David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, the officials of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the stewards of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the seasoned warriors. Then King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. But God said to me, ‘You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood.’ Yet the LORD God of Israel chose me from all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father’s house, and among my father’s sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. And of all my sons (for the LORD has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. He said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules, as he is today.’ Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:1-8 (ESV)
In this passage, King David has decided to pass his kingdom on to the next generation. God has chosen David’s son, Solomon, to be King over Israel. And David assembles all of the tribal leaders and officials to witness Solomon’s coronation so that a smooth and peaceful transition of power will occur.
David explains to the assembled group just how this event has transpired. He desired to build a temple for the Lord but was not allowed to, because of his status as a warrior. Instead, David’ son Solomon was divinely chosen to erect a temple unto God. And God gave David a conditional promise concerning Solomon’s kingdom. If Solomon would continue to faithfully obey the Lord’s commandments and rules, the kingdom would be his forever. Despite the fact that God had chosen Solomon to be King, Solomon was required to continue in faithful obedience to the God who chose him.
This principle is also true in Christianity. Salvation is free and cannot be earned or bought. God’s continual acceptance and blessings, however, are dependent upon our faithful obedience to his Word.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower us with your Word. Enable us to be faithful in all things. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his Word and be faithful to him,