Open English Translation 1 CHR Chapter 22

2 Then David said to gather the foreigners who lived in Israel, and he assigned them the job of hewing out cut stones to build the residence for God. 3 He prepared a large quantity of iron for the door hinges and fittings, so much brass that it couldn’t be weighed, 4 and innumerable cedar logs that the Tsidonians and the Tsorians (Sidonians and Tyrians) brought in for David. 5 David said, “My son Shelomoh (Solomon) is young and tender, and the house to be built for Yahweh must be impressive for the sake of his reputation and for beauty in all the lands so I’ll prepare for it now.” So David prepared a large amount before he died.

6 Then David called for his son Shelomoh (Solomon), and ordered him to build a residence for Yisrael’s god Yahweh. 7 David told him, “My son, I wanted to build a temple to honour my god Yahweh,[ref] 8 but Yahweh gave me this message, ‘You’ve fought a lot of battles and shed a large amount of blood, so you won’t be the one who’ll build a residence to honour me—you’ve shed too much blood on the ground in my sight.’ 9 He told me, ‘Listen, you’ll have a son who’ll be a man of peace. I’ll give him relief from all his enemies from the surrounding regions. That’s why he’ll be called ‘Shelomoh’ (which sounds like ‘Shalom’—the Hebrew word for peace), and I’ll give peace and quietness to Yisrael during his lifetime. 10 He’ll be the one to build a residence for me, and he himself will become my son, and I’ll become his father, and I’ll establish the throne of his kingdom over Yisrael forever.’

11 “Now, my son, may Yahweh be with you, and may you be successful and build a residence for Yahweh your god, just as he said you would. 12 I also ask Yahweh to give you insight and understanding, and give you charge over Yisrael so that you can keep your god Yahweh’s regulations. 13 Then you’ll succeed, if you are careful to follow the instructions and the directions that Yahweh commanded Mosheh (Moses) concerning Yisrael. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged.[ref]

14 Now, see, despite many battles, I’ve prepared the following for Yahweh’s residence: three thousand tonnes of gold and thirty thousand tonnes of silver, along with too much bronze and iron to weigh, and timber and cut stones. Plus you’ll be able to add more. 15 You’ll have plenty of skilled workers including those who work with stone and those who work with wood. 16 Then there’s so many skilled with gold and silver, and bronze and iron. So get organised and get started, and may Yahweh be with you.

17 Then David ordered all the Israeli officials to assist his son Shelomoh, saying, 18 “Isn’t Yahweh your god with you all, and hasn’t he given peace to you all from all around, because he’s allowed me to take control of this region, and this area has been subdued with the help of Yahweh and his people. 19 Now, dedicate your mind and strength to request advice from your god Yahweh, then get organised and build the sanctuary of Yahweh God so you can bring the box containing Yahweh’s agreement to the residence to be built to honour Yahweh’s name, and bring God’s sacred items.”