221 And David saith, 'This is the house of Jehovah God, and this the altar for burnt-offering for Israel.'

David's Preparation for the Temple

2 And David saith to gather the sojourners who 'are' in the land of Israel, and appointeth hewers to hew hewn-stones to build a house of God. 3 And iron in abundance for nails for leaves of the gates, and for couplings, hath David prepared, and brass in abundance—there is no weighing. 4 And cedar-trees even without number, for the Zidonians and the Tyrians brought in cedar-trees in abundance to David. 5 And David saith, 'Solomon my son 'is' a youth and tender, and the house to be built to Jehovah 'is' to be made exceedingly great, for name and for beauty to all the lands; let me prepare, I pray Thee, for it;' and David prepareth in abundance before his death.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 22:1-5

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 22:1-5

(Read 1 Chronicles 22:1-5)

On occasion of the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built; upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. David must not build, but he would do all he could; he prepared abundantly before his death. What our hands find to do for God, and our souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before our death; for after death there is no device nor working. And when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere.