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Chronicles The King, The People, And The Temple
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A set of Bible studies for
western blacktown presbyterian church
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...growing followers of Jesus
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The Book of Chronicles The King, The People, And The Temple Study 1 1 Chron 1-9
Israel – God’s Tree
Study 2 1 Chron 10-12
10. Although God rescued Hezekiah from Assyria, they conquered the northern kingdom and exiled them in 722 BC. Only a remnant remained in the land. About 50 years later Josiah becomes king of Judah. What are his priorities?
David and the Nation
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34:3
Parking the Ark
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34:7
Study 4 1 Chron 14, 18-20, 21
David and the Nations
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34:8
Study 5 1 Chron 17, 22-29
David and the temple
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34:14,21
Study 3 1 Chron 13, 15-16
Study 6 2 Chron 1-9
Solomon and the Temple
Study 7 2 Chron 10-13
Rejecting the Son of David
Study 8 2 Chron 12-28
Father and Son
Study 9 2 Chron 29-36
The United Kingdom
Chronicles is unusual because it describes many events which are also described in Samuel and Kings. In some places the writer (called the Chronicler) ADDED details which WEREN’T found in other parts of the Bible, and in other places he LEFT OUT parts of the story. He had a theological purpose behind these choices. The Chronicler relied on many written sources. About half his work is taken from Samuel and Kings, with other sources including Judges, Ruth, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Zechariah. He also refers to other nonbiblical books. It seems likely that the book was written for the Jewish community who had returned from Babylon. God had exiled them there from 605 BC. David’s kingly line was lost, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. In 538 BC Cyrus allowed them to return. They are in the land, yet have no Davidic king and are under the rule of Persia. Is God still interested in them? Are God’s promises to David still valid? Are they still God’s people? Where do the people go from here? These are the questions the writer of Chronicles seeks to answer for the returned Israelites. His big theme is that the way to restore God’s blessings for Israel is to restore the people, the king, and the temple to the way God intended them to be. He achieves his purpose by emphasising several themes; 1. The king: The reign of King David was the high point in Israel’s history. He was a man after God’s own heart. The Chronicler highlights the positive aspects of David’s reign, holding him up as the ideal that Israel can again aspire to. Returning a king from David’s line to the throne is a key step for the Chronicler in the restoration of God’s blessing to Israel. 2
11. How does the Assyrian exile make Josiah’s job easier (34:6-7,9)? 12. What does Josiah do when he recognises the sin of the nation (34:19,27,29-33) Are his prayers heard? What does God promise (34:27-28)?
13. What evidence for “all Israel” can you find in Josiah’s Passover celebration in 35:1-19? 14. Following Josiah the last events of Judah are summarised. Despite God’s continued warnings (36:15-17), King Nebuchadnezzar conquered them, and took many goods and people to Babylon. In 587 the temple and Jerusalem was destroyed. Is there anything positive to be said about the exile ·
36:20 – note the use of the word “remnant”
·
36:21
15. Are the final words positive or negative (36:22-23)? Compare them to the first words of Ezra. What point might be being made? Prayer Points:
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Study 9: 2 Chron 29-36: The United Kingdom 1. What was Hezekiah’s first task (29:3ff)? How had this situation occurred (28:24)? Who helped him in his task (29:15-19)? 2. “All Israel” becomes a prominent theme in these chapters. Despite the divided kingdom, the ideal is for God’s people to be united under God’s king around God’s temple. This is the desire of Hezekiah. Who is the sin offering for (29:21 and also 29:24)? 3. What does Hezekiah do next? Who does he invite to the Passover (30:1-6)? 4. Assyria was threatening the northern kingdom. What advice does Hezekiah have for the people (30:6-9)? What is the response (30:10-14,25-27)?
5. Is this “all Israel”? (Note the argument of Rom 9:6-8; 11:1-7 which says that true Israel are those who have faith – a smaller group than ethnic Israelites). 6. The Chronicler’s message is that it is the reality behind the symbols (of king and temple) which God desires. It is obedience, rather than SIMPLY sacrifices and purification. How does he make this point (30:17-20)? What might this mean for his readers who had no king, and had no temple (or a poor, neglected one)?
7. What signs are there of this unity continuing (31:6,8)? 8. Read 32:1-23. What do we learn about Hezekiah from these verses? About God? 9. How is the temple described which Manasseh defiled (33:7-8)? Does God keep that promise (33:10-13)? 22
2. The Law and the Prophets: This is a major focus of Israel’s covenant life under the leadership of the house of David. It was Israel’s obedience to the law, rather than simply the existence of Davidic kings or the temple which assured Israel of God’s blessing. A primary feature of the FAITHFUL king was his attempt to bring the people back to the law, and to heed God’s prophetic word. 3. The temple: The rebuilt temple and its service are God’s greatest gifts to his people. His account of the reign of David focuses on David’s preparation and instructions for the temple. The description of Solomon emphasises his building of the temple. 4. All Israel: Despite God’s people splitting into Judah (southern tribes) and Israel (northern tribes) during the reign of Rehoboam (2 Chron 10), Chronicles still emphasises “all Israel” – listing the genealogies and lands for all twelve tribes, and specifically noting when ALL Israel assembled during the reigns of David and Solomon. The narrative makes frequent mention of movements of godly people from the north to Judah for specific religious reasons. This also serves to give the readers hope for the day when God will restore more than simply the remnant to the land – but all Israel. The book can be divided into the following sections; a) 1 Chron 1-9: History of the kingdom b) 1 Chron 10-2 Chron 9: The united kingdom c) 2 Chron 10-28: The divided kingdom d) 2 Chron 29-36: The united kingdom 5. God’s election: God has chosen the tribe of Levi to serve in the temple. He has chosen David as king, and Solomon to build the temple. He has chosen Jerusalem to be his city, and the temple to be the place where His name would dwell. These acts of God assure postexilic Israel that they are still God’s people whose election hasn’t been cancelled. 6. The Promised Messiah: Chronicles sustains Israel’s hope for the promised Messiah by recalling the Davidic covenant of 2 Sam 7 in 1 Chron 17, and then regularly referring back to it. The idealised depictions of the faithful kings (David, Solomon, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah) show the Messianic ideal. They served as types, foreshadowing the David to come of whom the prophets had spoken, encouraging hope in Israel in the face of discouragement. 3
Study 1: 1 Chron 1-9: Israel – God’s Tree Israel’s roots Scan the first three chapters. These chapters paint the picture of humankind. They are a tree beginning from Adam and rising up. The interest of the Jewish readers is with Israel, and in particular the Davidic kings. These are the people of God’s choosing. This is the main trunk. The other lists describe the side branches. 1. Follow the main stem through chapters 1-3. Adam to Noah (1:1-4), Noah to Abraham (1:17-28), Abraham to Israel (Jacob) (1:34), Israel to David (2:1-17), David to the exile (3:1-16), Davidic kings after the exile (3:17-24) 2. The rest of Ch 1-3 show various side branches. Look for example at how they show · brothers - sons of Noah - 1:4; Isaac’s brother, Ishmael – 1:2833; Israel’s (Jacob’s) brother Esau – 1:34-37; Israel’s sons - 2:12,13-16; 3:1-9, 15-16; Judah’s other descendants – 2:18-55 + · neighbouring families – 1:38-42 · rulers (1:43-54) · whole peoples (1:11-12, 14-16) · towns (2:42, 50-51) · and even countries (1:5-8) 3. Why do you think Jacob is always referred to as Israel here (1:34)? See Gen 32:22-32. 4. Some of the branches highlight incidents or events – but curious and unexpected ones, rather than the significant events. Look at 1:19, 50; 2:3,7, 34-35. What point(s) might the writer be making in mentioning these small historical details?
5. As much as “all Israel” is a desire for the Chronicler, he is not arguing for unity at all costs. (This is the principle evangelical denominations have used for remaining separate from other denominations). Jehoshaphat was a good king, yet for the sake of unity, he entered into allegiances with the wicked northern kings. True unity is only found when both sides are truly obedient to God. What are the consequences of Jehoshaphat’s weak-willed alliances? ·
18:1-19:3
·
20:35-37
6. Through all the ups and downs of David’s family, what is the one constant (21:7)? God’s promise does not depend on our worth (see 22:9). What great news!
7. At a number of points many of the royal family are killed and only one Son of David remains to become king (Look at 21:4; 21:17; 22:8; 22:10-12). These echo the events of Jesus’ birth when Herod killed all the boys. God protected His Messiah by sending him to Egypt. Behind all the human causes of history, it is God who punishes AND preserves. 8. Spend some time praising God that he wisely controls the events of history, as well as the small-scale events of our lives. This means we can pray CONFIDENTLY for the things we want. Prayer Points:
5. Thus, God’s chosen people, and king, are shown to be one small, but significant, part of the vast humanity of God’s earth. What message may the writer be trying to communicate in these first three chapters?
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no grandchildren. Each generation must make the decision to follow their father or not. What is YOUR experience of following the faith-example of your parents? 3. What factors determine whether a king is good or evil? Look at the following verses. Good
Evil
17:3-4; 20:32; 21:12-13; 26:4; 27:2
16:7-9; 20:35-37
13:18
28:2
12:14; 17:6; 15:17
13:7; 21:4; 24:17
14:2; 25:2-4; 27:6
28:22-23
14:11; 20:3-4
21:3
24:2,14-16; 26:5
26:16
15:8
29:6-9
17:7-10
They are living back in Israel, but it is just a small part of the Persian empire. We can imagine them looking back in history. “Those were the good old days,” we hear them say, “But where is God now? And what does it mean to be his people today?” The Chronicler answers these questions by calling the readers’ attention back to their history. “Who they are” is determined by “where they’ve come from”. Today’s Israel is to be encouraged and strengthened by getting back to their roots – by studying yesterday’s Israel. The readers would not have doubted that God was the God of their fathers. Their concern was whether he was still interested in THEM. These opening chapters affirm the connection between the past and the present, and hence between THE GOD of the past and the present. They were STILL the people of God. Chapters 4-7 list the tribes of Israel. Extra attention is paid to Judah, Levi, and Benjamin. This reflects the interest the writer has in King David (from Judah), King Saul (from Benjamin) and the temple (served by priests from Levi). These three tribes also formed the new southern kingdom of Judah, on which the writer concentrates. Kingship and Priesthood are the finest fruit from God’s tree, Israel. Once again, extra details emphasise · the historical reality of these people (4:14b, 21, 23) · spiritual lessons (4:9-10) · God’s people include Gentiles (4:17-18)
19:5-10
4.
Israel’s branches Ch 3 finishes by describing men who are living six generations after the exile started. This puts the time around the fourth century BC. Perhaps the writer even knows some of these Davidic descendants. Thus the book of Chronicles comes from the last part of Old Testament history.
“All Israel” is an emerging theme in these chapters. Look at 15:9. This theme will become more dominant in the next study. Despite the divided kingdom, many from the northern kingdom join with the southern kingdom. Why?
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6. Read the account of Jabez (4:9-10). Much has been made of his prayer. It is the subject of numerous books which promote a prosperity gospel (God’s will is for all Christians to be healthy and wealthy – just pray the prayer!) What information does v9 add to the picture?
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7. Jabez sounds like “pain”. His mother was more or less cursing her son. His prayer was that God might reverse the effect of the curse. And since God has compassion on the afflicted, he answered the prayer. Does this mean we should expect him to do exactly the same for us? What does Eph 1:3 say about the blessings that are ours?
8. Chapter 9:1 summarises the lists so far, and brings the reader to the time of the exile. 9:2 picks up the story more than 50 years later. Which post-exilic tribe does 9:3-34 focus on? His point is that the temple is STILL one of the fruits of God’s tree, Israel.
Study 8: 2 Chron 12-28: Father and Son Have you ever had people say “You’re just like your father?” Do you find that frustrating? I’m my own person, and can make my own choices! This section of Chronicles shows us that good fathers can produce bad sons OR good sons. And also that bad fathers can produce good OR bad sons. Despite individual choices or circumstances, God’s promise to David’s line remains secure (21:7) 1. These chapters are detailed character studies of the kings of Judah. Most of the portraits are black and white – the kings were either good or evil. Others are painted in shades of gray. What verdict does the Chronicler make about each of the kings (and one queen) of Judah?
9. Perhaps the point of these chapters is to raise the ideal of Israel, with king and priests working properly. Even though for post-exile Israel this was only a pipe-dream, it created the expectation and hunger that ONE DAY God would provide perfect kingship and priesthood so that God’s people would, once again, live God’s way under God’s rule. Look at how Jesus fulfills the roles of priest (Heb 10:1-25) and king (Rev 17:11-15).
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Rehoboam (12:14)
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Abijah (13:21?)
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Asa (14:2; 15:17)
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Jehoshaphat (17:3-6; 20:32)
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Jehoram (21:6)
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Ahaziah (22:3-4)
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Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah (22:12)
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Joash (24:2)
10. Spend some time praising Jesus for who he is.
(24:17-18)
Prayer Points:
·
Amaziah (25:2)
·
Uzziah (26:5) (26:16)
2.
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·
Jotham (27:2,6)
·
Ahaz (28:1-2)
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Hezekiah (29:2)
Every combination of good and bad fathers and sons is represented. Good examples are sometimes followed and sometimes ignored. Likewise, bad examples are sometimes followed and ignored. The spiritual principles is that faith in God is never inherited – God has 19
8. Who does Abijah blame for the separation? · 13:6 · 13:7 9. Is Abijah correct – is God on the side of Judah (13:13-22)? 10. Although the Book of Kings has little mention of Abijah (1 Ki 15:18), the Chronicler highlights this speech. Abijah’s declaration is the Chronicler’s sermon to his readers. What is his message to his readers? 11. In Jesus’ time others rejected this Son of David (Mt 21:15). It is STILL through a Son of David that God blesses ALL his people (Jew and Gentile) with every spiritual blessing (Gal 3:13-14). Spend some time praising and thanking Jesus for the blessings he brings us.
Study 2: 1 Chron 10-12: David and the Nation The glorious reign of King David was well and truly over for the readers of Chronicles. Yet the message of the Chronicler was that the principles of this time were still the only ones around which the life of the people of God could be organised if it was the have any value and meaning. King David is the subject of the next twenty chapters. a) The people’s king (10:1-11:9) 1. Read Ch 10. The chapter isn’t about David at all! Why start with Saul? What sort of picture is painted of Saul in this chapter?
2. What is the moral of the Saul’s demise? (10:13-14) What is the message to God’s people?
3. How does Saul compare to the picture painted of David in the coming chapters?
4. Read 11:1-9. Two of the big themes join together here – the people and the king. What do we learn about each in this passage? What do we learn about their relationship together? How does God fit in?
Prayer Points:
5. List the different names for Israel’s new capital found in v4-9. What different aspects of the city are suggested by each of the names? (See for example Rev 21:2ff; Psalm 2; Psalm 48)
6. What is the lesson for Christians concerning God, his king Jesus, his people, and Jerusalem? Read Heb 12:22-29.
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b) The king’s people (11:10-12:40) 7. If the first half of Ch 11 highlighted the UNITY of God’s people, the second half, and into Ch 12, highlights their INDIVIDUALITY. Read 11:10-25. What characteristics can you identify in these followers of David?
8. What characteristics can you identify in the followers of David in these verses? 12:1-7 12:8-15: 12:16-18: 12:19-22:
Study 7: 2 Chron 10-13: Rejecting the Son of David Shortly after the death of Solomon the nation of Israel is split into two. The ten northern tribes separate from the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Both kingdoms are referred to as Israel (10:19; 11:13 cf 12:1,6). The southern kingdom can even be called both Judah and Israel in the same sentence (28:19)! This would be confusing except that chapters 10-36 focus almost exclusively on Judah, since this is where Jerusalem, the temple, and the Davidic kings are to be found. 1. Rehoboam has big shoes to fill. His father and grandfather were the best there ever was. He feels the weight of expectation. Yet, he misses the point. God promises to bless a FAITHFUL king in David’s line, and his promise is contingent on obedience. Read Ch 10. What mistake does Rehoboam make? 2. Who assembled to crown Rehoboam? What do they want?
9. What is emphasised in the roll-call of 12:23-40? See 12:38. 10. What is the New Testament parallel for the church of this great unity within diversity? See 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
3. What mistake do all Israel make (10:16)? How is this a rejection of God’s plans and promises for Israel (2 Chron 6:16; 7:17-18)
11. How can our church be more united? How can we better encourage the diverse gifts of individuals?
4. What is the point of mentioning the loyalists in 10:13-17? Why do they side with Judah?
Prayer Points:
5. At the start of Ch 12 things seem to be going well. What happens? Why? 6. Is God’s judgment complete? Why/ why not? (12:6-7,12) 7. Abijah succeeds Rehoboam. What arguments does he present to Israel for why Judah is being faithful to God? · 13:5-8: · 13:9-11: · 13:12 8
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9. Did God hear Solomon’s prayer (7:1-2, 11-18)? 10. What did the people think about the temple dedication (7:3-10)?
Study 3: 1 Chron 13, 15-16: Parking the Ark One of the techniques of the Chronicler is to intertwine his themes through the story. We have seen this in the genealogy. Levi is described in Ch 6 & 9, Benjamin at 7 & 8, and Judah at 2, 3 & 4. In chapters 13, 15 and 16 he focuses on the Ark of the Covenant.
11. Even at the very height of Israel’s glory, God warns them, through Solomon, to obey him (7:19-22). What is the Chronicler’s message to his readers who have returned from exile?
Another pattern we can observe in these chapters is how themes DEVELOP. While these chapters describe the centrepiece of the worship equipment, Ch 17, 22-29 will DEVELOP this to include preparation for the whole temple.
12. Chapters 8-9 summarise and conclude Solomon’s reign. They describe his relationship with other nations. While David conquered the nations, Solomon was a blessing to them. This fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham that his offspring would be a blessing to the nations (Gen 12:1-3). Israel’s purpose was always to lead the nations to God. Who is the cause of all this blessing (9:8)?
Also Ch 10-12 describe David and the nation of Israel. This is developed in Ch 14, 18-20 which describe David and OTHER nations.
13. The Chronicler’s message to readers without such wisdom, power, worship and riches is that our confidence and hope do not come from the glory of our own, or our king’s, circumstances. The throne is God’s, not Solomon’s, and our hope is in his love and faithfulness, rather than the gold of an earthly throne. This is a lesson for us as well. Spend some time thanking God for the blessings he provides for you.
2. The Chronicler has a number of components that make up his ideal Israel (see above). Which of these can be found in the assembly in 13:2-6?
1. Read 1 Chron 13. What characteristics of the Ark do we learn about from this account? What is the relationship between the Ark of the Covenant and the LORD God?
3. What is the mood of the people as the move the Ark? What happens? How does David’s mood change (11&12)? Which is right?
Prayer Points: 4. What effect does the interruption of Ch 14 have on the flow of the story of the Ark? How does it build the tension? 5. Read 15:1-15. What lessons has David learned about the Ark? 6. Read 15:25-16:6. Now that the people are were obeying God’s commands concerning the Ark, the account refers to the Ark by a different name. What is it? What might be the significance of this?
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7. What is the relationship between the Ark and God himself? Is the Ark just another idol? Who/ what do the people worship/ sacrifice to/ pray to? Look at 16:1,4
3. King Hiram is mentioned in 1 Chron as David’s only ally among many enemies (1 Chron 14). How does this compare to his relationship with Solomon? What does this tell us about Solomon’s reign? How does Hiram help Solomon? What does he get in return?
8. The Psalm of thanks (16:8-36) provides the theological commentary on the Ark story. What do we learn about the following themes? · the nations/ the earth
4. As wonderful as the temple would be, what sense of perspective does Solomon keep on it (2:5-6; 6:18)?
·
God’s acts
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God’s covenant
·
Israel
5. Despite the lists of temple builders (2:17-18), who built the temple, according to 3:1-5:1? Why might the building have been described in this way?
9. The focus of these chapters is the Ark. Yet the first readers no longer had the Ark (it was destroyed with Solomon’s temple was destroyed). The Chronicler’s message is that it is the truths which are REPRESENTED by the Ark which are important, not the Ark itself. It is the GOD of the Covenant, rather than the Ark of the Covenant whom they worship. How does this truth come out in 16:37-43? 10. How do people today confuse places and objects with the God whom they represent? 11. Spend some time praying and praising God using the words of this wonderful Psalm (16:8-36) Prayer Points:
2 Chron 5-7 is the climax of the book, as well as the climax of Israel’s history. The king, the people, and the temple come together to celebrate God’s covenant goodness. 6. Read 2 Chron 5. How does the chapter finish? What does the cloud represent (see 6:1)? Why does it appear at this stage? 7. What aspects of God’s actions and character are emphasised by Solomon in his speech and prayer? ·
6:4,10,15
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6:5-6
·
6:11,14
8. What does Solomon see as the purposes of the temple? · 6:20-21,24-31
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6:23
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6:32-33
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6:34-35
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6:36-39
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Study 4: 1 Chron 14, 18-20, 21: David and the Nations
· 29:1-4;
1. Read Ch 14. What connections can you see between Ch 13, 14 and Ch 15? Look for example at 13:3,14; 14:10; 15:13.
· 29:5-9; 11. What are David’s priorities for Solomon’s reign (22:5-19)? What message is the Chronicler sending to his readers? 12. Read David’s prayer in 29:10-20. What are the three parts of the prayer?
2. Any thoughts on how the themes of the Ark, and conquering the nations, might be connected? How did earlier Israelites see the connection? Look at 1 Sam 4-6. What was Saul’s sin (10:13-14)? How is Saul connected to the Ark (15:29)?
· 29:10-13; · 29:14-17;
3. How does 14:1-7 contrast 14:8-17? Scanning through 18-20, how do the number of David’s allies compare to those of his enemies?
· 29:18-19; 13. Spend some time praying using David’s prayer as a model.
4. What is David’s attitude to God’s help in warfare in Ch 14?
Prayer Points: 5. Read Ch 18. Who gave David victory (18:6,13)? Did David recognise this (18:8,11)
Study 6: 2 Chron 1-9: Solomon and the Temple 1. Since 1 Chron 22:6 Solomon has been a spectator. He now springs into action. What do we learn about Solomon from 2 Chron 1-2?
6. 18:14-17 is the high point of Israel’s history. It is a picture of the perfect society for the Chronicler. What factors can you identify here?
· 1:2-6 · 1:8-12
7. What words describe the enemy in 19:1-20:3? What is emphasised about the enemy in 20:4-8?
· 1:14-17 · 2:1-3 2. Compare and contrast the character and reign of Solomon with those of David as he is described in 2 Chron 1-2.
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8. Read Ch 21. It is a link chapter between the theme of David vs the nations (Ch 18-20), and the theme of the temple (Ch 22-29). It appears to be David’s pride in his military achievements that gives rise to the census. What is the end result of the episode, however (21:28; 22:1)?
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9. Can you see any hints of David’s growing pride in 20:1-3? 10. Whether the sin was the census itself, or the pride behind it, God was not amused. What is God’s response? What do we learn about God from this story?
11. How do we fall into the sin of David of focussing on human resources? What should our attitude be instead? Spend some time praying on these areas.
6. What sort of “house” does God promise David (10b)? What does he say about this person? 7. Verses 11-14 are huge promises. But Solomon’s throne DIDN’T last forever – the post-Exile readers were witnesses to that! Although they searched for a successor, he never eventuated. Look at Lk 1:31-33. What did the angel have to say about THIS descendant of Solomon? 8. Is David disappointed that God has said “No” to his plan? What motivates David to pray? What do we learn about God from this prayer? About Israel?
Prayer Points:
Study 5: 1 Chron 17, 22-29: David and the temple 1. Read 1 Chron 17. This is the fourth theme (the nation, the nations, the Ark of the covenant, and the temple) intertwined through these chapters on David. Are there any references to Israel, David and the nations, or God’s covenant with Israel, in these verses? What is their connection to the theme of temple?
2. What bothers David about his house (v1)? 3. What advice does Nathan give David (v2)? How does his advice change (3-15)? 4. What is God’s attitude towards a house for himself? Is this why he raised up David (see 7-8)? 5. David was a great warrior who, through God, brought victory and peace to Israel. What is the connection between the reminder of David’s debt to God (7-8a), and the promise of a secure home for Israel (8b-10a)? 12
Ch 21 describes, quite mysteriously, David’s sin and God’s judgment and mercy. The end result is that the location of the temple is decided (22:1). The threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite is where God turned aside from his wrath. He affirms David’s choice of the site by sending fire to consume David’s offering (21:26). 9. Look at 2 Chron 3:1. What is the name of the temple site? The only other reference to this name in the Bible is Gen 22:2. What happened then? What do they have in common? As awesome as both of these events were, they merely foreshadow a third example of God’s mercy in the same region of Moriah, on a hill just beyond the temple mount – the atoning sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. 10. David begins making preparations for the temple’s construction. Although God has chosen someone else to BUILD it, David’s enthusiasm for the task is still strong. What preparations does he make? · 22:2-4; · 14-16; · 23:2-5; · 28:11-21; 13