1 Chronicles 22

“And David said to Solomon: ‘My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the Lord my God; but the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around.  His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.”’” 1 Chronicles 22:7-10 (NKJV)

Reading today’s passage, I am reminded of the old man who was bragging to a friend about  his new hearing aid.  His friend asked, “What kind is it?” The man glanced at his watch and said, “About 4:30.”  Sometimes, your response testifies that you aren’t hearing the conversation clearly!

David believed he heard the Lord say his son Solomon would build the temple.  Because the name Solomon is derived from the word “shalom,” meaning “peace,” David assumed the Lord was talking about his immediate son, Solomon.  So, David began setting aside provisions and architects & builders so Solomon could begin construction without hindrance upon David’s death.  

Indeed, Solomon oversaw the temple’s construction in Jerusalem, and the Lord blessed it with the signs of His presence.  But when the Lord was speaking to David, there was ANOTHER “Solomon” that He was ultimately referring to; Not just the boy named “Peace” (Solomon), but the man whose title is “Prince of Peace.”

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)

“The book of the genealogy of Messiah Jesus, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” Matthew 1:1 (NKJV)

Just as David had subdued all of Israel’s enemies, clearing a pathway to a peaceful reign for Solomon, God is doing so, even now, for Messiah Jesus.  That is why Jesus quoted David’s prophetic Psalm 110:1, where David testifies to God’s statement of the certainty of security for the Messiah’s Kingdom.  

“The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.’”  Matthew 22:44 (HCSB)

The temple in Jerusalem was beautiful, but the kingdom of Solomon became corrupted.  Only the Kingdom of Jesus is established FOREVER.  (1 Chronicles 22:10)