1 Chronicles 22:6

KJV

¶ Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he called {H7121} for Solomon {H8010} his son {H1121}, and charged {H6680} him to build {H1129} an house {H1004} for the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

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.

Commentary

### 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 David's initial preparations for the Temple, including securing the site and gathering vast quantities of materials like iron, bronze, and timber (verses 1-5). Following these logistical arrangements, verse 6 marks a direct and solemn address from David to his son Solomon, formally transferring the responsibility for the Temple's construction. The subsequent verses (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, encouragement, and the immense resources he has amassed. The chapter concludes with David charging the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon (verses 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](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's Desire to Build a House for God"). However, through the prophet Nathan, God revealed that David, a "man of war" who had shed much blood ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - Why David Could Not Build the Temple")), 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](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9 - Solomon, a Man of Rest")). 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 ([1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Extensive Preparations for the Temple")). 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
* **charged (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** This verb (צוה) signifies a strong, authoritative command, an ordination, or a solemn injunction. It is not a mere suggestion or request but a weighty directive from a king to his successor, imbued with the force of divine will. David's "charge" to Solomon underscores the sacred, non-negotiable nature of the task and the immense responsibility Solomon was inheriting, emphasizing the divine nature of the project.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While literally meaning a physical dwelling, in this context (בית), "house" specifically refers to the Temple, the permanent sanctuary for the LORD. This term carries profound theological weight, representing the central place of worship, sacrifice, and the tangible manifestation of God's presence among His people. It was to be the spiritual heart of the nation, distinct from the temporary tabernacle.
* **LORD God of Israel (Hebrew, _Yahweh Elohei Yisrael'_):** This composite divine title (יהוה אלהי ישראל) emphasizes God's covenant relationship with His chosen people. "LORD" (Yahweh) signifies His personal, covenantal name, revealing His faithfulness and redemptive power. "God of Israel" highlights His unique relationship as the sovereign deity over the nation of Israel, underscoring the Temple's purpose as a place dedicated exclusively to Him within that covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he called for Solomon his son":** This opening clause establishes David's intentional and personal initiative. It signifies a formal summoning, indicating the gravity of the impending conversation and the deliberate transfer of a significant responsibility. It highlights the intergenerational aspect of God's work and David's role in preparing his successor.
* **"and charged him":** This phrase conveys the authoritative nature of David's instruction. It is a solemn command, a binding injunction, rather than a mere suggestion. This "charge" carries the weight of both David's royal authority and the divine mandate that lay behind the Temple project, impressing upon Solomon the seriousness of the task.
* **"to build an house for the LORD God of Israel":** This final clause specifies the monumental task itself and its divine recipient. The "house" is the Temple, destined to be the central place of worship. By specifying "for the LORD God of Israel," David emphasizes that the Temple's ultimate purpose is not human glory but the worship and honor of the covenant-keeping God who is uniquely bound to Israel.

#### 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 task that will define his legacy. 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 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.

### 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.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Dwelling Place")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD Builds the House")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Build the House")

### 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
* **What "preparations" might God be calling you to make for a future work that you may not personally complete?**
* **How are you intentionally "charging" or mentoring the next generation in your sphere of influence to carry forward God's purposes?**
* **In what ways can you contribute to building up God's "house" (the Church) today, even if your role feels foundational rather than culminating?**

### 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](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David, a Man of War") and [1 Kings 5:3](/1_kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3 - David's Wars") 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](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9 - Solomon, a Man of Rest")). 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](/1_kings/8-11 "1 Kings 8:11 - God's Glory Fills the Temple")), 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](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). 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](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ, the Fullness of God")). 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers themselves become "living stones" built into a spiritual house, a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")), collectively forming the Church, which is the body of Christ and the new Temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit"); [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Church as the Temple")). 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.

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 Timothy 5:21

I charge [thee] before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

1 Timothy 6:13

¶ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and [before] Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Numbers 27:23

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Acts 20:25

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Acts 20:31

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Acts 1:2

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: