1 Chronicles 22:4

KJV

Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also cedar {H730} trees {H6086} in abundance {H369}{H4557}: for the Zidonians {H6722} and they of Tyre {H6876} brought {H935} much {H7230} cedar {H730} wood {H6086} to David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and cedar logs beyond numbering - because the Tzidonim and the people from Tzor brought cedar logs in abundance to David.

Berean Standard Bible

and more cedar logs than could be counted; for the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought a large quantity of cedar logs to David.

American Standard Version

and cedar-trees without number: for the Sidonians and they of Tyre brought cedar-trees in abundance to David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:4 meticulously details King David's extensive procurement of building materials for the future Temple, a sacred task he was commissioned to prepare for, though not to complete himself. This verse specifically highlights the acquisition of an immense quantity of cedar wood, a highly prized and durable timber, sourced through the trade relationships David established with the skilled artisans and merchants of the Phoenician city-states, Sidon and Tyre. It powerfully illustrates David's unwavering foresight, his profound dedication to God's dwelling place, and the sheer scale of resources amassed through both human diligence and divinely orchestrated international cooperation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within 1 Chronicles 22, a chapter that pivots from David's desire to build a Temple for God to his diligent preparations for its construction by his son, Solomon. Having been divinely prohibited from building the Temple due to his history as a man of war ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "God's Prohibition to David")), David channels his fervent devotion into amassing an unprecedented array of materials. The preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 22:1-3](/1_chronicles/22-1-3 "David's Preparations Begin")) set the stage by describing David's securing of iron, bronze, and hewn stones. Verse 4 then specifically focuses on the crucial supply of cedar wood, an essential and prestigious component for the Temple's grand design. This narrative sequence underscores David's unwavering commitment to God's house, demonstrating how he meticulously laid the groundwork for the next generation to fulfill God's architectural blueprint.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Zidonians and they of Tyre" refer to the inhabitants of the formidable Phoenician city-states of Sidon and Tyre, situated along the Mediterranean coast to the north of Israel. These maritime powers were preeminent in the ancient Near East, renowned for their sophisticated seafaring, extensive trade networks, and unparalleled craftsmanship, particularly in the felling and working of timber and metals. Crucially, they held dominion over the majestic cedar forests of Lebanon, whose timber was exceptionally valued for its strength, aromatic properties, natural resistance to decay, and impressive dimensions, making it the ideal material for monumental and sacred architecture. The inclusion of Sidon and Tyre in this verse underscores the vital economic and political alliances David forged, demonstrating how he leveraged these relationships to acquire resources (like the superior cedar) that were not readily available within Israel's own borders, all for the sacred purpose of the Temple. This alliance would later be famously continued by Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre, as detailed in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "Solomon's Alliance with Hiram").
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous and abundant gathering of cedar wood in 1 Chronicles 22:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Chronicler's narrative and the broader biblical canon. Firstly, it powerfully exemplifies **Diligent Preparation and Foresight**, showcasing David's proactive planning and long-term vision for God's worship, even when he himself would not complete the project. Secondly, it highlights **International Cooperation and Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating how God orchestrates events and utilizes diverse peoples and their unique resources—including those outside Israel's immediate covenant community—to accomplish His divine purposes. The Phoenicians, with their specialized skills and access to vital resources, become instruments in God's grand design for the Temple. Thirdly, the emphasis on "abundance" points to **Lavish Generosity and Abundant Provision**, reflecting David's profound devotion and the intended grandeur and glory of God's future house, a theme consistently present in descriptions of both the Tabernacle and Temple (e.g., [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Offerings for the Tabernacle")). Ultimately, it subtly speaks to **God's Faithful Provision**, indicating that even through human effort and strategic trade, God sovereignly provides for the establishment of His worship and the fulfillment of His promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abundance (Hebrew, _rôb'_):** The Hebrew word רוֹב (H7230, _rôb_) signifies a great quantity, a multitude, or superabundance. It conveys the idea of not merely sufficiency, but an overflowing, lavish, or exceedingly large amount. In the context of [1 Chronicles 22:4](/1_chronicles/22-4 "David's Cedar Provision"), _rôb_ emphasizes the extraordinary scale of the cedar wood acquisition, underscoring David's commitment to providing materials far beyond simple necessity, reflecting the immense glory intended for the Temple. This word choice powerfully communicates the vastness and generosity of David's preparations.
* **Cedar trees (Hebrew, _ʼerez'_):** The Hebrew word אֶרֶז (H730, _ʼerez_) specifically refers to the Cedar of Lebanon, a majestic evergreen conifer native to the mountains of Lebanon. Renowned in the ancient world for its towering height, straight trunk, aromatic wood, and natural resistance to insects and decay, cedar was the most prized timber for grand construction projects. Its use in the Temple signified permanence, strength, beauty, and a connection to divine majesty, often associated with royal and sacred structures throughout the ancient Near East.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also cedar trees in abundance":** This opening phrase immediately draws attention to the specific type of material—cedar wood—and its sheer quantity. The crucial word "abundance" (Hebrew _rôb_) signifies that David was not merely gathering enough materials, but an exceedingly vast, lavish amount. This reflects David's profound devotion and his desire to spare no expense for the house of God, ensuring a magnificent and enduring structure befitting the Lord's glory.
* **"for the Zidonians and they of Tyre":** This clause precisely identifies the source of the highly sought-after cedar wood. Sidon and Tyre were prominent Phoenician city-states, renowned for their advanced maritime trade, skilled craftsmanship, and, critically, their control over the vast cedar forests of Lebanon. This detail highlights the international scope of David's procurement efforts and the strategic alliances he forged to acquire necessary resources not readily available within Israel's own borders.
* **"brought much cedar wood to David":** This final clause confirms the action and the recipient of the materials. The Phoenicians actively transported the cedar to David, implying a significant logistical undertaking and a successful trade or diplomatic arrangement. The repetition of "much cedar wood" (echoing "in abundance") further emphasizes the vast quantity. This act of bringing signifies the practical fulfillment of David's vision to gather all necessary components for the Temple's construction, underscoring the successful execution of his meticulous plans.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in the repeated emphasis on the quantity, with phrases like "cedar trees in abundance" and "brought much cedar wood." While not an exaggeration to the point of impossibility, it certainly conveys a sense of lavishness and overflowing quantity, underscoring the extraordinary scale of David's preparations for God's house. **Merism** is utilized by specifically mentioning "the Zidonians and they of Tyre" to represent the broader Phoenician people or region, indicating that David's sourcing extended to the renowned timber suppliers of the entire Phoenician coast. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of cedar wood itself is potent; it represents strength, permanence, beauty, and the majesty of God's dwelling, a theme consistent throughout biblical descriptions of sacred architecture and royal structures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The gathering of cedar in abundance for the Temple is a profound testament to the principle of offering one's absolute best to God, reflecting a heart fully devoted to His glory and purposes. David, though divinely prevented from building the Temple himself, poured his energy, foresight, and vast resources into preparing for it, demonstrating that faithful stewardship, diligent preparation, and generous contribution are vital aspects of serving God's kingdom. This act beautifully prefigures the New Testament call for believers to contribute generously and sacrificially to the building of God's spiritual house, the Church, with our gifts, talents, and material resources. It also powerfully highlights God's sovereign ability to use diverse means and unexpected sources—including international alliances and the skills of those outside the covenant community—to accomplish His redemptive plan, reminding us that His kingdom transcends human boundaries and limitations, drawing all things into His ultimate purpose.

* [1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "Solomon's Request for Cedar from Hiram")
* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "Believers as God's Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's meticulous and abundant provision of cedar wood for the Temple offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. His actions demonstrate a deep, forward-looking commitment to God's future work, even when he would not personally see its completion. This calls us to consider our own role in preparing for and investing in God's kingdom, recognizing that our diligent efforts today can lay foundational groundwork for future generations and ministries. We are encouraged to give generously, to plan diligently, and to offer our finest resources, talents, and time—not just sufficiently, but abundantly—for the glory of God and the advancement of His purposes. Just as God sovereignly used the skills and resources of the Phoenicians, He continues to use diverse people, nations, and unexpected avenues to advance His purposes globally, reminding us that His work is expansive, inclusive, and beyond our limited perspectives. Our willingness to contribute sacrificially to God's work, whether in physical projects, spiritual ministries, or fostering the next generation of faith, becomes a powerful legacy that points to His enduring presence, power, and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's proactive and abundant preparation for the Temple, even though he wouldn't build it, challenge my own approach to long-term spiritual goals or ministry initiatives?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to provide "in abundance" for God's work, rather than just the bare minimum, reflecting a heart of generous devotion?**
* **How can I better recognize and appreciate the diverse ways God uses people and resources from outside my immediate community or comfort zone to accomplish His purposes?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I intentionally preparing for the next generation of believers through my current actions and contributions to God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Why couldn't David build the Temple himself?**

Answer: God explicitly told David that he would not be the one to build the Temple. This divine prohibition was not due to any lack of desire or devotion on David's part, but because he had been a man of war and had shed much blood ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "God's Reason for David Not Building the Temple")). Instead, God promised that David's son, Solomon, a man of peace, would be the one to complete the sacred task. David's crucial role was to prepare the way, gather the vast resources, and provide the architectural plans for the monumental undertaking.

**What was so special about cedar wood in the ancient world?**

Answer: Cedar wood, particularly from the majestic Cedars of Lebanon, was highly prized throughout the ancient Near East for several compelling reasons. It was renowned for its exceptional durability, natural resistance to insects and decay, and a pleasant aromatic quality. The trees grew to immense sizes, providing long, straight timbers ideal for grand construction projects like palaces and temples. Its inherent beauty, strength, and longevity made it a potent symbol of majesty, permanence, and divine favor. Its extensive use in the Temple underscored the sacred, enduring, and glorious nature of God's dwelling place.

**How does this verse relate to international relations in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse vividly highlights the practical necessity and profound benefit of international relations, even in the context of sacred endeavors. David's strategic alliance and trade with the powerful Phoenician city-states of Tyre and Sidon were absolutely crucial for obtaining essential resources like cedar wood, which were not available in abundance within Israel's own borders. This demonstrates that God's plans often involve the cooperation of diverse nations and peoples, utilizing their unique skills, resources, and geographical advantages. It also foreshadows the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use even non-Israelite entities to achieve His redemptive purposes, as seen in the later, well-documented alliance between King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre ([1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "Solomon and Hiram's Alliance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 22:4](/1_chronicles/22-4 "David's Provision of Cedar") describes the meticulous preparation for a physical temple, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who is the true, eternal, and perfect dwelling place of God. David's diligent gathering of "cedar trees in abundance" and other precious materials points to the immeasurable richness and divine perfection of the "materials" that constitute God's ultimate Temple—Christ Himself and, by extension, His Church. Jesus powerfully declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the stone edifice but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the very foundation, the chief cornerstone, and the living substance of the new spiritual temple, built not with human hands or perishable wood, but with living stones—believers united in Him ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The abundance of cedar foreshadows the infinite abundance of grace, truth, and eternal life found uniquely in Christ, who perfectly embodies the very presence of God among humanity. He is the ultimate High Priest who entered a "greater and more perfect tent" not made with human hands, establishing a new covenant that brings us into direct and intimate fellowship with God ([Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ's Superior Priesthood")). Thus, David's earthly preparations for a temporary dwelling anticipate the eternal reality of God's dwelling with humanity through Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb 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 Kings 5:6

Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that [there is] not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.

1 Kings 5:10

¶ So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees [according to] all his desire.

Ezra 3:7

They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

2 Samuel 5:11

¶ And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.

2 Chronicles 2:3

And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, [even so deal with me].