TRV
Translation
King James Version
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:
Complete Jewish Bible
"My son,"said David to Shlomo, "my heart was set on building a house for the name of ADONAI my God.
Berean Standard Bible
“My son,” said David to Solomon, “it was in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God,
American Standard Version
And David said to Solomon his son, As for me, it was in my heart to build a house unto the name of Jehovah my God.
World English Bible Messianic
David said to Solomon his son, “As for me, it was in my heart to build a house to the name of the LORD my God.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Dauid said to Salomon, My sonne, I purposed with my selfe to builde an house to the Name of the Lord my God,
Young's Literal Translation
and David saith to Solomon his son, `As for me, it hath been with my heart to build a house to the name of Jehovah my God,
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In the KJVVerse 10,972 of 31,102
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 22:7 presents a deeply personal declaration from King David to his son Solomon, revealing David's profound and long-cherished aspiration to construct a magnificent temple dedicated to the worship of the LORD his God. This pivotal moment not only underscores David's fervent devotion and his vision for a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, but also serves as a crucial transfer of divine mandate, implicitly commissioning Solomon for the monumental sacred task that God had ordained for him, thereby setting the stage for the Temple's eventual construction and the continuity of God's redemptive plan.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Direct Discourse, presenting David's solemn words verbatim to Solomon. This technique lends immediacy and authenticity to the narrative, allowing the reader to directly apprehend David's personal confession and the gravity of his charge. The use of the vocative "My son" at the outset of the direct address immediately establishes a tone of paternal instruction, deep affection, and the formal context of succession. There is also a significant use of Metonymy or Synecdoche in the phrase "house unto the name of the LORD," where "name" stands in for God's entire being, His revealed character, His reputation, and His manifest presence. Similarly, "house" is a specific reference to the Temple, the physical structure where that presence would be honored. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful instance of Foreshadowing, setting the narrative stage for the monumental task of Temple construction that will define much of Solomon's early reign, as meticulously detailed in subsequent chapters of both Chronicles and Kings.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:7 profoundly illustrates the tension between human desire and divine sovereignty, a recurring and central theme throughout biblical narrative. David's noble intention to build a house for God stemmed from a pure heart of devotion, reflecting a deep understanding of God's holiness and His worthiness of a permanent, glorious dwelling. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom and according to His perfect plan, had a different instrument for the builder, choosing Solomon, a man of peace, to construct the Temple. This highlights that while God values the sincere desires and pure intentions of His people, His ultimate purposes are accomplished according to His perfect timing and through His chosen instruments, often in ways that transcend or redirect human plans. The verse also underscores the vital importance of intergenerational faithfulness and stewardship, as David, despite his personal disappointment, diligently prepared his son and the entire nation for the fulfillment of God's will. It teaches us that true service to God involves aligning our aspirations with His revealed will, even if it means humbly relinquishing our own cherished plans for the greater glory of His name and the advancement of His kingdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's poignant confession in 1 Chronicles 22:7 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It teaches us that God deeply values our intentions and the earnest desires of our hearts to serve Him, even if the specific outcomes or the means of accomplishment differ from our initial vision. David's fervent desire to build for God was commendable and born of genuine devotion, and though God chose another to complete the physical structure, David's heart for worship and his extensive preparations were clearly honored and blessed. This narrative encourages us to pursue noble endeavors for God's glory with wholehearted devotion, trusting that He sees and affirms our pure motives. Furthermore, the account emphasizes the crucial need for humility and complete submission to God's sovereign plan. David's willingness to relinquish his personal ambition and instead diligently prepare his son for the task demonstrates a mature and exemplary faith that prioritizes God's ultimate will above personal fulfillment or recognition. It challenges us to honestly ask ourselves: Are we willing to step aside, to prepare the way for others, or to wholeheartedly support a vision that God has given to someone else, even if we initially felt called to it ourselves? Finally, this verse is a powerful call to intergenerational stewardship. David didn't just passively accept God's decision; he actively equipped Solomon, ensuring the spiritual legacy and the continuity of God's work. We are likewise called to intentionally invest in the next generation, mentoring, discipling, and empowering them to carry forward the mission of God, passing on not just material resources but, more importantly, a fervent love for the Lord and His eternal purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was David not allowed to build the Temple, despite his strong desire?
Answer: God revealed through the prophet Nathan that David, though a man after God's own heart, had shed much blood in warfare (as explicitly stated in 1 Chronicles 22:8). God desired the Temple, which was to be a symbol of peace, holiness, and His abiding presence, to be built by a man of peace. This sacred task was therefore reserved for David's son, Solomon, whose very name means "peace" (derived from the Hebrew word shalom). This divine decision underscores God's meticulous care for the symbolism, purity, and spiritual significance associated with His dwelling place and the instruments He chooses for His work.
What does "to build an house unto the name of the LORD" truly mean?
Answer: This phrase carries profound theological significance. It does not imply that God, who is omnipresent and cannot be contained by any physical structure (1 Kings 8:27), would literally dwell within the Temple walls as if confined. Instead, "the name of the LORD" refers to God's revealed character, His essence, His authority, His reputation, and His manifest presence. Building "unto His name" meant dedicating the Temple entirely to His glory, establishing it as the central place where His people would worship Him, invoke His name, experience His unique covenantal presence, and encounter Him according to His revealed nature. It was to be a consecrated space where God would meet with His people, receive their worship, and reveal more of His divine attributes.
Did God still value David's desire to build the Temple, even though he wasn't allowed to do it?
Answer: Absolutely. The biblical text implicitly and explicitly affirms that God highly valued David's sincere desire and pure intentions. In 2 Samuel 7:3, the prophet Nathan initially encouraged David's intention, and even when God revealed His alternative plan, He did so with a magnificent promise to build David a lasting "house" (dynasty), indicating His favor and deep appreciation for David's heart of devotion. God consistently looks at the heart and values genuine devotion and good intentions, even when His sovereign plan directs the execution through different means or individuals. David's extensive preparations for the Temple, including gathering vast materials and organizing the Levites, were clearly blessed and honored by God, demonstrating His approval of David's underlying desire.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's earnest desire to build a "house unto the name of the LORD" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, though glorious and divinely ordained, was always a shadow, a type pointing to a greater spiritual reality: God's desire to dwell truly, intimately, and permanently among His people. This divine desire is perfectly realized in Christ, who is the true and ultimate Temple of God. As John 1:14 powerfully declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," the Greek word for "dwelling" (σκηνόω, skēnoō) intentionally evokes the Tabernacle, God's mobile dwelling place among Israel. In Jesus, the fullness of God's character, essence, and manifest presence—His very "name"—dwelt bodily (Colossians 2:9). He is the unique place where God truly meets humanity, the very embodiment of God's presence on earth, the ultimate revelation of God's name. Furthermore, Jesus, the quintessential "man of peace" (Ephesians 2:14), is the one who builds God's spiritual house—His Church—composed of all believers, who are now living stones built into a spiritual temple where God dwells by His Holy Spirit (1 Peter 2:5 and Ephesians 2:19-22). David's unfulfilled desire for a physical dwelling is thus superseded by the reality of Christ, who not only is the Temple but also enables all who believe in Him to become part of God's eternal dwelling, culminating in the New Jerusalem where there is no need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22-23).