1 Chronicles 28:15
Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.
The verse gives the weight of gold for each golden lampstand and its lamps, and the weight of silver for each silver lampstand and its lamps, the amount for each set fixed according to its use. These weights were part of precise written specifications covering every portion of the temple on Mount Moriah, which David entrusted to Solomon and which demanded exactness in the work. The design was divinely given, revealed to David by inspiration, with Christ as its heavenly Architect. God was as particular about its design and accomplishment, down to the weight for every lampstand, as He had been about the wilderness tabernacle.
David made extensive provision for the temple while its construction was assigned to Solomon, and David's part was to advise, counsel, and encourage his son from his own experience. Only the most skillful designers and artists were to share in the work. Every stone was prepared to fit its exact place before delivery, so the temple rose without the sound of axe or hammer, and for beauty, richness, and splendor it had no equal in the world. The materials could be supplied and prepared only through the Lord's blessing, and the temple services were instituted by God, so the temple's splendor belonged to God's honor rather than Solomon's, though Solomon later allowed the people to praise him for it.
The exactness required meant Solomon should have looked to God in faith for consecrated helpers gifted with special skill for doing the work with exactness, but instead he lost sight of that opportunity to exercise faith, looked to apostates, and sent to the king of Tyre for a master workman. The chapter containing the verse remains important today by teaching that responsibilities in God's work are entrusted to people of genuine experience and dependable character. The verse shows God gives wisdom to all engaged in His service to carry out His design, and in the present age He has given much light and instruction for advancing His work on an elevated, refined, and ennobling basis. Those who do not carry out His design in their service displease Him, so He will separate them from His cause and test others in their place, who if self-sufficient will themselves be replaced by still other laborers.