1 Chronicles 22:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, a son {H1121} shall be born {H3205} to thee, who shall be a man {H376} of rest {H4496}; and I will give him rest {H5117} from all his enemies {H341} round about {H5439}: for his name {H8034} shall be Solomon {H8010}, and I will give {H5414} peace {H7965} and quietness {H8253} unto Israel {H3478} in his days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you will have a son who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies that surround him; for his name is to be Shlomo, and during his reign I will give peace [Hebrew: shalom] and quiet to Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

But a son will be born to you who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant to Israel peace and quiet during his reign.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:9 records a pivotal divine promise to King David concerning his successor, Solomon. This verse reveals God's specific intention for Solomon to be a "man of rest," whose reign would be marked by peace and quietness from enemies, thereby enabling the construction of the Temple—a task God had withheld from David due to his extensive warfare. It underscores God's sovereign orchestration of leadership and His provision of conditions conducive to worship and national flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded in a crucial transition point in David's reign, specifically within the account of his preparations for the Temple's construction. David, having consolidated his kingdom and brought the ark to Jerusalem, expresses a fervent desire to build a magnificent house for the Lord ([1 Chronicles 22:7](/1_chronicles/22-7 "1 Chronicles 22:7 - David's Desire to Build the Temple")). However, God, through the prophet Nathan, had previously revealed that David, as a "man of war" and one who had "shed much blood," was not to build the Temple ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - God's Refusal of David's Temple Building")). Instead, the privilege would fall to his son, a man of peace. This promise to David about Solomon is a direct continuation and specific application of the broader [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - The Davidic Covenant"), here focusing on the immediate successor and the establishment of the Temple. The surrounding verses in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple") detail David's diligent preparations for the Temple, despite knowing he would not build it, demonstrating his obedience and faith in God's plan for his son.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was characterized by intense military activity, as he established and expanded the Israelite kingdom, subduing surrounding nations. This was a necessary phase for the young monarchy to secure its borders and consolidate power. However, the construction of a grand, central Temple required a period of stability, peace, and abundant resources—conditions that were difficult to maintain amidst constant warfare. Culturally, the concept of a king providing "rest" (Hebrew: *menuchah*) was deeply significant, implying security, prosperity, and the ability to engage in national life without fear of external threats. The name Solomon (Hebrew: *Shelomoh*), derived from *shalom* (peace), would have immediately conveyed this divinely ordained characteristic to the Israelite audience, highlighting God's intention for this new era. The Temple itself was to be the spiritual and political heart of the nation, a permanent dwelling place for God's presence, requiring a peaceful environment for its conception and construction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty in Succession**, demonstrating that God, not merely human lineage or political maneuvering, appoints leaders for specific purposes and seasons. David's desire was noble, but God's plan was precise. Secondly, the theme of **Peace (Shalom) as a Divine Gift** is paramount. The repeated emphasis on "rest" and "peace" underscores that true national security and flourishing come from God's active intervention, not solely from human military might. This peace was essential for the nation's spiritual and physical development, contrasting sharply with David's tumultuous reign. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Significance of the Temple** as the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people. The conditions for its construction—peace and quietness—were divinely ordained, emphasizing its sacred nature. Finally, it illustrates the **Contrast Between David's and Solomon's Reigns**, showing how different leaders are called for different phases of God's redemptive plan, with David establishing the kingdom through war and Solomon consolidating 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](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (Hebrew, _menuchah'_):** This word signifies a cessation from toil, struggle, or disturbance; a state of quietness, security, and settledness. In the context of 1 Chronicles 22:9, it refers to the absence of warfare and external threats, allowing for internal stability and the dedicated work of building the Temple. It implies a divinely granted period of tranquility that contrasts sharply with David's life of constant military campaigns.
* **Solomon (Hebrew, _Shelomoh'_):** The name itself is highly significant, derived from the Hebrew root *shalom*, meaning "peace," "wholeness," or "completeness." God explicitly states that his name "shall be Solomon" because He "will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days." This etymological connection underscores the central theme of his reign and God's specific purpose for him as the "man of peace" who would build the Temple.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** More than just the absence of conflict, *shalom* encompasses a holistic sense of well-being, prosperity, harmony, health, and completeness. In this verse, it refers to both the cessation of hostilities from enemies ("rest from all his enemies round about") and the internal tranquility and prosperity of the nation ("peace and quietness unto Israel in his days"). It is a comprehensive state of flourishing divinely bestowed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, a son shall be born to thee":** This opening phrase signals a divine revelation and a specific prophetic announcement to David. It emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in the lineage and succession, indicating that the future king is not merely a product of human choice but of divine appointment.
* **"who shall be a man of rest":** This is a direct characterization of the future king, Solomon, contrasting him with David, who was a "man of war." It prophesies that Solomon's reign will be marked by tranquility and stability, a necessary precondition for the grand project of building the Temple. This "rest" is not merely passive but an active state of security provided by God.
* **"and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about":** This clause explicitly attributes the source of this peace to God's direct intervention. It is a divine promise to actively subdue or neutralize all external threats, ensuring that Solomon's reign would not be plagued by the constant warfare that characterized David's. This highlights God's active role in establishing the conditions for His purposes to be fulfilled.
* **"for his name shall be Solomon":** This provides the specific identity of the promised son and links his very name to the central theme of his reign. "Solomon" (Shelomoh) is derived from "shalom" (peace), reinforcing the divine intention for peace to be the hallmark of his rule, underscoring the prophetic nature of his name.
* **"and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days":** This final clause broadens the scope of the promise from Solomon personally to the entire nation of Israel. The "peace and quietness" signify a period of national flourishing, security, and prosperity, directly resulting from God's provision and enabling the nation to focus on worship and internal development, culminating in the Temple's construction.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 22:9 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound message. **Prophecy** is the most overt device, as God directly foretells future events concerning Solomon's birth and the nature of his reign. The verse also uses powerful **Contrast** by implicitly setting Solomon, the "man of rest," against David, the "man of war" (as established in the preceding verse), highlighting the distinct divine purposes for each king. The **Etymological Significance** of Solomon's name is central, as his name (derived from *shalom*, peace) directly embodies the primary characteristic of his promised reign. Furthermore, **Repetition** of the concepts of "rest" and "peace" ("man of rest," "give him rest," "give peace and quietness") serves to emphasize and reinforce the central theological theme of God's desire for and provision of tranquility for His people, particularly for the sacred task of building His house. This repetition creates a strong sense of divine assurance and 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 through diverse instruments. It underscores that true peace, both individual and national, is ultimately a divine gift, not merely a human achievement. God actively intervenes to create the 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 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.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - The Davidic Covenant and the Temple Builder")
* [1 Kings 4:24-25](/1_kings/4-24 "1 Kings 4:24-25 - Solomon's Reign of Peace and Prosperity")
* [Psalm 72:7](/psalms/72-7 "Psalm 72:7 - Messianic Peace and Abundance")

### 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 discern our specific roles and seasons in God's kingdom. Sometimes, God calls us to contend and establish, while at other times, He calls us to consolidate and build in peace. The "rest" and "peace" promised to Solomon are not merely external but also speak to an internal state of security and trust in God's provision. We are encouraged to seek God's peace in our lives, recognizing that true spiritual and communal flourishing often requires a cessation of internal strife 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) might be hindering us from experiencing God's rest and engaging in the "building" He has called us to do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's specific choice of Solomon for the Temple-building task inform our understanding of divine sovereignty in appointing leaders and assigning tasks?**
* **In what ways can we seek and cultivate God's promised "rest" and "peace" in our personal lives and communities today, even amidst external challenges?**
* **What "temple" (spiritual growth, ministry, community building) is God calling us to build in a season of peace, and what "wars" might need to cease for that construction to begin?**

### 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, as explicitly stated by God in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Wars and the Temple"). 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.

**What is the significance of Solomon's name in this context?**

Answer: The name Solomon (Hebrew: _Shelomoh_) is profoundly significant because it is derived from the Hebrew word _shalom_, meaning "peace," "wholeness," or "completeness." God explicitly states in [1 Chronicles 22:9](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9 - Solomon, the Man of Peace") that "his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days." His name 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.

**Did Solomon's reign truly bring lasting peace to Israel?**

Answer: While Solomon's reign was indeed characterized by remarkable peace and prosperity, as described in passages like [1 Kings 4:20-25](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20-25 - Solomon's Prosperity and Peace"), this peace was not ultimate or eternal. It was contingent upon his obedience to God, which he eventually compromised through idolatry and oppressive policies. 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 promise of a "man of rest" and a reign of "peace and quietness" in 1 Chronicles 22:9 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon brought a temporary and conditional peace to Israel, a peace that eventually fractured, Jesus is the true and everlasting [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"). He is the one who truly gives "rest" not merely from physical enemies, but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). Unlike Solomon, whose peace was limited by his own failures, Christ's peace is perfect and eternal, secured by His atoning sacrifice on the cross, through which we gain [peace with God](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through Christ"). Furthermore, while Solomon built a 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 ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of the Church")). His kingdom is an [everlasting kingdom](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom") of peace and righteousness, far surpassing the temporal reign of Solomon and providing the ultimate, unshakeable rest that God always intended for His people ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

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.