The time of this address of David to his son, as well as the occasion, being, as we are told, just before his death, gives great weight and energy to it. It is indeed a most interesting address from a father to a son. Like a parent anxious for his son's welfare, and in that grand point, which of all others is most interesting, David charges Solomon to be very attentive in this business, to which the Lord had called him. There is a beautiful intimation which David gives to Solomon, in that the Lord had reserved this honour to him, and would not suffer David to accomplish it. David had had his hands all his days engaged in the Lord's battles. But Solomon's reign was to be a peaceful reign. How sweetly this points to Him whose kingdom was in righteousness and peace, and who alone was competent to build the house, and to bear all the glory. Zechariah 6:13.
1 Chronicles 22:6-16
6 Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.
7 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:
8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon,a and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
10 He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.
11 Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.
12 Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.
13 Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
14 Now, behold, in my troubleb I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workersc of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.