Synopsis of the Chapter
The expenses prepared by David for the construction of the temple are enumerated: likewise those which the princes and the people added to them. Then, in verse 22, Solomon is publicly anointed as king for the second time, and David, full of days and merits, dies.
Verse 2: Like Antimony Stones ¶
Verse 2. LIKE ANTIMONY STONES — that is, resembling antimony, with which women apply cosmetic coloring to their faces so as to appear more beautiful than they are. Hence in Hebrew it is 'stones of coloring,' which would create an illusion for those looking at them, so that there would appear in them wondrous and elegant forms of various things, which however were not really in them — such as those which are called Agates, in which the images of trees, birds, floating islands, and all sorts of things appear as if painted, which deceive even the most sharp-sighted, so that they truly believe those things exist therein. These then are the antimony or cosmetic stones, which create an illusion for the eyes and delude them with the images they represent.
AND PARIAN MARBLE — from Paros, one of the Cycladic islands, which is white and most excellent. 'Parian' is not in the Hebrew, but in the Septuagint and in our Vulgate, because this marble prepared by David for the temple of God was choice and of the finest quality, such as Parian marble is.
APART FROM WHAT I HAVE PREPARED FOR THE HOLY HOUSE — that is to say, besides those things which from the spoils of enemies and conquered kingdoms I have prepared and gathered for the construction of the temple, which amount to a hundred thousand talents of gold and a million talents of silver, as stated in chapter 22, verse 14, I additionally give from my private resources for the same construction of the house of my God those things which I have long since offered and pledged — namely three thousand talents of gold brought from Ophir, and therefore of the finest quality, etc.
Verse 5: Let Him Fill His Hand ¶
Verse 5. LET HIM FILL HIS HAND — with gold and gifts which he generously wishes to offer to God for the construction of the temple.
Verse 6: The Overseers of the King's Possessions ¶
Verse 6. THE OVERSEERS OF THE KING'S POSSESSIONS — namely the officers in charge of the vineyards, fields, herds, sheep, and other property of David.
Verse 17: In the Simplicity of My Heart ¶
Verse 17. IN THE SIMPLICITY OF MY HEART I HAVE JOYFULLY OFFERED — The Hebrew has 'in the uprightness of heart.' The Septuagint has 'in justice.' That is to say: I have offered these things with a simple, that is, sincere, upright, and candid heart, and with the purest intention, looking to and intending nothing other than the honor and glory of God. For this is entirely fitting and just.
Verse 21: They Sacrificed Victims ¶
Verse 21. AND THEY SACRIFICED VICTIMS — both holocausts and peace offerings, from which laypeople were permitted to eat and feast; hence from these all feasted. For it adds:
MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR ALL ISRAEL — that is to say, so many victims were amply sufficient that from them all the Israelites then present could feast sumptuously.
Verse 22: They Anointed Solomon a Second Time ¶
Verse 22. AND THEY ANOINTED SOLOMON A SECOND TIME — for previously he had been anointed privately in the presence of a few, 3 Kings chapter 1, verse 39; here therefore he is anointed a second time publicly, so that all may know that he is the king of Israel, and may reverence and honor him as such. For this reason David assembled the whole people, so that Solomon might be anointed again in the presence of all Israel and with their approval.
AND SADOC AS HIGH PRIEST — Because Sadoc had been designated as High Priest by Saul, while Abiathar, succeeding Achitob and Eli as high priests, had exercised the pontificate under David; hence some who were enemies of Saul and followers of David did not want to accept Sadoc as High Priest. Therefore David commands that he be anointed as High Priest, so that all may accept and honor him as such. For David did not wish to deprive Sadoc of his rank, which he had held under Saul for so many years, and which was due to him by right, because he was of the descendants of Eleazar, who was the firstborn of Aaron, and therefore his successor in the pontificate.