THE FINAL DAYS OF KING DAVID

1 Chronicles 28, 29

King David knew that his reign over Israel was nearly complete, so he called the noblemen together to pronounce his last will and proclaim his legacy to them. David relays to his people the wishes of God for the future of Israel. Humbly he admits that the Lord has not allowed him to build the temple, but the Lord has instead left that task to be accomplished by his son, Solomon.

David has brought peace by defeating the enemies of God and establishing a political climate in which Solomon can build the temple and bring prosperity to the people of Israel. David reveals to the people and to us that the Lord in writing has expressed His patterns for the temple. “All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.” v.19

David records also the charge that he has given to his son, Solomon. “And you, Solomon my son, know you the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts: if you seek him, he will be found of thee; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off for ever.” v.9

David further counsels Solomon to be strong and courageous. These words Solomon took to heart as he sought to gain wisdom to lead the people of Israel.

We can apply these encouraging words to our lives, also. Never fear because God is with you. We are all part of God’s plan and have something to do in the construction of His kingdom. If we seek God’s will and counsel daily, we will be led to where God has planned for us to be.

Our legacy to our family and friends should be one that demonstrates to all that we fought the good fight and that we have kept the faith. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith!” (2 Timothy 4:7).

So King David died after reigning over his kingdom for forty years. His life was not a perfect life. No one lives a perfect life. His failures and triumphs have been recorded for our edification. We know that we can approach God, because the One who did lead a perfect life went to the Cross of Calvary to pay for our sins. The son of King David is the Lord of David. The Lord Jesus Christ’s kingdom will last forever.

Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endures throughout all generations.

~Psalm 145:13