221 Then David said , " This is the house of the Lord God , and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel ."

David's Preparation for the Temple

2 So David gave orders to gather the foreigners who were in the land of Israel , and he set stonecutters to hew out stones to build the house of God . 3 David prepared large quantities of iron to make the nails for the doors of the gates and for the clamps , and more bronze than could be weighed ; 4 and timbers of cedar logs beyond number , for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought large quantities of cedar timber to David . 5 David said , "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced , and the house that is to be built for the Lord shall be exceedingly magnificent , famous and glorious throughout all lands . Therefore now I will make preparation for it." So David made ample preparations before his death .

6 Then he called for his son Solomon , and charged him to build a house for the Lord God of Israel . 7 David said to Solomon , " My son , I had intended to build a house to the name of the Lord my God . 8 "But the word of the Lord came to me, saying , ' You have shed much blood and have waged great wars ; you shall not build a house to My name , because you have shed so much blood on the earth before Me. 9 'Behold , a son will be born to you, who shall be a man of rest ; and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side ; for his name shall be Solomon , and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days . 10 ' He shall build a house for My name , and he shall be My son and I will be his father ; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever e .' 11 "Now , my son , the Lord be with you that you may be successful , and build the house of the Lord your God just as He has spoken concerning you. 12 " Only the Lord give you discretion and understanding , and give you charge over Israel , so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God . 13 " Then you will prosper , if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel . Be strong and courageous , do not fear nor be dismayed . 14 "Now behold , with great pains I have prepared for the house of the Lord 100,000 e talents of gold and 1,000,000 e talents of silver , and bronze and iron beyond weight , for they are in great quantity ; also timber and stone I have prepared , and you may add to them. 15 "Moreover, there are many workmen with you, stonecutters and masons of stone and carpenters e , and all men who are skillful in every kind of work . 16 "Of the gold , the silver and the bronze and the iron there is no limit . Arise and work , and may the Lord be with you."

17 David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon , saying, 18 "Is not the Lord your God with you? And has He not given you rest on every side ? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand , and the land is subdued before the Lord and before His people . 19 "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God ; arise , therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord God , so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord ."

231 Now when David reached old age , he made his son Solomon king over Israel .

The Divisions and Duties of the Levites

2 And he gathered together all the leaders of Israel with the priests and the Levites . 3 The Levites were numbered from thirty years old and upward , and their number by census of men was 38,000 e e . 4 Of these , 24,000 e e were to oversee the work of the house of the Lord ; and 6,000 e were officers and judges 5 and 4,000 e were gatekeepers , and 4,000 e were praising the Lord with the instruments which David made for giving praise . 6 David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi : Gershon , Kohath , and Merari . 7 Of the Gershonites were Ladan and Shimei . 8 The sons of Ladan were Jehiel the first and Zetham and Joel , three . 9 The sons of Shimei were Shelomoth and Haziel and Haran , three . These were the heads of the fathers' households of Ladan . 10 The sons of Shimei were Jahath , Zina , Jeush and Beriah . These four were the sons of Shimei . 11 Jahath was the first and Zizah the second ; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons , so they became a father's household , one class . 12 The sons of Kohath were four : Amram , Izhar , Hebron and Uzziel . 13 The sons of Amram were Aaron and Moses . And Aaron was set apart to sanctify him as most holy , he and his sons forever e , to burn incense before the Lord , to minister to Him and to bless in His name forever e . 14 But as for Moses the man of God , his sons were named among the tribe of Levi 15 The sons of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer . 16 The son of Gershom was Shebuel the chief . 17 The son of Eliezer was Rehabiah the chief ; and Eliezer had no other sons , but the sons of Rehabiah were very many . 18 The son of Izhar was Shelomith the chief . 19 The sons of Hebron were Jeriah the first , Amariah the second , Jahaziel the third and Jekameam the fourth 20 The sons of Uzziel were Micah the first and Isshiah the second . 21 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi . The sons of Mahli were Eleazar and Kish 22 Eleazar died and had no sons , but daughters only , so their brothers , the sons of Kish , took them as wives. 23 The sons of Mushi were three : Mahli , Eder and Jeremoth .

24 These were the sons of Levi according to their fathers' households , even the heads of the fathers' households of those of them who were counted , in the number of names by their census , doing the work for the service of the house of the Lord , from twenty years old and upward . 25 For David said , "The Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people , and He dwells in Jerusalem forever e . 26 "Also , the Levites will no longer need to carry the tabernacle and all its utensils for its service ." 27 For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered from twenty years old and upward . 28 For their office is to assist the sons of Aaron with the service of the house of the Lord , in the courts and in the chambers and in the purifying of all holy things , even the work of the service of the house of God , 29 and with the showbread e , and the fine flour for a grain offering , and unleavened wafers , or what is baked in the pan or what is well-mixed , and all measures of volume and size . 30 They are to stand every morning to thank and to praise the Lord , and likewise at evening , 31 and to offer all burnt offerings to the Lord , on the sabbaths , the new moons and the fixed festivals in the number set by the ordinance concerning them, continually before the Lord . 32 Thus they are to keep charge of the tent of meeting , and charge of the holy place, and charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives , for the service of the house of the Lord .

241 Now the divisions of the descendants of Aaron were these: the sons of Aaron were Nadab , Abihu , Eleazar and Ithamar . 2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no sons . So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests . 3 David , with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar , divided them according to their offices for their ministry . 4 Since more chief men were found from the descendants of Eleazar than the descendants of Ithamar , they divided them thus: there were sixteen e heads of fathers' households of the descendants of Eleazar and eight of the descendants of Ithamar , according to their fathers' households . 5 Thus they were divided by lot , the one as the other ; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God , both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar . 6 Shemaiah , the son of Nethanel the scribe , from the Levites , recorded them in the presence of the king , the princes , Zadok the priest , Ahimelech the son of Abiathar , and the heads of the fathers' households of the priests and of the Levites ; one father's household taken for Eleazar and one taken for Ithamar . 7 Now the first lot came out for Jehoiarib , the second for Jedaiah , 8 the third for Harim , the fourth for Seorim , 9 the fifth for Malchijah , the sixth for Mijamin , 10 the seventh for Hakkoz , the eighth for Abijah , 11 the ninth for Jeshua , the tenth for Shecaniah , 12 the eleventh e for Eliashib , the twelfth e for Jakim , 13 the thirteenth e for Huppah , the fourteenth e for Jeshebeab , 14 the fifteenth e for Bilgah , the sixteenth e for Immer , 15 the seventeenth e for Hezir , the eighteenth e for Happizzez , 16 the nineteenth e for Pethahiah , the twentieth for Jehezkel , 17 the twenty-first e for Jachin , the twenty-second e for Gamul , 18 the twenty-third e for Delaiah , the twenty-fourth e for Maaziah . 19 These were their offices for their ministry when they came in to the house of the Lord according to the ordinance given to them through Aaron their father , just as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him.

20 Now for the rest of the sons of Levi : of the sons of Amram , Shubael ; of the sons of Shubael , Jehdeiah . 21 Of Rehabiah : of the sons of Rehabiah , Isshiah the first . 22 Of the Izharites , Shelomoth ; of the sons of Shelomoth , Jahath . 23 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the first, Amariah the second , Jahaziel the third , Jekameam the fourth . 24 Of the sons of Uzziel , Micah ; of the sons of Micah , Shamir . 25 The brother of Micah , Isshiah ; of the sons of Isshiah , Zechariah . 26 The sons of Merari , Mahli and Mushi ; the sons of Jaaziah , Beno . 27 The sons of Merari : by Jaaziah were Beno , Shoham , Zaccur and Ibri . 28 By Mahli : Eleazar , who had no sons . 29 By Kish : the sons of Kish , Jerahmeel . 30 The sons of Mushi : Mahli , Eder and Jerimoth . These were the sons of the Levites according to their fathers' households . 31 These also cast lots just as their relatives the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king , Zadok , Ahimelech , and the heads of the fathers' households of the priests and of the Levites -the head of fathers' households as well as those of his younger brother .

28 So Jesus said , "When you lift up the Son of Man , then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative , but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone , for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." 30 As He spoke these things , many came to believe in Him.

The Truth Shall Make You Free

31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, " If you continue in My word , then you are truly disciples of Mine ; 32 and you will know the truth , and the truth will make you free ." 33 They answered Him, " We are Abraham's descendants and have never e yet been enslaved to anyone ; how is it that You say , 'You will become free '?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Truly , truly , I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin . 35 " The slave does not remain in the house forever ; the son does remain forever . 36 "So if the Son makes you free , you will be free indeed . 37 "I know that you are Abraham's descendants ; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.

38 "I speak the things which I have seen with My Father ; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father ."

Your Father the Devil

39 They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father ." Jesus said to them, " If you are Abraham's children , do the deeds of Abraham . 40 "But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth , which I heard from God ; this Abraham did not do . 41 "You are doing the deeds of your father ." They said to Him, "We were not born of fornication ; we have one Father : God ." 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father , you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God , for I have not even come on My own initiative , but He sent Me. 43 "Why e do you not understand what I am saying ? It is because you cannot e hear My word . 44 " You are of your father the devil , and you want to do the desires of your father . He was a murderer from the beginning , and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie , he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies . 45 "But because I speak the truth , you do not believe Me.

46 "Which one of you convicts Me of sin ? If I speak truth , why e do you not believe Me? 47 " He who is of God hears the words of God ; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God ."

Before Abraham Was, I Am

48 The Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon ?" 49 Jesus answered , "I do not have a demon ; but I honor My Father , and you dishonor Me. 50 "But I do not seek My glory ; there is One who seeks and judges .

51 "Truly , truly , I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never e see death ." 52 The Jews said to Him, "Now we know that You have a demon . Abraham died , and the prophets also; and You say , 'If anyone keeps My word , he will never e taste of death .' 53 "Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham , who died ? The prophets died too ; whom do You make Yourself out to be?" 54 Jesus answered , " If I glorify Myself , My glory is nothing ; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say , 'He is our God '; 55 and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word . 56 " Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day , and he saw it and was glad ." 57 So the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham ?" 58 Jesus said to them, "Truly , truly , I say to you, before Abraham was born , I am ." 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 8:28-59

Commentary on John 8:21-29

(Read John 8:21-29)

Those that live in unbelief, are for ever undone, if they die in unbelief. The Jews belonged to this present evil world, but Jesus was of a heavenly and Divine nature, so that his doctrine, kingdom, and blessings, would not suit their taste. But the curse of the law is done away to all that submit to the grace of the gospel. Nothing but the doctrine of Christ's grace will be an argument powerful enough, and none but the Spirit of Christ's grace will be an agent powerful enough, to turn us from sin to God; and that Spirit is given, and that doctrine is given, to work upon those only who believe in Christ. Some say, Who is this Jesus? They allow him to have been a Prophet, an excellent Teacher, and even more than a creature; but cannot acknowledge him as over all, God blessed for evermore. Will not this suffice? Jesus here answers the question. Is this to honour him as the Father? Does this admit his being the Light of the world, and the Life of men, one with the Father? All shall know by their conversion, or in their condemnation, that he always spake and did what pleased the Father, even when he claimed the highest honours to himself.

Commentary on John 8:30-36

(Read John 8:30-36)

Such power attended our Lord's words, that many were convinced, and professed to believe in him. He encouraged them to attend his teaching, rely on his promises, and obey his commands, notwithstanding all temptations to evil. Thus doing, they would be his disciples truly; and by the teaching of his word and Spirit, they would learn where their hope and strength lay. Christ spoke of spiritual liberty; but carnal hearts feel no other grievances than those that molest the body, and distress their worldly affairs. Talk to them of their liberty and property, tell them of waste committed upon their lands, or damage done to their houses, and they understand you very well; but speak of the bondage of sin, captivity to Satan, and liberty by Christ; tell of wrong done to their precious souls, and the hazard of their eternal welfare, then you bring strange things to their ears. Jesus plainly reminded them, that the man who practised any sin, was, in fact, a slave to that sin, which was the case with most of them. Christ in the gospel offers us freedom, he has power to do this, and those whom Christ makes free are really so. But often we see persons disputing about liberty of every kind, while they are slaves to some sinful lust.

Commentary on John 8:37-40

(Read John 8:37-40)

Our Lord opposed the proud and vain confidence of these Jews, showing that their descent from Abraham could not profit those of a contrary spirit to him. Where the word of God has no place, no good is to be expected; room is left there for all wickedness. A sick person who turns from his physician, and will take neither remedies nor food, is past hope of recovery. The truth both heals and nourishes the hearts of those who receive it. The truth taught by philosophers has not this power and effect, but only the truth of God. Those who claim the privileges of Abraham, must do Abraham's works; must be strangers and sojourners in this world; keep up the worship of God in their families, and always walk before God.

Commentary on John 8:41-47

(Read John 8:41-47)

Satan prompts men to excesses by which they murder themselves and others, while what he puts into the mind tends to ruin men's souls. He is the great promoter of falsehood of every kind. He is a liar, all his temptations are carried on by his calling evil good, and good evil, and promising freedom in sin. He is the author of all lies; whom liars resemble and obey, with whom all liars shall have their portion for ever. The special lusts of the devil are spiritual wickedness, the lusts of the mind, and corrupt reasonings, pride and envy, wrath and malice, enmity to good, and enticing others to evil. By the truth, here understand the revealed will of God as to the salvation of men by Jesus Christ, the truth Christ was now preaching, and which the Jews opposed.

Commentary on John 8:48-53

(Read John 8:48-53)

Observe Christ's disregard of the applause of men. those who are dead to the praises of men can bear their contempt. God will seek the honour of all who do not seek their own. In these verses we have the doctrine of the everlasting happiness of believers. We have the character of a believer; he is one that keeps the sayings of the Lord Jesus. And the privilege of a believer; he shall by no means see death for ever. Though now they cannot avoid seeing death, and tasting it also, yet they shall shortly be where it will be no more forever, Exodus 14:13.

Commentary on John 8:54-59

(Read John 8:54-59)

Christ and all that are his, depend upon God for honour. Men may be able to dispute about God, yet may not know him. Such as know not God, and obey not the gospel of Christ, are put together, Revelation 13:8. The Lord Jesus was made of God Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption, to Adam, and Abel, and all that lived and died by faith in him, before Abraham. The Jews were about to stone Jesus for blasphemy, but he withdrew; by his miraculous power he passed through them unhurt. Let us stedfastly profess what we know and believe concerning God; and if heirs of Abraham's faith, we shall rejoice in looking forward to that day when the Saviour shall appear in glory, to the confusion of his enemies, and to complete the salvation of all who believe in him.