Solomon Becomes King

David reiterates that God is the one who chose Solomon, and then describes the materials he has assembled for Solomon to use in building the temple. This time, he also mentions his personal contributions, and encourages others to contribute as well. As in the days of Moses (compare Exodus 35:20-29), those who were able donated generously and willingly. The words "with a loyal heart" (1 Chronicles 29:9) are translated from a Hebrew phrase literally meaning "with a fullness of heart" (Nelson Study Bible, note on verse 9). And David is moved to thank God for actually enabling them to give—indeed, to simply give back to God what He has Himself given in the first place.

David's prayer here has served much more than just this occasion. Indeed, many even today use words from it without knowing it. When Christ gave an outline of how to pray in His famous Sermon on the Mount—“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come…" (Matthew 6:9-13)—He concluded it with words of praise used in David's prayer. Jesus told us to conclude our prayers along these lines: "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen" (verse 13). Compare this with David's words in 1 Chronicles 29:10-12. Of course, the preincarnate Christ very likely inspired the words David prayed.

Finally, Solomon is once again anointed king, and Zadok is confirmed as the high priest with no mention here of the now out-of-favor line of Abiathar. Verse 23 states that Solomon sat on the "throne of the Lord." And it really was God's throne (compare 1 Samuel 8:7). Jesus Christ will once again occupy this throne when He returns to reign over Israel and all nations—that is, not the same physical chair but the office of responsibility.

The passage ends with the statement that God bestowed on Solomon "such majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel" (verse 25). The Nelson Study Bible notes, "Obviously this included only Saul and David, but it is still a remarkable statement in light of David's widely recognized power and magnificence (1 Chronicles 11:9; 1 Chronicles 14:2; 1 Chronicles 18:1-13; 1 Chronicles 29:28)" (note on verse 25). Indeed, David was apparently the dominant ruler of the age—and yet Solomon's rule is already greater in power and prestige, and will be greater yet, as we will soon see.