No doubt growing infirmities were upon him; nevertheless he will stand on his feet before them. Observe the kind and affectionate manner of his address; he calls them brethren and people. He next tells them what was his intention in the building of the temple, but that the Lord had said nay; in which his heart acquiesced. He then proceeds to point out his claim to the throne; and this not by purchase, nor by conquest, nor by merit, nor by birth-right; but of the Lord's appointment: The Lord chose me. He next points to Solomon, as his successor, and from the same cause; the Lord's pleasure. He then makes a most affectionate appeal, first to the people; and then to his son, Solomon, that both would honour that gracious God who had done so great things for Israel, and walk before the Lord with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind. The whole of this farewell discourse of David's, forms a most interesting period of history in the life of David and is capable of leading out the mind of the Reader into numberless sweet and precious reflections, both of the divine goodness in the instances of mercy recorded, and David's piety. But passing over all these, I rather call the Reader to the more blessed, spiritual beauties of the passage, as all typical of Jesus and his temple, of which Solomon's was but a type. Here indeed in the person of the Lord Jesus, we see that promise breaking out from everlasting, in the decree of divine counsels. Jesus was set up, and all his covenant engagements marked down in the volume of the book, which he alone was found worthy to open. It is of him that God the Father said, I have raised him up in righteousness: and I will direct all his ways. He shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price, nor reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. To constitute the glory of this house, the labour of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia shall be brought, and the Lord would consecrate the gain of all the whole earth. Sweet and precious thoughts! and all finally and fully confirmed in Jesus. Isaiah 45:13-14.
1 Chronicles 28:2-10
2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:
3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.b
4 Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:
5 And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.
6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.
7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constantc to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.
8 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.
9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
10 Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.