Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

David gathered all the leaders of Israel, including tribal chiefs, captains, commanders, stewards, officers, mighty men, and brave warriors, to Jerusalem.

"My dear brothers and people," David said, "it's been on my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the Lord's covenant and for God's footstool. I had prepared everything for its construction."

But then God told me, "You're not allowed to build a temple in my name because you're a man of war who has shed blood." Instead, God chose me to be king over Israel before any of my relatives, selecting Judah as the ruling tribe and taking pleasure in making me king over all Israel.

The Lord gave me many sons, but he chose Solomon to sit on the throne of his kingdom. "Solomon, your son," I said, "will build my house and my courts because I've chosen him to be my son, and I'll be his father."

As long as Solomon remains faithful to keep my commandments and judgments, just like today, I'll establish his kingdom forever. In the presence of all Israel and before our God, you must obey all the commands of the Lord your God.

Solomon, I want you to know the God of your father and serve him with a sincere heart and willing spirit. He examines hearts and understands thoughts, so if you seek him, he'll be found by you. But if you forsake him, he'll cast you off forever.

Take heed now! The Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it." David gave Solomon the plans for the temple, including its porch, houses, treasuries, upper rooms, inner chambers, and the place of the mercy seat. He also shared with him the plans for all that he had in mind by the Spirit.

David provided a detailed pattern for the courts of the house of Jehovah, as well as for all the chambers around it, including the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries for dedicated items. He included plans for the courses of priests and Levites, along with every aspect of serving in the Lord's house.

David gave gold by weight for things made of gold and silver by weight for instruments used in service. The weight for each candlestick and its lamps was determined by specific use, as well as for tables of showbread and corresponding tables.

Pure gold was set aside for fleshhooks, bowls, cups, golden basins, and silver basins, with refined gold to be used on the altar of incense and a pattern for the chariot of cherubim that covered the ark of the covenant. The Lord made me understand all this through his hand upon me.

Now, Solomon, I want you to be strong and courageous without fear or dismay. God will be with you, never failing or forsaking you until you complete all work on the house of the Lord. Priests, Levites, and every willing and skilled person will be at your disposal for any task or service in God's temple. All the princes and people will be under your authority for anything they need to do.