13. God Blesses Those Who Cherish Principle—Did the Lord make a mistake in placing Solomon in a position of so great responsibility? Nay. God prepared him to bear these responsibilities, and promised him grace and strength on condition of obedience. [1 Chronicles 22:13 quoted.]
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The Lord sets men in responsible places, not to act out their own wills, but His will. So long as they cherish His pure principles of government, He will bless and strengthen them, recognizing them as His instrumentalities. God never forsakes the one who is true to principle. (Manuscript 164, 1902).
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1-5 (2 Chronicles 8:14). Organization for the Temple Services—[1 Chronicles 23:1-5 quoted.] The four thousand musicians, divided into twenty-four courses, were each lead by twelve men especially instructed and skilful in the use of musical instruments. The work of the porters was also definitely arranged.
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The priests were divided into twenty-four courses, and a full and accurate record was made regarding this division. Each course was thoroughly organized under its chief, and each was to come to Jerusalem twice a year, to attend for one week to the ministry of the sanctuary.
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The Levites, whose duty it was to assist in the sanctuary service, were organized and allotted their part with similar precision (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1905).
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1, 32-34 (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6). Wide Distribution of Responsibility Lessened Burdens—In planning for the administration of the affairs of the kingdom, after David abdicated in favor of Solomon, the aged king and his son and their counselors regarded it as essential that everything be done with regularity, propriety, fidelity, and dispatch. So far as possible, they followed the system of organization given Israel soon after the deliverance from Egypt. The Levites were assigned the work connected with the temple service, including the ministry of song and instrumental music, and the keeping of the treasures. The men capable of bearing arms and of serving the king were divided into twelve courses of twenty-four thousand each. Over every course was a captain. “The general of the king’s army was Joab.”1 Chronicles 27:34. “The courses ... came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year.”1 Chronicles 27:1. Thus every group of twenty-four thousand served the king one month during each year.
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David appointed Jonathan, his uncle, as “a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe”; Ahithophel also was “the king′s counselor.... And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada ... and Abiathar.” Hushai was “the king′s friend.”1 Chronicles 27:32, 33. By his prudent example, the aged king taught Solomon that “in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”Proverbs 11:14.
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The thoroughness and completeness of the organization perfected at the beginning of Solomon′s reign; the comprehensiveness of the plans for bringing the largest number possible of all the people into active service; the wide distribution of responsibility, so that the service of God and of the king should not be unduly burdensome to any individual or class,—these are lessons which all may study with profit, and which the leaders of the Christian church should understand and follow.
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This picture of a great and mighty nation living in simplicity and comfort in rural homes, every person rendering willing and unsalaried service to God and the king for a portion of each year, is one from which we may gather many helpful suggestions (The Review and Herald, October 12, 1905).
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9. Fidelity Must Precede Blessings—[1 Chronicles 28:9 quoted.] This charge is given to the men in positions of trust in the work of God today as verily as it was given to Solomon. The day of test and trial is upon them, as verily as it was then upon Solomon.
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Fidelity is required before God can bestow the blessings that He has promised. Those who offer God acceptable service must obey all His commandments. Thus they become representatives of Christ (Manuscript 163, 1902).
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11-13, 19. An Angel Guided David′s Writing—The Lord, through His angel, instructed David, and gave him a pattern of the house which Solomon should build for Him. An angel was commissioned to stand by David while he was writing out, for the benefit of Solomon, the important directions in regard to the arrangements of the house. David′s heart was in the work (The Spirit of Prophecy 1:387, 388).
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