Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 22 verses 6–16
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.
This [passage quoted, 1 Kings 8:26-27] is also found in the same words in Chronicles. God then promised David he would raise up a king from his body and would be his father, so that the offspring of the seed of David should be called the Son of God and should have his throne in an eternal kingdom. This was prophesied to David by Nathan in the Second Book of Kings. … The same is also said in Chronicles, and in the 88th [89th] Psalm. … And so Solomon, being unique in wisdom, understanding this oracle given to his father, and perceiving it to be no slight thing, but something beyond human nature, and more suitable to God than to himself, son of David though he was, and knowing who was meant by God by the Firstborn, and who was clearly foretold as the Son of God, was overjoyed at the message and prayed that the words of the prophecy might be confirmed and that he who was foretold might come, calling him Firstborn and Son of God.
Solomon means “peaceable”; as you can find in the Chronicles: God said to David when he wanted to build the new temple, “Lo, a son is born to you; he will be a man of repose, and I shall give him peace from all his enemies round about because his name is Solomon, and I shall give peace and tranquility to Israel in his days. He will build a house for my name, and he will be a son to me, and I shall be a father to him, and I shall assure the throne of his kingdom in Israel forever.” It is well known, however, that Solomon died without living long, and that his throne came to an end. He gives the name Solomon, therefore, to our peaceable Lord, of whom blessed Paul says, “For he is our peace, who has made the two one and has broken down the dividing wall.” … Now it was not Solomon who had dominion to the ends of the world [either] but he who sprang from Solomon in his humanity, Jesus Christ, and was called Solomon on account of his peaceable and gentle nature and his being the cause of peace.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:9 records a profound divine promise delivered to King David, identifying his son Solomon as the divinely appointed successor destined to build the Temple. This verse reveals God's specific intention for Solomon to be a "man of rest," whose reign would be characterized by profound peace and quietness from all enemies. This divinely orchestrated tranquility was crucial, enabling the monumental task of constructing the Lord's house, a privilege God had withheld from David due to his extensive warfare. The passage underscores God's sovereign hand in appointing leaders and providing the precise conditions necessary for His redemptive purposes to unfold and for His people to flourish in worship.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal narrative in David's reign, specifically detailing his fervent preparations for the construction of the Temple. David, having successfully consolidated his kingdom and brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, expresses a deep longing to build a magnificent dwelling place for the Lord, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 22:7. However, this noble desire is met with a divine caveat: God, through the prophet Nathan, had previously revealed that David, as a "man of war" who had "shed much blood," was not the one appointed to build the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:8). Instead, this sacred task was reserved for his son, a man whose reign would be marked by peace. The promise regarding Solomon in this verse is a direct continuation and specific application of the broader Davidic Covenant, here focusing on the immediate successor and the establishment of the Temple. The surrounding verses in 1 Chronicles 22 meticulously describe David's diligent efforts in gathering materials and organizing resources, demonstrating his unwavering obedience and faith in God's overarching plan, even though he would not personally see the Temple's completion.
Historical & Cultural Context: The era of King David's reign was defined by relentless military campaigns essential for establishing and expanding the nascent Israelite kingdom. This period saw the subduing of surrounding nations, securing borders, and consolidating power, a necessary foundation for the monarchy. However, the ambitious undertaking of constructing a grand, central Temple for the Lord demanded a prolonged period of national stability, profound peace, and abundant resources—conditions that were inherently difficult to maintain amidst constant warfare. Culturally, the concept of a king providing "rest" (Hebrew: menuchah) was profoundly significant, implying not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of security, prosperity, and the freedom for the populace to engage in national and religious life without fear of external threats. The very name Solomon (Hebrew: Shelomoh), derived from shalom (meaning "peace," "wholeness," or "completeness"), would have immediately conveyed this divinely ordained characteristic to the Israelite audience, signaling God's intention for a new era of tranquility. The Temple itself was envisioned as the spiritual and political heart of the nation, the permanent dwelling place for God's presence, thus necessitating a peaceful and stable environment for its conception, construction, and dedication.
Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights Divine Sovereignty in Succession, demonstrating that God, rather than human lineage, political maneuvering, or even a king's personal desire, ultimately appoints leaders for specific purposes and seasons. David's desire to build the Temple was noble, but God's plan was precise and tailored to the unique characteristics of Solomon. Secondly, the theme of Peace (Shalom) as a Divine Gift is paramount. The repeated emphasis on "rest" and "peace" underscores that true national security, flourishing, and the capacity for sacred work originate from God's active intervention and provision, not solely from human military might or strategic prowess. This divinely granted peace was indispensable for the nation's spiritual and physical development, standing in stark contrast to David's tumultuous reign. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the Significance of the Temple as the central place of worship, where God's presence would dwell among His people. The pre-conditions for its construction—peace and quietness—were divinely ordained, emphasizing its sacred nature and the necessity of a consecrated environment for its establishment. Finally, it vividly illustrates the Contrast Between David's and Solomon's Reigns, showcasing how different leaders are called for distinct phases of God's redemptive plan. David established the kingdom through warfare, while Solomon consolidated it through peace and wisdom, ultimately leading to the Temple's construction, a key event in Israel's history as detailed in 1 Kings 6.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 22:9 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound and multi-layered message. Prophecy is the most overt device, as God directly foretells future events concerning Solomon's birth, his identity, and the peaceful nature of his reign. The verse also utilizes powerful Contrast by implicitly setting Solomon, the "man of rest," against David, the "man of war" (a characterization explicitly established in the preceding verse), thereby highlighting the distinct divine purposes and callings for each king. The Etymological Significance of Solomon's name is central to the verse's meaning, as his name (derived from shalom, meaning peace) directly embodies and confirms the primary characteristic of his promised reign. Furthermore, the Repetition of the concepts of "rest" and "peace" ("man of rest," "give him rest," "give peace and quietness") serves to powerfully emphasize and reinforce the central theological theme of God's desire for and active provision of tranquility for His people, particularly for the sacred task of building His house. This repetition creates a strong sense of divine assurance, intentionality, and the certainty of God's purpose.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:9 profoundly reveals God's meticulous and sovereign plan for His people, demonstrating that His purposes unfold according to His perfect timing and design, often utilizing diverse instruments and seasons. It underscores that true peace, whether individual or national, is ultimately a divine gift, not merely a human achievement or the result of military might. God actively intervenes to create the precise conditions necessary for His will to be accomplished, whether that involves a season of warfare to establish a kingdom or a season of rest to build a temple. This verse also highlights the paramount importance of the Temple as the central place of worship and the dwelling of God's presence, for which a peaceful environment was divinely ordained. It teaches that different leaders are called for different seasons, each with unique gifts and roles, all contributing to God's overarching redemptive narrative and the unfolding of His kingdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's plans are often multi-faceted, utilizing different individuals and seasons for distinct purposes. Just as David, a man after God's own heart, was not permitted to build the Temple due to his calling as a warrior, we too must prayerfully discern our specific roles and seasons in God's kingdom. Sometimes, God calls us to contend, to establish, or to fight spiritual battles; at other times, He calls us to consolidate, to build, and to flourish in peace. The "rest" and "peace" promised to Solomon are not merely external conditions but also speak to an internal state of security, trust, and alignment with God's provision. We are encouraged to actively seek God's peace in our lives, recognizing that true spiritual and communal flourishing often requires a cessation of internal strife, worldly anxieties, or external distractions, allowing us to focus on building what truly matters for His glory. This verse challenges us to consider what "wars" (e.g., personal anxieties, relational conflicts, worldly pursuits, self-reliance) might be hindering us from experiencing God's profound rest and engaging in the "building" (e.g., spiritual growth, ministry, community building, evangelism) He has called us to do.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was David not allowed to build the Temple?
Answer: David was not permitted to build the Temple primarily because he was a "man of war" and had shed much blood in establishing the kingdom, as explicitly stated by God in 1 Chronicles 22:8. God desired the Temple, a sacred place representing His peaceful presence among His people, to be built by a king whose reign would be characterized by peace and quietness. This decision underscored the nature of the Temple as a symbol of divine peace and stability, rather than military conquest, and highlighted God's meticulous plan for the sacred edifice.
What is the significance of Solomon's name in this context?
Answer: The name Solomon (Hebrew: Shelomoh) is profoundly significant because it is derived directly from the Hebrew word shalom, meaning "peace," "wholeness," or "completeness." God explicitly states in 1 Chronicles 22:9 that "his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days." His name, therefore, directly reflects the divine promise and purpose for his reign: a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity that would enable the construction of the Temple and the flourishing of the nation, making his very identity a prophecy.
Did Solomon's reign truly bring lasting peace to Israel?
Answer: While Solomon's reign was indeed characterized by remarkable peace and prosperity, as vividly described in passages like 1 Kings 4:20-25, this peace was not ultimate or eternal. It was contingent upon his obedience to God, which he eventually compromised through idolatry, foreign alliances, and oppressive policies towards the end of his life. The kingdom ultimately divided after his death, demonstrating that the peace he brought was temporal and a foreshadowing of a greater, more enduring peace yet to come. His reign was a significant, yet imperfect, taste of God's intended shalom for His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine promise of a "man of rest" and a reign of "peace and quietness" in 1 Chronicles 22:9 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment not in Solomon, but in Jesus Christ. While Solomon brought a temporary and conditional peace to Israel, a peace that eventually fractured due to his own failures, Jesus is the true and everlasting Prince of Peace. He is the one who truly gives "rest," not merely from physical enemies or earthly strife, but from the spiritual bondage of sin, the burden of the law, and the fear of death (Matthew 11:28). Unlike Solomon, whose peace was limited by his own imperfections and the temporal nature of his kingdom, Christ's peace is perfect, eternal, and all-encompassing, secured by His atoning sacrifice on the cross, through which believers gain peace with God. Furthermore, while Solomon built a magnificent physical temple, Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the spiritual Temple, the Church, which is built of living stones and where God's presence truly dwells among His people through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:20-22). His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom of peace, righteousness, and joy in the Holy Spirit, far surpassing the temporal reign of Solomon and providing the ultimate, unshakeable rest that God always intended for His people (Hebrews 4:9).