1 Chronicles 22:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to me, saying {H559}, Thou hast shed {H8210} blood {H1818} abundantly {H7230}, and hast made {H6213} great {H1419} wars {H4421}: thou shalt not build {H1129} an house {H1004} unto my name {H8034}, because thou hast shed {H8210} much {H7227} blood {H1818} upon the earth {H776} in my sight {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But a message from ADONAI came to me, 'You have shed much blood and fought great wars. You are not to build a house for my name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth in my sight.

Berean Standard Bible

but this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You are not to build a house for My Name because you have shed so much blood on the ground before Me.

American Standard Version

But the word of Jehovah came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build a house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:8 records the divine revelation to King David, explaining why he was divinely prohibited from building the Temple for the Lord's name, despite his earnest desire. God explicitly declared that David's extensive involvement in warfare and the abundant shedding of blood rendered him unsuitable for constructing a sanctuary intended to symbolize divine peace, holiness, and the enduring presence of God among His people. This pivotal moment underscores God's sovereign selection of instruments and His meticulous plan for the dwelling place of His presence, emphasizing the symbolic purity required for such a sacred task.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within David's final, poignant instructions and charge to his son, Solomon, regarding the monumental task of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem. David has already diligently prepared for this endeavor, amassing immense quantities of materials and resources, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 22:2-5](/1_chronicles/22-2-5 "1 Chronicles 22:2-5 - David's Preparations for the Temple"). Following this preparation, David formally commissions Solomon for the sacred task in [1 Chronicles 22:6](/1_chronicles/22-6 "1 Chronicles 22:6 - David's Charge to Solomon"). The preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 22:6-7](/1_chronicles/22-6-7 "1 Chronicles 22:6-7 - David's Desire to Build the Temple")) highlight David's deep-seated desire to build the Temple himself, a longing first expressed much earlier in his reign, as recounted in [2 Samuel 7:2](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's Desire to Build a House for God"). However, God, through the prophet Nathan, had previously revealed that David would not be the builder, but rather his son would complete the task (cf. [1 Chronicles 17:11-12](/1_chronicles/17-11-12 "1 Chronicles 17:11-12 - God's Covenant with David and Promise of a Son")). Here, in 1 Chronicles 22:8, David articulates the specific, divinely revealed reason for this prohibition, providing a personal and authoritative explanation to Solomon that reinforces the divine mandate and the continuity of God's plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign, spanning approximately 1010-970 BC, was a foundational period for the nascent Israelite kingdom. It was an era defined by intense military expansion, strategic consolidation, and the establishment of Jerusalem as both the political and religious capital. David successfully subdued surrounding nations, secured Israel's borders, and brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, marking a significant step towards centralizing Israelite worship. While these military campaigns were often divinely sanctioned and crucial for establishing the security and extent of God's people, they were inherently characterized by warfare and the shedding of blood. Culturally, the Temple was envisioned as the singular, central dwelling place for Yahweh, a sacred space demanding ritual purity and symbolic separation from the violence and impurity of the world. In ancient Israelite thought, the shedding of blood, even in justified warfare, carried a certain weight of ritual impurity or separation from the realm of ultimate peace and holiness. Thus, the builder of such a profoundly sacred edifice was expected to embody a character and a context aligned with the sanctuary's ultimate purpose of divine peace and unblemished presence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it illuminates the theme of **Divine Purity and Holiness**, emphasizing that God's dwelling place must be utterly set apart, symbolizing His character, which is ultimately one of perfect peace, order, and life, not chaos, conflict, or death. The Temple, as a physical manifestation of God's presence, needed to reflect this intrinsic purity. Secondly, the verse underscores **The Nature of the Builder**, revealing God's meticulous and sovereign selection of individuals for specific tasks within His redemptive plan. David, the "man of war," was God's chosen instrument for establishing the kingdom through necessary conflict. However, Solomon, whose Hebrew name (*Shlomo*) is derived from *shalom*, meaning "peace," was divinely appointed to build the Temple during a period of relative tranquility and prosperity, as evidenced in [1 Kings 5:4](/1_kings/5-4 "1 Kings 5:4 - Solomon's Reign of Peace"). This divine choice powerfully illustrates that God's instruments are precisely tailored to His specific purposes, ensuring that the message conveyed by the builder's life and context aligns perfectly with the spiritual essence of the project. Finally, 1 Chronicles 22:8 powerfully demonstrates **God's Sovereignty and Unfolding Plan**, showing that despite David's righteous desire and fervent preparations, God's ultimate will, timing, and specific criteria prevailed. This confirms God's absolute authority over human endeavors and His perfect wisdom in orchestrating the details of His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) signifies not merely spoken sounds but carries profound weight, encompassing a matter, thing, affair, or divine decree. Here, "the word of the LORD" emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the prohibition. It is a direct, revealed communication from God, not a human opinion or a practical suggestion, underscoring God's active involvement in the details of His covenant people's lives and His sovereign control over the Temple's construction.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** Appearing twice in the verse (H1818), this word refers to the vital fluid, the very essence of life, particularly when shed, leading to death. Its repetition ("shed blood abundantly," "shed much blood") powerfully emphasizes the sheer volume and pervasive impact of David's military campaigns. In the broader biblical context, blood is intrinsically linked to life, sacrifice, and atonement, but here it is presented as a symbolic disqualifying factor for building God's sanctuary, highlighting the stark contrast between the violence of warfare and the peace and purity inherently associated with the Temple.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word (H1004) refers to a physical structure, specifically the Temple, which was to serve as the central focal point for Israelite worship and a tangible symbol of God's presence among His people. The phrase "an house unto my name" signifies that the Temple was to be consecrated entirely to God's honor, reputation, and unique identity (H8034, _shêm_). It was not merely a building but a sacred space where God's character and covenant faithfulness were invoked, honored, and made manifest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the word of the LORD came to me, saying":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the subsequent prohibition. David is not expressing a personal preference or an arbitrary decision; rather, he is relaying a direct, unambiguous revelation from Yahweh. This highlights God's active and sovereign involvement in the details of His people's lives and His ultimate control over the sacred project of the Temple's construction.
* **"Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars":** This is God's factual and direct assessment of David's extensive reign. It acknowledges David's long and successful military career, which, while often divinely sanctioned and necessary for the establishment and protection of the nascent kingdom of Israel, inevitably resulted in significant loss of life. The terms "abundantly" (H7230, _rôb_) and "great wars" (H1419, _gâdôwl_ and H4421, _milchâmâh_) underscore the sheer magnitude and pervasive nature of David's involvement in conflict and bloodshed.
* **"thou shalt not build an house unto my name":** This is the explicit and unequivocal divine prohibition. Despite David's commendable desire, his fervent preparations, and his righteous heart, God directly forbids him from constructing the Temple. The phrase "an house unto my name" (H1004, _bayith_ and H8034, _shêm_) reiterates the sacred purpose and profound theological significance of the structure, emphasizing the high standard of symbolic purity and divine alignment God requires for its builder.
* **"because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight":** This final clause provides the precise and non-negotiable reason for the prohibition. It is not an indictment of David's character as inherently sinful, nor a condemnation of his wars as unrighteous (as many were divinely commanded). Instead, it functions as a symbolic disqualification based on the sheer volume of bloodshed associated with his reign. The Temple, as a paramount symbol of peace, purity, and God's holy presence, required a builder whose hands were not so extensively marked by the violence of war, even if that violence was justified. God's "sight" (H6440, _pânîym_) implies His perfect knowledge, moral discernment, and ultimate judgment regarding the symbolic fitness for such a sacred task.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its theological weight and communicative power. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the phrase "shed blood abundantly" and "shed much blood," which serves to underscore the primary, divinely stated reason for the prohibition. This repetition emphasizes the sheer volume and pervasive nature of warfare during David's reign, creating a sense of gravitas and finality regarding God's decision. **Divine Fiat** is powerfully evident in the direct declaration from the Lord ("But the word of the LORD came to me, saying... thou shalt not build"), highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and the unchallengeable nature of His decree. Furthermore, there is a profound element of **Symbolism**, where the "house unto my name" represents not merely a physical structure but God's holy, peaceful presence, contrasting sharply with the "shed blood" that characterized David's reign. This contrast between David's military achievements and the peaceful nature required for the Temple's builder creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, underscoring the distinct roles God assigns to different individuals in His overarching redemptive plan. The verse also implicitly uses **Metonymy**, where "shed blood" stands for the entire activity and consequence of warfare.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for the symbolic integrity of His dwelling place and the character of those whom He chooses to serve in His kingdom. It is crucial to understand that this prohibition was not an indictment of David's righteousness or a condemnation of his wars as sinful; indeed, David was a "man after God's own heart," and his military campaigns were often divinely sanctioned for the establishment and defense of Israel. Rather, the verse speaks to a deeper theological principle: the Temple, as a physical representation of God's holy presence and a sacred space of peace, reconciliation, and worship, required a builder whose hands were not so intimately associated with bloodshed, even if that bloodshed was righteous in warfare. This emphasizes God's intrinsic desire for purity, peace, and order in His sanctuary, foreshadowing the ultimate peace and reconciliation that would come through the Messiah. It also powerfully highlights God's sovereign choice of instruments, demonstrating that different individuals are uniquely prepared, gifted, and called for distinct phases and purposes within His grand redemptive plan, ensuring that the message of the builder aligns with the essence of the divine project.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David and Promise of a Son")
* [1 Kings 5:3](/1_kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3 - Solomon's Explanation to Hiram Regarding David's Wars")
* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares and Peace Among Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 22:8 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, challenging our assumptions about divine service and personal calling. It reminds us that even our most noble, fervent, and divinely inspired desires must ultimately align with God's specific will, timing, and unique criteria for execution. David's passionate desire to build the Temple was undeniably commendable, born of a pure heart and deep devotion, yet God had a different, more fitting plan for its actual construction. This teaches us vital lessons in humility, submission to God's sovereign design, and the wisdom to recognize that our "good intentions" do not automatically equate to God's "perfect will" for our lives or specific tasks. Furthermore, the verse highlights that God meticulously prepares individuals for distinct purposes and seasons. David was called to establish and secure the kingdom through necessary conflict, while Solomon was called to consolidate it through a reign characterized by peace and wisdom. This encourages us to discern our unique gifts, embrace our specific calling, and faithfully steward the particular role God has prepared for us, understanding that not every task is for every person, and each role, when divinely appointed, contributes to the greater whole of God's kingdom. Finally, the emphasis on peace as a prerequisite for the Temple's builder underscores God's ultimate desire for harmony, *shalom*, and unblemished holiness in His presence and among His people, challenging us, as followers of Christ, to actively be agents of peace, reconciliation, and purity in a world often marked by conflict and brokenness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good intentions" or deeply held desires in my life might I need to submit to God's specific, perhaps different, plan or timing?**
* **How does God's choice of Solomon, the "man of peace," over David, the "man of war," for building the Temple inform my understanding of my own unique gifts, temperament, and calling in God's service?**
* **In what practical ways can I, as a follower of the Prince of Peace, embody and actively promote peace, reconciliation, and holiness in my personal relationships, my community, and the broader world?**

### FAQ
**Was David considered unrighteous or sinful for shedding blood in warfare?**

Answer: No, David was absolutely not considered unrighteous or sinful for shedding blood in the context of his wars. Many of David's military campaigns were divinely commanded, sanctioned, or even led by God Himself for the establishment, defense, and expansion of Israel's kingdom, as clearly seen in passages like [2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17-25 "2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David's Victories Over the Philistines"). The prohibition in 1 Chronicles 22:8 was not a condemnation of David's character, his obedience, or his actions as inherently sinful. Rather, it was a symbolic distinction rooted in the nature of the Temple itself. The Temple was to be a place of ultimate peace, holiness, and divine presence, and its builder needed to reflect that symbolic purity. David, as the great warrior king, was God's chosen instrument for securing the nation and establishing its borders. However, the sacred task of building God's peaceful dwelling was reserved for his son, Solomon, whose reign was characterized by widespread peace. It was a matter of divine symbolism, purpose, and the appropriate alignment of the builder's context with the sanctuary's spiritual essence, not a judgment of David's personal sinfulness.

**Why was Solomon chosen to build the Temple instead of David?**

Answer: Solomon was chosen to build the Temple primarily because his reign was characterized by an era of profound peace, a quality that symbolically and practically aligned perfectly with the nature of the Temple as a dwelling place for God's holy and peaceful presence. His very name, "Solomon" (Hebrew: *Shlomo*), is derived from the Hebrew word *shalom*, meaning "peace" or "completeness." While David was the "man of war" who established the kingdom through necessary conquest and conflict, Solomon was the "man of peace" who consolidated the kingdom and ushered in a period of unprecedented tranquility and prosperity. God explicitly stated that David had shed "much blood," making him symbolically unsuitable for the task of constructing a sanctuary dedicated to peace (1 Chronicles 22:8). In stark contrast, [1 Kings 5:4](/1_kings/5-4 "1 Kings 5:4 - Solomon's Peaceful Reign and Rest") records Solomon's own testimony: "the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor misfortune." This divinely granted peace allowed Solomon to dedicate his resources, focus, and energy entirely on the Temple's construction, fulfilling God's specific plan for His sacred sanctuary without the distractions of war.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of King David's divine prohibition from building the Temple due to his shedding of blood finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the promised "Prince of Peace" (cf. [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")). Unlike David, whose hands were stained by the necessary violence of establishing an earthly kingdom through military conquest, Jesus inaugurates a spiritual kingdom not by earthly warfare or the shedding of others' blood, but by sacrificial love and the voluntary shedding of His own precious blood. It is this blood, shed on the cross, that brings ultimate atonement, reconciliation, and peace between God and humanity (cf. [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). Jesus, the spotless "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is the one whose blood cleanses and purifies, enabling direct access to God's holy presence. He is the true and perfect builder of God's spiritual house, the Church, a living temple composed of all believers (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints and a Holy Temple") and [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones Building a Spiritual House")). This spiritual edifice is not built by human hands, nor through earthly conflict or violence, but by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, through Christ's perfect and once-for-all sacrifice, establishing a kingdom characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (cf. [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). Thus, what was symbolically foreshadowed in Solomon's peaceful construction of the physical Temple is fully and eternally realized in Christ, who builds an eternal, spiritual dwelling where true peace with God and among His people reigns supreme.

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 5:3

Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.

1 Chronicles 28:3

But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou [hast been] a man of war, and hast shed blood.

1 Chronicles 17:4

Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:

1 Chronicles 17:10

And since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.

2 Samuel 7:5

Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?

2 Samuel 7:11

And as since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

Numbers 31:20

And purify all [your] raiment, and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats' [hair], and all things made of wood.