Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
Ver. 2. Now I have prepared.] This he speaketh not of vainglory, but to God's glory, 1Ch 29:10 and for the good example of his princes and people. Of Vespasian it is said that he was imperio maximus, exemplo maior, and that he did segnes exemplo incitare saepius quam coercere, a prevail with his subjects most of all by his own good practice. David did so much more; he knew well that examples are the best lectures, and virtue the best example.
Onyx stones.] These are white stones, like the white of a man's nail, whence also they have their name.
Glistering stones.] Heb., Stones of ornament: lapides fuci, Vatablus rendereth it: qui scilicet intuentibus fucum facerent, saith A Lapide, stones that deceive the beholders with seeming shows: such as are agates: you would think that there were in them the pictures of trees, of birds, of swimming islands, &c. Stones "of fair colours" such stones are called in Isaiah 54:11 .
And all manner of precious stones.] Whereof see Exo 28:17-21 Ezekiel 28:13; Plin. Nat. Hist. passim, Rueum de Gemmis, &c.
And marble stones in abundance.] The Vulgate hath it, Et marmor Parium abundantissime. Paros is an island - one of the Cyclades - that yieldeth the best marble: no question but David had provided the very best of the best for this use, to be foundation stones. 1Ki 5:17
a Tacit., lib. ii., Hist.