1 Chronicles 28: Pattern, Presence, and a Willing People
Gathered at the end David’s last public act is not nostalgia; it is a handoff. He gathers “all the officials” and sets Solomon forward before the nation. In the ancient world, succession was fragile. Public assembly functioned like a covenant ceremony: witnesses, charge, and blessing. The Chronicler—writing to a post‑exile community—holds up this moment to say, “Order your life with God at the center; do the work together.”
We have watched in recent days how David ordered worship, gates, music, justice, and stewardship. Today he gives the why and the how.
“Know” and “seek” David’s first words to Solomon hit the heart: “Know the God of your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind” (1 Chronicles 28:9, New International Version). Two verbs carry the chapter:
He adds, “The Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought” (1 Chronicles 28:9, New International Version). Western readers can miss how communal this is. The king’s inner life shapes a people’s future. David calls for levav shalem—an undivided heart. Calvin noted that God “is not appeased by outward pomp” but weighs the heart. The Chronicler underscores this theme again and again: seeking God brings rest; forsaking God brings loss (cf. 2 Chronicles 15:2).
The pattern from the Spirit David then gives Solomon “the plan” for the temple—rooms, courts, treasuries, divisions, vessels, even weights of gold and silver. He says it came “in writing, from the hand of the Lord upon me” and “by his Spirit” (1 Chronicles 28:12, 19, New International Version). The Hebrew word for plan is tabnith—pattern—used in Exodus for the tabernacle blueprint shown to Moses. David stands here like a new Moses, handing a Spirit‑given pattern to a son who will build. This links Israel’s worship from tent to temple, from wandering to rest (recall 1 Chronicles 22: rest then building).
Archaeology reminds us how real this was: the Tel Dan Stele (9th century BC) names the “House of David,” and temple plans from across the Levant show kinship in layout and craft. Israel’s God speaks into a known building world—but gives a uniquely God‑centered pattern, climaxing in the ark beneath outspread cherubim. The “chariot of the cherubim” (merkavah) language hints that the enthroned Lord is mobile—free, sovereign, not contained.
Be strong and do the work David’s last pastoral word is bracing and tender: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged… He will not fail you or forsake you” (1 Chronicles 28:20, New International Version). Echoes of Deuteronomy 31 and Joshua 1 resound. God’s presence does not cancel effort; it makes obedience possible. Augustine spoke of ordered love. We have seen across chapters 23–27 that order is love in action. Now David says, “Do it.”
Note the promise: “my God is with you.” Not only “God,” but “my God”—an inheritance of trust passed to a son. Our churches also need that: not techniques first, but testimony—“my God has been faithful; take courage and build.”
Willing people, skilled hands The chapter ends with a quiet miracle: “The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready… and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you” (1 Chronicles 28:21, New International Version). The Hebrew for willing (nadib) speaks of generosity of heart—the same word for nobles. In God’s economy, nobility is willingness. This squares with what we have been pondering: stewarding fields and storehouses (ch. 27), guarding gates (ch. 26), singing as service (ch. 25). Temple work is not only priestly; it is also artisanal. God’s house is built by sanctified skill.
Forward to Christ and the church David provides; Solomon builds. In the fullness of time, the greater Son says, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19, New International Version). He is both David and Solomon in one—warrior and builder—winning peace by the cross and raising a living temple, the church. Hebrews recalls Moses seeing “the pattern” (Greek typos) on the mountain and points us to the true sanctuary in heaven (Hebrews 8:5). Peter then brings it home: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5, New International Version). The Spirit still gives patterns—word‑shaped, Christ‑centered plans—for communities to order worship, mercy, and mission.
Notes for the curious - Heart language: levav (heart/mind) and shalem (whole, undivided) in 28:9 signal integrity, not perfectionism. - Pattern (tabnith): the same term used in Exodus 25–31; the Chronicler casts David as a Spirit‑guided mediator. - Weights and vessels: the careful gold/silver weights suggest transparency. In the ancient world, temple treasuries were national vaults; the Chronicler highlights accountability in worship economics.
Cross‑references - Seeking/heart: Psalm 139:1–4; Jeremiah 17:10; 2 Chronicles 15:2; James 4:8. - Courage/presence: Deuteronomy 31:6–8; Joshua 1:5–9; Hebrews 13:5–6. - Pattern/temple fulfilled: Exodus 25:9, 40; Hebrews 8:5; John 2:19–22; 1 Peter 2:4–10; Ephesians 2:19–22.
Practice for today - Begin with knowing: Take ten quiet minutes and speak to God as “my God.” Name where you fear the work; ask for an undivided heart. - Seek and plan: Let Scripture give your “pattern.” Write a simple plan for worship, rest, generosity, and service this week. - Do the work: Choose one obedient action you have delayed—an apology, a visit, a gift, a hard conversation. - Find the willing: Invite skilled, willing people into the work. Name their gifts. Honor artisans, administrators, musicians, and guards of the “gates” of your community. - Encourage a successor: Tell a younger believer, “Be strong and do it… my God is with you.” Then stay nearby, as David promised to supply and support.
A hymn to sing “How Firm a Foundation” pairs well here—its refrain, “I’ll never, no never, no never forsake,” mirrors David’s charge.
Prayer Lord, our God and the God of our fathers, give us an undivided heart to know you and a willing mind to serve you. By your Spirit, set before us the pattern that pleases you, and give us courage to do the work. Establish skilled and willing hands in our churches. Keep us from fear, from show, and from divided loves. Build us together in Christ into a dwelling place for your presence. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Narrated version of this devotional on 1 Chronicles Chapter 28