I. He summoned all the great men to attend him, that he might take leave of them all together, v. 1. Thus Moses did (Deut 31 28), and Joshua, ch. 23 2; 24 1. David would not declare the settlement of the crown but in the presence, and to the satisfaction, of those that were the representatives of the people.
Israel. These are more particularly described as princes of the tribes, (Haydock) twelve captains, &c., chap. xxvii. 1. — And his. Hebrew, “and of his sons.” (Calmet) — We may also understand this of the preceptors of the royal family, chap. xxvii. 32. — Officers. Literally, “eunuchs.” (Haydock) — Bravest; particularly those specified [in] chap. xi.
Or, chief servants, Gen. 37:36 .
Verses 1-10 During David's last sickness, many chief priests and Levites were at Jerusalem. Finding himself able, David spoke of his purpose to build a temple for God, and of God's disallowing that purpose. He opened to them God's gracious purposes concerning Solomon. David charged them to cleave stedfastly to God and their duty. We cannot do our work as we should, unless we put on resolution, and fetch in strength from Divine grace. Religion or piety has two distinct parts. The first is knowledge of God, the second is worship of God. David says, Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind. God is made known by his works and word. Revelation alone shows the whole character of God, in his providence, his holy law, his condemnation of sinners, his blessed gospel, and the ministration of the Spirit to all true believers. The natural man cannot receive this knowledge of God. But thus we learn the value of the Saviour's atonement, and of the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, and are influenced to walk in all his commandments. It brings a sinner to his proper place at the foot of the cross, as a poor, guilty, helpless worm, deserving wrath, yet expecting every thing needful from the free mercy and grace of God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Having been forgiven much, the pardoned sinner learns to love much.
Or, chief servants, Gen. 37:36 .
Rising up from his bed, on which he lay, on account of his great age and weakness, while he addressed himself to his son; (3 Kings i. 47.; Calmet) or he rose from his throne, to honor this grand assembly. Hebrew, “stood upon his feet.” (Haydock) — Thought. Hebrew, “I, with my heart, thought to,” &c. (Calmet) — And, or which is the footstool. (Haydock) — The ark is often so called, because God was considered as sitting upon the wings of the cherubim, over it, Psalm xcviii. 1., &c. — Building. No doubt what David left would have been sufficient. Yet Solomon thought that he could make something still more magnificent.
III. He declared the purpose he had formed to build a temple for God, and God's disallowing that purpose, v. 2, 3. This he had signified to Solomon before, ch. 22 7, 8. A house of rest for the ark is here said to be a house of rest for the footstool of our God; for heaven is his throne of glory; the earth, and the most magnificent temples that can be built upon it, are but his footstool: so much difference is there between the manifestations of the divine glory in the upper and lower world. Angels surround his throne, Isa 6 1. We poor worms do but worship at his footstool Ps 99 5; 132 7. As an evidence of the sincerity of his purpose to build the temple, he tells them that he had made ready for it, but that God would not suffer him to proceed because he had appointed other work for him to do, which was enough for one man, namely, the managing of the wars of Israel. He must serve the public with the sword; another must do it with the line and plummet. Times of rest are building times, Acts 9 31.
Cross references: : Ps. 96:5 Where the Ark should remain, and remove no more to and fro.