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 critical juncture in David's preparations for the construction of the Jerusalem Temple, signifying a strategic shift from personal instruction to broad national mobilization. Having meticulously gathered vast resources and personally charged his son Solomon with the sacred task, David now extends his command to the leading officials of Israel, enjoining them to provide unwavering support and assistance to the future king in this monumental, divinely ordained undertaking. This verse underscores David's comprehensive leadership, his commitment to a unified national effort, and his foresight in ensuring the successful execution of God's architectural blueprint through collaborative action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's deeply personal and comprehensive charge to his son Solomon regarding the building of the Temple. In the preceding verses [1 Chronicles 22:6-16](/1_chronicles/22-6 "David's Charge to Solomon"), David outlines the divine mandate for the Temple, explains why he himself was prevented from building it, and details the immense material provisions he has amassed for the project. He also provides Solomon with a powerful exhortation to be strong, courageous, and obedient to God's commands. Having laid the groundwork with his successor, David now turns his attention to the broader national leadership, setting the stage for his direct appeal to them in the subsequent verses [1 Chronicles 22:18-19](/1_chronicles/22-18 "David's Appeal to the Princes"), where he articulates the specific ways they are to assist Solomon. This transition demonstrates David's thoroughness in planning and his understanding that such a grand undertaking required unified national support, not just royal decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the twilight of King David's reign, a time of relative peace and prosperity after years of warfare and consolidation of the kingdom. David, as the established monarch, held significant authority, but the success of a major national project like the Temple would depend heavily on the cooperation of the "princes of Israel." These "princes" (Hebrew: *śārîm*) were not merely royal appointees but often powerful tribal heads, military commanders, or influential elders who represented the various factions and regions of Israel. Their support was crucial for national unity and the smooth transition of power to Solomon. Culturally, the building of a central sanctuary was an act of profound religious and national significance, symbolizing God's presence among His people and serving as the focal point of their worship. The Temple project was not just a construction endeavor but a theological statement, requiring the collective commitment of the entire nation, from the king down to the common laborer, all under divine mandate.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 22:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Succession and Legacy**, demonstrating David's meticulous planning for the future and his determination to ensure the continuity of God's work through his chosen successor, Solomon. This is a central concern for the Chronicler, who emphasizes the dynastic covenant with David [1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11 "God's Covenant with David"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Unity and Cooperation**, as David explicitly commands the national leaders to "help Solomon." This emphasis on collective effort for a divine purpose is vital, reflecting the Chronicler's concern for a united Israel centered on true worship. Thirdly, it speaks to **Leadership Responsibility**, showcasing David as an exemplary leader who not only provides resources and vision but also mobilizes and directs the support of key stakeholders, creating an environment conducive to Solomon's success and the 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 [1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1_chronicles/22-7 "David's Desire and God's Plan for the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsawâ'_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative directive, not merely a suggestion or request. It implies 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 importance David attached to the princes' cooperation.
* **Princes (Hebrew, _śārîm'_):** This term refers to high-ranking officials, leaders, or chiefs. In this context, it encompasses tribal heads, military commanders, and other influential figures within Israel. 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.
* **Help (Hebrew, _ʿāzar'_):** This word means to assist, support, or aid. It implies active participation and collaboration. 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 construction phase.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"David also commanded":** This phrase indicates a continuation of David's proactive leadership, shifting from his private counsel to Solomon to a public directive to the national leadership. It emphasizes his comprehensive approach to the Temple project, ensuring all necessary parties were aligned.
* **"all the princes of Israel":** This highlights the 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 from all segments of society, represented by their leaders.
* **"to help Solomon his son":** This specifies the object of their assistance – Solomon, the designated builder of the Temple. It reinforces the theme of succession and the transfer of responsibility. The "help" would involve practical support, political backing, and spiritual encouragement for the young king.
* **"[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, detailing the reasons for their assistance and the expected outcomes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** by setting the stage for David's explicit appeal to the princes in the verses that follow, indicating that their direct involvement is imminent and crucial. It uses **Synecdoche** by referring to "all the princes of Israel" to represent the collective will and resources of the entire nation, implying that their cooperation would ensure the cooperation of the people they led. The phrase also functions as a **Transition**, moving the narrative from David's private instructions to Solomon to a broader public mobilization, signaling a shift in the scope of preparation for the Temple's construction. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** through the use of "commanded," highlighting the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of David's directive, underscoring the importance of unity and support for the divine project.

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

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's final act of leadership in commanding the princes to "help Solomon" offers timeless lessons for contemporary leadership and community engagement. It highlights the profound responsibility of those in authority to not only cast vision and gather resources but also to actively foster an environment of support and collaboration for those who will carry the torch forward. This isn't merely about delegating tasks; it's about strategically enlisting the influence and resources of key stakeholders to ensure the success of a shared, God-given mission. For us today, whether in the church, a family, or a 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 individual heroics.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can established leaders effectively "command" or inspire their community to support emerging leaders or new initiatives?**
* **How does the concept of "all the princes of Israel" helping Solomon apply to the collaborative efforts needed within your church or community today?**
* **What specific actions can you take to "help" someone else carry out a God-given task or responsibility?**
* **How does David's foresight in planning for the Temple's construction beyond his own lifetime challenge your perspective on long-term vision and legacy?**

### 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 eventually wield royal authority, David's command was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provided an authoritative endorsement from the reigning, revered king, legitimizing Solomon's future role and the Temple project in the eyes of the established leadership. These "princes" were powerful figures, many of whom had served David for decades, and their loyalty and cooperation were not automatically guaranteed to a young, inexperienced king. David's direct command ensured a smoother transition of power and minimized potential resistance or factionalism. Secondly, it underscored the national, rather than merely royal, significance of the Temple project, signaling that this was a collective undertaking for all Israel, not just Solomon's personal ambition. David's foresight ensured that the foundation for unity and support was laid even before Solomon fully ascended the throne, setting him up for success in this monumental, divinely mandated task.

### 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 "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 "Christ as the Cornerstone").

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.