I Chronicles 28 (NIV)

Summary:

David's Plans for the Temple
Verses 1-21

David summoned all of Israel's officials to Jerusalem.  This included the officers of the tribes; the commanders of the divisions for the king's service, of thousands, and of hundreds; the officials of the royal property and livestock, and of the palace; the mighty men and the brave warriors.  David spoke to them as brothers and his people about his plans to build a resting place for the ark of the covenant, a footstool for God.  God told him not to, because he was a warrior and had shed blood.

God had chosen the tribe of Judah, David's family from this tribe, and David from his father's sons to be king over Israel.  God had given David many sons, had chosen Solomon to be the next king, and for him to be the one to build His house and courts.  God would be Solomon's father and Solomon His son.  He would establish Solomon's kingdom forever, if he never swerved from obeying His commands and laws, as Israel was doing now.

David charged Solomon, in the presence of Israel and of God, to obey the Lord, so that they could possess their promised land and give it as an inheritance to their descendants.  David told Solomon to acknowledge and serve God wholeheartedly and with a willing mind.

"...acknowledge...God...and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.  If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever."  (Verses 9-10)

David told Solomon to be strong and to do the work.  He gave Solomon the plans for the temple: the portico, the buildings, the storerooms, the upper parts, the inner rooms, and the place of atonement (where people go in broken and leave rejoicing).  The plans for the courts, surrounding rooms, treasuries of the temple and of dedicated things were put in David's mind by the Holy Spirit.  David gave instructions for the divisions of priests and Levites, to do the work in the temple service, and for the articles to be used in the service.  He designated the weight of gold and silver.  Gold for: golden lampstands, lamps, tables for consecrated bread, gold dishes, and the chariot - the cherubim that spread their wings and shelter the ark of the covenant of the Lord.  Pure gold for: forks, sprinkling bowls, and pitchers.  Refined gold for: the altar of incense.  Silver for: silver lampstands, lamps, silver tables, and silver dishes.

David had all of this in writing, inspired by the hand of God upon him.  David told Solomon not to be afraid or discouraged, because God was with him.

"He will not fail you or forsake you..." (Verse 20b)

The divisions of priests and Levites, as well as the craftsmen were ready for the work.  The officials and all the people would obey Solomon's every command.

Lori's Thoughts:

God knew that the Israelites would eventually break the covenant with Him, turning to idols, sexual immorality, etc.  He sees all, the beginning, middle, and end.  God didn't get exasperated and decide not to bother making a covenant with Israel.  This covenant was not for God's sake, but for Israel's and for ours.  Israel was God's chosen people for a while.  After they turned on Him and lost everything, they would be able to look back and say that God is good.  They could turn back to Him.

Now, it said that God would reject them forever if they forsook Him.  If we look at the example of when God forsook Jesus Christ, when He was dying on the cross (because He had to, not because He wanted to), in order for sin and death to be defeated, we can see what forsaking is.  To forsake is to do nothing when someone is dying and asking for your help.  If we have this attitude towards God, to want nothing to do with Him, He must reject you forever.  But, God gives us so many chances to change our minds.  This is grace.  He keeps offering us the free gift of salvation.  In Revelation, John writes of the time that will come when it will be too late to accept this gift.  I hope that you choose now whom you will serve.  Yes, we must accept His salvation and choose to serve Him.  Why both?  Because the devil does all he can to lure us away from God and if we do not make God our Master, the devil will succeed!

But, remember, for now, God continues to speak to us and give us opportunities to come to Him.  We just need to want to hear Him and we will hear Him.  It's like when I listen to music.  I listen for the guitar or violin or any stringed instrument amongst the voices and other instruments.  God's voice is there amongst all the other voices in this world.  Ask Him to help you recognize and listen to it.