4. He arranged for the people of Tyre and Sidon to bring him a large number of cedar logs.
5. David thought, “The Temple that my son Solomon is to build must be splendid and world-famous. But he is young and inexperienced, so I must make preparations for it.” So David got large amounts of the materials ready before he died.
6. He sent for his son Solomon and commanded him to build a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel.
7. David said to him, “My son, I wanted to build a temple to honour the Lord my God.
8. But the Lord told me that I had killed too many people and fought too many wars. And so, because of all the bloodshed I have caused, he would not let me build a temple for him.
9. He did, however, make me a promise. He said, ‘You will have a son who will rule in peace, because I will give him peace from all his enemies. His name will be Solomon, because during his reign I will give Israel peace and security.
10. He will build a temple for me. He will be my son, and I will be his father. His dynasty will rule Israel for ever.’ ”
11. David continued, “Now, my son, may the Lord your God be with you, and may he keep his promise to make you successful in building a temple for him.
12. And may the Lord your God give you insight and wisdom so that you may govern Israel according to his Law.