(21) And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites.--The form of expression suggests that David pointed to them as he spoke. The representatives of religion would hardly be absent from an assembly of "all the princes of Israel" (1Chronicles 28:1) (Comp. 1Chronicles 24:5, "princes of God.") They might also be included among "the valiant men." (Comp. 1Chronicles 9:13.)

And there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship.--Rather, And with thee in every kind of work will be every volunteer with skill, for every kind of service: that is to say, skilled craftsmen have volunteered for the work (1Chronicles 22:15), and will support thy endeavours. The word rendered "volunteer" (n?dib) strictly means one who offers free-will offerings. (Comp. Exodus 35:5; Exodus 35:22; and the verb Judges 5:1, hithnadd?b.) The phrase "volunteer with wisdom," or artistic skill, is not found elsewhere.

Also the princes and all the people.--Spoken, perhaps, with another gesture. The whole assembly would subserve the wishes of Solomon.

Wholly at thy commandment.--Literally, For all thy words: i.e., orders (Vulg., praecepta), or matters, business (1Chronicles 26:32).

Verse 21. - In this verse David reminds Solomon what servants and helpers he has ready to hand on earth, as well as his God above - priests and... Levites,... all manner of workmen,... willing and skilful,... princes and... people.

28:11-21 The temple must be a sacred thing, and a type of Christ; it must be framed by Divine teaching. Christ is the true temple, the church is the gospel temple, and heaven the everlasting temple; all are framed according to the Divine counsels, and the plan laid in the Divine wisdom, ordained before the world, for God's glory and our good. David gave this pattern to Solomon, that he might go by rule. Materials were provided for the most costly utensils of the temple. Directions were given which way to look for help in this great undertaking. Be not dismayed; God will help thee, and thou must look up to him in the first place. We may be sure that God, who owned our fathers, and carried them through the services of their day, will, in like manner, never leave us, while he has any work to do in us, or by us. Good work is likely to go on, when all concerned are hearty in furthering it. Let us hope in God's mercy; if we seek him, he will be found of us.And, behold, all the courses of the priests and the Levites,.... Which David had lately fixed to take their turns in the temple, when built: even they shall be with thee

for all the service of the house of God; to advise and assist him in everything relating to the service of the sanctuary, which they might be supposed best to understand:

and there shall be with thee, for all manner of workmanship, every willing skilful man for any manner of service; men that were not only well skilled in all manner of curious work that was necessary for the service of the house, but were willing to employ their skill to the uttermost for it, and such David had provided, 1 Chronicles 22:15,

also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment: to do whatever he should order, whether to overlook the workmen, or to contribute to the expenses of the work.