but God said to me, 'You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has spilled blood.' But God said to meThis phrase underscores the direct communication between God and David, highlighting the personal relationship and divine guidance that characterized David's reign. The Hebrew word for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often conveys not just speech but a declaration or command, emphasizing the authority and intentionality behind God's words. This divine communication is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will in all endeavors, especially in matters of spiritual significance. You are not to build a house for My Name
The "house" refers to the temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites. The phrase "for My Name" signifies that the temple was to be a dwelling place for God's presence and a testament to His glory. The Hebrew word for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) can also mean household or family, indicating that the temple was to be a spiritual home for God's people. This directive from God highlights the principle that not all tasks are meant for everyone, and that God assigns roles according to His divine purpose and wisdom. because you are a man of war
David was known for his military prowess and numerous battles, which were instrumental in establishing Israel as a powerful nation. The Hebrew word for "war" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah) encompasses not just physical battles but also struggles and conflicts. This acknowledgment of David's identity as a warrior reflects the reality that certain roles and responsibilities may be incompatible with one's past actions or experiences. It serves as a reminder that God's plans are perfect, and He chooses individuals for specific tasks based on His greater purpose. who has spilled blood
This phrase refers to the many lives lost in the battles David fought. The Hebrew word for "spilled" (שָׁפַךְ, shafak) implies a pouring out, often used in the context of shedding blood. While David's actions were often in obedience to God's commands to conquer the land, the shedding of blood was not fitting for the one who would build a house of peace and worship. This distinction underscores the holiness and sanctity required for the construction of the temple, a place meant to symbolize peace and divine presence. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who desired to build a temple for the Lord. Known for his heart after God, but also for being a warrior king. 2. GodThe sovereign Lord who communicates His will to David, emphasizing His holiness and the importance of His plans. 3. SolomonDavid's son, who is chosen by God to build the temple, representing peace and a new era for Israel. 4. The TempleThe house intended for God's Name, symbolizing His presence among His people. 5. JerusalemThe city where the temple was to be built, central to Israel's worship and identity. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in His PlansGod has specific purposes and plans that may differ from our desires. David's heart was in the right place, but God's plan was different. The Role of Peace in God's WorkSolomon, a man of peace, was chosen to build the temple, highlighting the importance of peace in fulfilling God's purposes. Understanding Our Role in God's KingdomLike David, we may have roles that prepare the way for others. Recognizing and accepting our part in God's plan is crucial. The Importance of HolinessThe temple was to be a holy place for God's Name. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, should reflect God's holiness. Trusting God's TimingDavid had to trust God's timing and plan for the temple. We must also trust God's timing in our lives and ministries. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to God's decision about the temple reflect his character and relationship with God? 2. In what ways can we discern God's specific plans for our lives, even when they differ from our desires? 3. How does the concept of peace play a role in your current ministry or life situation, and how can you cultivate it? 4. What are some practical ways to ensure that our lives reflect the holiness of God, as His temples? 5. How can we support and prepare the next generation to fulfill God's purposes, as David did for Solomon? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7This chapter provides the background of God's covenant with David, where God promises that David's offspring will build the temple. 1 Kings 5-6These chapters describe Solomon's actual construction of the temple, fulfilling God's plan. Psalm 132Reflects David's desire to find a dwelling place for the Lord, showing his heart for God's presence. Hebrews 9Discusses the significance of the temple and the transition to the new covenant through Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with His people. People David, Levites, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Blood, Build, Builder, Hast, Shed, War, Warrior, WarsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 28:2-3 7438 sanctuary 1 Chronicles 28:2-9 5089 David, significance Library The Promised King and Temple-Builder
'And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, 5. Go and tell My servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build Me an house for Me to dwell in! 6. Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureDavid's Charge to Solomon
'And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem. 2. Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture December the Seventh Chosen as Builders
"Take heed now, for the Lord hath chosen thee to build." --1 CHRONICLES xxviii. 1-10. And how must he take heed? For it may be that the Lord hath also chosen me to build, and the counsel given to Solomon may serve me in this later day. Let me listen. "Serve Him with a perfect heart." God's chosen builders must be characterized by singleness and simplicity. He can do nothing with "double" men, who do things only "by half," giving one part to Him and the other part to Mammon. It is like offering …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 An Exhortation to Love God
1. An exhortation. Let me earnestly persuade all who bear the name of Christians to become lovers of God. "O love the Lord, all ye his saints" (Psalm xxxi. 23). There are but few that love God: many give Him hypocritical kisses, but few love Him. It is not so easy to love God as most imagine. The affection of love is natural, but the grace is not. Men are by nature haters of God (Rom. i. 30). The wicked would flee from God; they would neither be under His rules, nor within His reach. They fear God, …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863 The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Chronicles 28:3 NIV1 Chronicles 28:3 NLT1 Chronicles 28:3 ESV1 Chronicles 28:3 NASB1 Chronicles 28:3 KJV
1 Chronicles 28:3 Commentaries
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