1 Chronicles 22:8
But 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. But 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.
David cherished long the plan to build a magnificent temple for the Lord in Jerusalem, moved because the ark rested in a tent and tabernacle while he himself dwelt in a palace and costly house. He desired to make Jerusalem the religious center of the nation and to express Israel's appreciation for the abiding presence of Jehovah their King. Though he was first told to do all that was in his heart, the word of the Lord that same night took from him the privilege of building a house for God's name.
The reason given was that he had shed blood abundantly and made great wars, shedding much blood upon the earth in God's sight. Even so, he made large provisions and gathered materials for the temple of the Lord. The work was reserved for his son Solomon, meaning peaceable, a man of rest to whom God would give rest from all his enemies round about, with peace and quietness to Israel in his days. As God's son he would build the house for God's name, with the throne of his kingdom established over Israel forever.
The denial was joined with assurance of divine favor to David, his posterity, and the kingdom: God who took him from following sheep, cut off his enemies, and made him a great name would plant Israel securely, make David a house, set up his seed after him, and establish the throne of his kingdom forever. David received that message with gratitude and renewed covenant. Entrusting its completion to his son was his next highest honor, for his plans and desires were subject to God's judgment, and his success came through God's blessing, not inherited merit.
In his charge David called on the Lord to be with Solomon and prosper him to build the house as God had said, praying the Lord would give him wisdom and understanding and charge concerning Israel to keep the law of the Lord. He urged that Solomon would prosper by taking heed to fulfill the statutes and judgments charged through Moses concerning Israel, being strong and of good courage without dread or dismay. This shows God made no mistake in placing Solomon in great responsibility, with wisdom promised on condition of walking in righteousness and truth, and it became Solomon's duty to carry out David's long-cherished plan. David's part was to advise, counsel, and encourage Solomon from his large experience, while Solomon as the younger man was to do the work.
The verse teaches that God has different sets of workmen for different branches and stages of His cause: when those called to a certain work have carried it as far as they can, God in His providence calls and qualifies other men to come in and carry it farther and lift the standard higher. So those whose minds are weary and worn and who do not discern and adapt to the increasing demands and opening providences of the work should not hinder helpers, circumscribe the work, block the wheels, or dictate how work they do not see in all its bearings should be done.