David’s Contribution

For seven years Jerusalem was filled with busy workers engaged in leveling the chosen site, in building vast retaining walls, in laying broad foundations. . . . “Simultaneously with the preparation of wood and stone, to which task many thousands were bending their energies, the manufacture of the furnishings for the temple was steadily progressing under the leadership of Huram of Tyre. . . . 2 Chronicles 2:13, 14. “Thus as the building on Mount Moriah was noiselessly upreared with ‘stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor ax nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building,’ the beautiful fittings were perfected according to the patterns committed by David to his son, ‘all the vessels that were for the house of God.’ 1 Kings 6:7; 2 Chronicles 4:19.

These included the altar of incense, the table of shewbread, the candlestick and lamps, with the vessels and instruments connected with the ministrations of the priests in the holy place, all ‘of gold, and that perfect gold.’ 2 Chronicles 4:21.

“These furnishings were provided in abundance, that there should be no lack.” Although known as “Solomon’s temple,” David bought the land, drew the design, collected the funds, and passed the information on to his son (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 21:18–22:5).

“It was his [David’s] hope and purpose to build the Temple, but that task, he was told, was not for him. Humbly he submitted to the divine will, accepting those tasks that God had for him, and not permitting himself to become sullen and morose because he was not permitted to carry out his own purpose.” Would you surrender your treasured plans to God’s will as graciously as David?