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He supplied a large amount of iron for making nails and clamps for the wooden gates, and so much bronze that no one could weigh it.
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He had the people of Tyre and Sidon bring him a large number of cedar logs.
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David thought, "The Temple that my son Solomon is to build must be splendid and world-famous. But he is young and inexperienced, so I must make preparations for it." So David got large amounts of the materials ready before he died.
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He sent for his son Solomon and commanded him to build a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel.
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David said to him, "Son, I wanted to build a temple to honor the Lord my God.
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But the Lord told me that I had killed too many people and fought too many wars. And so, because of all the bloodshed I have caused, he would not let me build a temple for him.
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He did, however, make me a promise. He said, "You will have a son who will rule in peace, because I will give him peace from all his enemies. His name will be Solomon, because during his reign I will give Israel peace and security.
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He will build a temple for me. He will be my son, and I will be his father. His dynasty will rule Israel forever.' "
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David continued, "Now, son, may the Lord your God be with you, and may he keep his promise to make you successful in building a temple for him.
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And may the Lord your God give you insight and wisdom so that you may govern Israel according to his Law.
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If you obey all the laws which the Lord gave to Moses for Israel, you will be successful. Be determined and confident, and don't let anything make you afraid.
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