1 Chronicles 22:13

KJV

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shalt thou prosper {H6743}, if thou takest heed {H8104} to fulfil {H6213} the statutes {H2706} and judgments {H4941} which the LORD {H3068} charged {H6680} Moses {H4872} with concerning Israel {H3478}: be strong {H2388}, and of good courage {H553}; dread {H3372} not, nor be dismayed {H2865}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will succeed, if you take care to obey the laws and rulings that ADONAI ordered Moshe concerning Isra'el. Be strong, be bold; don't be afraid or become discouraged!

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

American Standard Version

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Jehovah charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; fear not, neither be dismayed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:13 captures King David's pivotal charge to his son Solomon, laying out the foundational principles for his reign and the monumental task of building the Temple. It presents a conditional promise of success and flourishing, directly linking it to Solomon's diligent obedience to God's Mosaic Law. Simultaneously, it serves as a powerful exhortation for Solomon to cultivate unwavering strength, courage, and freedom from fear, recognizing the immense spiritual and practical challenges inherent in his divine assignment and leadership of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within David's final instructions to Solomon regarding the construction of the Temple. Having been forbidden by God to build the Temple himself due to his involvement in warfare ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1-chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Not Permitted to Build Temple")), David meticulously gathered vast resources and now formally commissions his young son for the task. The preceding verses in [1 Chronicles 22](/1-chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple") detail David's preparations and his initial charge to Solomon and the leaders of Israel, emphasizing the spiritual nature of the undertaking. Verse 13, in particular, distills David's wisdom, focusing on the character and conduct required for success in God's work. It serves as a personal, heartfelt admonition from a seasoned king to his successor.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon was relatively young when he ascended the throne, inheriting a unified kingdom and the immense responsibility of establishing a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God's presence. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the king was often seen as the primary mediator between the gods and the people. For Israel, this meant the king was expected to be the chief keeper of the Mosaic Covenant, upholding God's laws and leading the nation in righteousness. The "statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel" refer to the comprehensive legal and moral framework given at Sinai, which governed all aspects of Israelite life. Obedience to this covenant was understood to be the basis for national well-being, military success, and divine favor, as articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"). The task of building the Temple was not merely an architectural feat but a profound theological statement, requiring immense spiritual fortitude and unwavering commitment to God's will.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring biblical themes. The first is **Conditional Prosperity through Obedience**, where divine favor and success ("prosper") are directly contingent upon adherence to God's revealed will ("fulfil the statutes and judgments"). This principle is a cornerstone of the Old Covenant, where Israel's national flourishing was tied to its faithfulness to the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). For Solomon, this meant governing justly, maintaining pure worship, and leading the nation in covenant faithfulness. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Mandate and Human Responsibility**, where God gives a task, but its successful execution requires human diligence and moral uprightness. Finally, the exhortation to "be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed" underscores the theme of **Courage and Steadfastness in Leadership**. This is a familiar motif in biblical leadership narratives, notably echoing God's charge to [Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Charge to Joshua"). It emphasizes that daunting tasks, especially those of divine origin, necessitate a resolute spirit free from fear and discouragement, rooted in trust in God's enabling presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _śāḵal'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׂכַל (śāḵal) often translated "prosper," carries a deeper meaning than mere material wealth. It signifies acting prudently, wisely, having insight, and achieving success through intelligent and circumspect conduct. It implies a holistic well-being that comes from understanding and applying God's principles, leading to favorable outcomes in all endeavors, particularly in leadership and governance.
* **Be strong (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** The verb חֲזַק (ḥāzaq) means "to be strong, firm, bold, courageous." It implies not just physical strength but a deep-seated inner resolve and tenacity. It's an imperative to hold fast, to be resolute, and to take courage in the face of challenges.
* **Good courage (Hebrew, _’āmēṣ'_):** The verb אָמֵץ (’āmēṣ) means "to be strong, stout, courageous, resolute." Often paired with _ḥāzaq_, it reinforces the idea of inner fortitude, mental toughness, and a bold spirit. This pairing creates a powerful double imperative for unwavering resolve.
* **Dread not (Hebrew, _yārē’_):** The verb יָרֵא (yārē’) means "to fear, be afraid, stand in awe." In this negative command, it specifically prohibits paralyzing fear or terror that would hinder action. It's a call to overcome the kind of fear that leads to inaction or compromise.
* **Dismayed (Hebrew, _ḥāṯaṯ'_):** The verb חָתַת (ḥāṯaṯ) means "to be broken, shattered, dismayed, terrified." This word describes a state of being utterly discouraged, disheartened, or overwhelmed to the point of collapse. The negative command here is against allowing circumstances to break one's spirit or cause one to lose hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel:":** This opening clause establishes a clear conditional promise. "Prosper" (śāḵal) indicates that Solomon's success and wise leadership are directly contingent upon his diligent attention ("takest heed") and active obedience ("fulfil") to the comprehensive body of divine laws given through Moses. These "statutes and judgments" formed the covenant foundation of Israel's relationship with God, encompassing moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. David emphasizes that true success for the king and the nation is not found in military might or political cunning alone, but in faithful adherence to God's revealed will.
* **"be strong, and of good courage;":** This is a powerful, double imperative, urging Solomon to cultivate inner fortitude. "Be strong" (ḥāzaq) and "of good courage" (’āmēṣ) are often paired in scripture to convey a call for deep, unwavering resolve and boldness. This is not merely an emotional state but a conscious decision to stand firm, to be resilient, and to act with conviction despite the enormity of the task or potential opposition. It's a command to possess mental and spiritual toughness.
* **"dread not, nor be dismayed.":** These are negative imperatives, serving as a direct counterpoint to the positive commands for strength and courage. "Dread not" (yārē’) warns against succumbing to paralyzing fear or terror, which could prevent Solomon from fulfilling his duties. "Nor be dismayed" (ḥāṯaṯ) cautions against allowing discouragement, despair, or being overwhelmed by the task to break his spirit. Together, these phrases emphasize the need for a fearless and hopeful disposition, trusting in God's presence and power to overcome any obstacle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. A prominent feature is the **Conditional Clause** ("if... then..."), which clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between Solomon's obedience and his prosperity. This structure highlights the covenantal nature of God's dealings with Israel. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("be strong," "dread not") provides direct, forceful commands, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of David's exhortation. Furthermore, the phrase "dread not, nor be dismayed" utilizes a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary terms are used to express a totality – in this case, encompassing all forms of fear, anxiety, and discouragement. Finally, the entire exhortation, particularly "be strong, and of good courage," functions as an **Allusion** or **Echo** to earlier significant biblical passages, most notably God's charge to Joshua in [Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua"), linking Solomon's leadership to a lineage of divinely appointed, courageous leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:13 profoundly articulates the enduring biblical principle that genuine flourishing and effective leadership are inextricably linked to faithful obedience to God's commands. It underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where blessings are contingent upon adherence to His revealed will. Beyond mere legalism, this obedience is presented as the pathway to wisdom and true success, enabling one to navigate complex challenges with divine favor. The verse also emphasizes the necessity of spiritual fortitude; the call to "be strong, and of good courage" is not a command to self-reliance, but an exhortation to cultivate a resilient spirit rooted in trust in God's enabling presence, dispelling fear and discouragement in the face of daunting, God-given tasks.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joshua 1:7-9](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While addressed to a king undertaking a monumental national project, the principles embedded in 1 Chronicles 22:13 resonate deeply with believers today. We are called to live lives of faithful obedience, understanding that our "prosperity" in God's kingdom is not solely material but encompasses spiritual flourishing, wisdom, and the fulfillment of our divine purpose. Just as Solomon faced the daunting task of building the Temple, we too are given "God-given assignments"—whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or ministries—that may seem overwhelming. This verse powerfully reminds us that we are to approach these tasks not with fear or dismay, but with the strength and courage that comes from trusting in God's presence and provision. It challenges us to actively combat the anxieties and discouragements that threaten to paralyze us, choosing instead to lean into God's power and remain steadfast in His Word. Our obedience is not a burden but a pathway to experiencing God's blessing and fulfilling His calling for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I seeking "prosperity" or success, and how closely is that pursuit linked to my obedience to God's "statutes and judgments"?**
* **What specific "God-given assignments" or challenges am I currently facing that require me to "be strong, and of good courage"?**
* **How do "dread" or "dismay" manifest in my life, and what practical steps can I take to combat them through faith in God?**
* **How does my understanding of God's character and promises enable me to cultivate greater courage and less fear in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What does "prosper" mean in this context, and how does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: In 1 Chronicles 22:13, "prosper" (Hebrew: śāḵal) signifies more than just material wealth; it refers to holistic success, acting wisely, achieving favorable outcomes through prudent conduct, and experiencing divine favor in fulfilling God's purposes. For Solomon, it meant successful leadership, wise governance, and the completion of the Temple. For believers today, while we live under the New Covenant, the principle remains: walking in obedience to God's Word, which is an expression of our love for Him ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")), leads to spiritual flourishing, wisdom, and the fulfillment of our God-given callings. This "prosperity" is often seen in spiritual growth, peace, purpose, and effectiveness in God's kingdom, rather than solely in worldly metrics.

**How does the command to "be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed" relate to the Christian life, given that we are saved by grace?**

Answer: While salvation is by grace through faith, the Christian life is not passive. The command to "be strong and of good courage" is a timeless exhortation for anyone undertaking a God-given task, regardless of covenant. It acknowledges the daunting nature of living faithfully in a fallen world and serving God's purposes. For Christians, this strength and courage come not from self-effort but from the indwelling Holy Spirit and our reliance on Christ ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). The instruction to "dread not, nor be dismayed" is an antidote to anxiety and discouragement, reminding us to fix our eyes on Jesus and trust in His sovereignty and provision, even when facing overwhelming challenges or opposition ([Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith")). It is a call to courageous faith in action.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 22:13, though given to Solomon under the Old Covenant, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon's conditional prosperity through obedience to the Mosaic Law points to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and every "statute and judgment" of the Law, not for His own prosperity, but for ours ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the true and greater Son of David, the ultimate builder of God's eternal Temple, which is His body, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Furthermore, the call to "be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed" finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus. He faced the ultimate daunting task—bearing the sin of the world and conquering death—with unwavering resolve, never dreading nor being dismayed, even unto the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross")). In Christ, believers receive not only imputed righteousness but also the very Spirit of strength and courage, enabling us to obey God not out of legalistic duty but out of love for Him ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")) and to face our own God-given assignments with the assurance that He is with us, empowering us to overcome fear and discouragement through His victorious life within us ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

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

Joshua 1:6

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

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.

1 Chronicles 28:7

Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

1 Kings 2:3

And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.