I Chronicles 22-23  David's desire to build the house of the Lord never stopped, even though he knew it would be his son that would actually do it.  So, David prepared.. he prepared the materials, he prepared the workers, and he prepared his son, Solomon. 

I can't even imagine the amount of work that went into this temple. Stones, wood, bronze, gold, silver, iron.. ".. the house that is to be built for the Lord shall be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all the lands.."  David declared.  "So David made ample preparations before his death." (v5)

David also prepared the workers. "..stonecutters and masons of stone, and carpenters, and all men who are skillful in every kind of work."  He prepared the Levites too.  Since the Levites would no longer have to carry the tabernacle, their duties were "to assist the sons of Aaron with the service of the house of the Lord, in the courts and in the chambers and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God."  They took care of the showbread and they were called to "stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord and likewise at evening." 

David prepared Solomon for this great responsibility.  He taught Solomon that God had promised to bring rest to Israel so that he could focus on this task. He prayed for Solomon and encouraged him.. "Now, my son, the Lord be with you that you may be successful and build the house of the Lord your God just as He has spoken concerning you. Only the Lord give you discretion and understanding and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God."  He exhorted Solomon to be strong and courageous, to not be dismayed or fearful, and to "set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God..."

When David died, all was ready for his dream to be fulfilled. And it was so. 

So, why is this important to us? The temple was built and then destroyed.  It was rebuilt and destroyed again. Another temple was built and that one was destroyed too. We know that God never needed a building, even one magnificent, famous, or glorious. We also know that God had a plan and a purpose at work here.  The temple was meant to point to the One who would fulfill its purpose. Jesus Christ came to be the great High Priest, the final sacrifice, and the True King.   Jesus was not impressed by the temple building.  He was furious that they had made it into a market place instead of the house of prayer that it was supposed to be.  When the Jews asked Jesus for a sign to prove His authority to cleanse the Temple, He replied, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."  He wasn't talking about a building, but about His own body.. the True House of God. 

Father,  I pray that You will give us, Your servants, discretion and understanding, to do the work that You have called us to do.  May we preserve and obey Your word. May we seek You with all our heart and soul every day. May we stand every morning and evening to thank and praise You. May we be pure and holy as the temple of the Holy Spirit ought to be. We ask this in the Name of our Lord and King, Jesus, Amen.