David, the second king of Israel, is renowned not only for his military conquests and poetic psalms but also for his significant role in preparing his son Solomon to succeed him as king and to build the Temple of the LORD. This preparation is a testament to David's faithfulness to God's promises and his dedication to ensuring the spiritual and national continuity of Israel.

Encouragement to Solomon

David's encouragement to Solomon is recorded in 1 Chronicles 22 and 28. As David's reign was drawing to a close, he gathered the leaders of Israel and charged Solomon with the monumental task of building the Temple. David's words to Solomon were filled with exhortation and divine assurance. In 1 Chronicles 22:11-13 , David says, "Now, my son, may the LORD be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as He said you would. Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He gives you command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged."

David's encouragement was rooted in the covenantal promises of God, emphasizing obedience to God's law as the foundation for success. He urged Solomon to be strong and courageous, echoing the divine encouragement given to Joshua generations earlier.

Provision for the Temple

David's provision for the Temple was extensive and meticulous. Although God had revealed to David that he would not be the one to build the Temple due to his history as a warrior (1 Chronicles 28:3), David took it upon himself to gather the necessary materials and resources. In 1 Chronicles 22:14-16 , David states, "Now behold, with great effort I have provided for the house of the LORD a hundred thousand talents of gold, a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron too great to be weighed. I have also provided timber and stone, and you may add to them. You have an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and men skilled in every kind of work— in gold and silver, bronze and iron—beyond number. Now begin the work, and may the LORD be with you."

David's provision was not limited to materials; he also organized the Levites, priests, and musicians, ensuring that the Temple service would be conducted according to divine ordinance. His preparation demonstrated his deep commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the spiritual welfare of Israel.

David's Charge to Solomon

In 1 Chronicles 28, David assembled all the officials of Israel and publicly charged Solomon with the task of building the Temple. He reiterated the divine choice of Solomon as king and the builder of the Temple, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 28:6-7 : "He said to me, 'Solomon your son is the one who will build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he resolutely carries out My commandments and ordinances as is being done this day.'"

David's charge was both a personal and public affirmation of Solomon's divine appointment, underscoring the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. David's instructions were comprehensive, covering the plans for the Temple, the divisions of the priests and Levites, and the treasures dedicated for the Temple service.

Spiritual Legacy

David's encouragement and provision for Solomon were pivotal in establishing a legacy of worship and obedience to God in Israel. By preparing Solomon and the nation for the construction of the Temple, David ensured that the central place of worship for the Israelites would be a lasting symbol of God's presence among His people. David's actions exemplified his heart for God and his desire to see God's promises fulfilled through his lineage.