1 Chronicles 22:18

KJV

[Is] not the LORD your God with you? and hath he [not] given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Is not the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} with you? and hath he not given you rest {H5117} on every side {H5439}? for he hath given {H5414} the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776} into mine hand {H3027}; and the land {H776} is subdued {H3533} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and before {H6440} his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Isn't ADONAI your God with you? Hasn't he given you rest on every side? For he has put the inhabitants of the land under my power - the land has been subdued before ADONAI and his people.

Berean Standard Bible

“Is not the LORD your God with you, and has He not granted you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land has been subdued before the LORD and His people.

American Standard Version

Is not Jehovah your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand; and the land is subdued before Jehovah, and before his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King David, in his final instructions to Israel's leaders, poses a profound rhetorical question in 1 Chronicles 22:18, reminding them of God's unwavering presence and the comprehensive peace He has granted. This verse serves as a powerful call to action, urging the nation's princes and mighty men to wholeheartedly assist Solomon in the monumental task of building the Temple, leveraging their divinely secured rest and past victories as motivation for future obedience and service to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal chapter where King David, sensing his approaching death, formally charges his son Solomon with the sacred duty of building the Temple in Jerusalem. Having been forbidden by God from constructing the Temple himself due to his history as a man of war ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David is a man of war")), David meticulously prepared an immense quantity of materials for the project ([1 Chronicles 22:14-16](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14-16 - David's preparations for the Temple")). Immediately preceding 1 Chronicles 22:18, David has already exhorted Solomon to be strong and courageous, promising God's presence and assistance ([1 Chronicles 22:13](/1_chronicles/22-13 "1 Chronicles 22:13 - David encourages Solomon")). Now, David turns his attention to the leaders of Israel, appealing to their shared experience of God's faithfulness to secure their cooperation and dedication to Solomon's divinely appointed task. The verse sets the stage for David's direct command in [1 Chronicles 22:19](/1_chronicles/22-19 "1 Chronicles 22:19 - David's charge to build the sanctuary"), "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marked a period of unprecedented expansion and consolidation for Israel. Through a series of divinely empowered military campaigns, David had decisively defeated surrounding enemies, including the Philistines, Moabites, Arameans, and Edomites, establishing a secure and relatively peaceful kingdom. This era of "rest on every side" was a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and later to Joshua, assuring Israel of peace in the land if they remained faithful ([Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God promises rest")). The cultural understanding was that such a period of peace and prosperity, granted by God, was not for idleness but for the advancement of His purposes, particularly the establishment of His dwelling place among His people. The Temple was not merely a building but the central hub of Israelite worship, signifying God's presence and covenant relationship with His chosen nation. The collective effort required for such a massive undertaking would have been understood as a national act of devotion and obedience.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it highlights **Divine Presence**, emphasizing God's active and abiding presence with His people, a foundational truth for Israel's identity and security. Second, it underscores **Divine Provision and Rest**, acknowledging that the peace and security Israel enjoyed were not achieved by human might alone but were a direct gift from God, fulfilling ancient promises regarding their settlement in the land ([Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - God gives Israel rest")). This rest provides the ideal conditions for spiritual building. Third, the verse speaks to **God's Sovereignty in Victory**, attributing Israel's successful subjugation of the land's inhabitants directly to God's hand, reinforcing the chronicler's emphasis on God's active involvement in the nation's history. Finally, it serves as a **Call to Corporate Responsibility and Obedience**, implicitly challenging the leaders to leverage their divinely granted peace and past blessings for the greater purpose of God's kingdom, specifically the construction of His Temple. This theme of using God's blessings for His glory is central to the Chronicler's theology.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (Hebrew, _menuchah'_):** This term signifies a state of quiet, tranquility, or cessation from labor or conflict. In the biblical context, especially in relation to the land of Israel, _menuchah_ often refers to the fulfillment of God's promise to give His people a secure dwelling place free from enemies. The phrase "rest on every side" (_menuchah misaviv_) emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of this peace, indicating that all external threats had been neutralized, creating an ideal environment for a monumental undertaking like the Temple's construction. It's a divinely granted peace, not merely a temporary lull in conflict.
* **Subdued (Hebrew, _kavash'_):** This verb means to "tread down," "subdue," "conquer," or "bring into bondage." It implies a forceful and complete subjugation, leaving no doubt about the thoroughness of the conquest. In this context, it highlights the decisive and comprehensive nature of Israel's victories over the inhabitants of the land, affirming that the land was not merely occupied but fully brought under Israelite control, enabling the secure and peaceful conditions necessary for the Temple project. The use of _kavash_ underscores the divine power behind these victories, as the land was "subdued before the LORD, and before his people."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Is] not the LORD your God with you?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, not seeking information but affirming an undeniable truth. It serves as a foundational reminder of God's ever-present, active, and supportive presence among His people. David appeals to their shared experience and knowledge of God's faithfulness, implying that His presence is the ultimate source of their strength, security, and ability to undertake great tasks. It's an encouragement and a challenge, suggesting that with God's presence, nothing is impossible.
* **"and hath he [not] given you rest on every side?":** Another rhetorical question, building on the first. This clause highlights God's tangible provision of peace and security. The "rest on every side" refers to the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a secure kingdom, free from the immediate threat of surrounding enemies. This peace was a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises, creating the optimal conditions for national flourishing and, specifically, for the unhindered construction of the Temple. It underscores divine favor and a window of opportunity.
* **"for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand;":** This clause provides the concrete evidence and justification for the preceding statements. David explicitly attributes the military victories and the conquest of the land's previous inhabitants directly to God's intervention. It's not David's might alone, but God's sovereign power working through him that secured the land. This serves to remind the leaders that their current state of peace is a direct result of God's past faithfulness and power displayed on their behalf.
* **"and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the comprehensive nature of the conquest. The land is "subdued," meaning thoroughly conquered and brought under control. The phrasing "before the LORD, and before his people" emphasizes that this subjugation was both divinely orchestrated and humanly experienced. It solidifies the argument that the current peace is a divinely established reality, providing the perfect context for the sacred work of building God's dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 22:18 is the **Rhetorical Question**. David uses two successive rhetorical questions ("Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he [not] given you rest on every side?") to powerfully affirm undeniable truths rather than elicit information. This technique serves to emphasize God's constant presence and comprehensive provision, making the subsequent call to action more compelling and irrefutable. The questions are designed to stir conviction and remind the leaders of their privileged position under God's favor. Additionally, there is a strong element of **Cause and Effect** or **Logical Argumentation**, as David presents God's past actions (presence, rest, victory) as the irrefutable basis ("for") for the nation's present responsibility to build the Temple. The verse also contains **Parallelism** in the final clause, "before the LORD, and before his people," which highlights the dual nature of God's work—divinely initiated and humanly experienced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:18 profoundly connects the past faithfulness of God to the present call for His people's obedience and service. It demonstrates that divine blessings—God's presence, peace, and victory—are not ends in themselves but are granted to enable God's people to fulfill His purposes. The "rest on every side" is not for complacency but for consecrated action, specifically the building of the Temple as a center for worship and a symbol of God's dwelling among them. This principle extends beyond the Temple, signifying that periods of peace and prosperity, whether national or personal, are opportunities to invest in God's kingdom and advance His glory. The verse underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the importance of the Temple as the focal point of Israel's relationship with God and the need for unified, Spirit-empowered effort in God's service.

* [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God promises rest in the land")
* [Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - The Lord gave them rest all around")
* [Psalm 122:6-9](/psalms/122-6 "Psalm 122:6-9 - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's rhetorical questions in 1 Chronicles 22:18 serve as a timeless challenge for believers today. Just as Israel was called to leverage their divinely granted peace and past victories for the building of the Temple, we are similarly called to recognize and utilize the "rest on every side" that God provides in our lives. This "rest" might manifest as periods of stability, freedom from overwhelming crises, spiritual tranquility, or even the peace of mind that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty. These are not opportunities for idleness or self-indulgence, but for purposeful engagement in God's kingdom work. Our past experiences of God's faithfulness—His presence, provision, and power in our lives—should serve as powerful motivations for present obedience and future endeavors. When we reflect on how God has been "with us" and how He has "subdued" obstacles in our path, it builds our confidence to "arise therefore, and build," whether that building is in our families, communities, or through global missions. It encourages us to collaborate with other believers, recognizing that God often calls His people to corporate efforts for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life has God given you "rest on every side," and how might you be called to leverage that peace for His purposes?**
* **How does reflecting on God's past faithfulness and presence in your life motivate you to engage in current spiritual tasks or challenges?**
* **What "building" (spiritual growth, ministry, service) might God be calling you to undertake in this season of your life, and how can you collaborate with others to achieve it?**
* **How does the assurance of God being "with you" impact your courage and willingness to step out in faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David asking rhetorical questions here?**

Answer: David's use of rhetorical questions ("Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he [not] given you rest on every side?") is a powerful persuasive technique. He isn't seeking information, but rather affirming undeniable truths to the leaders of Israel. By phrasing it this way, David appeals to their shared experience and knowledge of God's faithfulness, making it difficult for them to deny their responsibility. It serves to remind them of God's active presence and provision, building a strong, irrefutable case for their necessary cooperation in building the Temple. It's a call to acknowledge divine blessings and respond with obedience, setting the stage for the direct command in [1 Chronicles 22:19](/1_chronicles/22-19 "1 Chronicles 22:19 - David's charge to build the sanctuary").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 22:18 speaks of God's presence and provision enabling the building of a physical temple, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance are found in Christ. The "rest on every side" that Israel experienced under David and Solomon foreshadows the deeper, eternal rest that believers find in Jesus. He is our ultimate Sabbath rest, having completed the work of salvation and offering peace with God that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The peace of God")). The presence of the LORD with His people, so central to David's argument, finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus, who is "God with us" (Immanuel, [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel")). Furthermore, the subjugation of the land's inhabitants by God's hand points to Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's triumph over spiritual powers")). Just as the peace allowed for the building of the Temple, Christ's accomplished work and the peace He provides empower believers, as living stones, to be built into a spiritual house, a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living stones, a spiritual house")), with Christ himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the cornerstone")). Thus, the physical Temple project, enabled by God's presence and rest, points forward to the spiritual temple of the church, built by the Spirit through the ultimate rest and victory secured by 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

1 Chronicles 23:25

For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

2 Samuel 7:1

¶ And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

Acts 9:31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

2 Samuel 5:19

And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

2 Samuel 5:20

And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.