David’s Preparations for the Temple

1 Chronicles 22

            1 Kings leaves the impression that Temple is completely Solomon’s work. 1 Chronicles corrects that impression by emphasizing the investment that David made in the project. Solomon worked out deals for materials and arranged the workers (1 Kings 5). Perhaps Solomon even set aside some of what David had stockpiled, using his own materials (see 1 Kings 7:51). But David had certainly given Solomon a running start on the supplies.

            The whole account fits the Chronicler’s agenda. He emphasizes the Temple by showing that it was an intergenerational project and that its materials were valuable beyond measure. It was to be a project “of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations” (1 Chronicles 22:5). He also exalts David by demonstrating his role in the project. Yes, David was forbidden from building the temple (which would have fit the Chronicler’s story just fine, thank you), but David did the lion’s share of the work to pay for it. In these ways, the Chronicler melds two of his most important themes—the Temple and David—and shows their connection.