1 Chronicles 28

28:1–29:25 Here the account of Solomon’s coronation continues from 23:1-2. David is presented at the pinnacle of his strength as he transfers authority to Solomon (cp. 1 Kgs 1:1–2:9).28:1 This assembly of all the officials of Israel includes all whose names were mentioned in the preceding chapters.

28:2-10 The account of David’s first discourse includes a message addressed to his people (28:2-8) and a message to Solomon (28:9-10). The main focus of the address is David’s desire for Solomon to build a Temple. In addition, David addressed two other important themes: God’s selection of Solomon, and the people’s obligation to keep God’s commandments.28:2 David described the Temple as a place where the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant . . . could rest. The term “rest” describes the conquest of the land and the establishment of peace (e.g., Deut 12:9). In the wilderness, the Ark rested at the end of battle (Num 10:35-36). When David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, the Ark’s “rest” became permanent, as David expressed in a psalm of worship: “Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place, along with the Ark, the symbol of your power” (Ps 132:8). God had chosen Mount Zion as his resting place.

28:4-6 the Lord . . . has chosen me . . . to be king over Israel forever: God’s selection of David actually began with Judah (Gen 49:8-12), culminated with David (1 Sam 16:1-13), and continued with Solomon (1 Chr 28:5-6, 10). All subsequent kings reigned by virtue of God’s promise to David.

28:9-10 David’s message to Solomon did not stress the privileges of being chosen as king but emphasized the responsibilities of assuming the throne. The primary obligation was to seek the Lord, to worship and serve him. The Lord also required an unflinching resolve to build the Temple sanctuary.

28:11-21 God gave David the actual plans for the Temple through divine inspiration (28:19). On other occasions God also provided plans for the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Exod 25:9) and for the future Temple of Ezekiel (Ezek 40:4).

28:14-18 This list of vessels legitimized each object in the Temple by specifically recounting what God had communicated about them through David.

28:18 for the Lord’s “chariot”—the gold cherubim: The cherubim were various images of composite creatures found in connection with thrones and palaces. Ancient kings sat on cherub thrones. In God’s throne room (the Most Holy Place of Israel’s sanctuary), cherubim atop the Ark of the Covenant served a similar function (see Exod 25:18-22; 2 Sam 6:2; Ps 99:1; cp. Ezek 10).