Chapter Summary

David counsels Israel and Solomon concerning the temple.

Discussion Questions for 1 Chronicles, Chapter 28

1. 1 Chronicles 28:1, “David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, the officials of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the stewards of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the seasoned warriors.” (ESV) What does the variety of officials teach us? Which of these officials sticks out to you the most? What about them catches your eye?
2. How do you think the people viewed the transition of leadership from David to Solomon? How does David carry himself and lead in this transition? If you were a townsperson, how would you view this transition?
3. What are some things that David did to set Solomon up well for him to step into leadership? Why would these these be helpful to Solomon?
4. 1 Chronicles 28:2, “Then King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building.” (ESV) What does it mean that the house would be a place of “rest” and a “footstool”?
5. 1 Chronicles 28:5, “And of all my sons (for the LORD has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.” (ESV) Why did God choose Solomon? How might this have a similar feeling to when God chose David among all of his brothers?
6. 1 Chronicles 28:9, “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” (ESV) What heart posture do you see from David in this verse? How do you hear his tone or see his facial expressions? What does this verse reflect to you about God’s character?
7. What does it mean to serve God with your “whole heart”? (vs.9) Who or what in your life has shaped your understanding of whole hearted service to God?
8. 1 Chronicles 28:18, “For the altar of incense made of refined gold, and its weight; also his plan for the golden chariot of the cherubim that spread their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.” Why did the cherubim’s wings cover the ark? What is the significance of this?
9. 1 Chronicles 28:20, “Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.” (ESV) Why was there such an emphasis on encouragement? What does David’s emphasis on endurance tell us about the task Solomon was given? What word of hope is given to Solomon?
10. In times when you have received a weighty task or have been in a hard season, what words of encouragement have been most uplifting to you? What Scripture or characteristic of The Lord has meant the most to you?

Key Words/Phrase

Counsel, v. 2.

Characters

God, David, Holy Spirit (v. 12), Solomon.

Strong Verse(s)

8, 9, 20.