Historical Books 1 Chronicles

Passing on the Plans of the Temple

Discover Jesus as: Son of David 1 Chronicles 27-28 Read on Bible Gateway (HCSB)

Day 300 of 730
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INTRO

Our hope is that your time spent studying the Bible has been fruitful, even when it’s difficult to understand. The important thing is to keep studying, because the more you know about God’s Word, the more it will come out of you. As we move to the end of 1 Chronicles, there’s still a lot for us to learn.

TEACHING

1 Chronicles 28:1–10: David brought together the leaders of Israel—all the officers of the tribes, commanders, captains of the army, the stewards that took care of everything David had, the officials, the valiant men, and his mighty men of valor (v. 1). David told them that while his heart wanted to build a temple for God, God had told him that was not His plan (vv. 2-3). Rather, God promised David’s desire would be fulfilled through his son, Solomon (vv. 4-6). David was still the person with whom God had made His covenant. Meanwhile, God chose Solomon as the next king to sit on the throne of Israel (v. 5). As king, Solomon would build God’s Temple (vv. 6-7). God reveals to us what He plans. In verse 7, God's revealed promise to David was still in effect . . . David’s lineage would pass through Solomon all the way to Christ.

The Davidic covenant God established with David would continue through his son, Solomon, and would end in the ministry of Jesus (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jesus will be the one that sits on the throne eternally. God does not do anything without revealing it first to His people (Amos 3:7). God instructed David to seek and obey His commands so His promise would come to pass (v. 8). Then in verse 10, God told Solomon he had to know the God of his father and serve Him through the establishment of God’s temple so He could dwell among His followers (John 3:16). Most importantly, Solomon was not to forsake God as His God.

1 Chronicles 28:11-19: David gave the complete plans of the temple to Solomon (vv. 11-12). The plans also included how the priests and the Levites were to complete the work and serve the Lord in the Temple (v. 13). The plans also included how much gold and silver was needed to complete the temple and create the furnishings (vv. 14-18). David explained all the details were written with God’s hand upon him (v. 19).

1 Chronicles 28:20-21: David told Solomon to be strong and courageous because God would be with him and would direct his leadership in the building of the temple.

CLOSING

The temple was extraordinarily ornate. It was one of the ancient wonders of the world. But the temple itself, rather than God who dwelled there, became the target for the people. We have to be careful and make sure we don’t put all our energy into buildings but rather into the people. We are to be a kingdom of priests, not caretakers.

Questions

  1. Why did each division of the army serve only one month out of the year?
  2. Benaiah was the commander of the third division. Why was he considered a great hero in Israel? (2 Samuel 23:20–21)
  3. Whom did David summon to give instructions? What was David doing in Chapter 28 that made him a great leader?
  4. What was the message David gave to all Israel? What was the message he gave to his son Solomon? How many times did David tell Solomon to be strong? (1 Chronicles 22:13; 28:20)
  5. David exhorted Solomon to “know the God of your father intimately.” How can you personally come to know Jesus more intimately? (John 14:21-24)
  6. What did the Holy Spirit highlight to you in 1 Chronicles 27—28 through the reading or the teaching?

Next: the Daily Word →

Daily Word

Laura Martin 1 Chronicles 28:2–3

“Then King David rose to his feet and said, ‘Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the LORD’s covenant and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build, but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.’”

King David gathered the leaders, commanders, officials in charge of all the property and cattle, the court officials, the fighting men, and the brave warriors. When they were all together, King David rose and humbly shared his heart. He talked honestly and vulnerably. He explained how it was on his heart to build the temple, but God said He had a different plan. Therefore, David yielded to the Lord and His plans for the temple.

Have you ever been so burdened in your heart to do something and yet the Lord suddenly redirected your plans? You may have been passionately moving along in one direction, and then you have a “but God said to me” moment like David. Therefore you yielded to God’s new plan and accepted it. It may not have made any sense. It may have even seemed goofy to those on the outside. But you knew the Lord was redirecting you, and you couldn’t delay responding to His leading and guidance. You dropped the pride. You stopped worrying what others might think. And you obediently followed His voice. This may even be what you need to do today. Remember, He will not fail you when you follow Him. Trust Him with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. He will direct your path as you walk humbly, depending on the Lord.

“Then King David rose to his feet and said, ‘Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the Lord’s covenant and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build, but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.’”

—1 Chronicles 28:2–3

FURTHER SCRIPTURE

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”
  • Proverbs 16:9 — “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.”
  • Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”