Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Chronicles 22

This account of the census is similar to 2 Samuel 24:1–25 but focuses on different aspects. The Chronicler’s version sets the stage for dedicating the altar and preparing to build the temple (1 Chronicles 22).

The census and plague led to dedicating Araunah’s threshing floor as the site for the new sanctuary. Normally, offerings were made at Gibeon, where the tabernacle was located (see 1 Chronicles 16:39; 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:3). The plague stopped at the threshing floor, allowing David to make offerings there as instructed by Gad the seer (1 Chronicles 21:18). David then chose this new location for the future temple of the Lord God.

God promised David that his kingdom would last forever and that his son would build a temple for the Lord (1 Chronicles 17:11–12). After choosing the site (1 Chronicles 21:18–22:1), David prepared to build the temple of God. He gathered materials (1 Chronicles 22:2–5) and instructed Solomon (22:6–16) and the leaders of Israel (22:17–19) to build the temple after his death.

When Solomon was young and inexperienced (see also 1 Chronicles 29:1; compare 1 Kings 3:7; 2 Chronicles 13:7), David used his wisdom and skill to prepare for building the temple. David also designed the temple (1 Chronicles 28:11–12). Later, God gave Solomon the wisdom he needed to build the temple and govern well (see 2 Chronicles 1:7–12).

God did not allow David to build the temple because he had shed much blood (see 1 Kings 5:3–4). David's wars were not wrong, and God had blessed and supported them. However, the bloodshed and deaths in battle made David ceremonially unclean (see 1 Chronicles 28:3; compare Genesis 4:10–12; Leviticus 17:3–4; Deuteronomy 21:1–9; Matthew 27:24–25). Therefore, he could not build a holy sanctuary for the Lord.

• Solomon was a man of peace, avoiding war and bloodshed in battle. The temple was constructed during his peaceful rule (see 2 Chronicles 2–7).

• The Hebrew text uses two different words to describe conditions during Solomon’s reign:

  • peace (Hebrew shalom, related to Solomon’s name)

  • quiet (Hebrew menukhah, related to the idea of redemption)