1David gathered all the leaders of Israel in Jerusalem: the tribal leaders, the captains of the groups who served the king in shifts, the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the king’s and his sons’ wealth and possessions, along with the officers and all the brave warriors.
2King David stood up and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people! I intended to build a permanent home for the ark of Yahweh’s covenant and a footstool for our God, and I had prepared everything for the construction.
3But God told me, ‘You will not build a house for my name, because you are a man of war and have shed blood.’
4However, Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me from my father’s entire family to be king over Israel forever. He chose Judah to be the leading tribe, and within Judah, he chose my father's family. Among my father’s sons, he was pleased with me and made me king over all Israel.
5Out of all my sons (for Yahweh has given me many), he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of Yahweh’s kingdom over Israel.
6He told me, ‘Your son Solomon will build my house and my courtyards, because I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.’
7‘I will make his kingdom last forever if he continues to obey my commands and my rules, just as he is doing today.’
8Therefore, in the presence of all Israel, Yahweh’s assembly, and in the hearing of our God, carefully follow all the commands of Yahweh your God. Do this so you may take possession of this good land and leave it as an inheritance for your children forever.
9And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father and serve him with a wholehearted devotion and a willing mind. For Yahweh examines all hearts and understands every thought and intention. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever.
10Be careful now, because Yahweh has chosen you to build a house for his sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”
11Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the porch of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper rooms, its inner rooms, and the place for the atonement cover.
12He also gave him the plans, which he received by the Spirit, for the courtyards of Yahweh’s house, for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of God’s house, and for the treasuries of the dedicated things.
13He also provided for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of serving in Yahweh’s house, and for all the vessels used for service in Yahweh’s house.
14He specified the weight of gold for all types of vessels for service and the weight of silver for all types of vessels for service.
15He also specified the weight for the gold lampstands and their lamps, the gold by weight for each lampstand and its lamps, and for the silver lampstands, the weight for each lampstand and its lamps, according to the purpose of each lampstand.
16He also specified the weight of gold for the tables for the special bread, for each table, and silver for the silver tables.
17He gave the specifications for the forks, basins, and cups of pure gold, and the weight for each gold bowl and the weight for each silver bowl.
18He specified the weight of refined gold for the altar of incense, and gold for the design of the chariot, and the cherubim that spread out and cover the ark of Yahweh’s covenant.
19David said, “All this, the entire plan for this construction, came to me in writing from Yahweh’s hand.”
20David told his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for Yahweh God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or abandon you until all the work for the service of Yahweh’s house is finished.
21Look, the divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of God’s house. Every willing person with skill for any kind of service will be with you in all types of work. Also, the commanders and all the people will be completely at your command.”