1 Chronicles 22:17

KJV

¶ David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, [saying],

KJV (with Strong's)

David {H1732} also commanded {H6680} all the princes {H8269} of Israel {H3478} to help {H5826} Solomon {H8010} his son {H1121}, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible

David also ordered all the leaders of Isra'el to help Shlomo his son:

Berean Standard Bible

Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon:

American Standard Version

David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:17 marks a pivotal moment in King David's meticulous preparations for the Temple's construction, shifting his focus from personal instruction to broad national mobilization. Having already charged his son Solomon with the sacred task and amassed vast resources, David now authoritatively commands the leading officials of Israel to provide unwavering support and active assistance to the future king in this monumental, divinely ordained undertaking. This verse powerfully underscores David's comprehensive leadership, his commitment to a unified national effort, and his strategic foresight in ensuring the successful execution of God's architectural blueprint through collaborative action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in 1 Chronicles 22. Immediately preceding it, David delivers a deeply personal and comprehensive charge to his son Solomon, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 22:6-16](/1_chronicles/22-6-16 "David's Charge to Solomon and Temple Preparations"). In this intimate counsel, David explains the divine mandate for the Temple, clarifies why he was prevented from building it, and recounts the immense material provisions he has gathered. He also provides Solomon with a powerful exhortation to be strong, courageous, and obedient to God's commands. Having thus laid the foundational spiritual and practical groundwork with his successor, David now strategically broadens his appeal to the national leadership. This verse sets the stage for his direct address to these "princes" in the subsequent verses, [1 Chronicles 22:18-19](/1_chronicles/22-18-19 "David's Appeal to the Princes for Temple Building"), where he articulates the specific ways they are to assist Solomon. This narrative progression demonstrates David's thoroughness in planning and his profound understanding that such a grand undertaking required unified national support, extending far beyond a mere royal decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this command is the twilight of King David's reign, a period characterized by relative peace and the consolidation of the Israelite kingdom after years of warfare. David, as the established and highly revered monarch, wielded significant authority, yet the success of a major national project like the Temple's construction depended heavily on the willing cooperation of the "princes of Israel." These "princes" (Hebrew: *śārîm*) were not simply royal appointees; they often comprised powerful tribal heads, military commanders, and influential elders who represented the diverse factions and regions of Israel. Their support was absolutely crucial for maintaining national unity, mobilizing resources, and ensuring a smooth transition of power to Solomon, who was still young. Culturally, the construction of a central sanctuary was an act of profound religious and national significance, symbolizing God's enduring presence among His people and serving as the focal point of their worship. The Temple project was therefore not merely a construction endeavor but a theological statement, demanding the collective commitment of the entire nation, from the king down to the common laborer, all understood to be acting under divine mandate.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 22:17 significantly contributes to several overarching themes prominent throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the theme of **Succession and Legacy**, demonstrating David's meticulous planning for the future and his unwavering determination to ensure the continuity of God's work through his chosen successor, Solomon. This concern for a stable, God-ordained dynasty is a central emphasis for the Chronicler, who frequently points to God's covenant with David, as seen in [1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11-14 "God's Covenant with David"). Secondly, the verse underscores the vital theme of **Unity and Cooperation**, as David explicitly commands the national leaders to "help Solomon." This emphasis on collective effort for a divine purpose is paramount, reflecting the Chronicler's deep concern for a united Israel centered on true worship and obedience. Thirdly, it speaks directly to **Leadership Responsibility**, showcasing David as an exemplary leader who not only provides resources and vision but also actively mobilizes and directs the support of key stakeholders, thereby creating an environment conducive to Solomon's success and the ultimate fulfillment of God's will. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Divine Mandate** behind the Temple project, framing it not merely as a royal ambition but as a holy undertaking that required the collective commitment of the entire nation, signifying their devotion to God's presence and commands, as previously outlined in [1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1_chronicles/22-7-10 "David's Desire and God's Plan for the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680) denotes a strong, authoritative directive, far beyond a mere suggestion or request. It signifies a binding instruction from a superior to a subordinate, reflecting David's royal authority and his earnest desire to ensure the Temple project's success. The use of "commanded" highlights the seriousness and non-negotiable importance David attached to the princes' cooperation, indicating a formal and weighty injunction.
* **Princes (Hebrew, _sar'_):** This term (H8269) refers to high-ranking officials, leaders, or chiefs. In this context, it encompasses the influential tribal heads, military commanders, and other prominent figures within Israel's leadership structure. David's direct address to them signifies that their involvement was not optional but a crucial component of the national effort, given their authority and ability to mobilize resources and people within their respective spheres of influence. Their participation was essential for the project's broad acceptance and execution.
* **Help (Hebrew, _ʻâzar'_):** This word (H5826) means to assist, support, or aid. It implies active participation, collaboration, and succor. David is not merely informing the princes; he is enlisting their active support and partnership with Solomon. This "help" would involve various forms of assistance, from providing labor and materials to ensuring national stability and unity during the demanding construction phase, fostering a spirit of collective responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"David also commanded":** This phrase indicates a continuation of David's proactive and comprehensive leadership. It signifies a shift from his private, personal counsel to Solomon (as seen in the preceding verses) to a public, authoritative directive issued to the national leadership, emphasizing his thorough approach to the Temple project.
* **"all the princes of Israel":** This highlights the expansive scope of David's command, encompassing the entire leadership structure of the nation. It underscores the idea that the Temple was a national project, requiring unified effort and commitment from all segments of society, represented by their respective leaders, ensuring widespread participation and buy-in.
* **"to help Solomon his son":** This specifies the direct object of their assistance – Solomon, who has been divinely designated as the builder of the Temple. It reinforces the theme of succession and the transfer of immense responsibility. The "help" would involve practical support, political backing, and spiritual encouragement for the young, incoming king as he undertook this monumental task.
* **"[saying]":** This introductory particle indicates that the subsequent verses (1 Chronicles 22:18-19) contain the direct words of David's command and exhortation to these princes, where he would articulate the specific reasons for their assistance and the expected outcomes of their collective effort.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** by setting the immediate stage for David's explicit appeal to the princes in the verses that directly follow, signaling that their direct involvement and the nature of their assistance are imminent and crucial to the narrative's progression. It utilizes **Synecdoche** by referring to "all the princes of Israel" to represent the collective will, authority, and resources of the entire nation; their cooperation implicitly guarantees the cooperation of the people they lead. The phrase also functions as a **Transition**, skillfully moving the narrative from David's private instructions to Solomon to a broader public mobilization, signifying a significant shift in the scope of preparation for the Temple's construction. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** conveyed through the potent verb "commanded," highlighting the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of David's directive, thereby underscoring the paramount importance of unity and unwavering support for this divinely ordained project.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:17 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of God's work and the indispensable role of human responsibility in its accomplishment. It teaches that even divinely appointed tasks, such as the building of a sacred dwelling for God, require human collaboration, faithful leadership, and national unity. David's authoritative command to the princes reflects a deep understanding that God's purposes are often fulfilled through the collective, harmonious efforts of His people, guided by faithful and visionary leadership. It underscores the vital principle that the success of spiritual endeavors is rarely achieved in isolation but through a harmonious alignment of diverse gifts, authorities, and resources, all directed towards a common, God-given goal. This verse implicitly affirms the value of intergenerational partnership and the critical importance of established leaders empowering and supporting the next generation in carrying forward God's commission, ensuring continuity and effectiveness in His kingdom work.

* [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "The Freewill Offering for the Tabernacle") - Illustrates the collective willingness and unified contribution of the people to construct God's dwelling place.
* [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild Jerusalem's Walls") - Shows a leader effectively mobilizing and inspiring the people for a great work, emphasizing unity and divine favor in the face of daunting challenges.
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "The Body of Christ, Many Members") - Emphasizes the necessity of diverse members working together in unity within the spiritual body of Christ, each contributing their unique function.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's final act of leadership in commanding the princes to "help Solomon" offers timeless and invaluable lessons for contemporary leadership and community engagement. It highlights the profound responsibility of those in positions of authority to not only cast a compelling vision and gather necessary resources but also to actively foster an environment of support, collaboration, and empowerment for those who will carry the torch forward. This isn't merely about delegating tasks; it's about strategically enlisting the influence, experience, and resources of key stakeholders to ensure the success of a shared, God-given mission. For us today, whether in the church, a family, a workplace, or a broader community, this verse challenges us to consider how we can intentionally empower and rally support for the next generation of leaders or for significant projects that serve God's purposes. It reminds us that great endeavors, especially those with spiritual significance, thrive on unity, shared commitment, and the active "helping" of one another, rather than relying solely on individual heroics or isolated efforts. Our collective strength, guided by divine purpose, is far greater than any single contribution.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can established leaders effectively "command" or inspire their community to support emerging leaders or new initiatives, fostering a spirit of collaborative ownership?**
* **How does the concept of "all the princes of Israel" helping Solomon apply to the collaborative efforts needed within your church, ministry, or community today, especially concerning large-scale projects?**
* **What concrete actions can you personally take to "help" someone else carry out a God-given task or responsibility, offering practical support, encouragement, or resources?**
* **How does David's foresight in planning for the Temple's construction beyond his own lifetime challenge your perspective on long-term vision, succession planning, and leaving a lasting legacy for God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for David to command "all the princes of Israel" to help Solomon? Couldn't Solomon just command them himself as the new king?**

Answer: While Solomon would indeed inherit royal authority, David's command was absolutely crucial for several strategic reasons. Firstly, it provided an authoritative endorsement from the reigning, revered king, legitimizing Solomon's future role and the monumental Temple project in the eyes of the established leadership. These "princes" were powerful, often entrenched figures, many of whom had served David for decades, and their loyalty and cooperation were not automatically guaranteed to a young, relatively inexperienced king like Solomon. David's direct command ensured a smoother transition of power and minimized potential resistance or factionalism, laying a strong foundation for Solomon's reign. Secondly, it underscored the national, rather than merely royal, significance of the Temple project, signaling that this was a collective undertaking for all Israel, requiring unified effort, not just Solomon's personal ambition. David's foresight ensured that the foundation for unity and widespread support was laid even before Solomon fully ascended the throne, setting him up for success in this divinely mandated task, as further detailed in [1 Chronicles 22:18-19](/1_chronicles/22-18-19 "David's Exhortation to the Princes").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 22:17 speaks of human leadership and collaboration in building a physical temple, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine-human partnership in the building of God's eternal spiritual Temple, the Church, through Jesus Christ. David, as a type of Christ, meticulously prepared for the dwelling place of God, just as God the Father meticulously planned for the dwelling of His Spirit among humanity. The "help" commanded for Solomon finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Holy Spirit, the divine Helper [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper"), who empowers believers—the "princes" of God's new covenant kingdom—to participate in the ongoing work of building His spiritual house. Jesus Himself declared, "I will build my church" [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Jesus Builds His Church"), not through a physical structure of stone, but through living stones, His followers, united in Him [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones for a Spiritual House"). Just as David ensured unity for Solomon's task, Christ prays for the unity of His disciples [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "Jesus' Prayer for Unity"), knowing that the building of His kingdom requires the collective, Spirit-empowered effort of all who are called. Thus, David's command to help Solomon prefigures the call to every believer to participate, by the Spirit's power, in the construction of God's eternal dwelling, founded on the cornerstone, Jesus Christ [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Christ as the Cornerstone and the Church as God's Dwelling").

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 28:1

¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 28:6

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father.

3 John 1:8

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

1 Chronicles 28:21

And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, [even they shall be with thee] for all the service of the house of God: and [there shall be] with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people [will be] wholly at thy commandment.

Philippians 4:3

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

Romans 16:2

That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Romans 16:3

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: