What qualities did David see in Solomon to build "a house for the LORD"? Setting the scene David longed to build the temple, yet God assigned the task to Solomon. In David’s charge we discover the traits he recognized in his son. Key passage: 1 Chronicles 22:9-10 “‘Behold, a son shall be born to you, who will be a man of rest; I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. For his name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet in his days. He is the one who will build a house for My Name. He will be My son, and I will be his Father, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’” Qualities David saw in Solomon • God-chosen – 1 Chronicles 28:5,10 “the LORD has chosen my son Solomon… Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary.” – David trusted God’s election more than credentials; divine calling was the first qualification. • Man of peace and rest – 1 Chronicles 22:9 “He will be a man of rest… I will grant Israel peace and quiet.” – Unlike David’s war-filled reign (22:8), Solomon’s peaceful era provided the stability required for temple construction (cf. 1 Kings 5:3-4). • Covenant sonship – 22:10 “He will be My son, and I will be his Father.” – David recognized a relationship grounded in God’s promise (2 Samuel 7:12-14). A son in covenant could represent the nation before God. • A heart inclined to the LORD – 1 Chronicles 28:9 “Serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches every heart.” – David already observed Solomon’s receptive spirit and urged him to keep it tender (see also 29:17-19). • Capacity for wisdom and understanding – 22:12 “Only may the LORD grant you insight and understanding…” – David discerned Solomon’s teachability, later confirmed when God gave him exceptional wisdom (1 Kings 3:9-12). • Resolve to be strong and do the work – 28:20 “Be strong and courageous, and do it.” – David saw the potential for steadfast obedience; Solomon simply needed encouragement to act. Why these qualities mattered for building the temple – God’s choice ensured divine authority behind the project. – Peace allowed resources, labor, and international cooperation (1 Kings 5:12) without war’s disruption. – Covenant sonship tied the building to God’s eternal promise, making the temple a symbol of His faithfulness. – A devoted heart guaranteed worship, not mere architecture, would define the temple. – Wisdom directed vast logistics, artistry, and diplomacy with Tyre and other nations (1 Kings 5-7). – Strength and resolve carried the work to completion in seven years (1 Kings 6:38). Living it out today – Trust God’s calling above human résumé. – Pursue peace where God plants you; His work flourishes in restful hearts. – Guard wholehearted devotion—God still “searches every heart.” – Ask for wisdom, then act with courage; both are vital to finish what God starts (James 1:5; Philippians 1:6). |
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