1 Chronicles 22:10

KJV

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall build {H1129} an house {H1004} for my name {H8034}; and he shall be my son {H1121}, and I will be his father {H1}; and I will establish {H3559} the throne {H3678} of his kingdom {H4438} over Israel {H3478} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is he who will build a house for my name. He will be my son and I will be his father, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Isra'el forever.'

Berean Standard Bible

He is the one who will build a house for My Name. He will be My son, and I will be his Father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

American Standard Version

He shall build a house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:10 records God's profound promise to David concerning his son Solomon, establishing a divine mandate for the Temple's construction, affirming a unique covenantal sonship, and guaranteeing the eternal establishment of David's royal throne. This declaration, delivered through David to Solomon, serves as a foundational prophecy, ensuring the continuity of God's redemptive plan through David's lineage and pointing ultimately to the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within David's final instructions and preparations for the Temple's construction, a task he was divinely forbidden to undertake due to his history as a man of war (1 Chronicles 22:8). Having gathered immense materials and organized the workforce, David charges his son Solomon with the sacred duty of building "a house for the name of the Lord his God" (1 Chronicles 22:7). The immediate verses (1 Chronicles 22:6-9) detail David's explanation to Solomon of God's prohibition and the specific divine choice of Solomon for this monumental task. Verse 10, therefore, functions as the explicit divine promise that undergirds Solomon's mission, echoing and reaffirming the core tenets of the Davidic Covenant first revealed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). It solidifies Solomon's legitimacy and the divine backing for his reign and the Temple project.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings often built temples to their gods, legitimizing their rule and demonstrating piety. However, the Temple in Jerusalem was unique in that its design and the choice of its builder were divinely ordained, not merely a human initiative. The concept of "sonship" for kings was also prevalent, where a king might be declared a "son" of a deity, signifying divine favor and authority. In Israel, this concept was transformed; while the king was indeed God's chosen representative, his sonship was covenantal, implying both privilege and responsibility under the one true God. The promise of an "eternal kingdom" would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced periods of instability and foreign domination, offering hope for enduring peace and divine presence centered around the Temple and the Davidic dynasty.

* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theology and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Mandate for the Temple**, underscoring that the Temple was not merely a human architectural feat but a sacred commission from God Himself, designed as a dwelling place for His "name"—His presence and renown among His people. Secondly, it emphasizes **Covenantal Sonship**, establishing a unique, adoptive relationship between God and Solomon ("He shall be my son, and I will be his father"). This divine sonship elevates Solomon's kingship beyond mere human succession, placing him in a special position of divine favor and responsibility, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament's understanding of Jesus as the Son of God, the true heir to David's throne (as seen in [Hebrews 1:5](/hebrews/1-5 "Hebrews 1:5 - God's Son, Superior to Angels")). Thirdly, the promise of an **Eternal Kingdom** ("I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever") is profoundly significant. While Solomon's kingdom eventually fractured due to his unfaithfulness, this promise extends beyond any single monarch, guaranteeing the perpetuity of David's dynasty and pointing to a future, everlasting reign. This enduring promise finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose kingdom truly has no end, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Messiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** This word carries a dual meaning in this context. Primarily, it refers to a physical structure, the Temple, which Solomon is commanded to build for God's name. However, in parallel with the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7), "house" also refers to a dynasty or lineage. God promises to build David a "house" (dynasty), and in return, David's son will build God a "house" (Temple). This interplay highlights the reciprocal nature of God's covenant with David.
* **Son (Hebrew, _ben'_):** While Solomon is David's biological son, the declaration "he shall be my son, and I will be his father" signifies a special, covenantal, and adoptive relationship. This is not merely biological descent but a divine election and affirmation of Solomon's status as God's chosen representative and heir to the throne. It establishes a unique bond of authority and obedience within the covenant.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _l'olam'_):** This term denotes perpetuity, eternity, or an indefinite duration. In the context of a divine promise or covenant, it signifies an enduring, unbreakable, and everlasting commitment from God. While the immediate fulfillment relates to the longevity of David's dynasty, its ultimate theological implication points to a truly eternal reign, transcending the limitations of human kingdoms and finding its perfect realization in the Messiah's everlasting dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall build an house for my name":** This clause assigns the specific task of constructing the Temple to Solomon. The phrase "for my name" emphasizes that the Temple is not merely a building but a sacred space dedicated to God's presence, character, and reputation. It is where God's glory would dwell and where His people would worship Him, signifying His unique relationship with Israel.
* **"and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father":** This is a profound declaration of covenantal sonship. It establishes a unique, intimate, and authoritative relationship between God and Solomon. God adopts Solomon as His son, granting him divine favor, protection, and legitimacy for his reign, while Solomon is expected to respond with filial obedience and faithfulness. This relationship is foundational to the Davidic covenant.
* **"and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever":** This final clause guarantees the enduring nature of David's royal line through Solomon. It is a divine promise of perpetual succession for the Davidic dynasty. While the immediate historical kingdom of Israel faced challenges and eventual division, the "for ever" aspect points to a far greater, ultimate fulfillment beyond Solomon's immediate reign, signaling the enduring nature of God's covenant and His plan for an eternal kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Covenant Formula** is evident in the declaration "he shall be my son, and I will be his father," mirroring ancient Near Eastern adoption and succession treaties, but here imbued with divine authority and grace. This formula establishes a binding relationship with mutual obligations, though God's faithfulness is paramount. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling Solomon's specific role in Temple construction and the enduring nature of the Davidic throne. This prophecy is not merely predictive but declarative, reflecting God's sovereign will and commitment. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present, particularly in the "house for my name," which symbolizes not just a physical structure but God's dwelling presence, His glory, and the central place of worship for His people. The "throne of his kingdom" also symbolizes divine authority and the continuity of God's rule through His chosen lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:10 is a pivotal verse that firmly anchors the Chronicler's narrative in the enduring promises of God, particularly the Davidic Covenant. It highlights God's faithfulness to His word, His sovereign choice of instruments (Solomon), and His ultimate plan for a perpetual kingdom centered on His presence. The themes of divine sonship and an eternal throne resonate throughout biblical theology, pointing to a king who would perfectly embody God's rule and establish an everlasting dominion. While Solomon's reign provided a temporary fulfillment, the "for ever" aspect of the promise transcends any earthly kingdom, revealing a divine trajectory that culminates in the Messiah.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Oath to David")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound encouragement and challenges for believers today. It reminds us that God is a faithful covenant-keeping God whose plans span generations and ultimately transcend human limitations. Just as God chose Solomon for a specific task and promised an enduring kingdom, He continues to work through His people to accomplish His purposes in the world. We are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and callings He has given us, knowing that our efforts, when aligned with His will, contribute to a larger, eternal story. The promise of an "eternal kingdom" should fill us with hope, reminding us that despite the transient nature of earthly powers and struggles, God's ultimate reign is secure and everlasting. Our lives, therefore, should be lived with an eternal perspective, investing in that which truly lasts—God's kingdom and His righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness to David's lineage encourage you in your own walk of faith?**
* **In what ways can we, like Solomon, "build a house for God's name" in our contemporary context, even without a physical temple?**
* **How does the concept of divine sonship for Solomon foreshadow or inform our understanding of our own adoption as sons and daughters of God through Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "house for my name" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "house for my name" (Hebrew: `bayit l'shemi`) is highly significant. It means more than just a physical building. "Name" in biblical Hebrew often represents the very essence, character, and presence of God. So, the "house for my name" is a place where God's unique identity, glory, and authority are manifested and honored. It signifies that the Temple was to be the central place where God would dwell among His people, where His reputation would be upheld, and where His presence would be experienced. It was to be a place dedicated entirely to Him, distinct from pagan temples, and a symbol of His covenant relationship with Israel.

**How does this promise of an "eternal kingdom" relate to the historical reality of Israel's kingdom, which eventually fell?**

Answer: The promise of an "eternal kingdom" (Hebrew: `l'olam`) in 1 Chronicles 22:10, echoing [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - Your house and your kingdom will endure forever"), is a divine guarantee that the Davidic dynasty would never lack a ruler on the throne. While the earthly kingdom of Israel experienced division, exile, and the cessation of a physical king on the throne for centuries, the "for ever" aspect points to a fulfillment that transcends the immediate historical circumstances. This promise finds its ultimate and perfect realization not in any human king or earthly kingdom, but in the person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He is the true and eternal heir to David's throne, whose kingdom is spiritual and everlasting, as the New Testament clearly reveals. Thus, God's promise was not broken but fulfilled in a way that surpassed human expectations and historical limitations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 22:10, though spoken directly to Solomon, finds its profoundest and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise that Solomon "shall build an house for my name" is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is not only the builder of God's true spiritual house—the Church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of God's Dwelling"))—but also the very embodiment of God's presence, the Word made flesh dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true Temple, through whom all access to God is granted ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")). The declaration "he shall be my son, and I will be his father" is a direct foreshadowing of Christ's unique divine sonship, affirmed at His baptism ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Declaration at Jesus' Baptism")) and transfiguration ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - God's Voice at the Transfiguration")). He is the ultimate "Son of David" who perfectly fulfills the covenantal relationship with God. Finally, the promise "I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever" is perfectly realized in Jesus, whose kingdom is truly eternal and universal. The angel Gabriel's prophecy to Mary explicitly connects Jesus to this promise, stating, "He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Jesus, the resurrected Lord, now sits at the right hand of God, exercising all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), establishing an everlasting spiritual kingdom that will culminate in His glorious return and final reign ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ")). Thus, Solomon's temporal reign and physical temple point beyond themselves to the eternal reign of Christ and the spiritual temple of His body, the Church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 1:5

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

2 Samuel 7:13

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

2 Samuel 7:14

I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

1 Chronicles 17:12

He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.

1 Chronicles 17:14

But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.

Psalms 89:26

He shall cry unto me, Thou [art] my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.