I Chronicles 22:6-16 · Bible study
1 Chronicles 22:6-16 Commentary: David’s Charge to Solomon
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why David prepared temple materials and commissioned Solomon despite being forbidden to build. A study of legacy, rest, and God's plan.
Research Summary
- Meaning: David, forbidden to build the temple because of his wars, prepares materials and commissions Solomon, the man of rest, to build it instead.
- Key words: Solomon/Shelomoh (peace), menuchah (rest), shalom (peace), ‘ani (affliction/poverty), chazaq ve’matz (be strong and courageous).
- Main debate: Whether the enormous quantities of precious metals are literal or hyperbolic (or based on different talent weights), and whether “in my affliction” means poverty or hardship.
- Theological theme: God chooses a peaceful builder for his peaceful house; the legacy of faith is passed on through preparation, commission, and trust in God's presence.
- Best use: Preaching on succession, preparing for tasks you may not see completed, and the importance of peace in God’s work.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
6Then David called for his son Solomon and instructed him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel.
7“My son,” said David to Solomon, “it was in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God,
8but this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You are not to build a house for My Name because you have shed so much blood on the ground before Me.
9But a son will be born to you who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant to Israel peace and quiet during his reign.
10He is the one who will build a house for My Name. He will be My son, and I will be his Father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
11Now, my son, may the LORD be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as He said you would.
12Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
13Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
14Now behold, I have taken great pains to provide for the house of the LORD—100,000 talents of gold, 1,000,000 talents of silver, and bronze and iron too great to be weighed. I have also provided timber and stone, and you may add to them.
15You also have many workers: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and men skilled in every kind of work—
16in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and may the LORD be with you.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
6Then he called for Solomon his son, and commanded him to build a house for Yahweh, the God of Israel.
7David said to Solomon his son, “As for me, it was in my heart to build a house to the name of Yahweh my God.
8But Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, ‘You have shed blood abundantly and have made great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.
9Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of peace. I will give him rest from all his enemies all around; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.
10He shall build a house for my name; and he will be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
11Now, my son, may Yahweh be with you and prosper you, and build the house of Yahweh your God, as he has spoken concerning you.
12May Yahweh give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel, so that you may keep the law of Yahweh your God.
13Then you will prosper, if you observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Yahweh gave Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid and don’t be dismayed.
14Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for Yahweh’s house one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron without weight; for it is in abundance. I have also prepared timber and stone; and you may add to them.
15There are also workmen with you in abundance—cutters and workers of stone and timber, and all kinds of men who are skillful in every kind of work;
16of the gold, the silver, the bronze, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and may Yahweh be with you.”
KJV King James Version 1769
6Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel.
7And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God:
8But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
9Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
10He shall build an 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 for ever.
11Now, my son, the Lord be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as he hath said of thee.
12Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.
13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
14Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
15Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
16Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
6Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build a house for Jehovah, the God of Israel.
7And David said to Solomon his son, As for me, it was in my heart to build a house unto the name of Jehovah my God.
8But the word of Jehovah came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build a house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
9Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
10He 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 for ever.
11Now, my son, Jehovah be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of Jehovah thy God, as he hath spoken concerning thee.
12Only Jehovah give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of Jehovah thy God.
13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Jehovah charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; fear not, neither be dismayed.
14Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for the house of Jehovah a hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver, and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
15Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all men that are skilful in every manner of work:
16of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and Jehovah be with thee.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
6And he calleth for Solomon his son, and chargeth him to build a house to Jehovah, God of Israel,
7and David saith to Solomon his son, `As for me, it hath been with my heart to build a house to the name of Jehovah my God,
8and the word of Jehovah is against me, saying, Blood in abundance thou hast shed, and great wars thou hast made: thou dost not build a house to My name, for much blood thou hast shed to the earth before Me.
9`Lo, a son is born to thee; he is a man of rest, and I have given rest to him from all his enemies round about, for Solomon is his name, and peace and quietness I give unto Israel in his days;
10he doth build a house to My name, and he is to Me for a son, and I am to him for a father, and I have established the throne of his kingdom over Israel unto the age.
11`Now, my son, Jehovah is with thee, and thou hast prospered, and hast built the house of Jehovah thy God, as He spake concerning thee.
12Only, Jehovah give to thee wisdom and understanding, and charge thee concerning Israel, even to keep the law of Jehovah thy God;
13then thou dost prosper, if thou dost observe to do the statutes and the judgments that Jehovah charged Moses with concerning Israel; be strong and courageous; do not fear, nor be cast down.
14`And lo, in mine affliction, I have prepared for the house of Jehovah of gold talents a hundred thousand, and of silver a thousand thousand talents; and of brass and of iron there is no weighing, for in abundance it hath been, and wood and stones I have prepared, and to them thou dost add.
15`And with thee in abundance are workmen, hewers and artificers of stone and of wood, and every skilful man for every work.
16To the gold, to the silver, and to the brass, and to the iron, there is no number; arise and do, and Jehovah is with thee.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
6And he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build a house for Jehovah the God of Israel.
7And David said to Solomon, As for me, my son, I was minded to build a house unto the name of Jehovah my God.
8But the word of Jehovah came to me saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build a house unto my name, for thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
9Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be Solomon, and in his days I will give peace and quietness unto Israel.
10He shall build a house unto 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 for ever.
11Now, my son, Jehovah be with thee, that thou mayest prosper, and build the house of Jehovah thy God, as he has said of thee.
12Only, Jehovah give thee wisdom and understanding, and place thee over Israel, and to keep the law of Jehovah thy God.
13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to perform the statutes and ordinances which Jehovah commanded Moses for Israel: be strong and courageous; fear not, neither be dismayed.
14And behold, in my affliction I have prepared for the house of Jehovah a hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight, for it is in abundance; and timber and stone have I prepared; and thou shalt add to it.
15And there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of skilful men for every kind of work.
16Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing and Jehovah be with thee.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
6And he called for Solomon his son: and commanded him to build a house to the Lord the God of Israel.
7And David said to Solomon: My son, it was my desire to have built a house to the name of the Lord my God.
8But the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Thou hast shed much blood, and fought many battles, so thou cannot not build house to my name, after shedding so much blood before me:
9The son, that shall be born to thee, shall be a most quiet man: for I will make him rest from all his enemies round about: and therefore he shall be called Peaceable: and I will give peace and quietness to Israel all his days.
10He shall build a house to my name, and he shall be a son to me, and I will be a father to him: and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.
11Now then, my son, the Lord be with thee, and do thou prosper, and build the house to the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken of thee.
12The Lord also give thee wisdom and understanding, that thou mayest be able to rule Israel, and to keep the law of the Lord thy God.
13For then thou shalt be able to prosper, if thou keep the commandments, and judgments, which the Lord commanded Moses to teach Israel: take courage and act manfully, fear not, nor be dismayed.
14Behold I in my poverty have prepared the charges of the house of the Lord, of gold a hundred thousand talents, and of silver a million of talents: but of brass, and of iron there is no weight, for the abundance surpasseth all account: timber also and stones I have prepared for all the charges.
15Thou hast also workmen in abundance, hewers of stones, and masons, and carpenters, and of all trades the most skilful in their work,
16In gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, whereof there is no number. Arise then, and be doing, and the Lord will be with thee.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Chronicles 22:6
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this passage records David’s transfer of the temple-building task to his son Solomon. David had earnestly desired to build a house for God (v.7), but God’s word prohibited him because of the blood he had shed in his many wars (v.8). Barnes and the Cambridge Bible connect this prohibition to God’s purpose that the temple would be a house of peace, built by a “man of rest” (v.9). The name “Solomon” (Shelomoh) is linked to shalom (peace), as Adam Clarke notes, underscoring the theological point that the temple was to be built in a time of peace. David’s extensive preparations, gold, silver, materials, and skilled workers (vv.14-16), are seen by Wesley and Clarke as his act of devotion even though he could not build. The numbers are debated (some see them as literal, others symbolic), and the phrase “in my trouble” (v.14) is interpreted either as “in my poverty” (LXX, Vulgate) or “by my painful labour” (Keil and Delitzsch). Yet all recognize David’s fatherly blessing: may the Lord be with you, give you wisdom, and prosper you (vv.11-12). The charge ends with “arise and be doing, and may Yahweh be with you” (v.16), a call that echoes Deuteronomy 31:23 and God’s commission to Joshua.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Literal historical view: The large numbers are taken as factual, based on David’s conquest spoils and a smaller talent weight (Barnes). The phrase 'in my affliction' means poverty or hardship (Wesley).
- Hyperbolic or symbolic view: The numbers are too large to be taken literally compared to Solomon's known wealth; they emphasize David’s lavish devotion (Cambridge). 'In my affliction' may mean 'by my painful labour' (Keil and Delitzsch) without literal poverty.
What is clear: David did not build the temple because of his wars, but he prepared extensively and commissioned Solomon to build it, linking the temple to peace and rest.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| David's disqualification from building the temple | David was not permitted to build the temple because of his involvement in bloodshed and war (v.8). | Some see this as a ritual purity issue (Clarke), others as symbolic that the church (typified by the temple) is built by peace, not war (Wesley), and others simply accept it as God’s sovereign choice (Matthew Henry). |
| The numbers of gold and silver | David amassed large quantities of precious materials for the temple. | Interpreters differ on whether 100,000 talents of gold and 1,000,000 talents of silver are literal (requiring a smaller talent standard, as Barnes suggests) or figurative/hyperbolic numbers meant to convey generosity (Cambridge notes the incredible size). |
| Meaning of 'in my affliction' (v.14) | David’s preparation came from a place of difficulty or sacrifice. | The Hebrew <em>be‘onyi</em> is rendered “in my poverty” (LXX, Vulgate) or “by my painful labour” (Keil and Delitzsch). The difference affects whether David’s sacrifice was material poverty or the hardship of his wars and troubles. |
| Solomon as a 'man of rest' | Solomon’s reign was to be a time of peace in which the temple could be built. | Some emphasize the perfect peace of Solomon’s early reign (Cambridge), while others note that Solomon’s later years were not wholly peaceful (1 Kings 11), leading to a more limited understanding of the promise. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This passage takes place near the end of David’s life, after he has made extensive preparations for the temple (see 1 Chronicles 22:2-5). The temple was to replace the tabernacle as the central sanctuary for Israel’s worship, a permanent dwelling for God’s name. David had wanted to build it, but God revealed through Nathan (2 Samuel 7) that the task would fall to his son. The reason given here, that David had “shed blood abundantly” and made great wars (v.8), does not imply that warfare was sinful, but that the temple should be associated with rest and peace, not with the turmoil of battle. Wesley explains that God’s choice of Solomon, a “man of rest” (v.9), teaches that the church would be built not by force but by God’s Spirit through the gospel of peace. The reference to “rest from all his enemies round about” (v.9) echoes the peace God promised Israel in the land. David’s preparation of enormous quantities of gold and silver (100,000 talents of gold and 1,000,000 talents of silver, v.14) likely came from spoils of his conquests (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown). Some find these numbers impossibly large; Cambridge notes they are “incredibly large” compared to Solomon’s annual gold income (666 talents, 1 Kings 10:14). This may be hyperbolic or based on a different talent standard. David also gathered foreign craftsmen and materials (v.15), showing his comprehensive planning. The commissioning scene parallels Moses commissioning Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 31:23), establishing Solomon as the new leader who must rely on God’s presence and faithfulness to the law. The charge to be “strong and courageous” (v.13) directly quotes God’s words to Joshua (Joshua 1:9), linking Solomon to that earlier successor. The phrase “arise and be doing” (v.16) also appears in Ezra 10:4, a later restoration context. The passage shows David acting both as a king making arrangements for a sacred building and as a father passing on a spiritual legacy to his son.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for this passage. The wording is consistent across the Hebrew manuscripts and early versions. The only noteworthy variation is in the rendering of the phrase “in my trouble” (v.14): the LXX translates it as kata tēn ptōcheian mou (“according to my poverty”), which some commentators follow (Keil and Delitzsch note this), but the Masoretic text gives be‘onyi, “in my affliction.” This is a translational rather than a textual issue.
Reception History
Throughout church history, this passage has been used to illustrate the transfer of leadership and the necessity of preparation for God’s work. Early Jewish and Christian interpreters saw Solomon as a type of Christ, the Prince of Peace who builds the true temple (the Church). The phrase “a man of rest” was applied to Christ. During the Reformation, commentators like Matthew Henry and John Wesley used the passage to teach that God’s servants must work with peace and order, not violence. The enormous material preparations were seen as a model of generous stewardship. In modern times, the passage speaks to questions of legacy and succession planning in ministry. It has also been cited in discussions about the ethics of war and peace, given David’s disqualification due to bloodshed. The commissioning language echoes in ordination services and mission-sending ceremonies.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The desire denied but redirected. David wanted to build, but God said no. Yet David did not sulk; he prepared. His heart was for the house of God, and he used his resources to make it possible for another.
- The man of rest and his reign. God chose Solomon, a “man of rest,” to build the temple. This reminds us that God’s work often requires peace and patience, not just effort and ambition.
- Commissioning with blessing and condition. David prayed for the Lord to be with Solomon and to give him wisdom, but he also urged obedience to the law. Prosperity was conditional: “if you take heed to fulfill the statutes” (v.13).
Five-point outline
- A father’s heart for God’s house (vv.6-7). David’s longing to build was genuine, even though he could not fulfill it.
- Why David could not build: blood and war (v.8). The temple represents peace; the builder must reflect that.
- God’s alternative: a son, a rest, a name (vv.9-10). Solomon’s birth and destiny were part of God’s plan from before his birth.
- David’s provision: material and spiritual (vv.11-16). He prepared gold, silver, labor, and gave a charge to be strong and courageous.
- The call to action with God’s presence (v.16). “Arise and be doing” is not self-reliance but partnership with the One who said, “I am with you.”
Illustration hooks
- Passing the baton in a relay race: The first runner runs hard, but the second must carry the stick across the line. David ran his leg, but the temple was Solomon’s leg.
- A parent saving up for a child’s college fund: The parent works and sacrifices so that the child can have an opportunity the parent never had. David’s “trouble” (v.14) made him save for the temple.
- A coach preparing the playbook before the big game: The coach cannot play, but can prepare, instruct, and encourage. David did all this for Solomon.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why did God forbid David from building the temple if he had good intentions? The text shows that God’s choices are tied to his purposes and character, the temple needed a builder of peace, not a warrior.
- How do I pass on my faith and vision to the next generation when I can’t do everything myself? David’s example shows he invested time, resources, and blessing in his successor.
- Are the numbers of gold and silver literal? How could David have so much? Commentators are divided. The amounts are enormous, but they may reflect a different standard of talent (Barnes) or be a way of emphasizing David’s lavish devotion.
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows a dying king handing off a great work to his son. It forces us to think about how we prepare for work we will never see finished, and how we trust God’s direction even when our own plans are denied. David’s energy in preparing and his care in commissioning reflect a heart set on God’s glory, not personal legacy. As you discuss, notice the mixture of warning and encouragement: Solomon is told to keep the law, but also that the Lord will be with him.
Discussion questions
- Read 1 Chronicles 22:6-10. Why do you think God chose Solomon to build the temple instead of David? What does the name “Solomon” and the word “rest” tell us?
- In verses 11-13, David prays for Solomon and also sets a condition. What does this say about the relationship between God’s blessing and human obedience?
- Verse 14 says, “in my affliction I have prepared.” How do you understand “affliction” here? In what sense did David prepare “in his affliction”?
- How does David’s example encourage us to prepare for tasks we may never complete ourselves? Think of a time you helped someone else succeed even if you couldn’t do the work.
- The phrase “arise and be doing” (v.16) is both a command and a promise (“the Lord be with you”). How do you balance relying on God and taking action in your own life?
- Compare this commissioning with Moses commissioning Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 31:23). What similarities do you see? How does this shape your view of leadership transitions in God’s kingdom?
- What does this passage teach us about God’s heart for worship? Consider that the temple was to be a “house for my name” (v.10). How does that apply to our worship today?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Numbers 27:18 | Yahweh said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. |
| Numbers 27:19 | Set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and commission him in their sight. |
| Numbers 27:23 | He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as Yahweh spoke by Moses. |
| Deuteronomy 31:14 | Yahweh said to Moses, “Behold, your days approach that you must die. Call Joshua, and present yourselves in the Tent of Meeting, that I may commission him.” Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the Tent of Meeting. |
| Deuteronomy 31:23 | He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them. I will be with you.” |
| Matthew 28:18 | Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. |
| Matthew 28:20 | teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. |
| Acts 1:2 | until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke emphasizes that shedding human blood disqualifies a person from handling sacred offices, a principle even pagans recognized, as shown by his quotation from Virgil's Aeneid. He also notes David's personal sacrifice, saving from his own expenses through wartime to prepare abundantly for the temple, and connects Solomon's name to the peace God promised in his reign.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes questions whether David could have really amassed the enormous amounts of gold and silver described here. He finds those numbers inconceivable for that period and suggests the figures were likely multiplied by scribal errors or that the ancient talent was much smaller than later versions.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible series notes that the figures for gold and silver David provided are impossibly large, far exceeding even what Solomon received annually as a wealthier king. The commentator sees these as round, exaggerated numbers drawn from the tradition the Chronicler used.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB observes that David's charge to Solomon bears the marks of a dying king's farewell, intensified by its timing near his death. He also notes a telling detail about the temple treasury: its vast store of precious metals came from plunder taken in war, not from peaceful accumulation.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch see David's disqualification from temple-building as rooted in the nature of God's kingdom: it is essentially a kingdom of peace, and the temple would be its visible expression. David had to fight necessary wars, but such bloodshed was incongruent with that symbol. Solomon
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange defends the enormous sums David gathered for the temple against charges of exaggeration. He suggests that using a lighter civil shekel rather than the sacred one reduces the total by half, and he cites vast treasures amassed by Persian and Syrian kings as historical parallels. For Lange, the numbers reflect David's deliberate plan to establish a lasting temple treasury.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry notes the striking contrast between David, a man of war, and Solomon, a man of rest, as the key to why one could not build the temple and the other could. David's desire was good, but God reserved the work for a reign of peace. David models humble acceptance by preparing materials and passing the charge to his son.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley argues that David's bloodshed did not make war inherently sinful but taught a deeper lesson: the church is built by Christ the Prince of Peace, not by human force. He also notes that God's setting David aside shows how precious human life is, and that God's presence should move us to action, not laziness.