Now that king David is established in Judah and Jerusalem, he has a desire to build the Lord a house, but the Lord tells him he cannot because David shed blood in battle, but his son Solomon will build it, and his kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom. David was amazed at the Lord's words to him. Chapters 18-20 tell of David's victories in taking land and fighting the enemies, but then in chapter 21, David falls into sin by demanding a census of the people. His commander Joab warned him, but David would not listen. This brought about God's punishment, and David could choose between: three years of famine, three months of their enemies overtaking David, or three days of the sword of the Lord when He would bring a plague upon the land. David chose the latter because he trusted in God's mercy. He did not want his fate to be placed in the hands of man. The plague ended on the threshing floor of Araunah, and David was to make an altar and sacrifice to the Lord. Even though Araunah was willing to give king David the land, David said, "No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing." David made the sacrifice and fire came on it from heaven, and the death angel left. David then declared that this would be the place that the new temple would stand. Before David died, he made extensive plans on how to build the temple. He made plans for the service of the Levites, Priests, Singers, Gatekeepers, Treasurers, Officials, Army divisions, Officers of the tribes, and the King's Overseers. David had even accumulated much for the building of the temple. He placed Solomon as king, and he was anointed, as well as Zadok as priest. David lived a long life, and the book of First Chronicles ends with his death, and the hope that his son, Solomon will reign during a time of peace, and of the temple of the Lord.
