I Chronicles 27-29  David has organized all of the Levites for service in the temple.  He has organized and made plans for the building of the temple.  He has gathered every material needed.  He organized a rotation of troops, 24,000 in each division, for each month of the year.  David appointed overseers for all of the crops, herds, and other assets of his kingdom.  Then David commits it all into the hands of his 20 year old son, Solomon.

David charges Solomon to "know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every intent of the thoughts.  If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." (28:9)

David assembles all of the leaders, princes of the tribes, commanders etc together and explains all that God has revealed to him.  "All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in written by His hand upon me, all the details of this pattern." ( 28:19).  Then David prays.  ( 29:10-18)

First, David blesses the Lord.  " Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Tine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all."  He recognizes God's power and might as the source of all strength.

Then, David gives thanks and praise.  David emphasizes that everything that he has and that all Israel has received, has come from the Hand of God.  "O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build Thee a house for Thy holy name, it is from Thy hand, and all is Thine."

 Next, David renews and confirms his commitment and devotion to the Lord, " Since I know, O my God, that Thou tries the heart and delights in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Thy people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to Thee." ( 29:17)

Finally, David makes 2 requests.  The first request is that the Lord would "preserve this forever in the intentions of the heart of Thy people, and direct their heart to Thee."  The second request follows, "and give to my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Thy commandments, Thy testimonies and Thy statutes, and to do them all and to build the temple, for which I have made provision." (v18-19)

The next day sacrifices are offered and they celebrate with gladness.  Solomon is once again anointed ruler and takes the seat on David's throne.  

"Then he died in a ripe old age, full of days, riches,and honor; and his son Solomon reigned in his place." 


As the Chronicler finishes this history lesson on David, it is fitting that he reveals David's heart for the Lord with this prayer.  David's joy was found in seeing his people willing to give their all to the Lord.  His charge to Solomon and his prayer for him were for his walk with God, not for any physical successes.

Truth - We tend to pray for the physical needs of people way more than we do for their spiritual needs.  We need to learn from David and pray more that people would " direct their heart(s)" to the Lord and that the Lord would grant them "a perfect heart to keep " His Word. 

Father in heaven,  We bless Your Name.  Yours is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, the majesty and the dominion over all heaven and earth. Everything is Yours. We thank You and praise Your glorious name.   Lord God, we delight in seeing Your children who are walking in Your truth and light. Father, we pray for those who do not serve You with whole hearts and willing minds.  Oh, Lord, may they seek You and find You.  Please direct their hearts to You.  We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.