TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.
Complete Jewish Bible
Then he summoned Shlomo his son and charged him to build a house for ADONAI, the God of Isra'el.
Berean Standard Bible
Then David called for his son Solomon and instructed him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel.
American Standard Version
Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build a house for Jehovah, the God of Israel.
World English Bible Messianic
Then he called for Solomon his son, and commanded him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then he called Salomon his sonne, and charged him to builde an house for the Lord God of Israel.
Young's Literal Translation
And he calleth for Solomon his son, and chargeth him to build a house to Jehovah, God of Israel,
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 22 verses 6–16
6 ¶ Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.
7 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:
8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
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.
10 He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.
11 Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.
12 Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.
13 Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
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.
15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.
Though Solomon was young and tender, he was capable of receiving instructions, which his father accordingly gave him, concerning the work for which he was designed. When David came to the throne he had many things to do, for the foundations were all out of course; but Solomon had only one thing in charge, and that was to build a house for the Lord God of Israel, Ch1 22:6. Now,
I. David tells him why he did not do it himself. It was in his mind to do it (Ch1 22:7), but God forbade him, because he had shed much blood, Ch1 22:8. Some think this refers to the blood of Uriah, which fastened such a reproach upon him as rendered him unworthy the honour of building the temple: but that honour was forbidden him before he had shed that blood; therefore it must be meant, as it is here explained, of the blood he shed in his wars (for he had been a man of war from his youth), which, though shed very justly and honourably in the service of God and Israel, yet made him unfit to be employed in this service, or rather less fit than another that had never been called to such bloody work. God, by assigning this as the reason of laying David aside from this work, showed how precious human life is to him, and intended a type of him who should build the gospel temple, not by destroying men's lives, but by saving them, Luk 9:56.
II. He gives him the reason why he imposed this task upon him. 1. Because God had designed him for it, nominated him as the man that should do it: A son shall be born to thee, that shall be called Solomon, and he shall build a house for my name, Ch1 22:9, Ch1 22:10. Nothing is more powerful to engage us to any service for God, and encourage us in it, than to know that hereunto we are appointed. 2. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should be a man of rest, and therefore should not have his time, or thoughts, or wealth, diverted from this business. He should have rest from his enemies abroad (none of them should invade or threaten him, or give him provocation), and he should have peace and quietness at home; and therefore let him build the house. Note, Where God gives rest he expects work. 3. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. Let this encourage him to honour God, that God had honour in store for him; let him build up God's house, and God will build up his throne. Note, God's gracious promises should quicken and invigorate our religious service.
III. He delivers him an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building (Ch1 22:14), not in a way of pride and vain glory (he speaks of it as a poor thing - I have, in my poverty, prepared, margin), but as an encouragement to Solomon to engage cheerfully in the work, for which so solid a foundation was laid. The treasure here mentioned of the 100,000 talents of gold, and 1,000,000 talents of silver, amounts to such an incredible sum that most interpreters either allow an error in the copy or think the talent here signifies no more than a plate or piece: ingots we call them. I am inclined to suppose that a certain number is here put for an uncertain, because it is said (Ch1 22:16) that of the gold and silver, as well as of the brass and iron, there was no number, and that David here includes all the dedicated things (Ch1 18:11) which he designed for the house of the Lord, that is, not only for the building of it, but for the treasure of it; and putting all together, it might come pretty near what is here spoken of. Hundreds and thousands are numbers which we often use to express that which is very much, when yet we would not be understood strictly.
IV. He charges them to keep God's commandments and to take heed to his duty in every thing, Ch1 22:13. He must not think by building the temple to purchase a dispensation to sin; no, on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, nor accounted of, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes which the Lord charged Moses with, Ch1 22:13. Though he was to be king of Israel, he must always remember that he was a subject to the God of Israel.
V. He encourages him to go about this great work, and to go on in it (Ch1 22:13): "Be strong, and of good courage, Though it is a vast undertaking, thou needest not fear coming under the reproach of the foolish builder, who began to build and was not able to finish it; it is God's work, and it shall come to perfection. Dread not, nor be dismayed." In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.
VI. He quickens him not to rest in the preparations he had made, but to add thereto, Ch1 22:14. Those that enter into the labours of others, and build upon their advantages, must still be improving.
VII. He prays for him: The Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, Ch1 22:12. Whatever charge we have, if we see God giving us the charge and calling us to it, we may hope he will give us wisdom for the discharge of it. Perhaps Solomon had an eye to this prayer of his father for him, in the prayer he offered for himself: Lord, give me a wise and understanding heart. He concludes (Ch1 22:16), Up, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee. Hope of God's presence must not slacken our endeavours. Though the Lord be with us, we must rise and be doing, and, if we do this, we have reason to believe he is and will be with us. Work out your salvation, and God will work in you.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–16. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:6 records a pivotal moment where King David, nearing the end of his life, formally summons his son Solomon and entrusts him with the monumental and divinely ordained task of constructing the Temple for the LORD God of Israel. This charge highlights the sacred duty of intergenerational spiritual succession, David's meticulous preparations for a project he was forbidden to complete, and the unwavering commitment to establishing a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 22 begins with King David's extensive preparations for the Temple, including securing the site and gathering vast quantities of materials like iron, bronze, and timber, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 22:1-5. Following these logistical arrangements, verse 6 marks a direct and solemn address from David to his son Solomon, formally transferring the immense responsibility for the Temple's construction. The subsequent verses, 1 Chronicles 22:7-16, elaborate on David's reasons for not building the Temple himself (due to being a "man of war") and God's promise that Solomon, a "man of rest," would accomplish the task. David then provides Solomon with detailed instructions, profound encouragement, and the immense resources he has amassed. The chapter concludes with David charging the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon in 1 Chronicles 22:17-19, emphasizing the communal effort required for this divinely mandated project. Thus, verse 6 serves as the crucial transition, shifting the active responsibility from David's preparation to Solomon's future execution.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, had resided in a portable tent (the Tabernacle) since the Exodus. King David had long harbored a deep and passionate desire to construct a permanent, magnificent "house" for the LORD, as expressed in 2 Samuel 7:2. However, through the prophet Nathan, God revealed that David, a "man of war" who had shed much blood (1 Chronicles 22:8), would not be the one to build the Temple. Instead, the task would fall to his son, Solomon, whose name (derived from shalom, meaning "peace") foreshadowed a reign of peace and rest during which the Temple would be built (1 Chronicles 22:9). This cultural context underscores the profound significance of a central, permanent sanctuary for worship, sacrifice, and the tangible manifestation of God's presence, a concept deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern religious practices but uniquely applied to the "LORD God of Israel."
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the Divine Mandate and Succession, emphasizing that the Temple's construction was not merely a human ambition but a project specifically ordained by God, with the responsibility divinely transferred from David to Solomon. This underscores the critical importance of passing on spiritual legacies and tasks to the next generation, ensuring God's plan is faithfully fulfilled. Secondly, it exemplifies Preparation and Foresight, as David, though forbidden from building, devoted immense resources and effort to gather materials and organize personnel, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 22:14. This demonstrates a profound commitment to God's work, even when one cannot personally see its completion. Finally, the phrase "the house for the LORD" encapsulates the theme of God's Dwelling Among His People, signifying more than just a physical building but the central place of worship, sacrifice, and the tangible manifestation of God's covenant presence with Israel.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this passage to underscore its significance. The narrative structure itself demonstrates Foreshadowing, as this verse sets the stage for Solomon's future reign and his primary mission to build the Temple, a monumental task that will define his legacy and fulfill God's promise. The phrase "house for the LORD" functions as potent Symbolism, representing not merely a physical structure but the very presence of God among His people, the center of their national and spiritual identity, and the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with Israel. David's act of "charging" Solomon also serves as a clear Transfer of Authority, a crucial element in the narrative of royal and spiritual succession, ensuring the continuity of God's plan through the next generation and emphasizing the divine orchestration of leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:6 articulates a profound theological truth: God's work is often accomplished through successive generations, requiring faithful preparation and obedience even when one does not see the immediate fruition of their efforts. David's inability to build the Temple, yet his diligent preparation for it, demonstrates a selfless commitment to God's ultimate plan over personal ambition. This verse highlights the divine sovereignty in choosing who will accomplish specific tasks and the importance of intergenerational discipleship, where spiritual legacies are intentionally passed down. It also underscores the centrality of worship and God's dwelling place as foundational to the identity and well-being of His people, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's charge to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 22:6 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's purposes often extend beyond our individual lifetimes, requiring us to faithfully lay foundations, prepare resources, and mentor the next generation for tasks we may never complete ourselves. This calls for humility, patience, and a long-term vision, prioritizing God's glory over personal recognition. We are encouraged to invest in spiritual legacies, equipping younger believers to carry forward the work of the Kingdom, understanding that true success lies in obedience to God's call, whether in building or in preparing for the building. Our commitment to God's "house" today translates into our dedication to the Church, His living temple, and to fostering environments where His presence is honored and His truth proclaimed, ensuring that the work of God continues to flourish through every generation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was David not permitted to build the Temple, and why was Solomon chosen instead?
Answer: God revealed through the prophet Nathan that David, despite his fervent desire, would not be the one to build the Temple. The primary reason given in 1 Chronicles 22:8 and 1 Kings 5:3 was that David was "a man of war" who had shed much blood. The Temple, intended as a house of peace and worship, was to be built by a man of peace. Solomon, whose name (from shalom) means "peace," was chosen by God for this task because his reign would be characterized by rest from war (1 Chronicles 22:9). This divine distinction emphasized the Temple's sacred purpose as a sanctuary of peace and reconciliation, not a monument to military conquest or a king's military prowess.
What was the significance of the "house for the LORD God of Israel"?
Answer: The "house for the LORD God of Israel" referred to the Temple, which was to be the permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, replacing the portable Tabernacle. Its significance was multifaceted: it served as the central place for Israelite worship, sacrifice, and prayer; it was a visible symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and His unique relationship with Israel; and it represented the meeting place between the holy God and His people. The Temple was designed to be a place where God's glory would dwell (1 Kings 8:11), and it became the spiritual and national focal point for the nation of Israel for centuries, embodying their identity as a people set apart for the LORD.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The charge to build a "house for the LORD God of Israel" in 1 Chronicles 22:6 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon's Temple was a magnificent physical structure, it was merely a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body (John 2:19-21). He is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God, the One in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). Just as the Temple was the meeting place between God and humanity, Christ is the perfect mediator, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, through whom we have access to the Father (John 14:6). Furthermore, through Christ, believers themselves become "living stones" built into a spiritual house, a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5), collectively forming the Church, which is the body of Christ and the new Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 2:21-22). Thus, the divine mandate to build a dwelling for God is perfectly fulfilled in Christ and His Church, embodying God's presence among His people in a new and eternal covenant.