1 Chronicles 22:11

KJV

Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now, my son {H1121}, the LORD {H3068} be with thee; and prosper {H6743} thou, and build {H1129} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, as he hath said {H1696} of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now, my son, may ADONAI be with you and give you success as you build the house of ADONAI your God, in keeping with what he said about you.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, my son, may the LORD be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as He said you would.

American Standard Version

Now, my son, Jehovah be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of Jehovah thy God, as he hath spoken concerning thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:11 records King David's heartfelt and authoritative charge to his son Solomon, entrusting him with the monumental, divinely ordained task of constructing the Temple for the Lord in Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates David's earnest blessing and prayer for God's enabling presence and comprehensive prosperity for Solomon, specifically for the successful completion of this sacred undertaking, which had been explicitly foretold and commanded by God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 21-29) that meticulously details David's preparations for the Temple's construction, even though he was forbidden to build it himself. Prior to this verse, David has already gathered vast quantities of materials—iron, bronze, timber, and hewn stones—and has given Solomon the explicit command to build the Temple, explaining the divine prohibition against his own involvement due to his history as a man of war ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Forbidden to Build the Temple")). David's detailed instructions to Solomon and the leaders of Israel in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple") underscore the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the transfer of sacred responsibility from one generation to the next. Verse 11 serves as David's personal, prayerful exhortation and entrustment of this grand vision to his young son, ensuring the momentum and divine backing for the project.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a permanent Temple in Jerusalem marked a profound shift in Israelite history. For centuries, God's dwelling place had been the portable Tabernacle, a symbol of Israel's nomadic journey. A fixed Temple signified the establishment of a settled kingdom, the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, and the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people. David's fervent desire to build this Temple arose from deep reverence for God and a longing for a fitting sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant. However, God chose Solomon, whose name means "peace," to undertake this task, rather than David, a man of war (as indicated in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Inability to Build the Temple")). This choice symbolized a new era of peace and stability under Solomon's reign, a fitting context for the construction of God's house. Culturally, a king's construction of a grand temple was a powerful statement of divine favor, national identity, and monarchical legitimacy.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 22:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Commission and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that Solomon's task was not a human ambition but a direct fulfillment of God's preordained plan, explicitly stated as "as he hath said of thee." Secondly, David's prayer, "the LORD be with thee," underscores **God's Enabling Presence and Provision**, recognizing that true success in any divine endeavor is entirely dependent on God's active involvement and blessing, not merely human effort. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in God's promise to Joshua in [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise of Presence to Joshua"). Thirdly, the plea "and prosper thou" introduces the theme of **Prosperity for Purpose**, illustrating that God's blessing and success are often granted not for selfish gain, but specifically to enable the accomplishment of His kingdom purposes. Finally, David's intentional transfer of the vision and responsibility to Solomon exemplifies the crucial theme of **Intergenerational Legacy and Continuity of God's Work**, demonstrating the vital importance of spiritual mentorship and faithfully passing on faith and divine mandates to the next generation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this word (H1121) signifies a male child, but in a broader sense, it encompasses one who carries on the family name and legacy. In this context, "my son" highlights the intimate, paternal relationship between David and Solomon, but also the weighty responsibility of succession and the continuation of the divine purpose entrusted to the Davidic line. Solomon is the designated heir, not just to the throne, but to God's covenant promises and the sacred task of building the Temple.
* **prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** This primitive root (H6743) means "to push forward," "to break out," "to succeed," or "to be profitable." It denotes comprehensive success in an undertaking, often implying divine enablement to overcome obstacles and achieve a desired outcome. David's prayer for Solomon's prosperity is not for personal wealth or comfort, but for breakthrough and effective progress in the immense and challenging task of building the Temple, indicating that God's favor would lead to the successful completion of the project.
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** This primitive root (H1129) means "to build" literally and figuratively. It can also imply "to obtain children" or "to establish." Here, it refers to the physical construction of the Temple, but also implicitly to the establishment of God's permanent dwelling place and the consolidation of Israel's worship. The word itself, being the root for "son" (_bên_), subtly connects the builder (Solomon) with the act of building (the Temple) and the continuation of a legacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now, my son,"**: This opening phrase establishes the intimate, paternal, and authoritative tone of David's address. It signifies a solemn moment of transition and entrustment from a seasoned king and father to his young successor, emphasizing both deep affection and the gravity of the responsibility being passed on.
* **"the LORD be with thee;"**: This is a profound blessing and prayer, echoing ancient biblical promises of divine presence and assistance given to leaders like Jacob, Moses, and Joshua. It signifies David's understanding that Solomon's success in such a monumental task would not stem from his own strength or wisdom, but entirely from the active, enabling, and guiding presence of God. It is a heartfelt petition for divine favor and continuous assistance.
* **"and prosper thou,"**: Following the request for God's presence, this is a specific prayer for success and breakthrough in the immense undertaking ahead. As explored in the "Key Word Analysis," this "prosperity" is intrinsically linked to the divine mission, ensuring that Solomon would be granted the necessary resources, wisdom, and divine favor to effectively accomplish the building of the Temple.
* **"and build the house of the LORD thy God,"**: This is the core command and the central purpose of David's charge. It explicitly names the monumental task: the construction of the Temple, the permanent sanctuary dedicated to God. The phrase "thy God" personalizes the relationship, emphasizing Solomon's direct covenant responsibility and intimate relationship with the Lord in this sacred endeavor.
* **"as he hath said of thee."**: This concluding clause firmly roots Solomon's commission in divine revelation and prophecy. It powerfully underscores that this task is neither David's personal ambition nor Solomon's own initiative, but a direct fulfillment of God's explicit word and preordained plan, specifically revealed to David concerning his son. This divine decree provides both assurance and undeniable authority for the undertaking, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the entire project.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 22:11 is rich with literary devices that amplify its significance. **Exhortation** is central, as David passionately encourages and instructs Solomon in his divine mandate. This is coupled with a powerful **Blessing**, where David invokes divine favor and enablement upon his son for the task. The direct address, "Now, my son," is a poignant example of **Apostrophe**, lending a deeply personal and intimate tone to the weighty charge being delivered. There is also a subtle yet profound **Foreshadowing** of Solomon's future reign, which would indeed be characterized by remarkable peace and the successful completion of the Temple, thereby fulfilling David's earnest prayer and God's promise. The repetition of the concept of building "the house of the LORD" throughout [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple") serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the singular importance and divine priority of this monumental project.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:11 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine calling and enablement for God's work. It reveals that God, in His sovereignty, often chooses and empowers human agents to accomplish His purposes, but that true success in these endeavors is utterly contingent upon His active presence and blessing. David's prayer for Solomon's prosperity is not for personal gain or worldly accumulation, but specifically for the effective execution of a sacred, divine commission, thereby highlighting a biblical understanding of "prosperity" as God's provision and favor for the fulfillment of His will. This verse also powerfully underscores the importance of intergenerational faithfulness and spiritual stewardship, as David, unable to complete the task himself, diligently prepares and commissions his son, ensuring the continuity of God's redemptive plan and covenant promises through successive generations. The building of the physical Temple foreshadows a greater spiritual reality, pointing to God's ultimate desire to dwell among His people in a profound and permanent way.

* [Deuteronomy 31:8](/deuteronomy/31-8 "Deuteronomy 31:8 - The Lord Goes Before You")
* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 22:11 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us that God continues to call individuals to participate in His grand, unfolding purposes. Just as Solomon was commissioned to build a physical temple, we are each given unique callings, gifts, and opportunities to contribute to God's spiritual "house"—His Church and His kingdom. Our effectiveness and fruitfulness in these callings are not primarily dependent on our own strength, wisdom, or resources, but fundamentally on the active, enabling, and guiding presence of the Lord. David's prayer for Solomon's prosperity teaches us to seek God's blessing not for selfish ambition or material accumulation, but for the successful accomplishment of His divine will in our lives and through our service. This verse also challenges us to consider our vital role in passing on a spiritual legacy, preparing and empowering the next generation to embrace and carry on the work of faith with passion and integrity. We are called to be faithful stewards of the vision God has given us, ensuring that the torch of faith, truth, and service is carried forward with purpose and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern and embrace the specific "divine calling" God has for my life, whether in my vocation, family, or ministry, understanding it as a sacred trust?**
* **In what areas of my life or service do I most need to intentionally pray for God's "presence" and "prosperity" (meaning His enablement and breakthrough) to fulfill His purposes?**
* **What practical steps can I take to intentionally prepare, mentor, and empower the next generation to carry on the work of faith and service within my sphere of influence?**
* **Beyond a physical building, what does it mean for me to "build the house of the LORD" in my daily life, through my character, and through my active participation in the Church today?**

### FAQ
**Why was David not allowed to build the Temple, and why was Solomon chosen instead?**

Answer: David earnestly desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the Lord, but God forbade him because David had been a man of war and had shed much blood ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Forbidden to Build the Temple")). God instead promised that David's son, a man of peace, would undertake the task. Solomon, whose name means "peace" (Hebrew: _Shlomo_), was chosen to undertake this sacred project, symbolizing a new era of peace and stability for Israel under his reign, which was a fitting context for the construction of God's peaceful dwelling place.

**What does "prosper" mean in the context of 1 Chronicles 22:11, and how does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: In this verse, "prosper" (Hebrew: _tsalach_) signifies more than just material wealth. It primarily means to "succeed," "advance," or "have breakthrough" in the specific task at hand. David's prayer for Solomon's prosperity is a petition for divine enablement and favor, ensuring that Solomon would have all the necessary wisdom, resources, and successful outcomes to complete the monumental task of building the Temple. For believers today, this teaches us that God's desire for our "prosperity" is often tied to His purposes for us—that we would be enabled and equipped to fulfill the unique callings and ministries He has given us, bringing glory to His name.

**What was the ultimate significance of the Temple that Solomon was commissioned to build for the nation of Israel?**

Answer: The Temple was designed to be the central place of worship for the nation of Israel, a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, and a visible symbol of God's presence among His people. It served as the focal point for sacrifices, prayers, and festivals, embodying the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Its construction marked a significant transition from the portable Tabernacle, signifying the establishment of a settled kingdom and the centralization of Israel's spiritual life in Jerusalem, providing a physical representation of God's commitment to dwell with His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 22:11, with its profound focus on building the "house of the LORD" and a son bringing peace to accomplish this divine mandate, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon built a magnificent physical temple, Jesus Himself declared that He was the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, speaking of destroying and raising up the Temple of His body in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus and the Temple of His Body")). Just as Solomon's reign was characterized by peace, Jesus is the promised "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), establishing a spiritual kingdom of peace that transcends all earthly boundaries and brings reconciliation between God and humanity. Furthermore, Christ is the Master Builder of a new, living Temple—His Church. Through His atoning work and resurrection, believers are transformed into "living stones," being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4 - Living Stones") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Built on Christ, the Cornerstone")). The comprehensive prosperity David prayed for Solomon to complete his task finds its highest expression in Christ, who was fully enabled and empowered by God to accomplish His redemptive mission, culminating in the building of His eternal Church, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His 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

1 Chronicles 22:16

Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, [there is] no number. Arise [therefore], and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

Romans 15:33

Now the God of peace [be] with you all. Amen.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

2 Timothy 4:22

The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit. Grace [be] with you. Amen.

1 Chronicles 28:20

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Isaiah 26:12

¶ LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.