SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:1 through 29:30

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.” (1 Chronicles 28:8)

BACKGROUND

Without question, King David was one of the greatest men of the Old Testament. God himself said David was a man after His own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14). As a shepherd, giant-slayer, and military man, he was resourceful and courageous. As a poet and songwriter, he authored psalms of petition and praise that have blessed the people of God for generations. As a religious leader, he was dedicated and committed. And as king, David was without equal. The ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus said of him, “This man was of an excellent character, and was endowed with all the virtues that were desirable in a King.”¹ David’s influence for good in his nation was so profound that many of the kings after him were compared to the standard he established. Although he had weaknesses and failed God on several occasions, he was humble and quick to repent. 

Today’s text, which records the closing days of David’s life, has two parts. Chapter 27 ends the record that began in chapter 23 of David’s arrangements for the nation’s religious and civil affairs; this chapter outlines his organization of commanders of the army, officers of the tribes, and administrators of the kingdom. Chapters 28-29 cover events prior to David’s death. At a national convocation, David presented Solomon as his successor and delivered plans for the Temple to him. He offered admonition and personal encouragement to his son, who would not only follow him in ruling the nation but would also take on the tremendous task of building a house for the Lord. The chapter ends with the passing of this revered king of Israel, who “died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour” (1 Chronicles 29:28). 

By a careful choice of what to record of King David’s reign, the author of 1 Chronicles emphasized the importance of remaining close to God and obedient to Him. In contrast, 2 Chronicles illustrates how quickly a nation can deteriorate spiritually and socially when it turns away from God.

^1. Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, trans. William Whiston, M.A. (London: William Whiston, M.A., 1737), VII.15.2 (390).

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. Chapter 27 describes David’s organization of the military commanders, princes of the tribes, and administrators (chief stewards) who would supervise the royal properties of the kingdom. This was the final directive of the assembly David had convened to establish the roles of the nation’s civil, religious, and military leaders. What do you think David’s meticulous organization of kingdom affairs indicates about the nature of his reign?
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   Answers will vary but these points could be made:
      • David’s care in his approach to governance no doubt reflected his deep love for the people and his desire to set them on a good, Godfearing path as a nation.
      • David must have known his men well, since he evidently had insight into who would be best qualified and equipped to oversee each area.
      • David’s wisdom is apparent in his arrangement of the military for an equitable division of labor. The army was organized into groups of 24,000 men, with each group serving for one month of the year. This was an effective way to keep a standing army ready for action, and the inactive troops regularly trained.
      • The fact that David appointed counsellors to advise him regarding matters of the kingdom indicates that he did not consider himself above the need for advice.
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2. Chapter 28 contains David’s public ceremony of succession to Solomon, and his last recorded words to the people he had led for so many years. As David addressed the convocation, he had two vital matters to communicate. In verses 3 and 5, what two directives from God did he relate to the people?
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   In verse 3, David announced that although he had wanted to build a house for the Lord, by God’s direction he was not going forward with that project. In verse 5, he announced that by God’s direction, his son Solomon would succeed him on the throne, even though Solomon was not his eldest son. 
   
   Expand class discussion of this question by asking your group why they think David emphasized that these determinations were based on divine instruction. Your students should conclude that David knew the Kingdom of Israel belonged to God rather than to him. He was, in essence, merely a deputy commissioned to carry out God’s divine plan for the nation. He seemingly wanted both the elders of Israel and Solomon himself to have a clear understanding of that vital point. 
   
   The history of Israel in Old Testament times is proof of the blessings that come to a nation whose leaders follow God. Throughout the generations, when the king was righteous, the nation followed his example in obedience to God. When the king was wicked, the people turned to wickedness as well.
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3. Verses 9-10 of chapter 28 record David’s personal charge to Solomon. In it, he related a number of godly principles that he hoped would guide his son through life—ideas that any Christian parent would do well to convey to his or her children. In your own words, what were these principles?
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   Your students’ summary of David’s instructions to Solomon should bring out the following points. David first advised Solomon to “know” God—to maintain a personal relationship with Him—and to serve Him wholeheartedly and willingly, because the Lord knows all thoughts, desires, and motives. He warned his son to be careful never to turn from God, or God would turn from him. Finally, he encouraged his son to be committed and faithful to the task God had given him to do. 
   
   As a follow-up, you may wish to point out to your group that the command to know God came before the command to serve God. That is timeless advice! No matter how wise, diligent, or committed to our task we may be, our first priority must be to stay close to God. We never want to depend solely upon our own abilities or resources in our work for the Lord.
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4. In 1 Chronicles 28:10, David gave Solomon the explicit instruction, “Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.” However, God does not always reveal His plans quite so directly. How can we discern when it is God calling us to a particular task for Him, rather than just our own desires or impressions?
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   The following steps can help us ensure we are following God’s leading rather than our own desires.
      • Study the Word of God diligently, familiarizing yourself with principles about making God-guided decisions.
      • Seek godly counsel from dedicated Christians who have the same Biblical doctrine.
      • Consecrate to do whatever God shows you. Acknowledge the godly desires God gives you but be sure you are willing to submit to His will, rather than clinging to your own understanding.
      • Pray earnestly and consistently, asking God to confirm His leading. It is important to understand that the authority to do the work of God must come from God—He does the selecting and the empowering. If God truly has called you to a particular task for Him, He will bring you to a point of personal assurance that it is His will.
      • Pay attention to the leadings of divine Providence. Look for an alignment of circumstances that point clearly in a certain direction.
      • Expect God’s supernatural peace in your heart when you are fully aligned with His will and purpose for you.
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5. Verse 12 of chapter 28 records that David gave his son and successor “the pattern of all that he had by the spirit.” This pattern seemingly was not merely an oral communication, but a written document or possibly even some type of model (see verse 19). Why is the phrase “by the spirit” significant?
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   The phrase “by the spirit” indicates that while Solomon was to be in charge of building the Temple, the design originated from God himself. Just as God had revealed to Moses the pattern of the Tabernacle, he revealed to David the pattern for this building. Even the practical details were inspired by the Holy Spirit rather than by human ingenuity. 
   
   You may wish to mention other times in Scripture when God’s Spirit was bestowed on individuals to help them accomplish physical work for Him. For example, Bezaleel, the craftsman appointed to oversee the physical work of the Tabernacle construction, was filled with the Spirit of God, which gave him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge “in all manner of workmanship”(see Exodus 31:2-5; 35:30-35). 
   
   Class discussion should revolve around the fact that God is interested in every aspect of His work, and that includes material tasks as well as spiritual ones. We want God’s blessing and anointing to be upon all we undertake for Him.
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6. In his final instructions to Solomon, David advised, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord” (1 Chronicles 28:20). What are the dangers of allowing fear to come in when God calls us to do something that seems beyond our abilities? What should we do to vanquish fear when it threatens us?
   
   Your class should conclude that fear can cause us to hesitate or make excuses rather than obeying God immediately. If we allow fear to overcome us, it can immobilize us or even cause us to refuse to obey. It is noteworthy that “Fear not” is the most repeated commandment in the Bible, and fear is mentioned more than five hundred times in the King James Version of the Bible.
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   In response to the second question, your group may suggest various strategies for combating fear, such as looking to God for help, discussing our fears with a godly advisor, or leaning on assurances from God’s Word such as “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Ultimately, we must choose not to focus on our fears, but rather on God himself, who is the great enabler. One godly veteran of the faith put it this way: “God doesn’t call the enabled. He enables the called!”
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7. In the first verse of chapter 29, David spoke to the people concerning the Temple construction project, telling them, “The work is great.” He went on to explain that the work was great because the house was to be for God. What four words in verse 2 indicate how David prepared in order to assist his son with this great task? What details provided in verses 2-5 attest to the truth of his statement?
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   The four words in verse 2 that indicate how David prepared are “with all my might.” Verses 2-5 reveal that he spared no expense in the endeavor—his provision of gold and silver from his own fortune was proof of his personal commitment. From previous chapters in 1 Chronicles, we know he also assembled a huge quantity of materials, supervisory staff, workers, and an organized team to serve in the Temple upon its completion. This provides clear evidence that he performed this work of preparation with all of his might.
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   The work facing believers of our day is also “great.” Discuss with your class that there are no small works for a great God, so we should do every task for Him to the best of our ability.
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8. David told the assembled congregation, “I have set my affection to the house of my God” (1 Chronicles 29:3), and gave abundantly from his personal fortune toward the construction of the Temple. David’s willingness and generosity set a good example for the people of the nation. In verse 5, he asked them, “And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” The Hebrew word translated service implies giving what is needed liberally and voluntarily. Verses 6-9 reveal that in response, the people not only committed to assist in the labor of building the Temple, but they also contributed generously of their personal treasures to finance the project. What important concept about financial resources did David state in verse 14?
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   David stated in verse 14, “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” In verse 12, he had made a similar assertion: that “both riches and honour come of thee.” Point out to your class that we likely will never have the wealth of David, but we should understand that what we do have comes from God. We can also develop David’s willingness to give. The point should be made that it is not what we have that matters so much to God, but our willingness to give of what we have and to yield all that we have to His control. A New Testament admonition regarding willing giving is found in 2 Corinthians 9:7.
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9. At the close of 1 Chronicles, the author summarized the forty years of David’s reign, and gave a short account of his death. Though David clearly had done his best to pass on his spiritual values and the lessons he had learned to his son Solomon, his real legacy was his relationship with God. What legacy or advice do you want to leave behind when you leave this world?
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   The responses to this question will be personal. Likely, they will center around the importance of putting God first in our lives.
   
   Wrap up your class time by reminding your group that David was remembered and honored by the author of 1 Chronicles because he had a heart for God and did his best to lead his nation in a God-fearing way. We can learn a great deal from his devotion and commitment.

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CONCLUSION

The Book of 1 Chronicles was written as an encouragement to God’s people, to emphasize their spiritual heritage and remind them of doctrinal and moral truths. It reminds us of the need to maintain our spiritual foundation, the value of tracing our own godly heritage, and the importance of passing on God’s truth to the next generation.