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).

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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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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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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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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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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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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?
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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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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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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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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.