Parenting Lessons from King David by Andrew Mahorn
As I read through Chronicles, there were a number of things that stood out to me, but the most important one is the transition of power from King David to his son Solomon. King David is considered to be one of God’s most devoted followers; “a man after God’s own heart”. He wanted to build a permanent home for God; a temple, to house the Ark of the Covenant, instead of keeping it in a tent. In 1 Chronicles 17, God had different plans. He revealed to the prophet, Nathan, that David would not build the temple, and that Solomon, the next King, would.
What I find amazing is how King David laid the foundation for Solomon’s success. In chapter 22 we learn about the extensive plans David made with neighboring communities to provide the skills and materials needed to build the temple. (1 Chronicles 22:14-16) In Chapter 23-27, David also laid out a hierarchy to oversee the construction of the temple.
As I read the story, I think of bringing it into a present day context. Imagine a popular political leader or the head of large construction company handing over the leadership of the construction of an important building like city hall, or a federal building to an inexperienced young man. The speculation and doubt of the young leader’s ability to successfully over see the project would be all over the news. In Chapter 29 we read about the “press conference” where King David gathered the kingdom for the announcement. He gives up his own wealth to be used in the construction of the temple and invites the kingdom to do the same, which they do and supply the project from their own pockets out of obedience to the Lord.
A number of things are to be mentioned here. David paved the way for King Solomon to succeed in 3 important ways. First he provides supplies, materials, and skilled trades. (Chapter 22 verses 14 – 16) As David is telling Solomon that he is to build the temple, David also details the amount of gold, silver and bronze he has prepared for him along, with the skilled trades workers procured for the construction.
If we are to set aside our time talents and resources to ones we love, this is a great example of David dedicating treasure beyond measure to God’s temple.
I have always believed that as a parent it is our responsibility to provide the best possible for our children. Of course, this was not really for Solomon but for the temple of God, however, he was blessed and had to grasp the palatial magnificence of what was to be the house of God. David’s donation and preparation served as an example of the seriousness of what Solomon was to build.
Second, is that the ‘previous generation’s ceilings are to be the next generations floors’. This means that the next generation is to be better, bigger, smarter or should accomplish more than the previous. In this situation, we see king David had a goal to build a house for God more magnificent than his own, even though he was not tasked with this opportunity. David laid out the plans, skilled trades and foundational materials for Solomon that he could not do.
We all have strengths, but we also have shortcomings, fears, weaknesses, lack of education, opportunities etc. that hold us back from goals and dreams we desire to accomplish. Instinctively we do all we can to ensure the next generation has what we lack. Whether it is education, finance, counsel, opportunities or discipline, we pray our children have all that we do not or did not possess in order to be better and accomplish more than we did or could.
Lastly, we see David offering the best advice yet in Chapter 22 verse 12 and 13.
“May the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper, if you are careful to observe and fulfill the statutes and ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel”
Chapter 22 v. 12-13
David is warning Solomon of the virtues of following the Lord. He repeats himself publicly during the ceremony (press conference) where he announces Solomon as his successor, the one to build the temple, and urges the people of Israel to help him.
And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Chapter 28 v 9.
Despite a number of King David’s shortcomings there are number of parenting lessons learned:
Provide our resources for their success
Do what we can to make them better than us
Teach them the word of God and pray for them
Although this is an ancient story, it maintains much modern relevance. These may simple reminder of the obvious but a reminder nonetheless.
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What are your thoughts on this article? What parenting lessons have you learned? What stories do you have to share? Leave a comment, or send us an email.
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