God (1 Chronicles 22:19 ^m). He tells them to make God their greatest goal and to focus on pleasing Him. When their hearts are truly committed to God, they will gladly give their time, energy, and resources to build His temple. David encourages them to make serving God their main purpose in life.