'29:1-30

Back to Contents

Solomon presented to the people (1Chr 28:1-29:30)

David had been forced to appoint Solomon as king hastily when he learnt that another son, Adonijah, was plotting to seize the throne for himself (see notes on 1 Kings 1:5-53).

That very unceremonious anointing of Solomon was followed soon after by a second anointing, this time with full religious and regal ceremony (see 1Chr 29:22).

This second occasion is the one that the Chronicler refers to here. David presented Solomon to the people as the one who, by God’s choice, would succeed him as king and build the temple (1Chr 28:1-10). David gave Solomon the plans he had prepared for the temple and its service.

He encouraged Solomon to persist in the work till the temple was finished and in use according to the plans he had set out (1Chr 28:11-21).

In addition to the money and materials he had already given for the project (see 1Chr 22:14), David gave a lavish offering from his own personal funds. His example prompted the people to make similarly generous offerings (1Chr 29:1-9).

The joyful response from the people brought from David an outburst of magnificent praise to God.

He gladly acknowledged that everything that people possess comes from God; therefore, in making offerings to him, the Israelites had only given back what he had already given them.

They had done this joyfully and willingly, and David prayed that they would maintain such devotion to God always (1Chr 28:10-20).

Next day the people joined in a great festival and swore allegiance to Solomon as their new king (1Chr 28:21-25).

The writer will now continue with the story of Solomon, but before doing so he gives a brief summary of the reign of David (1Chr 28:26-30).