1 Chronicles 22:11

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 22:11 (KJV)

This verse records a tender and significant moment as King David charges his son Solomon with the monumental task of building the Temple in Jerusalem. David, who earnestly desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the worship of God, was divinely forbidden from doing so because he had been a man of war (as indicated in 1 Chronicles 22:8). Instead, God promised that David's son, a man of peace, would undertake this sacred project.

Context

In 1 Chronicles chapter 22, David is actively preparing for the Temple's construction, gathering immense quantities of materials like iron, bronze, and cedar wood, and providing detailed plans and instructions. He is not only accumulating resources but also transferring the vision and responsibility to his young son, Solomon. This particular verse is part of David's earnest exhortation and blessing, equipping Solomon spiritually and practically for the immense undertaking ahead.

Key Themes

• Divine Commission: Solomon's call to "build the house of the LORD thy God" was not a personal ambition but a direct fulfillment of God's plan, as He "hath said of thee." This highlights the importance of divine appointment for significant spiritual undertakings.
• God's Enabling Presence: David's prayer, "the LORD be with thee," underscores the understanding that true success in God's work hinges on His active presence and guidance. It's a recognition that human effort alone is insufficient without divine backing.
• Prosperity for Purpose: The plea "and prosper thou" is directly linked to the mission. This prosperity is not for selfish gain but for the successful completion of God's designated task, ensuring the resources and favor needed to accomplish the building of the Temple.
• Intergenerational Legacy: David, unable to fulfill the task himself, faithfully passes on the vision and the responsibility to his son, emphasizing the continuity of God's work across generations. This transfer of spiritual inheritance is crucial for the advancement of God's kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prosper" here is tsalach (צלח), which means to advance, succeed, or be profitable. It conveys the idea of breaking through obstacles and making progress, not just in terms of material wealth but overall success in a given endeavor. The phrase "the house of the LORD" (beit Yahweh) refers specifically to the Temple, the central place of worship and God's symbolic dwelling among His people in Jerusalem.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 22:11 offers several profound lessons:

• Embrace Your Divine Calling: Just as Solomon was called to build a physical temple, every believer has a unique calling and purpose in God's kingdom. Success in this calling is not about personal strength but about God's empowerment.
• Seek God's Presence and Blessing: We should earnestly pray for God's presence and prosperity in our endeavors, understanding that true success is found when the Lord is with us and His blessing enables our work. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that without Christ, we can do nothing.
• Pass On the Vision: This verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual mentorship and passing on the torch of faith and service to the next generation. David's example encourages us to prepare and empower others to continue God's work.
• Our "Temple" Building: While we no longer build a physical temple, believers are called to build God's spiritual "house" – the Church – through evangelism, discipleship, and living out God's purposes, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we are living stones in God's spiritual edifice (1 Peter 2:5).