Our reading today begins in chapter 27 with the last of the assignments within the kingdom. David is sure to leave everything in order and running smoothly for his son Solomon to take the throne. It starts with the military divisions, divided into a monthly rotation (27:1). It begins with Jashobeam who was a descendant of Perez (v. 3) just like David (see 1 Chr 2). Then the Chronicler records the heads of the tribes (vv. 16-22). Note that here the tribes of Gad and Asher are not listed. The count of those below age twenty and the wrath of God in verses 23-24 talk about the census of chapter 21. The chapter ends by recording those who took care of the king’s property and his counselors.

Chapter 28 records David’s final charge to Israel It is a charge to follow Solomon. David emphasis that in the same way God chose Judah and then him (28:4) He has chosen Solomon (vv. 5-6). He then reveals the covenant God made with him to all the officials (v. 7). David is telling Israel that they are not losing their King, because God is King. They are not switching loyalties from David to Solomon, but are simply remaining loyal to God. He says that Solomon must remain faithful (v. 7), so Israel must remain faithful (v. 8).

David then gives Solomon his charge. Solomon must follow God, heart and soul. If he seeks God, he will find Him (v. 9 – see Prov 8:17 and Matt 7:7-8). But David puts this in covenantal terms. If Solomon seeks God, he will find Him, but if he forsakes Him, God will cast him off. What God graciously granted, Solomon will only keep through obedience. This is how God’s covenant with Israel worked, and the Chronicler is making exactly that point to the returning remnant.

We then see that David give the Temple plans to Solomon (vv. 11-12), and the plans for the furnishings to be used in worship (vv. 13-18). David then tells Solomon that this was all revealed to him by God (v. 19). In fact, it was written by the very hand of the Lord. David wants this to encourage Solomon (v. 20). God has given him all he needs (v. 21).

Chapter 29 begins with David explaining to the assembly that this is God’s will and God has provided. David has given all the materials needed (29:2), and offers everything else he has (vv. 3-4) and calls on the people to do the same (v. 5). And they freely offer what they have to God (vv. 6-9). David then offers his final prayer, beginning with blessing God (v. 10). God has all the power, He provides every good things, He gives every victory, and He is the exalted King (vv. 11-12). Thanks and praise are due to Him (v. 13). Even what is offered freely to God is only offering back to Him what is truly His (v. 14, 16). Note in verse 15 that David recognizes that there is nothing about Israel than makes them special.

David then calls on God to remember the legacy He has established (v. 18) and prays that He would establish Israel and Solomon (vv. 18-19). David then calls the whole assembly to bless the Lord, which they do (v. 20). And nothing brought them greater joy (v. 22). The Chronicler is establishing the joy of serving YHWH God. He will establish in 2 Chronicles the devastation of turning from Him.

Solomon is then re-established as king (v. 22), as David has already done so (23:1). Israel obeyed him (v. 23) and were loyal to him (v. 24). And God established him in his throne and blessed all of Israel during his reign (v. 26). The book ends with the death of David. In verses 29-30, we see some of those other sources the Chronicler used to write his book. Under David, God prospered and blessed Israel. Under his son, God prospered and blessed Israel even more. When his Greater Son comes, God would prosper and bless His people fully and completely. This is the hope of the Chronicler.