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Though David served Israel in many ways, his primary role was as a military leader. He was considered a man of war. Before a nation can build a palace or temple, they must first defeat their neighboring enemies. David would defeat the enemies and Solomon would build the temple. This was the order the Lord desired.
David’s conquests gathered unbelievable wealth for the nation of Israel.
“With great pains I have provided for the house of the LORD 100,000 talents of gold, a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone, too, I have provided. To these,you must add.“
1 Chronicles 22:14 ESV
Today, this amounts to 36 billion in gold and 80 million in silver! Many think this is a scribal error, but even if that’s possible the fact remained that David provided the essentials for the needle to move forward. Commentator David Guzik compiled the following list of his accomplishments…
David is an example of someone who works in the background, who receives no or little credit for his work, but the job cannot be done without him.
This reminds me of the “greater David” who would come from his lineage. Jesus Christ did the same thing on a higher platform. He came with a Message and prepared humanity for the kingdom of God. He won the ultimate peace with God’s wrath by defeating sin and death at the cross. Jesus also prepared his “materials” (the church) who would take the Good News to the ends of the Earth.
When we read this story, we need to think in terms of David representing Jesus and Solomon representing us. Solomon needed to grow in wisdom in order to fulfill his calling. But, the foundation was already laid for him and victory was waiting. We have the same opportunity. Through Christ, our foundation has been set and the victory has been won! We must develop wisdom as we fulfill our role as his sons and daughters.