David had learned by his own experience how hard is the path of him who departs from God. He had felt the condemnation of the broken law, and had reaped the fruits of transgression; and his whole soul was moved with solicitude that the leaders of Israel should be true to God, and that Solomon should obey God's law, shunning the sins that had weakened his father's authority, embittered his life, and dishonored God. David knew 751 that it would require humility of heart, a constant trust in God, and unceasing watchfulness to withstand the temptations that would surely beset Solomon in his exalted station; for such prominent characters are a special mark for the shafts of Satan. Turning to his son, already acknowledged as his successor on the throne, David said: "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off forever. Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it."

David havde lært af egen erfaring, at det menneske, som går bort fra Gud, vælger en hård vej. Han havde følt den fordømmelse, som er en følge af at overtræde loven, og havde høstet overtrædelsens frugter. Nu var hans sjæl optaget af dette ene, at Israels ledere skulle være tro mod Gud, og at Salomo skulle adlyde Guds lov og undgå de synder, som havde svækket hans faders myndighed, forbitret hans tilværelse og kastet vanære over Gud. David var klar over, at det ville kræve megen ydmyghed, urokkelig tillid til Gud og uophørlig årvågenhed at besejre de fristelser, som Salomo uvægerligt ville møde i sit høje embede, for mennesker i så fremtrædende stillinger er i højere grad end andre skydeskive for Satan. Henvendt til sin søn, der allerede var anerkendt som hans efterfølger på tronen, sagde David nu: "Og du, min søn Salomo! Kend din faders Gud og tjen ham med et helt hjerte og en villig sjæl, thi Herren ransager alle hjerter og kender alt, hvad der rører sig i deres tanker. Hvis du søger ham, vil han lade sig finde af dig, men forlader du ham, vil han forkaste dig for evigt. Så se da til, thi Herren her udvalgt dig til at bygge et hus til helligdom! Gå til værket med frimodighed!"