1 Chron. 28 Just Do It!

David had already spoken to Solomon privately, now he speaks to “all the leaders of Israel”, including Solomon. At this stage of his life, David spent in bed due to his age; yet on this occasion, he stood to his feet to speak to these leaders.

He reviews what had been in his heart and that the Lord wouldn’t permit him to construct the Temple, but that Solomon would. Keep in mind that these admonishments were directed to all of the leaders, not just Solomon. Among those admonishments were to “seek out all the commandments of the Lord”. If Solomon and the leaders would do so they would “possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance”. Their generation would benefit from following the Lord and future generations would as well.

Note, “leave it as an inheritance”; which carries the idea of being a good steward over the land, not just possessing the land. We too have a responsibility to “leave” the land so future generations will be able to enjoy it as much as we do.

Are we leaving an inheritance or a heritage?

It has been said that “Everything rises and falls on leadership”. David seems to direct these words to Solomon in particular in the hearing of the other leaders. David charged his son to “serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind”. Being fully devoted to the Lord was a priority given to Solomon. As he sought the Lord in this manner, the promise was “He will be found by you”. Not that God loses us, but that we position ourselves to be blessed and protected by Him. In converse, if Solomon were to “forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.” We saw that happen over the course of Solomon’s life, as he drifted away from serving the Lord, pursued foreign wives, and eventually became an idolater.

David not only provided advice, he also provided the young king with plan on how to build the Temple and the weights and measures by which the accessories were to be added as well. Solomon was well equipped for constructing the entire Temple and all that went with it. A challenge we face today is leaving for our children and grandchildren how to live and a plan by which they can live well. That can only happen as they follow the Lord; which our lives ought to model.

The final words Solomon is given by his father are to “be strong and of good courage, and do it.” We read in verse ten and now in verse 20, that David charged Solomon to “do it!” “When all is said and done, more is said than done!” God help us to not just talk about doing great things for the Lord, let us heed David’s counsel to his son and just “do it.”