1 Chronicles 28:11

Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, storehouses, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the room for the mercy seat.

Study Bible

Then David gave
This phrase marks a significant moment of transition and legacy. David, the king chosen by God, is passing on a divine mission to his son Solomon. The Hebrew root for "gave" is "nathan," which implies a deliberate and purposeful act of entrusting. This act is not merely a transfer of architectural plans but a spiritual bequest, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with David's lineage.

his son Solomon
Solomon, whose name means "peace," is the chosen successor to David. This highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build the temple (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Solomon's role is pivotal, as he is to establish a place of worship that signifies God's presence among His people. The father-son relationship here also symbolizes the passing of wisdom and responsibility, a theme prevalent in the wisdom literature attributed to Solomon.

the plans for the portico of the temple
The "plans" (Hebrew: "tabnith") indicate detailed blueprints or designs, suggesting divine inspiration and precision. The "portico" refers to the entrance or vestibule of the temple, a place of transition from the secular to the sacred. This architectural feature underscores the temple's role as a gateway to divine encounter, reflecting the order and beauty of God's creation.

its buildings, storerooms
The mention of "buildings" and "storerooms" highlights the temple's multifaceted purpose. It was not only a place of worship but also a center for community and resource management. The storerooms were essential for storing offerings and provisions, ensuring the temple's function as a hub of spiritual and physical sustenance for Israel.

upper rooms, inner rooms
These terms denote the temple's complexity and hierarchy. The "upper rooms" may refer to chambers used by priests, indicating a place of preparation and sanctification. The "inner rooms" suggest areas of greater sanctity, possibly including the Holy Place. This architectural hierarchy mirrors the spiritual journey towards deeper communion with God.

and the room for the mercy seat
The "mercy seat" (Hebrew: "kapporet") is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne on earth. It is the focal point of the temple, where the high priest would make atonement for Israel's sins once a year. This emphasizes God's desire for reconciliation and His provision of grace. The mercy seat is a profound symbol of God's presence, justice, and mercy, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who, despite his desire to build a temple for the Lord, was instructed by God that his son Solomon would fulfill this task. David's role here is as a planner and preparer, passing on the divine blueprint to Solomon.

2. Solomon
David's son and successor, chosen by God to build the temple. Solomon's task is to execute the plans given by his father, symbolizing the continuation of God's covenant with David.

3. The Temple
The central place of worship for Israel, representing God's presence among His people. The temple's design and construction were divinely inspired and meticulously planned.

4. The Mercy Seat
Located in the Holy of Holies, it is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's throne and His presence. It is where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement.

5. Plans
The detailed instructions and designs for the temple, given by David to Solomon. These plans were not merely architectural but were imbued with spiritual significance, reflecting God's order and holiness.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Preparation
David's careful preparation and passing on of the temple plans to Solomon highlight the importance of preparing for future generations in our spiritual and practical endeavors.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed plans for the temple remind us of the necessity of adhering to God's instructions in our lives, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours.

Legacy of Faith
David's actions demonstrate the significance of leaving a legacy of faith and obedience, encouraging us to consider how we can impact future generations for God's glory.

God's Presence and Holiness
The temple and the mercy seat symbolize God's presence and holiness, reminding us of the reverence and awe we should have in our worship and relationship with Him.

Fulfillment of God's Promises
The transition from David to Solomon in building the temple illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, encouraging us to trust in His timing and plans.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's preparation for the temple construction reflect the importance of planning and foresight in our spiritual lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's instructions, as seen in the detailed plans for the temple?

3. How can we leave a legacy of faith for future generations, similar to David's preparation for Solomon?

4. What does the temple and the mercy seat teach us about God's presence and holiness, and how should this impact our worship?

5. How can we find encouragement in the fulfillment of God's promises, as demonstrated in the transition from David to Solomon?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters describe the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which parallels the detailed plans David gives to Solomon for the temple. Both emphasize the importance of following God's precise instructions for worship.

2 Samuel 7
This chapter records God's covenant with David, promising that his offspring would build a house for God's name. This promise is fulfilled in Solomon's construction of the temple.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage discusses the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, including the mercy seat, drawing a connection between the Old Covenant practices and their fulfillment in Christ.