Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

David said, "This is the house of the Lord God and the altar of burnt offering for Israel. I want all the foreign workers living in our land to gather here. I need masons to cut and shape stones for building God's house.

I've prepared plenty of iron for nails that will hold the gates together and join them solidly. There's also an abundance of brass – so much that we don't even weigh it anymore! The cedar trees are plentiful, thanks to the people from Sidon and Tyre who brought us a huge supply of wood.

David said, "My son Solomon is still young and inexperienced, but the temple we're building for the Lord must be magnificent in fame and glory throughout all lands. I'm making preparations for it before I die so that Solomon can focus on being king without worrying about this project.

Then David called his son Solomon and gave him a charge to build a house for the Lord God of Israel. "My son," he said, "I wanted to build an impressive house in honor of the Lord my God, but God spoke to me and said that I had shed too much blood and made war too many times.

"You should not build a temple in his name because you've spilled so much blood on earth in his sight. But a son will be born to you who will bring peace and quietness to Israel during his days. His name will be Solomon, and I'll establish a peaceful reign over our land.

"He will build an impressive house for my name, and he'll be my son, with me as his father. I'll make sure the throne of his kingdom is established over Israel forever.

"Solomon, may the Lord be with you and help you succeed in building the house of the Lord your God just as he's promised. May the Lord give you wisdom and understanding to lead our people and entrust you with this responsibility.

"If you follow all the laws and instructions that the Lord gave Moses for Israel, you'll prosper. Be strong, courageous, and don't be afraid or discouraged. Remember that in my affliction, I've prepared a vast amount of gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, and stone for the house of the Lord.

"There are many skilled workmen available to help you with every kind of task, from cutting stones to working with wood. And don't worry about resources – we have an abundance of gold, silver, bronze, and iron, along with plenty of trees and stones.

"Arise now and get started! May the Lord be with you as you work on this project. I'm commanding all the leaders in Israel to help Solomon my son, reminding them that the Lord is their God, who has given us rest and victory over our enemies.

"The people living around us are at peace because of the Lord's hand, and he has given us control over the land. So seek the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. Rise up and build a sanctuary for the Lord God to house the Ark of his covenant and other sacred objects in the new temple that will be built in his name."