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By Dr. Gene Wilkes President, B. H. Carroll Theological Institute Plano, Texas

Studies in : No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom (1 & 2 Chronicles)

Lesson Two Passing the Torch

Focal Text 1 Chronicles 28:11-21

Background

Main Idea Pain will always be part of our lives, but we should never lose faith in Jesus Christ.

Question to Explore How can I not lose faith when my world is falling apart?

Quick Read We must not aspire to do God’s work alone; it is in every way better that we should share the privilege and the responsibility with others.

Introduction Our family made the obligatory American visit to Disney World when our girls were in elementary school. It was truly magical what the human mind and ingenuity can manufacture. From life-like topiaries to imaginary characters that came alive before my children’s eyes, the quality of craftsmanship was beyond what I had experienced before. As we drove back home after three days of wandering through castles, floating on pirate Page 1 of 7 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Two. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in Premium Commentary are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 1 Chronicles 28: 11-21, Passing the Torch

ships, and spending what seemed to be our children’s college fund, I learned a lesson from Walt and the gang: excellence is in the details. Excellence is not reached in broad strokes. It is achieved through meticulous execution of plans down to the smallest detail. In our focal text today, King gave plans and directions for building and furnishing the Temple to Solomon. The lists of items in some of the verses may seem unnecessary as a record of God’s Word, but they are those details that, when completed, were the excellence of craftsmanship and value that was done to bring glory and honor to the God of Israel, Yahweh.

King David continued in this passage to demonstrate his faith in God by sharing with Solomon the plans he conceived in order to build a Temple for God. While he felt the pain of not completing the project he envisioned, he shared the joy of what God had shown him with his son. David also knew the sting of God’s anger when he tried to move the from Kiriath Jearim to . (1 Chronicles 13) God struck down for touching the ark when it seemed to fall off the cart that carried it. David in his anger and fear placed the ark in the house of Obed- the Gittite until he brought it to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 13:13) Not only did God halt the transfer of the ark, but God also transferred the building of the Temple from David to Solomon. The pain of such unfulfilled intentions by the king did not keep him from trusting God’s word to him and giving the plans for the coveted project to his son, the next king.

David provided the plans for Solomon’s work, and he encouraged and reminded him that the work was not his alone. God would be with him and “the divisions of priests and ” and “every willing person skilled in any craft” (NIV) would help him. Excellence was in the details, but that excellence was not achieved alone.

Commentary

Plans for Building the Temple (28:11-13)

In the middle of King David’s address to the royal officials and his heir, he gave the plans for every part of the Temple to Solomon. The plans included the entire layout of the building, which included a vestibule, or, portico; surrounding buildings, treasuries, and upper rooms; and its inner rooms and the room for “the mercy seat,” or, the Ark of the Covenant. The plans David gave to Solomon for the Temple were similar to those God instructed Moses to build for the . (Exodus 25:1-9) The purpose for the tabernacle while Israel sojourned in the wilderness was so that Yahweh would “dwell among” the people. (Exodus 25:8) The portable place of worship was also known as the “tent of meeting.” (Exodus 29:42, 44) The building of the Temple was a continuation of God’s desire for His people to build a physical place to represent God’s presence among the people. The verb dwelt that described Jesus as “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” is the same Greek word for tabernacle used for the tent in the

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1 Chronicles 28: 11-21, Passing the Torch

wilderness. (John 1:14) Jesus is the presence of God, the Father, among the people. Unlike the gods of other people groups who lived aloft and aloof from the people, the plans for the Temple represented both the past and future of God’s desire to live among the people.

The word for “plan” in this verse is the same word used by Moses that God gave him to build the tabernacle. (Exodus 25:9) [“Technical model or pattern,” HIBD] The Hebrew word for pattern/plan is tabnit and comes from a Hebrew root meaning “to build.” The noun means “construction, pattern, or figure.” Solomon, like Moses, was to follow the pattern or plan God gave for the place of worship.

Verse 12 describes the plans as those that “he [David] had in mind” while other translations suggest that the plans that “the Spirit had put in his mind.” (NIV) A literal translation from the Hebrew, continuing what David gave to Solomon would be, “the pattern of all which was in the spirit with him.” [NET Notes] The Hebrew word ruah means, spirit, breath, wind. [Kohlenberger/Mounce, Hebrew Dictionary] By extension it can mean mind or heart. Some translators interpret the idea as the Spirit of God placing the plans in David’s mind while others simply describe them as in his mind. God’s instructions to Moses are evident in David’s plans and God spoke with David about the construction of the Temple, so ultimately the source of the Temple plans are from God. These plans extended to the courts, surrounding rooms of the Temple, and treasuries for both the Temple and for the dedicated items in the Temple.

David continued his instructions for those who would serve in the Temple and the articles that would be used in worship. (v.13) Priests, kohen, were those who served in the worship of God at the tabernacle and aided in leading the people in the festivals prescribed by God. God set apart the Levites to serve the nation in the worship of Yahweh. God consecrated them to perform the duties at the tabernacle so the people could offer sacrifices and the holy place could be kept according to God’s instructions (Exodus 29; Leviticus 8). Their purpose to lead the people in worship continued with the building of the Temple. During David’s reign, they became part of the administration of the kingdom, performing various jobs from gatekeepers to overseers of the royal treasuries. (For example, :20) [HIBD, “Levites”] David also gave plans for how the vessels, or articles (NIV) were to be used for worship in the Temple. We will see more details related to these items in the following verses and in the actual furnishing of the Temple.

While David may have been pained by the fact he would not build the house for the Lord he envisioned to build for God, he graciously provided all his successor needed to be successful. His response was not one of bitterness but of helping his heir be better.

Materials of Gold and Silver (28:14-18)

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1 Chronicles 28: 11-21, Passing the Torch

David explained in greater detail the vessels to be used in Temple worship. This structure was to be the place of worship of Yahweh, the Lord, the God of Israel. No detail could go unaddressed, and each item had meaning for worship. To meet the goal of excellence for worship, David spelled out the weight of the gold and silver used for “all of the vessels” lampstands, tables, forks, sprinkling bowls, pitchers, dishes, and the “altar of incense.” These items were part of worship in the tabernacle and would continue service in the Temple. The precious metals would adorn some of the items, and some would be made of the valuable materials. Most items of gold are mentioned in a later list, but “the weight of silver” is found only in this passage. (:7-22) Gold occurs in the Bible more frequently than any other metal, and it rarity and beauty made it ideal for items of great worth. [HIBD, Metals and Minerals] Gold and silver exemplified the highest earthly value that could be used to adorn the items for the worship of Yahweh.

The Chronicler recorded that David also gave Solomon the plans for “the golden chariot of the cherubim that spread their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord.” Two cherubim stood on the top of the ark, the mercy seat, facing one another. This was where God told Moses he would speak with him. (Exodus 25:18-22) “The golden chariot of the cherubim” is a metaphor that reflected the cherubim that were built to cover the ark and the cherubim on its cover. (2 Chronicles 3:10-13) Kings rode in chariots inlaid with gold. Solomon’s military strength rode on the wheels of his vast chariot supply. (2 Chronicles 9:25) Would not the God of Israel ride on a chariot of gold cherubim?

Plans and Understanding from the Hand of the Lord (Verse 19)

David acknowledged that the plans he handed Solomon to complete were made clear to him “from the hand of the Lord.” He took no credit for the magnificence of the plans. The king confessed all he had put in writing and handed to his heir was from God. Not only were the details inspired by God, but David confessed God enabled him to “understand all the details of the plan.” (NIV) The phrase, “from the hand of the Lord,” may have influenced translators to interpret ruah in verse 12 as “the Spirit.” The plans for the Temple and their understanding find their source in God. The mystery of inspiration is the interaction of God with those to whom God speaks. The Temple, according to Scripture, was not the result of David’s genius. God had revealed the plans for a place of worship to Moses through the tabernacle and continued the revelation of God’s will through David in the Temple.

Be Strong, God is With You (28:20-21)

David concluded his charge to the assembly and to Solomon with two words of encouragement. First, Solomon was to be strong and courageous, not afraid or “discouraged.” (v. 20; NIV) Solomon’s father, the king, could speak with confidence Page 4 of 7 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Two. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made.

1 Chronicles 28: 11-21, Passing the Torch

because God, Yahweh, “my God,” would be with him. Solomon could be strong and do the work because the Lord would not leave or forsake him until the Temple was complete. David said these same things when he told Solomon he would build the Temple rather than him. (:11-13) These words echo God’s words to Joshua as he took up the mantle of leadership from Moses to lead the people of Israel across the into the Promised Land. (Joshua 1:9) Confidence in biblical leadership came not from the person’s power but from the Lord’s presence.

Second, David told Solomon he would not do the work alone. (v. 21) Two groups of people would aid in the work. The division of priests and Levites, who were not mentioned in the list of royal officials assembled, (1 Chronicles 28:1) would be available for “all the service of the house of God.” Long before Solomon was given the task to build, furnish and occupy the Temple, God had put in place an entire tribe of Israel to administer sacrifices and to lead the people in worship. God chose the tribe of Levites to offer sacrifices because they were faithful to God with Moses when the people built and worshipped the golden calf in the wilderness. (Exodus 32:25-29) These who served at the tabernacle (Exodus 29) would now serve in the Temple.

The second group Solomon could count on according to David was “every willing man who has skill for any kind of service.” Not only would those who knew the practices of worship in the Temple would help Solomon, but every skilled craftsman who knew the art of building on the Temple would aid the new king. Craftsmen with specific skills will be mentioned in the chapters to come in the Chronicles. In kingly fashion, David also reminded Solomon in front of the assembly that all the officials and all the people would be completely at his command. Those skilled in worship and craftsmanship and all the people would be at the king’s command to complete the plans God gave Solomon through David.

Conclusion

David was not able to fulfill his desire to build a “house” for the worship of Israel’s God, Yahweh. The king, however, did not let the pain of disappointment stop him from completing God’s plan for a permanent place of worship. He went about seeking God’s plans rather than his own. Later, the prophet Jeremiah would encourage the people of Israel in exile that his plans were to bring them back from captivity. His plans were for their “welfare and not for evil” and to give them “a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) God’s plans for us may seem uncharacteristic of God as we perceive him to be like Israel did while in exile, but God’s plans are always to bring us peace in the present and hope for the future. David knew through experience God’s good plans for him and the people of Israel so he did not tire of doing what was good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Pure gold forks and silver dishes may seem insignificant to readers of this passage today. Why do we who follow Jesus pay attention to such seemingly archaic details? Page 5 of 7 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Two. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made.

1 Chronicles 28: 11-21, Passing the Torch

They are important because when God gave them God had a purpose behind the plan. In verse 11, David gave Solomon the “plan” or “pattern” for the Temple and its accompanying building. We saw that this concept was like what God gave Moses for the tabernacle. When we read farther in the New Testament, we find that these writers understood the tabernacle and Temple to be a ‘type’ of the “true tent that the Lord set up.” (Hebrews 8:2) Both the writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 8:5) and Luke’s record of Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:44) use tupos, or, type, to refer to the Lord’s command to Moses to make the furniture and utensils of the tabernacle “after the pattern for them, which is being shown you on the mountain.” (Exodus 25:40) The fulfillment of God’s plan for a dwelling place for God among his people is in Jesus, the Christ. Jesus became a high priest and a minister of the holy places and true tent, which the Lord pitched. (Hebrews 8:1, 2) Yes, even gold forks and silver dishes point to God’s final plan to dwell among his people in Jesus.

We must remember that the Temple was not the final dwelling place of God among His people. It would eventually be destroyed and rebuilt. Today the worshippers of God may put more emphasis on the buildings dedicated to God than on living out the mission of God. Jesus foretold the destruction of the second temple that had been built in his day but that he would raise it up in three days. (John 2:19) It was not until after Jesus was raised from the dead that his disciples realized Jesus was speaking of himself as the Temple. (John 2:22) The Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70 and has not been built since. The culmination of God’s plan to dwell among his people will be realized in the coming of the “new heaven and new earth” when Jesus, the Christ, returns. Then “the dwelling place of God,” or, tabernacle, will be “among the people” (NIV), and God will “dwell with them, and they will be his people.” (Revelation 21:2, 3)

David’s instructions to his son is a reminder that God provides others to complete His plans. We alone are not able to finish the work of the Lord. When we observe the life of Jesus, we see He invested in and commissioned disciples to carry out the mission He would initiate and give His life for. At His ascension, Jesus sent out His closest followers to make disciples of all peoples. (Matthew 28:19, 20) These eleven then shared the Mission of God with growing numbers of people. (Acts 1—2) Not long after the birth of the Church, the Risen Lord called of Tarsus to go to all people groups with the Good News announcement of Jesus’ coming. (Acts 9) Saul, who became known as Paul, the Apostle, enlisted others to join him on the mission to all peoples. Read the end of his letters to the churches, and we find lists of names of those with whom he worked and suffered. (See Romans 16:1-16 for example.)

Church leaders today often forget that people who are the church are not there to fill committee and organizational positions but to live every day the Great Commandment and Great Commission. The New Testament reminds us that we who trust and follow Jesus are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of Page 6 of 7 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Two. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made.

1 Chronicles 28: 11-21, Passing the Torch

darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) God’s redeemed people in Christ who are “the body of Christ” are to be proclaimers of Christ’s “excellencies,” not maintainers of buildings and corporate structures. The religious leaders were so consumed with the upkeep and continuation of their religious buildings and organization that they missed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. (See Matthew 23, for example.) Let us not do the same.

Meet the Writer: Dr. Gene Wilkes Dr. Gene Wilkes is President & Professor of New Testament & Leadership of B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. He has authored 11 books, including "Jesus On Leadership: Timeless Wisdom on Servant Leadership" & "A New Way of Living: Practicing the Beatitudes Every Day." Dr. Wilkes received his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies & his M.Div. from SWBTS. He graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in Religion & Greek. Dr. Wilkes lives in Plano, TX, with his wife, Kim. They have 2 daughters & 3 grandchildren.

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Bibliography

Albright, William F. The Biblical Period From to Ezra (New York: Harper & Row, 1963) Halley, Henry H. Halley’s Bible Handbook, 3rd edition (Zondervan, 1962) Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England, General Editors (Holman Bible Publishers, 2003) Kohlenberger/Mounce, Concise Hebrew-Aramaic Dictionary of the John R. Kohlenberger III and William D. Mounce, Editors (William D. Mounce, 2012) Accordance Biblical Software edition. Williamson, H. G. M. 1 and 2 Chronicles, in The New Century Bible Commentary, Ronald Clements and Matthew Black, General Editors (Eerdmans, 1982)

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