Add parallel Print Page Options

23 When David was old, full of years, and near death, he appointed his son Solomon to succeed him as king over Israel. Then David gathered together all the leaders of Israel, including the priests and the Levites.

The Israelites can now be blessed by David’s organization in two ways. First, as they begin rebuilding the temple, his preparations are practical: they explain what tools and artisans and materials are needed to build God’s house. But his organization blesses the Israelites another way: he shows what consistent devotion to God looks like. Even though David knows he won’t see the temple with his own eyes, he is no less committed to doing God’s work.

The process of rebuilding Jerusalem is an arduous one, one that will take more than one lifetime to complete. So the Israelites cannot become complacent about God’s work just because they may not see it come to fruition themselves. They must work for the advancement of His kingdom because that is what He desires.

At that time, there were 38,000 Levites 30 years of age and older, an employable age.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends