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The Beginning of the End
were spared for the time, but after David’s death they suffered the
penalty of their crime. The execution of the sentence on the son of
David completed the fourfold judgment that testified to God’s hatred
of the father’s sin.
David Unselfishly Gathers Money and Material for the Temple
From the opening of David’s reign, one of his most cherished
plans had been to construct a temple to the Lord. He had provided an
abundance of costly materials—gold, silver, onyx stones, and stones
of various colors, marble, and precious woods. And now other hands
must build the temple—the house for the ark, the symbol of God’s
presence.
Knowing that he was soon to die, the king called representatives
from all parts of the kingdom to receive this legacy in trust. Because
of his physical weakness, no one had expected him to make this
transfer in person, but the inspiration of God came upon him, and
with earnestness and power he was able to address his people for the
last time. He told them of his own desire to build the temple, and
of the Lord’s command that the work be given to Solomon his son.
“Now therefore,” David said, “in the sight of all Israel, the assembly
of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, be careful to seek out all
the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this
good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you
forever.”
David’s whole soul was moved with deep concern that the lead-
ers of Israel should be true to God and that Solomon should obey
God’s law, avoiding the sins that had weakened his father’s authority,
embittered his life, and dishonored God. Turning to his son, already
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recognized as his successor, David said: “My son Solomon, know
the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a
willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands all
the intent of the thoughts. ... Consider now, for the Lord has chosen
you to build a house for the sanctuary.”
David gave Solomon detailed instructions for building the tem-
ple. Solomon was still young and shrank back from the heavy
responsibilities involved in constructing the temple and governing
God’s people. David said, “Be strong and of good courage, and do