1. David said, “The temple of the Lord God must be built here at this threshing place. And the altar for offering sacrifices will also be here.”
2. David ordered the foreigners living in Israel to come to Jerusalem. Then he assigned some to cut blocks of stone for building the temple.
3. He got a large supply of iron to make into nails and hinges for the doors, and he provided so much bronze that it could not be weighed.
4. He also had cedar logs brought in from the cities of Sidon and Tyre.
5. He said, “The temple for the Lord must be great, so that everyone in the world will know about it. But since my son Solomon is young and has no experience, I will make sure that everything is ready for the temple to be built.”That's why David did all these things before he died.
6. David sent for his son Solomon and told him to build a temple for the Lord God of Israel.
7. He said:My son, I wanted to build a temple where the Lord my God would be worshipped.
8. But some time ago, he told me, “David, you have killed too many people and have fought too many battles. That's why you are not the one to build my temple.
9. But when your son becomes king, I will give him peace throughout his kingdom. His name will be Solomon, because during his rule I will keep Israel safe and peaceful.
10. Solomon will build my temple. He will be like a son to me, and I will be like a father to him. In fact, one of his descendants will always rule in Israel.”
11. Solomon, my son, I now pray that the Lord your God will be with you and keep his promise to help you build a temple for him.