Gifts for Building the Temple

29 Then King David said to the whole assembly: “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced.^(A) The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the Lord God.

⁵ David said, “My son Solomon is young^(A) and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor^(B) in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations before his death.

⁷ “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child^(A) and do not know how to carry out my duties.

⁷ Some worthless scoundrels^(A) gathered around him and opposed Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young and indecisive^(B) and not strong enough to resist them.

⁶ “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak;^(A) I am too young.”^(B)

⁷ But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

¹⁹ And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion^(A) to keep your commands, statutes and decrees^(B) and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.”^(C)

¹⁰ Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”

⁸ “So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel^(A) and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands^(B) of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.^(C)