Study Desk

The twelfth, assigned the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, a descendant of Othniel. His division consisted of 24,000 men.

David assembled in Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, including the commanders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions that served the king, the commanders of units of a thousand and a hundred, the officials who were in charge of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons, the eunuchs, and the warriors, including the most skilled of them.

King David rose to his feet and said: "Listen to me, my brothers and my people. I wanted to build a temple where the ark of the Lord 's covenant could be placed as a footstool for our God. I have made the preparations for building it.

From all the many sons the Lord has given me, he chose Solomon my son to rule on his behalf over Israel.

He said to me, ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build my temple and my courts, for I have chosen him to become my son and I will become his father.

I will establish his kingdom permanently, if he remains committed to obeying my commands and regulations, as you are doing this day.'

Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do it!"

David gave to his son Solomon the blueprints for the temple porch, its buildings, its treasuries, its upper areas, its inner rooms, and the room for atonement.

David said to his son Solomon: "Be strong and brave! Do it! Don't be afraid and don't panic! For the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not leave you or abandon you before all the work for the service of the Lord 's temple is finished.

Solomon sat on the Lord 's throne as king in place of his father David; he was successful and all Israel was loyal to him.

He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him.

Recorded there are all the facts about his reign and accomplishments, and an account of the events that involved him, Israel, and all the neighboring kingdoms.

Solomon son of David solidified his royal authority, for the Lord his God was with him and magnified him greatly.

Solomon replied to God, "You demonstrated great loyalty to my father David and have made me king in his place.

Solomon acquired his horses from Egypt and from Que; the king's traders purchased them from Que.

Solomon sent a message to King Huram of Tyre: "Help me as you did my father David, when you sent him cedar logs for the construction of his palace.

King Huram of Tyre sent this letter to Solomon: "Because the Lord loves his people, he has made you their king."

Now let my lord send to his servants the wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine he has promised;

Solomon took a census of all the male resident foreigners in the land of Israel, after the census his father David had taken. There were 153,600 in all.

Solomon began building the Lord 's temple in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David. This was the place that David prepared at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.