David was intent on building the temple. He wanted it to be “of great magnificence and fame and splendor” (5). Why? What purpose was it that the building was as such? David wanted it so because it was to be “in the sight of all the nations”.
David told his very young son Solomon of his desire and inability to build the temple (6,7). God told David that Solomon would be able to build the temple (10).
Yet, is this what the Lord wanted? Did he want a stone, cedar, and gold temple of great magnificence and fame and splendor? Is that how God wanted his name to be of fame in all the nations? No. He wanted his fame to spread because his people had followed his laws. “Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: The law will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations.” (Isa. 51:4) God’s desire was for his people to live according to his word and spread his great name.
God told Moses to tell the Israelites what the king of his people is to do in Deuteronomy 14:14-20. This passage does not say the king was to build a temple. Instead, it greatly emphasizes that he is to copy the law of the Lord, read it daily, learn to revere the Lord his God, and follow all the words of his law and decrees.
Jesus lived the life that David, Solomon, and all the kings of Israel were to live. He made the name of God great in all the nations. He did not do this with a magnificent building of stone, silver, and gold. He did this by living and teaching God’s word.
Jesus is building a temple of flesh, bone, heart, mind, soul, and spirit. Jesus is God’s Son, and God is his Father (10). God established Jesus’ throne. His kingdom over Israel is forever (10). Jesus is my example.
