LESSON 14: DAVID’S MILITARY ORGANIZATION,
HIS COUNSELORS, HIS CHARGE TO SOLOMON, AND HIS DEATH (1 CHR. 27-29)
David’s
consuming interest late in his life was the Temple. Having furnished Solomon
with the pattern, David prayed for his people and set Solomon on the throne.[1]
There are
two records of David's charge to Solomon, and Solomon's being made king. The
reason there are two records is this: Adonijah, a son of David, sought to usurp
the throne from Solomon (1 Kings 1:17-18). David was informed of this by
Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:11-27). Then David swore unto
Bathsheba, "Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall
sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day" (1
Kings 1:30).[2]
CHAPTER 27:1-15
David was
concerned to set every department of his government in order before he died and
before Solomon ascended the throne. The religious considerations were of
primary importance; however he did not neglect the civil or military
provisions. He established a standing army of two hundred eighty eight thousand
men. These men were organized into twelve sections of twenty four thousand
each. Each section was under the direction of a captain who by sheer strength
and courage had won the coveted position as chief of his course. Verses 1-15
recorded the detail of this military provision and the names of the twelve captains.
CHAPTER 27:16-22
Before
David passed he was concerned about the political organization of each of the
tribes of Israel. Among the other matters in his check list and in the sacred
record of the chronicler would be the detail of the naming of the ruler or
prince of each tribe. The tribes of Gad and Asher are not listed here. For this
there is no satisfactory explanation.
David had
taken a military census of the tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 24:l-9; 1 Chronicles 21) contrary to Jehovah’s will. That
it was a military accounting is evident in this record (verse 23) which says that he would not number
those under twenty years of age.[3]
The military age was “twenty years old and upwards” (Numbers 1:3). Jehovah had made this wonderful
promise about multiplying Israel (Genesis 15:5), but David was not considering that promise when he ordered
Joab to take the census. Joab saw no need for the numbering and went about the
task half-heartedly. Joab made no atrempt to number the people of the tribes of
Levi and Benjamin (1 Chronicles 21:6), so
the census was never actually completed. Jehovah’s wrath came in the form of an
awful pestilence (1 Chronicles 21:1-7) which killed seventy thousand
Israelites. While David made remarkable provisions for all of the tribes of
Israel at this time in the record, the historian called to remembrance David’s
sin which had disastrously reduced Israel’s population.[4]
CHAPTER 27:25-34
There were
many departments in David’s government. He was careful to see that someone was
responsible for every area of concern.
Jonathan,
here called David’s uncle, is named in 2
Samuel 21:21 as David’s
brother Shimea’s son. He would then be David’s nephew. The term used here may
simply refer to Jonathan as a relative. His credentials in this record are very
good. He must have been intelligent, well educated, an able consultant to
David. Ahithophel was a trusted counsellor of David’s. He is identified as the
grandfather of Bathsheba. When Absalom rebelled, Ahithophel went with him.
Hushai returned to Jerusalem at the time of Absalom’s rebellion so he could
defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. When Ahithophel saw that he had taken second
place to Hushai, he went home and hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23). David
also received some valuable assistance in policy making from Jehoiada and
Abiathar, both of whom were from the priestly connection. Joab certainly was
one of David’s closest confidants. All of these men were makers of history.
Each was very influential in his own right and carried the destiny of many
people on his shoulders.[5]
CHAPTER 28:1-10
All that
has gone before has been but prelude for this grand occasion. David’s remaining
days were numbered. In a formal way he must charge Solomon with the awful
burden of building Jehovah’s house and ruling as king of Israel, Everybody who
had any responsible position in the life and government of Israel was called to
the capital city for this memorable occasion. Princes, captains, rulers,
officers, military heroes, along with common people assembled to hear King
David. The king summoned all his energies so he could stand up and speak with
enough volume to be heard. He addressed the hearers as “brethren” and as “my
people.” Once more he recalled his intention to build God’s house. He reminded
all of the leaders of Israel how Jehovah had chosen his tribe, his family,
himself, and now, his son, Solomon for kingship. David clearly stated that
Jehovah had named Solomon to succeed him as king and to be the one who would
build Jehovah’s “house and courts.” Solomon’s kingdom was to be established
forever, provided he was obedient to the Lord. David’s charge to Solomon and
the entire assembly was that they should learn Jehovah’s will and practice it.
Specifically,
David charged Solomon to come to know God. Let God be real to you. Be
intimately acquainted with Him. The perfect heart would let Jehovah lead and
would think God’s thoughts after Him. The willing mind is the steadfast purpose
to do God’s will God’s way. David reminded his son that he would have to answer
“the searcher of hearts.” “If you seek Him, you will find Him. If you forsake
Him, He will abandon you.” Solomon stood alone in that moment before Jehovah as
the one man charged to build and to lead.[6]
CHAPTER 28:11-21
A building
so elaborate as the Temple would require an extensive set of blueprints. When
Jehovah was ready to set His Tabernacle in the center of Israel’s camp He
provided a complete pattern for the structure. David planned this rather formal
presentation of the design for the building to Solomon. One can imagine how
David turned the respective pages af the blueprint. The pattern for the porch
at the entrance on the east, the plans for the “houses” (the Holy Place and the
Oracle), the diagrams for the “treasuries” (storerooms built in the walls of
the Temple), the blueprints for the “inner chambers” (the ground level rooms in
the Temple walls), the plans for the place of the mercy seat (the Oracle) were
all delivered directly to Solomon. The complete pattern in all of its details
WAS given to David “by the Spirit.” The Spirit of God communicated very clearly
with the spirit of David. The design for the courts and store rooms were also
submitted to Solomon. The schedule of the courses of priests and Levites
was formally presented. The specific dimensions and details of the vessels of
gold and silver, of the candlesticks, of the tables of shewbread (of which
there were ten-2 Chronicles 4:8), of the tools, bowls, flasks, altar of
incense, of the cherubim were placed in Solomon’s hands on this occasion, The
laws of Jehovah given at Mt. Sinai were written with the fingers of God.
Jehovah spoke to Moses “face to face.” David said with regard to the Temple
plans, “all of this have I received in writing from Jehovah’s hand.” He had no
misgivings as to the origin of the total design. David once again charges
Solomon to be firm in his commitment to begin and complete the Temple. Jehovah
would be with Solomon. The priests, the Levites, master craftsmen, willing
workmen, and all the people would provide the human resources to build
Jehovah’s House.[7]
CHAPTER 29:1-25
While
David had all of the dignitaries and leaders of Israel gathered before him, he charged
them with the work at hand. In verses 1-5 the principal question was, “who will
consecrate himself to Jehovah to build the Temple?”[8]
David feared what might happen after his death. Solomon was young. As king he could become interested in
many things besides Jehovah’s house. Solomon and all Israel needed to be
impressed with the fact that the “palace’’ (the Temple) is not for man, but for
Jehovah-God. Once more David summarized the provisions he had made.[9] In
addition to the precious metals and expensive wood, all kinds of precious
stones had been laid by for use in decorating the Temple. The onyx stone had
been used in the ephod of the High Priest. This was a beautiful green stone. There
were stones of variegated colors. Some of the precious stones were marble-like
or white. Considering the provisions made by David, every kind of precious gem
in abundance would be in the stock-pile of goods for the Temple. In addition to
all other preparations, David gave a “treasure of his own gold and silver.” The
value of this cannot accurately be estimated. When the name “Ophir” is
associated with gold it describes gold of highest quality. Ophir may have been
located in India, but most likely was in the region of Sheba in southwestern
Arabia.[10]
The manner
in which all of the Israelites “offered willingly’’ for their work reminds us
of the similar situation when Moses called for materials and workmen for the
Tabernacle (Exodus 36:2-7). Every
person with authority pledged himself and those associated with him to the work.
Princes and rulers brought gold, silver, brass, and precious stones to add to
the stock-pile of materials. There was great joy in Israel that day.[11]
David took
time to speak directly to Jehovah in the presence of the entire assembly.
Jehovah was the only existent God and He was Israel’s God. He hailed Jehovah as
king and confessed Him to be owner of all things. To Jehovah belonged the
kingdom, power, and glory. In all of the presentations made by king and people
for the Temple, David admitted that they had only returned to Jehovah a part of
that which He had given them. The brevity of man’s time on earth was contrasted
with the eternity of God. Just as a refiner of precious metals burns away the
impurities, so Jehovah “triest the heart.” David specifically addressed “the
God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel.” Once, even “the imaginations of men’s
hearts were evil” and Jehovah sent the Flood. Now, David prayed that the wonderful
spirit moving in Israel would always motivate God’s people. Commandments,
testimonies, and statutes have to do with the total law of Jehovah. David
prayed that Solomon would be blessed with perfect understanding of God’s will.[12]
All that
remained to be done was the sacrificing of the animals and the enthronement of
Solomon, Verses 21-25 refer to the super-abundance of the burn offerings. “A thousand bullocks, a
thousand rams, a thousand lambs, plus the drink offerings” were given in
Jehovah’s name. The burnt offerings always symbolized the complete devotion of the
offerer to his God. The eating and drinking most likely was associated with the
peace offerings in which the offerer and his family shared. They were in happy
covenant relationship with Jehovah. A previous public statement had been made
(1 Chronicles 23:1) about
Solomon as king. On this occasion the holy oil was poured on his head. He
received the crown and Jehovah’s law. Zadok was there as High Priest. Solomon
was Jehovah’s choice for this high office. The Hebrew people, the leaders and
princes (except Adonijah, Joab, and Abiathar) all gladly accepted Solomon. The
kingly office in Israel was to be magnified as never before.[13]
CHAPTER 29:26-30
The
concluding words in 1 Chronicles refer to the life and death of David. A son of
Jesse, the Bethlehemite, had ruled as lung of Israel. His reign spanned forty
years. “And he died,” a phrase necessarily a part of every biography since
Adam, had to be a part of this history. He was about seventy years of age, “a
good old age,” though not nearly as old as Abraham or Moses when they died.
Those who shared in writing the history of David were Samuel, Nathan, and Gad,
These men were seers and prophets and were personally acquainted with David. We
have the Biblical books of Samuel; but we have no books which are attributed to
Nathan and Gad. These men were aware that very important events were
transpiring in their day. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit they recorded
this sacred history. With regard to David’s death, Adam Clarke said that David
had attained “a good old age; having lived as long as living could be
desirable, and having in the main enjoyed good health. Full of days; having
lived till he saw everything that he lived for either accomplished or in a
state of forwardness. Full of riches; witness the immense sums left for the
Temple. Full of honour; having gained more renown than any crowned head ever
did, either before his time or since—laurels that are fresh to the present
hour.” Adam Clarke quotes Dr. Delaney’s evaluation of David’s life:
To sum up
all, David was a rrue believer. A zealous
adorer of God, teacher of his law and worship, and inspirer of his praise. A
glorious example. A perpetual
and inexhaustible fountain of true piety. A consummate and unequalled hero; a
skillful and fortunate captain; a steady patriot; a wise ruler; a faithful,
generous, and magnanimous friend; and what is yet rarer, a no less generous and
magnanimous enemy. A true penitent, a divine musician. A sublime poet, and an
inspired prophet. By birth,
a peasant; by merit, a prince; in youth, a hero; in manhood, a monarch; and in
age, a saint.[14]
REFLECTIONS ON DAVID’S LIFE
No other
character in the Old Testament stands out as does David. As a young man it is
said that he was "prudent in matters" (1 Sam. 16:18). He was a young
man with great faith in God, and he was strong in his convictions. He also was
a very obedient and respectful son. He was a young man of great courage. When
he came to the camp and saw Goliath the giant, he was not afraid, though it is
said of others, "And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled
from him, and were sore afraid" (1 Sam. 17:24). "And David said to
Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight
with this Philistine" (1 Sam. 17:32). Later it was said of him by
Jonathan, as he sought to convince Saul not to seek to harm David, "For he
did put his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a
great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore
then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause"
(1 Sam. 19:5)?
It was
said of David: "And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and
behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was
accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's
servants" (1 Sam. 18:5). "And David behaved himself wisely in all his
ways and the Lord was with him" (1 Sam. 18:14).
"Then
the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went
forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so
that his name was much set by" (1 Sam. 18:30).
Throughout
his life, for the most part, he was exemplary, and a great role model.
"But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in
before them" (1 Sam. 18:16). When David was chosen to be the king over
Israel he was a man after God's own heart. We read: "And Samuel said to
Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord
thy God which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy
kingdom upon Israel forever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord
hath sought a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be
captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord
commanded thee" (1 Sam. 13:13-14).
Paul said,
"And when he had removed him (Saul), he raised up David to be their king:
to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a
man after my own heart, which shall fulfil all my will" (Acts 13:22).
David
served God long and well, but, as with all men, death overtook him. "And
he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour" (1 Chr.
29:28). The apostle Paul said of David, "For David, after he had served
his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his
fathers, and saw corruption" (Acts 13:36).
The
blackest chapter in the life of David is that which relates to Uriah the
Hittite and Bathsheba. Sin usually grows in clusters. It is sad beyond
description to see David, who ordinarily was such a good and great man, in the
grasp of unholy passion, urged on from one crime to another, until he stands
exposed as a monster of iniquity. It is frightening to see what even a good man
is capable of doing if he gives in to evil passion. It can lead to crimes
before undreamed of, all because of just one false step. There are some things,
however, that should be said about David and sin.
1. Sin was
exceptional in the life of David, It was contrary to the tenor of his life, and
did not exhibit his true character.
2. After
he sinned he genuinely repented. No one can read Ps. 51 and fail to see the
terrible, torturing experiences of remorse and shame grinding him into the very
dust of humiliation and self-abhorrence. Much more space is given in the Bible
to this one crime of David than to many of his virtuous achievements. The first
gleam of light that broke in upon this thick darkness was when the brave and
faithful Nathan so skillfully and fearlessly approached the king and exposed
his crimes (2 Sam. 12). To David's credit, instead of denying his crimes and
driving Nathan away, he humbly said "I have sinned against the Lord."
It is
often said that David, the adulterer and murderer, was called "a man after
God's own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). However, it must be
remembered that it was not in reference to his sins that he is called a man
after God's own heart, nor was it after he had so terribly sinned. The
statement was made about him when God chose him to be king. It should be
pointed out that it is with reference to his readiness to do the will of God in
the affairs of the kingdom that he was thus spoken of, and this was in contrast
to Saul, who stubbornly followed his own will and set aside God's instructions
as given to him by Samuel. It is said in the sense of the readiness of David to
do God's will, as the history of his forty years' reign as king of Israel
abundantly shows.
It is a
serious charge against God to claim that God approved of any of David's wicked
ways. The prophet affirmed of God, "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold
evil, and canst not look on iniquity" (Hab. 1:13). God punished David, the
royal sinner. He was Divinely rebuked and Divinely punished, and he was taught
just how serious it is to depart from the living God.[15]
[1] Robert E.
Black. The Books of Chronicles in
Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
[2] Garland
Elkins. “David Numbers Israel, Charges and Crowns Solomon, and Dies” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles.
Ed. By Dub McClish, Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.
[3] Cook, F. C., The Bible Commentary, I
Samuel-Esther, p. 363
[4] Robert E.
Black. The Books of Chronicles in
Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
[5]
Ibid.
[6]
Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Elmslie, W. A. L., The Interpreter’sBible, Vol.
111, pp. 438, 439.
[9] Spence,
H. D. M., The Pulpit Commentary, I
Chvonicles, pp. 434, 435.
[10] Robert E.
Black. The Books of Chronicles in
Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
[11]
Ibid.
[12]
Ibid.
[13]
Ibid.
[14] Clarke, Adam, A Commentary and Critical
Notes, Vol. 11, p. 634.
[15] Garland
Elkins. “David Numbers Israel, Charges and Crowns Solomon, and Dies” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles.
Ed. By Dub McClish, Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.
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