Category: 1 Chronicles

David Takes a Census

1 Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel.

2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.”

3 But Joab replied, “May theLordincrease the number of his people a hundred times over! But why, my lord the king, do you want to do this? Are they not all your servants? Why must you cause Israel to sin?”

4 But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab traveled throughout all Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalem

5 and reported the number of people to David. There were 1,100,000 warriors in all Israel who could handle a sword, and 470,000 in Judah.

6 But Joab did not include the tribes of Levi and Benjamin in the census because he was so distressed at what the king had made him do.

Judgment for David’s Sin

7 God was very displeased with the census, and he punished Israel for it.

8 Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”

9 Then theLordspoke to Gad, David’s seer. This was the message:

10 “Go and say to David, ‘This is what theLordsays: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.’”

11 So Gad came to David and said, “These are the choices theLordhas given you.

12 You may choose three years of famine, three months of destruction by the sword of your enemies, or three days of severe plague as the angel of theLordbrings devastation throughout the land of Israel. Decide what answer I should give theLordwho sent me.”

13 “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of theLord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”

14 So theLordsent a plague upon Israel, and 70,000 people died as a result.

15 And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But just as the angel was preparing to destroy it, theLordrelented and said to the death angel, “Stop! That is enough!” At that moment the angel of theLordwas standing by the threshing floor of Araunahthe Jebusite.

16 David looked up and saw the angel of theLordstanding between heaven and earth with his sword drawn, reaching out over Jerusalem. So David and the leaders of Israel put on burlap to show their deep distress and fell face down on the ground.

17 And David said to God, “I am the one who called for the census! I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are as innocent as sheep—what have they done? OLordmy God, let your anger fall against me and my family, but do not destroy your people.”

David Builds an Altar

18 Then the angel of theLordtold Gad to instruct David to go up and build an altar to theLordon the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

19 So David went up to do what theLordhad commanded him through Gad.

20 Araunah, who was busy threshing wheat at the time, turned and saw the angel there. His four sons, who were with him, ran away and hid.

21 When Araunah saw David approaching, he left his threshing floor and bowed before David with his face to the ground.

22 David said to Araunah, “Let me buy this threshing floor from you at its full price. Then I will build an altar to theLordthere, so that he will stop the plague.”

23 “Take it, my lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, and the threshing boards for wood to build a fire on the altar, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give it all to you.”

24 But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it for the full price. I will not take what is yours and give it to theLord. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing!”

25 So David gave Araunah 600 pieces of goldin payment for the threshing floor.

26 David built an altar there to theLordand sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. And when David prayed, theLordanswered him by sending fire from heaven to burn up the offering on the altar.

27 Then theLordspoke to the angel, who put the sword back into its sheath.

28 When David saw that theLordhad answered his prayer, he offered sacrifices there at Araunah’s threshing floor.

29 At that time the Tabernacle of theLordand the altar of burnt offering that Moses had made in the wilderness were located at the place of worship in Gibeon.

30 But David was not able to go there to inquire of God, because he was terrified by the drawn sword of the angel of theLord.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/1CH/21-f513c28a1af0439ff2f604f4b4d95b00.mp3?version_id=116—

1 Then David said, “This will be the location for the Temple of theLordGod and the place of the altar for Israel’s burnt offerings!”

Preparations for the Temple

2 So David gave orders to call together the foreigners living in Israel, and he assigned them the task of preparing finished stone for building the Temple of God.

3 David provided large amounts of iron for the nails that would be needed for the doors in the gates and for the clamps, and he gave more bronze than could be weighed.

4 He also provided innumerable cedar logs, for the men of Tyre and Sidon had brought vast amounts of cedar to David.

5 David said, “My son Solomon is still young and inexperienced. And since the Temple to be built for theLordmust be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world, I will begin making preparations for it now.” So David collected vast amounts of building materials before his death.

6 Then David sent for his son Solomon and instructed him to build a Temple for theLord, the God of Israel.

7 “My son, I wanted to build a Temple to honor the name of theLordmy God,” David told him.

8 “But theLordsaid to me, ‘You have killed many men in the battles you have fought. And since you have shed so much blood in my sight, you will not be the one to build a Temple to honor my name.

9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon,and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign.

10 He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

11 “Now, my son, may theLordbe with you and give you success as you follow his directions in building the Temple of theLordyour God.

12 And may theLordgive you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of theLordyour God as you rule over Israel.

13 For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that theLordgave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!

14 “I have worked hard to provide materials for building the Temple of theLord—nearly 4,000 tons of gold, 40,000 tons of silver,and so much iron and bronze that it cannot be weighed. I have also gathered timber and stone for the walls, though you may need to add more.

15 You have a large number of skilled stonemasons and carpenters and craftsmen of every kind.

16 You have expert goldsmiths and silversmiths and workers of bronze and iron. Now begin the work, and may theLordbe with you!”

17 Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon in this project.

18 “TheLordyour God is with you,” he declared. “He has given you peace with the surrounding nations. He has handed them over to me, and they are now subject to theLordand his people.

19 Now seek theLordyour God with all your heart and soul. Build the sanctuary of theLordGod so that you can bring the Ark of theLord’s Covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor theLord’s name.”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/1CH/22-7ed0f39d489c888bd6eadec44ec28cdb.mp3?version_id=116—

Duties of the Levites

1 When David was an old man, he appointed his son Solomon to be king over Israel.

2 David summoned all the leaders of Israel, together with the priests and Levites.

3 All the Levites who were thirty years old or older were counted, and the total came to 38,000.

4 Then David said, “From all the Levites, 24,000 will supervise the work at the Temple of theLord. Another 6,000 will serve as officials and judges.

5 Another 4,000 will work as gatekeepers, and 4,000 will praise theLordwith the musical instruments I have made.”

6 Then David divided the Levites into divisions named after the clans descended from the three sons of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

The Gershonites

7 The Gershonite family units were defined by their lines of descent from Libniand Shimei, the sons of Gershon.

8 Three of the descendants of Libni were Jehiel (the family leader), Zetham, and Joel.

9 These were the leaders of the family of Libni.

Three of the descendants of Shimei were Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran.

10 Four other descendants of Shimei were Jahath, Ziza,Jeush, and Beriah.

11 Jahath was the family leader, and Ziza was next. Jeush and Beriah were counted as a single family because neither had many sons.

The Kohathites

12 Four of the descendants of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

13 The sons of Amram were Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart to dedicate the most holy things, to offer sacrifices in theLord’s presence, to serve theLord, and to pronounce blessings in his name forever.

14 As for Moses, the man of God, his sons were included with the tribe of Levi.

15 The sons of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer.

16 The descendants of Gershom included Shebuel, the family leader.

17 Eliezer had only one son, Rehabiah, the family leader. Rehabiah had numerous descendants.

18 The descendants of Izhar included Shelomith, the family leader.

19 The descendants of Hebron included Jeriah (the family leader), Amariah (the second), Jahaziel (the third), and Jekameam (the fourth).

20 The descendants of Uzziel included Micah (the family leader) and Isshiah (the second).

The Merarites

21 The descendants of Merari included Mahli and Mushi.

The sons of Mahli were Eleazar and Kish.

22 Eleazar died with no sons, only daughters. His daughters married their cousins, the sons of Kish.

23 Three of the descendants of Mushi were Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth.

24 These were the descendants of Levi by clans, the leaders of their family groups, registered carefully by name. Each had to be twenty years old or older to qualify for service in the house of theLord.

25 For David said, “TheLord, the God of Israel, has given us peace, and he will always live in Jerusalem.

26 Now the Levites will no longer need to carry the Tabernacle and its furnishings from place to place.”

27 In accordance with David’s final instructions, all the Levites twenty years old or older were registered for service.

28 The work of the Levites was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, as they served at the house of theLord. They also took care of the courtyards and side rooms, helped perform the ceremonies of purification, and served in many other ways in the house of God.

29 They were in charge of the sacred bread that was set out on the table, the choice flour for the grain offerings, the wafers made without yeast, the cakes cooked in olive oil, and the other mixed breads. They were also responsible to check all the weights and measures.

30 And each morning and evening they stood before theLordto sing songs of thanks and praise to him.

31 They assisted with the burnt offerings that were presented to theLordon Sabbath days, at new moon celebrations, and at all the appointed festivals. The required number of Levites served in theLord’s presence at all times, following all the procedures they had been given.

32 And so, under the supervision of the priests, the Levites watched over the Tabernacle and the Templeand faithfully carried out their duties of service at the house of theLord.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/1CH/23-a394eae74cc4a5286657acbd111e2ba2.mp3?version_id=116—

Duties of the Priests

1 This is how Aaron’s descendants, the priests, were divided into groups for service. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and they had no sons. So only Eleazar and Ithamar were left to carry on as priests.

3 With the help of Zadok, who was a descendant of Eleazar, and of Ahimelech, who was a descendant of Ithamar, David divided Aaron’s descendants into groups according to their various duties.

4 Eleazar’s descendants were divided into sixteen groups and Ithamar’s into eight, for there were more family leaders among the descendants of Eleazar.

5 All tasks were assigned to the various groups by means of sacred lots so that no preference would be shown, for there were many qualified officials serving God in the sanctuary from among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

6 Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, acted as secretary and wrote down the names and assignments in the presence of the king, the officials, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the family leaders of the priests and Levites. The descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar took turns casting lots.

7 The first lot fell to Jehoiarib.

The second lot fell to Jedaiah.

8 The third lot fell to Harim.

The fourth lot fell to Seorim.

9 The fifth lot fell to Malkijah.

The sixth lot fell to Mijamin.

10 The seventh lot fell to Hakkoz.

The eighth lot fell to Abijah.

11 The ninth lot fell to Jeshua.

The tenth lot fell to Shecaniah.

12 The eleventh lot fell to Eliashib.

The twelfth lot fell to Jakim.

13 The thirteenth lot fell to Huppah.

The fourteenth lot fell to Jeshebeab.

14 The fifteenth lot fell to Bilgah.

The sixteenth lot fell to Immer.

15 The seventeenth lot fell to Hezir.

The eighteenth lot fell to Happizzez.

16 The nineteenth lot fell to Pethahiah.

The twentieth lot fell to Jehezkel.

17 The twenty-first lot fell to Jakin.

The twenty-second lot fell to Gamul.

18 The twenty-third lot fell to Delaiah.

The twenty-fourth lot fell to Maaziah.

19 Each group carried out its appointed duties in the house of theLordaccording to the procedures established by their ancestor Aaron in obedience to the commands of theLord, the God of Israel.

Family Leaders among the Levites

20 These were the other family leaders descended from Levi:

From the descendants of Amram, the leader was Shebuel.

From the descendants of Shebuel, the leader was Jehdeiah.

21 From the descendants of Rehabiah, the leader was Isshiah.

22 From the descendants of Izhar, the leader was Shelomith.

From the descendants of Shelomith, the leader was Jahath.

23 From the descendants of Hebron, Jeriah was the leader,Amariah was second, Jahaziel was third, and Jekameam was fourth.

24 From the descendants of Uzziel, the leader was Micah.

From the descendants of Micah, the leader was Shamir,

25 along with Isshiah, the brother of Micah.

From the descendants of Isshiah, the leader was Zechariah.

26 From the descendants of Merari, the leaders were Mahli and Mushi.

From the descendants of Jaaziah, the leader was Beno.

27 From the descendants of Merari through Jaaziah, the leaders were Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri.

28 From the descendants of Mahli, the leader was Eleazar, though he had no sons.

29 From the descendants of Kish, the leader was Jerahmeel.

30 From the descendants of Mushi, the leaders were Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth.

These were the descendants of Levi in their various families.

31 Like the descendants of Aaron, they were assigned to their duties by means of sacred lots, without regard to age or rank. Lots were drawn in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the family leaders of the priests and the Levites.

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Duties of the Musicians

1 David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. Here is a list of their names and their work:

2 From the sons of Asaph, there were Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. They worked under the direction of their father, Asaph, who proclaimed God’s messages by the king’s orders.

3 From the sons of Jeduthun, there were Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei,Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six in all. They worked under the direction of their father, Jeduthun, who proclaimed God’s messages to the accompaniment of the lyre, offering thanks and praise to theLord.

4 From the sons of Heman, there were Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shubael,Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth.

5 All these were the sons of Heman, the king’s seer, for God had honored him with fourteen sons and three daughters.

6 All these men were under the direction of their fathers as they made music at the house of theLord. Their responsibilities included the playing of cymbals, harps, and lyres at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman reported directly to the king.

7 They and their families were all trained in making music before theLord, and each of them—288 in all—was an accomplished musician.

8 The musicians were appointed to their term of service by means of sacred lots, without regard to whether they were young or old, teacher or student.

9 The first lot fell to Joseph of the Asaph clan and twelve of his sons and relatives.

The second lot fell to Gedaliah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

10 The third lot fell to Zaccur and twelve of his sons and relatives.

11 The fourth lot fell to Zeriand twelve of his sons and relatives.

12 The fifth lot fell to Nethaniah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

13 The sixth lot fell to Bukkiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

14 The seventh lot fell to Asarelahand twelve of his sons and relatives.

15 The eighth lot fell to Jeshaiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

16 The ninth lot fell to Mattaniah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

17 The tenth lot fell to Shimei and twelve of his sons and relatives.

18 The eleventh lot fell to Uzzieland twelve of his sons and relatives.

19 The twelfth lot fell to Hashabiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

20 The thirteenth lot fell to Shubael and twelve of his sons and relatives.

21 The fourteenth lot fell to Mattithiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

22 The fifteenth lot fell to Jerimothand twelve of his sons and relatives.

23 The sixteenth lot fell to Hananiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

24 The seventeenth lot fell to Joshbekashahand twelve of his sons and relatives.

25 The eighteenth lot fell to Hanani and twelve of his sons and relatives.

26 The nineteenth lot fell to Mallothi and twelve of his sons and relatives.

27 The twentieth lot fell to Eliathah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

28 The twenty-first lot fell to Hothir and twelve of his sons and relatives.

29 The twenty-second lot fell to Giddalti and twelve of his sons and relatives.

30 The twenty-third lot fell to Mahazioth and twelve of his sons and relatives.

31 The twenty-fourth lot fell to Romamti-ezer and twelve of his sons and relatives.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/1CH/25-168b4eb939d13f6cb3aaf060b739d48a.mp3?version_id=116—

Duties of the Gatekeepers

1 These are the divisions of the gatekeepers:

From the Korahites, there was Meshelemiah son of Kore, of the family of Abiasaph.

2 The sons of Meshelemiah were Zechariah (the oldest), Jediael (the second), Zebadiah (the third), Jathniel (the fourth),

3 Elam (the fifth), Jehohanan (the sixth), and Eliehoenai (the seventh).

4 The sons of Obed-edom, also gatekeepers, were Shemaiah (the oldest), Jehozabad (the second), Joah (the third), Sacar (the fourth), Nethanel (the fifth),

5 Ammiel (the sixth), Issachar (the seventh), and Peullethai (the eighth). God had richly blessed Obed-edom.

6 Obed-edom’s son Shemaiah had sons with great ability who earned positions of great authority in the clan.

7 Their names were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad. Their relatives, Elihu and Semakiah, were also very capable men.

8 All of these descendants of Obed-edom, including their sons and grandsons—sixty-two of them in all—were very capable men, well qualified for their work.

9 Meshelemiah’s eighteen sons and relatives were also very capable men.

10 Hosah, of the Merari clan, appointed Shimri as the leader among his sons, though he was not the oldest.

11 His other sons included Hilkiah (the second), Tebaliah (the third), and Zechariah (the fourth). Hosah’s sons and relatives, who served as gatekeepers, numbered thirteen in all.

12 These divisions of the gatekeepers were named for their family leaders, and like the other Levites, they served at the house of theLord.

13 They were assigned by families for guard duty at the various gates, without regard to age or training, for it was all decided by means of sacred lots.

14 The responsibility for the east gate went to Meshelemiahand his group. The north gate was assigned to his son Zechariah, a man of unusual wisdom.

15 The south gate went to Obed-edom, and his sons were put in charge of the storehouse.

16 Shuppim and Hosah were assigned the west gate and the gateway leading up to the Temple.Guard duties were divided evenly.

17 Six Levites were assigned each day to the east gate, four to the north gate, four to the south gate, and two pairs at the storehouse.

18 Six were assigned each day to the west gate, four to the gateway leading up to the Temple, and two to the courtyard.

19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers from the clans of Korah and Merari.

Treasurers and Other Officials

20 Other Levites, led by Ahijah, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to theLord.

21 From the family of Libniin the clan of Gershon, Jehielwas the leader.

22 The sons of Jehiel, Zetham and his brother Joel, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of theLord.

23 These are the leaders that descended from Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel:

24 From the clan of Amram, Shebuel was a descendant of Gershom son of Moses. He was the chief officer of the treasuries.

25 His relatives through Eliezer were Rehabiah, Jeshaiah, Joram, Zicri, and Shelomoth.

26 Shelomoth and his relatives were in charge of the treasuries containing the gifts that King David, the family leaders, and the generals and captainsand other officers of the army had dedicated to theLord.

27 These men dedicated some of the plunder they had gained in battle to maintain the house of theLord.

28 Shelomothand his relatives also cared for the gifts dedicated to theLordby Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah. All the other dedicated gifts were in their care, too.

29 From the clan of Izhar came Kenaniah. He and his sons were given administrative responsibilitiesover Israel as officials and judges.

30 From the clan of Hebron came Hashabiah. He and his relatives—1,700 capable men—were put in charge of the Israelite lands west of the Jordan River. They were responsible for all matters related to the things of theLordand the service of the king in that area.

31 Also from the clan of Hebron came Jeriah,who was the leader of the Hebronites according to the genealogical records. (In the fortieth year of David’s reign, a search was made in the records, and capable men from the clan of Hebron were found at Jazer in the land of Gilead.)

32 There were 2,700 capable men among the relatives of Jeriah. King David sent them to the east side of the Jordan River and put them in charge of the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were responsible for all matters related to God and to the king.

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Military Commanders and Divisions

1 This is the list of Israelite generals and captains,and their officers, who served the king by supervising the army divisions that were on duty each month of the year. Each division served for one month and had 24,000 troops.

2 Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was commander of the first division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the first month.

3 He was a descendant of Perez and was in charge of all the army officers for the first month.

4 Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah, was commander of the second division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the second month. Mikloth was his chief officer.

5 Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest was commander of the third division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the third month.

6 This was the Benaiah who commanded David’s elite military group known as the Thirty. His son Ammizabad was his chief officer.

7 Asahel, the brother of Joab, was commander of the fourth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the fourth month. Asahel was succeeded by his son Zebadiah.

8 Shammahthe Izrahite was commander of the fifth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the fifth month.

9 Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa was commander of the sixth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the sixth month.

10 Helez, a descendant of Ephraim from Pelon, was commander of the seventh division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the seventh month.

11 Sibbecai, a descendant of Zerah from Hushah, was commander of the eighth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the eighth month.

12 Abiezer from Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin was commander of the ninth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the ninth month.

13 Maharai, a descendant of Zerah from Netophah, was commander of the tenth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the tenth month.

14 Benaiah from Pirathon in Ephraim was commander of the eleventh division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the eleventh month.

15 Heled,a descendant of Othniel from Netophah, was commander of the twelfth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the twelfth month.

Leaders of the Tribes

16 The following were the tribes of Israel and their leaders:

Reuben Eliezer son of Zicri
Simeon Shephatiah son of Maacah
17 Levi Hashabiah son of Kemuel
Aaron (the priests) Zadok
18 Judah Elihu (a brother of David)
Issachar Omri son of Michael
19 Zebulun Ishmaiah son of Obadiah
Naphtali Jeremoth son of Azriel
20 Ephraim Hoshea son of Azaziah
Manasseh (west) Joel son of Pedaiah
21 Manasseh in Gilead (east) Iddo son of Zechariah
Benjamin Jaasiel son of Abner
22 Dan Azarel son of Jeroham

These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

23 When David took his census, he did not count those who were younger than twenty years of age, because theLordhad promised to make the Israelites as numerous as the stars in heaven.

24 Joab son of Zeruiah began the census but never finished it becausethe anger of God fell on Israel. The total number was never recorded in King David’s official records.

Officials of David’s Kingdom

25 Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the palace treasuries.

Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the regional treasuries throughout the towns, villages, and fortresses of Israel.

26 Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the field workers who farmed the king’s lands.

27 Shimei from Ramah was in charge of the king’s vineyards.

Zabdi from Shepham was responsible for the grapes and the supplies of wine.

28 Baal-hanan from Geder was in charge of the king’s olive groves and sycamore-fig trees in the foothills of Judah.

Joash was responsible for the supplies of olive oil.

29 Shitrai from Sharon was in charge of the cattle on the Sharon Plain.

Shaphat son of Adlai was responsible for the cattle in the valleys.

30 Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels.

Jehdeiah from Meronoth was in charge of the donkeys.

31 Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the king’s flocks of sheep and goats.

All these officials were overseers of King David’s property.

32 Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a wise counselor to the king, a man of great insight, and a scribe. Jehiel the Hacmonite was responsible for teaching the king’s sons.

33 Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.

34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.

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David’s Instructions to Solomon

1 David summoned all the officials of Israel to Jerusalem—the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions, the other generals and captains,the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other brave warriors in the kingdom.

2 David rose to his feet and said: “My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of theLord’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it,

3 but God said to me, ‘You must not build a Temple to honor my name, for you are a warrior and have shed much blood.’

4 “Yet theLord, the God of Israel, has chosen me from among all my father’s family to be king over Israel forever. For he has chosen the tribe of Judah to rule, and from among the families of Judah he chose my father’s family. And from among my father’s sons theLordwas pleased to make me king over all Israel.

5 And from among my sons—for theLordhas given me many—he chose Solomon to succeed me on the throne of Israel and to rule over theLord’s kingdom.

6 He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon will build my Temple and its courtyards, for I have chosen him as my son, and I will be his father.

7 And if he continues to obey my commands and regulations as he does now, I will make his kingdom last forever.’

8 “So now, with God as our witness, and in the sight of all Israel—theLord’s assembly—I give you this charge. Be careful to obey all the commands of theLordyour God, so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.

9 “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For theLordsees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

10 So take this seriously. TheLordhas chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.”

11 Then David gave Solomon the plans for the Temple and its surroundings, including the entry room, the storerooms, the upstairs rooms, the inner rooms, and the inner sanctuary—which was the place of atonement.

12 David also gave Solomon all the plans he had in mindfor the courtyards of theLord’s Temple, the outside rooms, the treasuries, and the rooms for the gifts dedicated to theLord.

13 The king also gave Solomon the instructions concerning the work of the various divisions of priests and Levites in the Temple of theLord. And he gave specifications for the items in the Temple that were to be used for worship.

14 David gave instructions regarding how much gold and silver should be used to make the items needed for service.

15 He told Solomon the amount of gold needed for the gold lampstands and lamps, and the amount of silver for the silver lampstands and lamps, depending on how each would be used.

16 He designated the amount of gold for the table on which the Bread of the Presence would be placed and the amount of silver for other tables.

17 David also designated the amount of gold for the solid gold meat hooks used to handle the sacrificial meat and for the basins, pitchers, and dishes, as well as the amount of silver for every dish.

18 He designated the amount of refined gold for the altar of incense. Finally, he gave him a plan for theLord’s “chariot”—the gold cherubimwhose wings were stretched out over the Ark of theLord’s Covenant.

19 “Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of theLord.”

20 Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for theLordGod, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of theLordis finished correctly.

21 The various divisions of priests and Levites will serve in the Temple of God. Others with skills of every kind will volunteer, and the officials and the entire nation are at your command.”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/1CH/28-5f75383ac5b003b1d8448d38b4167dac.mp3?version_id=116—

Gifts for Building the Temple

1 Then King David turned to the entire assembly and said, “My son Solomon, whom God has clearly chosen as the next king of Israel, is still young and inexperienced. The work ahead of him is enormous, for the Temple he will build is not for mere mortals—it is for theLordGod himself!

2 Using every resource at my command, I have gathered as much as I could for building the Temple of my God. Now there is enough gold, silver, bronze, iron, and wood, as well as great quantities of onyx, other precious stones, costly jewels, and all kinds of fine stone and marble.

3 “And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction. This is in addition to the building materials I have already collected for his holy Temple.

4 I am donating more than 112 tons of goldfrom Ophir and 262 tons of refined silverto be used for overlaying the walls of the buildings

5 and for the other gold and silver work to be done by the craftsmen. Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to theLordtoday?”

6 Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army,and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly.

7 For the construction of the Temple of God, they gave about 188 tons of gold,10,000 gold coins,375 tons of silver,675 tons of bronze,and 3,750 tons of iron.

8 They also contributed numerous precious stones, which were deposited in the treasury of the house of theLordunder the care of Jehiel, a descendant of Gershon.

9 The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to theLord, and King David was filled with joy.

David’s Prayer of Praise

10 Then David praised theLordin the presence of the whole assembly:

“OLord, the God of our ancestor Israel,may you be praised forever and ever!

11 Yours, OLord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, OLord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.

12 Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.

13 “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!

14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!

15 We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.

16 “OLordour God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your holy name comes from you! It all belongs to you!

17 I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously.

18 “OLord, the God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make your people always want to obey you. See to it that their love for you never changes.

19 Give my son Solomon the wholehearted desire to obey all your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to build this Temple, for which I have made these preparations.”

20 Then David said to the whole assembly, “Give praise to theLordyour God!” And the entire assembly praised theLord, the God of their ancestors, and they bowed low and knelt before theLordand the king.

Solomon Named as King

21 The next day they brought 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 male lambs as burnt offerings to theLord. They also brought liquid offerings and many other sacrifices on behalf of all Israel.

22 They feasted and drank in theLord’s presence with great joy that day.

And again they crowned David’s son Solomon as their new king. They anointed him before theLordas their leader, and they anointed Zadok as priest.

23 So Solomon took the throne of theLordin place of his father, David, and he succeeded in everything, and all Israel obeyed him.

24 All the officials, the warriors, and the sons of King David pledged their loyalty to King Solomon.

25 And theLordexalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.

Summary of David’s Reign

26 So David son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.

27 He reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.

28 He died at a ripe old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor. Then his son Solomon ruled in his place.

29 All the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, are written inThe Record of Samuel the Seer, The Record of Nathan the Prophet,andThe Record of Gad the Seer.

30 These accounts include the mighty deeds of his reign and everything that happened to him and to Israel and to all the surrounding kingdoms.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/1CH/29-2755b2145ece3f4b6496171c4f9527d4.mp3?version_id=116—