1 Chronicles 22:3

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} prepared {H3559} iron {H1270} in abundance {H7230} for the nails {H4548} for the doors {H1817} of the gates {H8179}, and for the joinings {H4226}; and brass {H5178} in abundance {H7230} without weight {H4948};

Complete Jewish Bible

David prepared a large store of iron from which to make nails and clamps for the gateway doors and, a quantity of bronze too great to weigh,

Berean Standard Bible

David provided a large quantity of iron to make the nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, together with more bronze than could be weighed

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 22:3 details King David's extensive and meticulous preparation of raw materials for the construction of the future Temple in Jerusalem. Though God had designated his son Solomon to build the physical sanctuary, David devoted the latter part of his reign to gathering immense quantities of iron and brass, among other resources, demonstrating profound foresight, unwavering dedication, and a deep commitment to God's grand plan for His dwelling place among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal chapter where David, having been forbidden by God to build 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's Inability to Build the Temple")), dedicates his remaining years to preparing for the monumental task. Following his initial preparations of setting foreign workers to cut stone ([1 Chronicles 22:2](/1_chronicles/22-2 "1 Chronicles 22:2 - David Gathers Foreign Workers")), this verse specifically details the acquisition of metals. It immediately precedes David's charge to Solomon to build the Temple and his exhortation for the leaders of Israel to assist his son ([1 Chronicles 22:6-19](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple")). David's actions here underscore his obedience to divine decree and his commitment to ensuring the successful transition of leadership and the fulfillment of God's architectural vision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the construction of a national temple was a monumental undertaking, often spanning decades and requiring vast resources, skilled labor, and royal patronage. Temples served not only as places of worship but also as central symbols of national identity, divine favor, and the king's piety and power. The materials mentioned—iron and brass (bronze)—were crucial for structural integrity, ornamentation, and functional elements like gates and fastenings. Iron, though known, was less common than bronze for such large-scale projects, making its abundance particularly noteworthy. The sheer scale of David's preparations, described as "without weight," reflects the immense resources available to a king who had consolidated his kingdom and amassed wealth through conquest and tribute, all dedicated to a sacred purpose.
* **Key Themes:** David's actions in this verse contribute significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. First, **Diligent Preparation** is paramount; David's foresight and meticulous gathering of materials, even specifying their future use ("nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings"), highlight the importance of thorough planning for God's work. Second, the theme of **Abundance and Generosity** is evident in the description of "iron in abundance" and "brass in abundance without weight." This lavish provision reflects David's understanding that the Temple, as God's dwelling, should be "exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries" ([1 Chronicles 22:5](/1_chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - The Temple's Intended Glory")). Finally, this verse embodies **Foresight and Legacy**, as David, knowing he would not complete the project, diligently laid the groundwork for his son, Solomon. This act of selfless preparation ensures the continuity of God's plan across generations, emphasizing the importance of investing in the future of God's kingdom even if one does not see the immediate fruition of their labor, a principle echoed in passages like [Psalm 78:6-7](/psalms/78-6 "Psalm 78:6-7 - Teaching the Next Generation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prepared (כּוּן, _kun_):** This Hebrew verb means "to establish, to make firm, to prepare, to set up." It implies not just a casual gathering but a deliberate, intentional, and thorough process of making ready. David's actions were not haphazard but part of a well-conceived plan to ensure the foundational elements for the Temple were securely in place.
* **abundance (רֹב, _rov_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be much, to be great," this noun signifies a vast quantity, multitude, or superabundance. Its repeated use emphasizes the extraordinary scale of the materials David procured, indicating a supply far beyond mere sufficiency, reflecting a desire to build a Temple of unparalleled magnificence.
* **without weight (לֹא מִשְׁקָל, _lo' mishqal_):** This phrase literally means "no weighing" or "not by weight." It is a hyperbolic expression emphasizing the immense, immeasurable quantity of brass. It suggests that the amount was so vast that it was impractical or unnecessary to weigh it, underscoring the extraordinary generosity and thoroughness of David's preparations for the sacred project.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David prepared iron in abundance":** This opening clause immediately establishes David's active role and initiative in the Temple project, despite being forbidden to build it himself. The mention of "iron" signifies a strong, durable material, and "in abundance" highlights the vast quantity, setting the stage for the scale of his preparations.
* **"for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings;":** This detailed specification reveals David's meticulous planning and foresight. He wasn't just gathering raw materials; he was preparing them for specific, functional components of the Temple structure. "Nails for the doors of the gates" suggests large, heavy-duty fasteners for the massive entranceways, while "joinings" (or "fittings" / "clamps") implies the structural connections, indicating a comprehensive approach to securing the building's integrity.
* **"and brass in abundance without weight;":** This clause introduces the second primary metal, brass (bronze), which was widely used for decorative and functional elements in ancient temples. The phrase "in abundance without weight" is a powerful hyperbolic expression, underscoring an even greater, immeasurable quantity of brass than iron, further emphasizing the lavishness and thoroughness of David's provisions for the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The text employs several literary devices to convey the magnitude of David's preparations. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "brass in abundance without weight," which dramatically overstates the quantity to emphasize its overwhelming vastness, suggesting an amount too great to be measured. This rhetorical exaggeration underscores the extraordinary generosity and dedication of David. Additionally, the specific mention of "nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings" could be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are named to represent the whole, implying that David prepared for every conceivable use of the materials, from the smallest fastener to the largest structural connection. Furthermore, David's extensive preparations for a future project he would not personally complete serve as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future glory and magnificence of the Temple that Solomon would build, a glory made possible by David's foundational work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's diligent and abundant preparation for the Temple underscores a profound theological principle: while God initiates and empowers His work, He also calls His people to participate with their resources, talents, and foresight. David's actions demonstrate a stewardship mindset, dedicating the kingdom's wealth to a sacred purpose, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God. This preparation was an act of worship and obedience, laying the groundwork for a dwelling place that would symbolize God's presence among His people and serve as the center of their worship. It teaches us that our contributions, even if they are for a future generation or a project we won't see completed, are vital to God's overarching plan and contribute to His glory.

* [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4 "Exodus 35:4-9 - 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 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's example in 1 Chronicles 22:3 offers a powerful blueprint for contemporary believers. His commitment to preparing for God's work, even when he wouldn't be the one to complete it, challenges us to consider our own legacy and contribution to the kingdom. We are called to be diligent stewards of the resources—time, talent, and treasure—that God has entrusted to us, investing them generously and purposefully in endeavors that advance His purposes. This might involve supporting ministries, mentoring younger generations, or developing skills that will serve future kingdom initiatives. David's "abundance without weight" reminds us that our giving should be cheerful, sacrificial, and reflective of the immeasurable grace we have received from God. Ultimately, it teaches us to serve with a long-term vision, understanding that our faithful obedience today lays the groundwork for God's glory in the future, regardless of who receives the credit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you called to "prepare" for future work, even if you won't be the one to see its completion?**
* **How does David's "abundance without weight" challenge your perspective on generosity and stewardship of your resources for God's kingdom?**
* **What specific steps can you take to invest in the spiritual legacy of the next generation, following David's example of foresight?**

### FAQ
**Why was David so intent on gathering materials for a Temple he knew he wouldn't build?**

Answer: David's intense desire to gather materials stemmed from his deep devotion to God and his understanding of God's covenant promises. Although God had forbidden him from building the Temple due to his history as a man of war ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Inability to Build the Temple")), David was committed to doing everything within his power to ensure the project's success. This was an act of obedience, worship, and selfless preparation for his son, Solomon, who was divinely appointed to complete the task. David understood that the Temple was to be "exceeding magnifical" ([1 Chronicles 22:5](/1_chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - The Temple's Intended Glory")), and his extensive preparations reflected his desire to honor God with the very best and to establish a lasting legacy for the kingdom of God.

**What is the significance of the "abundance" of iron and brass mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "abundance" of materials, particularly the phrase "brass in abundance without weight," signifies several important things. Theologically, it underscores the lavishness appropriate for God's dwelling place. The Temple was not to be built with mere sufficiency but with extraordinary generosity, reflecting God's own abundant nature and the honor due to Him. Practically, it ensured that Solomon would have all the necessary resources, freeing him to focus on the construction itself without the burden of procurement. Symbolically, it represents David's complete devotion and the kingdom's prosperity under his reign, all dedicated to the glory of God. It sets a precedent for generous giving and diligent preparation in service to God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 22:3 describes David's meticulous preparation for a physical Temple, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, realized in Jesus Christ. David's efforts to gather materials for a magnificent house for God point to Christ, who is the true and perfect Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence. Just as David prepared the way for Solomon to build the Temple, the Old Testament narratives, including David's life and reign, meticulously prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah. In Christ, the dwelling place of God is no longer a structure of stone and metal but a living person, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a spiritual Temple, becoming "living stones" built into a "spiritual house" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). David's abundant provision for the physical Temple finds its ultimate fulfillment in the immeasurable riches of God's grace and the inexhaustible supply of spiritual blessings found in Christ, who has perfectly prepared the way for humanity to dwell with God eternally ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation")).

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 22:14

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.

1 Chronicles 29:2

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

1 Kings 7:47

And Solomon left all the vessels [unweighed], because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

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 Chronicles 4:18

Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

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.