1 Chronicles 22

1 dixitque David haec est domus Dei et hoc altare in holocaustum Israhel

2 et praecepit ut congregarentur omnes proselyti de terra Israhel et constituit ex eis latomos ad caedendos lapides et poliendos ut aedificaretur domus Dei

3 ferrum quoque plurimum ad clavos ianuarum et ad commissuras atque iuncturas praeparavit David et aeris pondus innumerabile

4 ligna quoque cedrina non poterant aestimari quae Sidonii et Tyrii deportaverant ad David

5 et dixit David Salomon filius meus puer parvulus est et delicatus domus autem quam aedificari volo Domino talis esse debet ut in cunctis regionibus nominetur praeparabo ergo ei necessaria et ob hanc causam ante mortem suam omnes paravit inpensas

6 vocavitque Salomonem filium suum et praecepit ei ut aedificaret domum Domino Deo Israhel

7 dixitque David ad Salomonem fili mi voluntatis meae fuit ut aedificarem domum nomini Domini Dei mei

8 sed factus est ad me sermo Domini dicens multum sanguinem effudisti et plurima bella bellasti non poteris aedificare domum nomini meo tanto effuso sanguine coram me

9 filius qui nascetur tibi et erit vir quietissimus faciam enim eum requiescere ab omnibus inimicis suis per circuitum et ob hanc causam pacificus vocabitur et pacem et otium dabo in Israhel cunctis diebus eius

10 ipse aedificabit domum nomini meo et ipse erit mihi in filium et ego ero ei in patrem firmaboque solium regni eius super Israhel in aeternum

11 nunc ergo fili mi sit Dominus tecum et prosperare et aedifica domum Domino Deo tuo sicut locutus est de te

12 det quoque tibi Dominus prudentiam et sensum ut regere possis Israhel et custodire legem Domini Dei tui

13 tunc enim proficere poteris si custodieris mandata et iudicia quae praecepit Dominus Mosi ut doceret Israhel confortare viriliter age ne timeas neque paveas

14 ecce ego in paupertatula mea praeparavi inpensas domus Domini auri talenta centum milia et argenti mille milia talentorum aeris vero et ferri non est pondus vincitur enim numerus magnitudine ligna et lapides praeparavi ad universa inpendia

15 habes quoque plurimos artifices latomos et cementarios artificesque lignorum et omnium artium ad faciendum opus prudentissimos

16 in auro et argento aere et ferro cuius non est numerus surge igitur et fac et erit Dominus tecum

17 praecepit quoque David cunctis principibus Israhel ut adiuvarent Salomonem filium suum

18 cernitis inquiens quod Dominus Deus vester vobiscum sit et dederit vobis requiem per circuitum et tradiderit omnes inimicos in manu vestra et subiecta sit terra coram Domino et coram populo eius

19 praebete igitur corda vestra et animas vestras ut quaeratis Dominum Deum vestrum et consurgite et aedificate sanctuarium Domino Deo ut introducatur arca foederis Domini et vasa Domino consecrata in domum quae aedificatur nomini Domini

1 Chronicles 22 Commentary

Chapter 22

David's preparations for the temple. (1-5) David's instructions to Solomon. (6-16) The prices commanded to assist. (17-19)

Verses 1-5 On occasion of the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built; upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. David must not build, but he would do all he could; he prepared abundantly before his death. What our hands find to do for God, and our souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before our death; for after death there is no device nor working. And when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere.

Verses 6-16 David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.

Verses 17-19 Whatever is done towards rendering the word of God generally known and attended to, is like bringing a stone, or an ingot of gold, towards erecting the temple. This should encourage us when we grieve that we do not see more fruit of our labours; much good may appear after our death, which we never thought of. Let us not then be weary of well doing. The work is in the hands of the Prince of peace. As he, the Author and Finisher of the work, is pleased to employ us as his instruments, let us arise and be doing, encouraging and helping one another; working by his rule, after his example, in dependence on his grace, assured that he will be with us, and that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 22

In this chapter we read of the place David pitched upon by divine direction for building the temple on, 1Ch 22:1, the preparation he made of artificers to build it, and of matter to build it of, as iron, brass, and wood, 1Ch 22:2-5, the charge and instructions he gave to Solomon to set about it, 1Ch 22:6-16 and to the princes of Israel to assist him in it, 1Ch 22:7-19.