Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Here is the rewritten chapter:

David, the king, stood before the entire assembly and said, "Solomon my son has been chosen by God alone to lead this great endeavor. Despite his youth and inexperience, he must carry out a task that's beyond human capability – building a palace for God.

"I've prepared generously from my own resources for the house of my God: gold for things made of gold, silver for those made of silver, bronze for ironwork, and wood for woodworking. I've also gathered precious stones like onyx, stones to be set, glittering stones in various colors, and all manner of valuable gems, as well as marble.

"I've chosen the house of my God with great affection, and from my own treasure, I'm giving everything I can for its construction – gold, silver, bronze, iron, and wood. In addition to what I've prepared, I'm donating three thousand talents of gold from Ophir's finest gold and seven thousand talents of refined silver to adorn the walls with all their furnishings.

"The skilled craftsmen will use these materials to create beautiful works for God's house. Who among you is willing to dedicate themselves today to serve the Lord?"

The leaders, captains, and officials overseeing the king's projects offered willingly. They contributed gold – five thousand talents and ten thousand drams – silver – ten thousand talents – bronze – eighteen thousand talents – iron – one hundred thousand talents.

Those who had precious stones donated them for the treasure of the house of the Lord, entrusted to Jehiel the Gershonite. The people were filled with joy as they gave willingly from their hearts to the Lord, and King David rejoiced greatly with them.

David blessed the Lord before the entire congregation, saying, "Blessed be you, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever! Yours is the greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty – for everything in heaven and earth belongs to you. You reign over all, and your hand holds the power to make great or humble anyone."

"Both wealth and honor come from you, and we're grateful that we can offer so willingly. All things come from you, and what we give back is yours already. We're strangers before you, our time on earth fleeting like a shadow with no lasting presence.

"All this wealth and resources we've prepared to build a house for your holy name comes from your hand and belongs to you alone. I know that you test the heart and take pleasure in uprightness – as I have done sincerely with all my heart. Now I see the joy of your people here, offering willingly to you.

"Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever. Prepare their hearts for you, and give Solomon, my son, a perfect heart to keep your commandments, testimonies, and statutes – to do all these things and build the palace I've prepared.

"David said to the entire congregation, "Bless the Lord your God!" And they blessed the Lord God of their ancestors, bowing down in worship and honoring both Him and the king.

"The next day, they sacrificed many animals – one thousand bulls, rams, and lambs – along with their drink offerings and abundant sacrifices for all Israel. They ate and drank joyfully before the Lord while making Solomon David's son king a second time, anointing him as the chief leader under the Lord, and appointing Zadok as priest.

"Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king in place of his father David, prospering over all Israel. All princes, mighty men, and sons of King David submitted to Solomon the king. The Lord magnified Solomon greatly before all Israel and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had never been seen in any king before him.

"David reigned over Israel for forty years – seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. He died at a good old age, rich in days, riches, and honor. Solomon his son succeeded him as king.

"The acts of David the king are recorded from start to finish in the writings of Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet, and Gad the seer. With all his reign and might, David oversaw the periods under his rule – Israel, and all surrounding kingdoms.