John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender , etc.] Jarchi supposes he was about twelve years of age, though he observes that the same word is used of Joshua when forty two years of age; it is probable Solomon might be now about twenty: and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries : and such was the temple built by Solomon; it was renowned throughout the whole earth; never was there a temple equal to it, no, not the famous temple of Diana at Ephesus, built by the assistance of many kings, and at the expense of all Asia, and was two hundred years in building: I will therefore now, make preparation for it ; seeing his son was so young, and this building to be so magnificent, though he himself was not admitted to build it: so David prepared abundantly before his death ; of which we have an after account in this chapter, and more largely in ( 1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - On occasion of the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work David must not build, but he would do all he could; he prepare abundantly before his death. What our hands find to do for God, and ou souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before ou death; for after death there is no device nor working. And when the Lord refuses to employ us in those services which we desired, we mus not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humble sphere.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 דויד1732 שׁלמה8010 בני1121 נער5288 ורך7390 והבית1004 לבנות1129 ליהוה3068 להגדיל1431 למעלה4605 לשׁם8034 ולתפארת8597 לכל3605 הארצות776 אכינה3559 נא4994 לו ויכן3559 דויד1732 לרב7230 לפני6440 מותו׃4194
