1 Chronicles 22:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the gold {H2091}, the silver {H3701}, and the brass {H5178}, and the iron {H1270}, there is no number {H4557}. Arise {H6965} therefore, and be doing {H6213}, and the LORD {H3068} be with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

the gold, silver, bronze and iron-they're beyond number. So get up, and get to work! And may ADONAI be with you."

Berean Standard Bible

in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and may the LORD be with you.”

American Standard Version

of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and Jehovah be with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:16 captures King David's profound final charge to his son Solomon concerning the monumental task of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem. Having been divinely prohibited from building the Temple himself due to his history of warfare, David meticulously prepared an immeasurable quantity of materials—gold, silver, bronze, and iron—and laid out the architectural plans. This verse serves as a powerful exhortation, transitioning from the assurance of boundless divine provision to the imperative for Solomon to "arise and be doing," concluding with the crucial promise of God's sustaining presence and active partnership in the work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within David's final instructions to Solomon and the leaders of Israel, specifically detailed in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple"). David begins this chapter by designating the site for the Temple (verse 1) and then dedicates himself to amassing an extraordinary amount of materials (verses 2-5). He formally charges Solomon with the task, explaining God's prohibition against his own building of the Temple and the divine promise that Solomon, a man of peace, would complete it (verses 6-10). David then provides a fervent blessing and exhortation, urging Solomon to be strong and courageous (verses 11-13). Verse 14 details the specific, immense quantities of gold, silver, and other materials David has prepared, setting the immediate stage for verse 16's declaration of their immeasurable abundance. The verse acts as a pivot, moving from the *what* (the materials) to the *how* (the action required) and the *who* (God's enabling presence).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a central temple was a pivotal event in ancient Israel, signifying national identity, religious unity, and God's dwelling among His people. Prior to this, the Tabernacle had served as the portable sanctuary. The Temple's construction under Solomon marked a new era of settled worship and solidified Jerusalem's status as the spiritual capital. Kings in the ancient Near East were often responsible for grand building projects, especially temples, which demonstrated their piety and solidified their reign. David's meticulous preparation, even though he wouldn't build, showcased his devotion and foresight, ensuring the new king, Solomon, had all necessary resources. The mention of "gold, silver, brass, and iron" reflects the primary materials used in large-scale construction and ornamentation of the era, signifying immense wealth and royal patronage.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 22:16](/1_chronicles/22-16 "1 Chronicles 22:16 - David's Charge to Solomon") powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision**, emphasizing that God's work is never hindered by a lack of resources, as He abundantly supplies all that is needed. David's preparations are a tangible expression of this, demonstrating God's faithfulness to equip those He calls. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Call to Action and Diligence**, an imperative for human responsibility in partnership with divine will. Solomon is not merely to receive, but to "arise and be doing," reflecting the biblical principle that faith is active and requires diligent effort, as seen in [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"). Finally, and perhaps most crucially, it affirms **Divine Presence and Empowerment**. The assurance "the LORD be with thee" is a foundational promise throughout Scripture, reminding leaders like Joshua (see [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")) and all believers that success in God's work hinges not on human strength alone, but on His enabling and sustaining presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **No number (Hebrew, _'ein mispar'_):** This phrase literally translates to "without counting" or "innumerable." It powerfully conveys the vast, immeasurable quantity of materials David had amassed for the Temple. It speaks not merely to a large amount, but to an abundance that surpasses human calculation, signifying divine generosity and comprehensive provision for the task at hand. This hyperbole emphasizes the completeness and overwhelming nature of the resources.
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qum'_):** This is a strong imperative, frequently used in the Bible as a call to action, readiness, or to begin a significant undertaking. It implies rising from a state of rest or inaction to one of active engagement. In this context, it is a direct command to Solomon to overcome any hesitation or fear and to immediately commence the monumental work of building the Temple. It suggests a posture of readiness and determination.
* **Be doing (Hebrew, _va'aseh'_):** This imperative literally means "and do" or "and make." Paired with "arise," it forms a comprehensive command for active, diligent engagement. It emphasizes the practical execution of the task, moving beyond planning or preparation to actual construction. It signifies the necessity of sustained effort and commitment to bring the vision to fruition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, [there is] no number."**: This opening clause establishes the extraordinary material provision for the Temple. By listing the primary construction and decorative metals, David emphasizes the comprehensive and overwhelming abundance of resources. The phrase "no number" highlights that the quantity is not just large, but immeasurable, ensuring Solomon understands that lack of materials will not be an impediment to the work. This serves as a powerful reassurance and a testament to David's diligent preparation and God's ultimate supply.
* **"Arise [therefore], and be doing,"**: This is a direct, urgent, and twofold command from David to Solomon. "Arise" calls Solomon to a posture of readiness and initiation, to shake off any hesitation or passivity. "And be doing" (or "and do") then mandates active, diligent engagement in the work. The implied "therefore" connects this imperative directly to the preceding assurance of abundant provision, suggesting that because the resources are limitless, there is no excuse for delay; action is now required. It is a call to immediate and sustained effort.
* **"and the LORD be with thee."**: This concluding phrase is a profound promise of divine presence and active support. It is not merely a wish, but a declaration of God's commitment to partner with Solomon in this sacred task. This assurance is crucial for such a daunting undertaking, reminding Solomon that his success will ultimately depend not on his own strength or wisdom, but on the empowering and guiding presence of God. It transforms the immense challenge into a divinely enabled mission.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 22:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The initial listing of materials ("gold, silver, brass, and iron") functions as a **Merism**, representing the totality of the vast resources prepared for the Temple, emphasizing their comprehensive nature. The declaration "no number" is a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the immeasurable abundance and divine provision, creating a sense of overwhelming plenty. The phrases "Arise" and "be doing" are strong **Imperatives**, direct commands that convey urgency, authority, and the necessity of immediate action and sustained diligence. The verse as a whole serves as a powerful **Exhortation**, a formal and earnest encouragement from David to Solomon, designed to inspire courage and commitment. Finally, the concluding promise "and the LORD be with thee" acts as a profound **Assurance**, providing divine comfort and guaranteeing success through God's active partnership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:16 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's call to action is always accompanied by His provision and presence. This verse teaches that when God commissions a work, He ensures the necessary resources are available, often through the diligent efforts of His people. It underscores the partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility: God provides the means and the promise of His presence, but humanity is called to "arise and be doing." This dynamic ensures that while we are active participants, the ultimate success and glory belong to God, who empowers and sustains every righteous endeavor. This principle extends beyond grand building projects to every aspect of serving God's kingdom.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs"): "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"): "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Chronicles 22:16 offers timeless encouragement and a clear blueprint for engaging in God's work, whether in personal discipleship, church ministry, or broader societal impact. It reminds us that God is the ultimate provider, and when He calls us to a task, He will equip us with all the necessary resources—spiritual gifts, material provisions, wisdom, and strength. This truth should banish procrastination and fear, replacing them with confidence and diligence. Just as Solomon was charged to "arise and be doing" with the assurance of God's presence, we are called to active obedience, knowing that our efforts are not in vain when undertaken in partnership with the Lord. This verse challenges us to identify the "Temple" God is calling us to build in our lives and communities, and then to step out in faith, trusting in His immeasurable provision and unfailing presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "materials" (resources, gifts, opportunities) has God already provided for the work He is calling you to?**
* **In what area of your life or ministry do you need to "arise and be doing" with greater diligence and less hesitation?**
* **How does the promise "the LORD be with thee" empower you to face daunting tasks or overcome personal fears?**
* **What specific "Temple" (spiritual growth, service, mission) is God inviting you to build in this season of your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David preparing the materials but not building the Temple himself?**

Answer: David's inability to build the Temple, as stated in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Hands of Blood"), was due to his extensive involvement in warfare, which made him a man of blood. This highlights God's desire for His house to be built by a man of peace, Solomon. David's meticulous preparation, despite not being the builder, demonstrates his profound devotion, obedience to God's will, and selfless commitment to the future of God's people. It also underscores the continuity of God's plan across generations and the importance of laying a strong foundation for future work. His actions exemplify faithful stewardship and a focus on God's kingdom above personal glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 22:16 speaks directly to the building of a physical Temple, its principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Jesus Christ is the ultimate builder of God's spiritual Temple, the Church, as prophesied in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the New Temple"), where He declares, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His body. Just as David provided immeasurable resources for Solomon, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, has provided boundless spiritual resources for His disciples to build His kingdom. He commands His followers to "arise and be doing" through the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"), empowering them with all authority and sending them to make disciples of all nations. Crucially, this divine command is accompanied by the ultimate assurance: "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." The Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, is the tangible manifestation of this promise, providing the power and presence necessary for believers to carry out Christ's work, ensuring that God's spiritual house is built not by human might, but by His Spirit, as seen in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"). Thus, in Christ, we find the ultimate provision, the definitive call to action, and the perpetual, empowering presence of God.

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 22:11

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.

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

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.

Joshua 7:10

¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.