Bible Commentaries

Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: [As for me], I [had] in mine heart to build an house of ^a rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

(a) Where the ark would stay and no longer move to and fro.

Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah [to be] the ruler; and of the house of ^b Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make [me] king over all Israel:

(b) According to the prophecy of Jacob, (Genesis 49:8).

Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at ^c this day.

(c) If he continues to keep my law as he does now and doesn't depart from it.

Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this ^d good land, and leave [it] for an inheritance for your children after you ^e for ever.

(d) That is, of Canaan.

(e) He declares that nothing can separate them from the conveniences of this land, both for themselves and their posterity except for their sins and iniquity.

Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build ^f an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and ^g do [it].

(f) Meaning, for his ark.

(g) Put it in execution.

Even the weight for the ^h candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, [both] for the candlestick, and [also] for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.

(h) That is, the ten candlesticks, (1 Kings 7:49).

And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of ⁱ the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out [their wings], and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

(i) Meaning, of the mercy seat that covered the ark, which was called the chariot, because the Lord declared himself there.

All [this, said David], the LORD made me understand in writing ^k by [his] hand upon me, [even] all the works of this pattern.

(k) For all this was left in writing in the book of the Law, (Exodus 25:40), which the king was bound to put in execution, (Deuteronomy 17:19).

And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, [even they shall be with thee] for all the service of the house of God: and [there shall be] with thee for all manner of workmanship ^l every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people [will be] wholly at thy commandment.

(l) That is, everyone will be ready to help you with those gifts that God has given him.