New NIV Chronological Bible
The "transition" note preceding I Chronicles, Chapter 20 compares the difference between the II Samuel and the I Chronicles' descriptions after the similar stories they include regarding David calling for a census. II Samuel concludes with stories they make the rest of David's reign seem feeble; while I Chronicles covers victories. I thought that was interesting. Again, Ezra was trying to motivate the returning Israelites under a common past- so painting victories and minimizing "feeble" makes sense.
I Chronicles 22:1-19
David was prohibited by the Lord to make the Temple, as part of the Covenant. However, he knew he was getting old and Solomon was young, so he began preparations.
- He announced the site
- He assembled specialist workers from among the resident aliens among them
- He collect immeasurable amounts of bronze
- He brought in immeasurable amounts of cedar logs
- He had iron made for the nails, fitting, and such
- He made designs for a magnificent structure that would bring glory to God
- a hundred thousand talents of gold
- a million talents of silver
Then he brought in Solomon, and explained that he had been prohibited from building God's Temple because of all of the bloodshed and war. Then he explained that God had promised his son a season of rest and peace that the house of the Lord may built. From that, the Throne of His Kingdom would be established forever.
David blessed Solomon by wishing him success in the building, but also wisdom and discretion in leading God's people.
Here's what he said that discretion and understanding would do for Solomon, "...that you may keep the law of the Lord your God." And to emphasize the most important thing, he follows that what, what I assume, was the biggest lesson of his life:
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel.
I Chronicles 22:13
Then he ends the blessing with those precious words we find throughout God's word, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged."
It makes sense that David would look back on his most storied life and see that when he followed the Lord's Word he had amazing, and often miraculous, outcomes. And when he ignored the law, both in seemingly small and big things- the results were disastrous.
I don't think it's the law or decrees, it's a the heart. Not abiding by the rules is to say to the rule maker that you think you have a better way. And when the rule-maker is God--I imagine He takes that quite personally.
Also on David's mind might have been that, as a nation, and depending on how you counted it, they were only a couple of generations out of the time of the Judges- where men did what was right in their own eyes. Not right by God's Word.
David goes on to inventory for Solomon what he has collected in riches, raw material, and specialized workers, encouraging Solomon to add to it. He ends his time with Solomon by commanding him to begin the work and praying for him that the Lord would be with him.
He goes on to assemble the leaders of Israel and implore them to help Solomon for the Lord. He reminds them of how much the Lord has done for them, giving them rest on every side. He tells them to devote their hearts and souls to seeking the Lord your God. And toward bringing the Ark and other sacred pieces into this new Temple.