“Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the
Lord?”—1 CHRON. xxix. 5.
THE occasion was a very solemn one. It was the last act of David’s
reign. He had long desired to build a temple for the glory of God, but
he was not allowed to carry out his wish. So he collected the necessary
materials, and at length, when he had decided to abdicate in favour of
Solomon, he called an assembly and declared Solomon, who was still young
and tender, to be his successor, then handed over to him the plans which
he had prepared for the Temple, and concluded with a solemn charge. {81}
Having thus ended what may be termed the official business of his life,
the aged king proceeded to address the congregation. Let us study four
things in that address; his question, his thanksgiving, his prayer, and
his final appeal.