Verses 1-19

David's Preparations for the building of the Temple

This chapter is supplementary to the narrative in the earlier books, its contents coming chronologically between 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Kings 1.

1. This is the house] This v. connects with 1 Chronicles 21:28 (1 Chronicles 21:29-30 being parenthetical).

2. The strangers] i.e. the non-Israelite population, who were employed in forced labour upon his building projects: 2 Chronicles 2:17.

9. Solomon.. peace] Heb. Shelômôh.. Shalôm. Peace was the ideal condition appropriate for the building of God's Temple as well as for the advent of Him who was greater than the Temple: Luke 2:14.

14. In my trouble] Some render 'in spite of my trouble,' i.e. in spite of wars and other distractions. David, like other loyal servants of God, was content to pave the way for the accomplishment of a result which he himself would never witness. An hundred thousand, etc.] The weight of gold and silver is so enormous, amounting in intrinsic value to £1,025,000,000 sterling, that great exaggeration may be suspected. The gold that was received annually by Solomon was only 666 talents: 1 Kings 10:14.

19. The holy vessels] e.g. the table of shewbread, the candlesticks (or lampstands), with their lamps and snuffers, the cups, basons, and spoons, etc.