1 Chronicles 22:14

KJV

Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now, behold, in my trouble {H6040} I have prepared {H3559} for the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} an hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} talents {H3603} of gold {H2091}, and a thousand {H505} thousand {H505} talents {H3603} of silver {H3701}; and of brass {H5178} and iron {H1270} without weight {H4948}; for it is in abundance {H7230}: timber {H6086} also and stone {H68} have I prepared {H3559}; and thou mayest add {H3254} thereto.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now look: despite my difficulties, I have prepared for the house of ADONAI 3,300 tons of gold, 33,000 tons of silver, and so much bronze and iron that it can't be weighed. I've also prepared timber and stone, and you can add to it.

Berean Standard Bible

Now behold, I have taken great pains to provide for the house of the LORD—100,000 talents of gold, 1,000,000 talents of silver, and bronze and iron too great to be weighed. I have also provided timber and stone, and you may add to them.

American Standard Version

Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for the house of Jehovah a hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver, and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:14 meticulously details King David's extraordinary and dedicated preparations for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Despite being divinely prohibited from building the Temple himself due to his history as a man of war, David poured his heart, vast resources, and the accumulated wealth of his kingdom into gathering an unparalleled abundance of gold, silver, brass, iron, timber, and stone. This immense provision was meticulously prepared for his son, Solomon, who was divinely chosen to undertake the sacred and monumental task of erecting a permanent dwelling place for the Lord. The verse underscores David's unwavering devotion, strategic foresight, and profound generosity, even amidst personal and national challenges, setting the stage for one of the most significant architectural and spiritual undertakings in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within David's final instructions and preparations for the Temple, a project of paramount spiritual and national significance for Israel. David had long harbored a deep desire to build a permanent dwelling place for [the Ark of the Covenant and for God's presence](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's Desire to Build a House for God"), a desire first expressed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David"). However, God, through the prophet Nathan, revealed that this honor would fall to his son, Solomon, a man of peace, because David had shed much blood in warfare ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - Why David Could Not Build the Temple")). Undeterred and with remarkable humility and obedience, David dedicated the latter years of his reign to accumulating an unimaginable quantity of materials and organizing the workforce for the future Temple. The verses immediately preceding and following [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Preparations for the Temple") detail David's charge to Solomon to "be strong and courageous" ([1 Chronicles 22:13](/1_chronicles/22-13 "1 Chronicles 22:13 - David's Charge to Solomon")) and his command to the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon in the work ([1 Chronicles 22:17-19](/1_chronicles/22-17-19 "1 Chronicles 22:17-19 - David Commands Israel to Help Solomon")). This entire chapter highlights David's exemplary stewardship and his unwavering commitment to God's kingdom, even when he could not personally complete the ultimate task.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a central sanctuary was a pivotal undertaking in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often reflecting the power and devotion of the reigning monarch and the prosperity of the nation. For Israel, the Temple was not merely a grand edifice but the designated dwelling place for God's presence among His people, serving as the focal point of their worship, national identity, and covenant relationship with Yahweh. The quantities of precious metals and materials mentioned in [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Preparations for the Temple")—"an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver"—represent an almost incomprehensible sum of wealth. A single talent was a massive unit of weight, approximately 75 pounds (about 34 kilograms) for gold and silver. This indicates that David amassed literally thousands of tons of these precious metals. Such immense wealth was likely accumulated through successful military campaigns, tribute from conquered nations, and rigorous taxation during David's prosperous reign. The phrase "in my trouble" (KJV) or "with great pains" (NIV) suggests that these preparations were made not in times of ease but amidst the challenges, burdens, and perhaps even personal afflictions of his reign, underscoring his deep personal sacrifice and unwavering devotion.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Preparations for the Temple") powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it exemplifies **Unwavering Devotion and Generosity**. David's commitment to preparing for the Temple, despite being unable to build it himself, showcases profound love and selfless devotion to God. His giving was not merely adequate but extravagant, reflecting a heart eager to honor the Lord with the very best. This act serves as a powerful biblical example of [generosity from a willing heart](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle"). Second, it highlights **Preparation for Future Generations**. David's foresight and diligent work laid a crucial foundation for Solomon's success. He understood his role was to prepare the way, ensuring that the next generation could fulfill God's architectural and spiritual vision without impediment. This demonstrates wise stewardship and a commitment to intergenerational legacy, recognizing that God's work often transcends a single lifetime. Third, the sheer abundance of materials described illustrates **God's Provision Through His People**. The immense wealth accumulated underscores the magnitude of God's plan for His dwelling place among His people and how He works through the dedication and resources of His faithful servants. Finally, the phrase "in my trouble" emphasizes **Faith Amidst Adversity**. David's efforts were not made in times of ease but perhaps amidst personal or national difficulties, highlighting his steadfast faith and determination to prioritize God's house regardless of his personal circumstances, serving as an inspiration for perseverance and trust in God's overarching plan, as seen in his [trust in the Lord](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"trouble" (Hebrew, _ʿŏnîy_):** This word (H6040), derived from the root _ʿānâ_, signifies depression, misery, or affliction. In the context of David's preparations, it suggests that his immense efforts were not undertaken casually or effortlessly, but rather involved significant personal exertion, sacrifice, and perhaps even distress or hardship. It underscores the depth of his commitment, implying that he prepared these vast resources not from a place of casual abundance but through diligent, strenuous, and perhaps even painful effort, highlighting the personal cost of his profound devotion to God's house.
* **"prepared" (Hebrew, _kûwn_):** This verb (H3559) means to be erect, to set up, establish, fix, or make ready. David's use of this word emphasizes the intentionality, thoroughness, and stability of his actions. He didn't merely gather materials; he meticulously "prepared" them, ensuring they were ready and suitable for the monumental task of building the Temple. This speaks to his foresight and his commitment to laying a firm and secure foundation for Solomon's future work, reflecting a divine ordering and establishment of resources.
* **"talents" (Hebrew, _kikkār_):** A talent (H3603) was a very large unit of weight, not coinage, used for measuring precious metals. It literally means "a circle" or "round," referring to a round loaf or a large round coin/weight. As noted in the context, a single talent of gold or silver weighed approximately 75 pounds (34 kg). The mention of "an hundred thousand talents of gold" (7.5 million pounds or 3,400 metric tons) and "a thousand thousand talents of silver" (75 million pounds or 34,000 metric tons) indicates an almost unimaginable, unprecedented quantity of wealth. This hyperbole emphasizes the extraordinary scale of David's provision, far exceeding what might seem humanly possible, pointing to divine blessing and the unparalleled significance of the Temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes David's personal, arduous, and intentional involvement in the Temple preparations. The phrase "in my trouble" emphasizes the cost and effort, indicating that his commitment was not superficial but deeply rooted in personal sacrifice and perseverance. It highlights his unwavering devotion to God's dwelling place, even when facing personal or national challenges, demonstrating a heart singularly focused on God's glory.
* **"an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance":** This segment details the staggering scale of the material provision. The specific, immense numbers for gold and silver, combined with the qualitative description "without weight" for brass and iron, convey an overwhelming, almost immeasurable quantity of resources. The concluding phrase "for it is in abundance" serves as an emphatic summary, reinforcing the unprecedented generosity and the sheer magnitude of the materials amassed, demonstrating David's desire to give God nothing less than the absolute best for His sacred dwelling.
* **"timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.":** This final clause completes the inventory of essential building materials, ensuring that the fundamental components for construction were also abundantly supplied. The concluding instruction, "and thou mayest add thereto," is profoundly significant. It reveals David's humility and wisdom, acknowledging that while he had prepared immensely, Solomon, as the divinely appointed builder, would still have the opportunity and responsibility to contribute, complete, and even augment the work. This emphasizes continuity, collaboration, and the ongoing, generational nature of God's work, where each generation builds upon the faithfulness of the last.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of immense provision and devotion. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in the description of the materials, particularly "an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver" and "brass and iron without weight." These exaggerated quantities are not meant to be taken as precise literal figures but rather to emphasize the extraordinary, almost limitless scale of David's preparations and the immense value placed on the Temple, making the provision seem awe-inspiring and overwhelming. **Symbolism** is also at play; the vast quantities of precious metals and materials symbolize not only David's personal devotion and the nation's prosperity but also the intended glory, magnificence, and enduring nature of God's dwelling place among His people. The sheer abundance underscores the limitless nature of God's own provision and the honor due to Him. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, as David's meticulous preparations set the stage for Solomon's successful construction of the Temple, building expectation for the fulfillment of God's architectural and spiritual vision through the next generation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:14 stands as a profound testament to the principles of stewardship, selfless devotion, and intergenerational faithfulness within God's kingdom. David's meticulous and extravagant preparation for a project he would not personally complete exemplifies a deep understanding that God's work transcends individual lifetimes and personal recognition. His willingness to pour immense resources and effort into a future endeavor, even "in his trouble," underscores a faith that prioritizes God's glory above all else, demonstrating that true worship often involves costly sacrifice and diligent foresight. This act of preparation is not merely about accumulating wealth but about channeling it for sacred purposes, reflecting a heart aligned with God's desire for a dwelling place among His people. It teaches us that our contributions, whether material, spiritual, or temporal, are vital in advancing God's purposes, even if we do not see the final fruition of our efforts, trusting that God will bring His plans to completion through successive generations.

* [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Rebuilding the Temple")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's example in 1 Chronicles 22:14 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to consider our own posture towards God's work, urging us to prepare diligently and generously for His purposes, even if we are not the ones who will see its final completion or receive direct credit. Our contributions—whether material resources, time, talents, or fervent prayers—play a vital role in the larger, unfolding plan of God's kingdom. David's "preparation in trouble" reminds us that our commitment to God's purposes should remain unwavering, even amidst personal difficulties, financial constraints, or societal challenges. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of perseverance and faith, trusting that God will use our efforts for His glory, regardless of our present circumstances. Furthermore, this verse highlights the profound importance of laying a strong foundation for future generations, enabling them to build upon our efforts for the glory of God. It compels us to consider our own legacy of faith, generosity, and stewardship, asking how we are equipping those who come after us to continue the divine work, ensuring that the spiritual inheritance is richer for their sake.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's "preparation in trouble" challenge my own commitment to God's work during difficult times?**
* **In what ways can I, like David, prepare a legacy of faith and resources for future generations in my family, church, or community?**
* **What does David's immense generosity teach me about the spirit of giving for God's kingdom purposes, and how can I cultivate a more extravagant heart for God?**

### FAQ

**How much wealth did David actually prepare, and is it a realistic amount?**

Answer: The amounts mentioned in [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Preparations for the Temple")—100,000 talents of gold and 1,000,000 talents of silver—represent an almost unimaginable sum. Given that one talent is approximately 75 pounds (34 kg), this equates to about 7.5 million pounds (3,400 metric tons) of gold and 75 million pounds (34,000 metric tons) of silver. In modern valuation, this would be many billions, possibly trillions, of U.S. dollars. While the numbers are staggering and some scholars suggest they might be hyperbolic to emphasize the Temple's grandeur, they are not entirely outside the realm of possibility for a king who had successfully conquered many nations, received vast tribute, and amassed immense wealth during a prosperous reign, as described in [1 Chronicles 18-20](/1_chronicles/18 "1 Chronicles 18-20 - David's Victories and Wealth"). The phrase "without weight" for brass and iron further emphasizes an immeasurable abundance, underscoring the unprecedented scale of David's provision, reflecting both divine blessing and human dedication to God's house.

**Why was David forbidden from building the Temple, and what is the significance of this?**

Answer: God explicitly forbade David from building the Temple because David was a "man of war" and had "shed much blood" ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - Why David Could Not Build the Temple"); [1 Kings 5:3](/1_kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3 - Solomon Explains Why David Could Not Build")). Instead, God designated David's son, Solomon, to build the Temple, emphasizing that Solomon would be a "man of rest" and that God would grant him peace from all his enemies ([1 Chronicles 22:9](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9 - God's Promise to Solomon")). The significance of this prohibition lies in the symbolic nature of the Temple as a place of peace, holiness, and God's dwelling. A house built for the Lord was to be constructed by a man whose hands were not stained with the violence of war, reflecting the purity and peace associated with God's presence. This also highlights God's sovereign choice and the importance of His specific timing and appointed instruments for His work, demonstrating that God's plans unfold according to His perfect wisdom.

**What is the significance of "without weight" for brass and iron in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "without weight" (Hebrew, _ʾên mišqāl_, H4948) for brass and iron signifies that the quantity of these materials was so immense that it was beyond practical measurement by standard units of weight like talents. It conveys an overwhelming, immeasurable abundance, suggesting that the supply was virtually limitless. This detail underscores the unparalleled scale of David's provisions for the Temple, indicating that no expense or effort was spared in ensuring that every necessary material was available in superabundant quantities. It highlights the extraordinary generosity and thoroughness of David's preparation, emphasizing the sheer magnitude and glory intended for God's house, a testament to David's devotion and the nation's prosperity under God's blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's zealous and sacrificial preparation for the physical Temple in Jerusalem, as described in [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Preparations for the Temple"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in profound ways. While David meticulously gathered materials for a dwelling place made with human hands, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection, the True Temple"); [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). David's immense personal sacrifice and the vast wealth he prepared foreshadow the infinitely greater, immeasurable sacrifice of Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sakes, that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving"); [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). David laid a foundational abundance for Solomon to build a physical structure; Christ, as the chief cornerstone, is the foundation upon which God is building a spiritual Temple—His Church, composed of living stones ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of the Church"); [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). David's provision for a physical dwelling points to Christ's completed work, which enables the Holy Spirit to dwell not in a building, but within believers, making them temples of God ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")). Thus, David's earthly preparations, though magnificent, ultimately point to the surpassing glory of Christ's person and His redemptive work in establishing God's eternal dwelling place within humanity, a spiritual reality that far exceeds any physical structure.

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 22:3

And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;

1 Kings 10:14

¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,

2 Kings 25:16

The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

1 Chronicles 29:4

[Even] three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses [withal]:

1 Chronicles 29:7

And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.

2 Corinthians 8:2

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Jeremiah 52:20

The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight.