1 Chronicles 23:25

KJV

For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

For David {H1732} said {H559}, The LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} hath given rest {H5117} unto his people {H5971}, that they may dwell {H7931} in Jerusalem {H3389} for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For David said, "ADONAI the God of Isra'el has given rest to his people, and he lives in Yerushalayim forever.

Berean Standard Bible

For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever.

American Standard Version

For David said, Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath given rest unto his people; and he dwelleth in Jerusalem for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 23:25 encapsulates King David's profound theological declaration, asserting that the LORD God of Israel has divinely granted a period of profound rest and stability to His people, enabling them to permanently settle in Jerusalem. This declaration serves as the foundational justification for David's meticulous organization of the Levitical service, signifying a pivotal transition from a nomadic, war-torn existence to an era of established peace, secure dwelling, and dedicated worship centered around God's presence in His chosen city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within David's final instructions and preparations for the transfer of the kingdom to Solomon and the construction of the Temple. Chapters 23-26 of 1 Chronicles detail David's extensive organization of the Levites into divisions for Temple service, including gatekeepers, treasurers, and musicians. David's statement in 1 Chronicles 23:25 provides the theological rationale for this elaborate restructuring. Prior to this, the Ark of the Covenant had been moved from place to place, and the nation had frequently been engaged in warfare. The "rest" spoken of here signifies a new era where the Levites' primary duty would shift from transporting the Ark to ministering in a fixed sanctuary, a change explicitly noted in 1 Chronicles 23:26, which states they no longer needed to carry the tabernacle. This verse therefore underpins the entire administrative and spiritual reorganization that follows, highlighting that the time for settled, organized worship had finally arrived.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marked a significant turning point for Israel. He had successfully consolidated the kingdom, subdued surrounding enemies, and, crucially, conquered Jerusalem, establishing it as both the political capital and the spiritual center by bringing the Ark of the Covenant there. This period, following decades of tribal disputes and external threats, represented an unprecedented era of peace and security. The concept of "rest" was deeply significant in ancient Israelite thought, often associated with the fulfillment of God's covenant promises of land and security after the wilderness wandering and conquest (cf. [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - Rest from Enemies")). For the people to "dwell in Jerusalem for ever" reflects the aspiration for enduring national stability and the permanence of God's presence in their midst, a stark contrast to their earlier nomadic or unsettled existence. Culturally, the establishment of a permanent sanctuary was the natural culmination of this divinely granted peace, allowing for the full expression of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh through structured worship.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in this verse and the surrounding chapters revolve around **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, particularly God's active role in bringing about peace and stability for His people. The "rest" is not merely a cessation of conflict but a divinely ordained state of security and flourishing, enabling the fulfillment of God's purposes. This concept of rest is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, often linked to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in [Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - God Gives Rest to Israel"). Secondly, the **Centrality and Permanence of Jerusalem** is underscored. David's vision for Jerusalem as the eternal dwelling place for God's people and His presence (via the Temple) solidifies its status as the spiritual heart of the nation, foreshadowing its enduring significance in salvation history. This aligns with the promises made to David regarding his dynasty and the eternal nature of God's covenant with him, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Foundation for Organized Worship**. The divinely granted rest and the establishment in Jerusalem are presented as prerequisites for the elaborate and permanent system of Temple worship that David meticulously plans and Solomon will execute. This emphasizes that true worship flourishes in an environment of peace and stability provided by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nûaḥ'_):** This word carries a rich semantic range, encompassing concepts of settling down, quietness, cessation from labor or trouble, and security. It implies more than just a break from warfare; it denotes a state of profound tranquility, stability, and peaceful dwelling. In the context of 1 Chronicles, it signifies the end of a nomadic existence for the Ark and the people, allowing for permanent establishment and the full expression of their covenant relationship with God through fixed worship. This "rest" is a divine gift, not merely a human achievement.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _lĕ‘ôlām'_):** This adverbial phrase denotes perpetuity, eternity, or a very long duration. While it doesn't necessarily imply an infinite literal timeline for every individual in Jerusalem, in this context, it speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel, the permanence of His presence in Jerusalem through the Temple, and the lasting establishment of the Davidic dynasty. It conveys a sense of stability and divine commitment that transcends immediate circumstances, pointing to a lasting spiritual and political reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For David said,"**: This opening clause attributes the following profound theological statement directly to King David, emphasizing its authority and prophetic insight. It frames the subsequent declaration not as a mere observation but as a divinely inspired pronouncement from the king who had a unique covenant relationship with God.
* **"The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people,"**: This is the core theological assertion. David credits Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, as the active agent who has sovereignly provided a period of profound peace, security, and cessation from wandering and conflict. This "rest" is a divine gift, a fulfillment of covenant promises that allows the nation to transition from a turbulent past to a settled future. It highlights God's faithfulness and His providential care for His chosen people.
* **"that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:"**: This clause states the purpose and consequence of the divinely granted rest. The stability provided by God enables His people to permanently inhabit Jerusalem, the city David conquered and made the capital. The phrase "for ever" underscores the enduring nature of this settlement and the lasting significance of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political center where God's presence would be uniquely manifested through the future Temple. It speaks to the fulfillment of God's plan for His people to be securely established in their promised land, centered around His dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It functions as a **Theological Statement**, explicitly attributing the state of peace and settlement to the direct action of "the LORD God of Israel," thereby elevating the historical reality to a divine accomplishment. This statement also utilizes **Covenant Language**, as the concept of "rest" and dwelling "for ever" in the land are deeply embedded in God's promises to Abraham, Moses, and David. The verse serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, looking ahead to the construction of the Temple and the permanent establishment of organized worship in Jerusalem, which is the immediate literary context of David's instructions. Furthermore, there is an element of **Prophetic Declaration**, as David, speaking under divine inspiration, articulates God's long-term plan for His people and the city of Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 23:25 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire to provide rest and a secure dwelling for His people. This "rest" is not merely physical cessation from war but a theological concept signifying God's presence, peace, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. It echoes the Sabbath rest of creation, God's provision of rest in the Promised Land after the Exodus and conquest, and ultimately points to the spiritual rest found in Christ. David's declaration establishes the theological foundation for the Temple, a permanent dwelling for God's presence among His people, symbolizing the enduring nature of His covenant faithfulness. This rest enables worship and the flourishing of the community in God's presence, setting the stage for future divine revelation and interaction.

* [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God's Promise of Rest in the Land")
* [Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - The LORD Gave Them Rest All Around")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13-14 "Psalm 132:13-14 - The LORD Has Chosen Zion for His Dwelling Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's declaration in 1 Chronicles 23:25 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that true rest, security, and the ability to truly worship God are ultimately gifts from Him, not solely the result of human effort or circumstance. Just as God provided a settled place for Israel, He desires to provide spiritual rest and security for us, enabling us to live lives of worship and purpose. This rest allows us to cease from striving in our own strength and to trust in His sovereign provision. It challenges us to consider where we seek our security and stability – is it in fleeting worldly achievements, or in the enduring presence and promises of God? When God grants us periods of peace and stability, whether individually or corporately, these are not merely opportunities for comfort, but for deeper devotion, organized service, and the strengthening of our spiritual lives. Our "Jerusalem" today is often the place where God establishes His presence in our lives, whether it's our local church, our family, or the quiet space of our hearts where we meet with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "rest" truly mean in the context of your spiritual life, and how does God provide it?**
* **In what ways do you experience God's "settling" presence in your life, allowing for deeper worship and service?**
* **How does understanding God as the giver of rest impact your anxieties and striving?**
* **What "preparations for worship" are you called to make in your life, now that God has given you rest?**

### FAQ
**What does "rest" mean in this context, and how is it different from simply peace?**

Answer: In 1 Chronicles 23:25, "rest" (Hebrew: *nûaḥ*) signifies more than just the absence of war or conflict. It implies a profound state of security, stability, and settledness. For Israel, it meant the cessation of their nomadic existence, the end of constant warfare, and the secure establishment in the Promised Land, particularly in Jerusalem. This rest was a divine gift, a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, enabling the people to fully establish organized worship and live in a state of shalom (wholeness, peace, prosperity) under God's rule. It's the tranquility that allows for flourishing, not just a temporary lull.

**Why is Jerusalem so important in this verse?**

Answer: Jerusalem's importance in this verse is paramount because it represents the chosen city where God's presence (symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant and later the Temple) would permanently dwell among His people. David's conquest of Jerusalem and his desire to build a Temple there transformed it into the spiritual and political capital of Israel. The phrase "dwell in Jerusalem for ever" reflects the aspiration for an enduring, stable center for the nation's worship and governance. It symbolizes the permanence of God's covenant with His people and the Davidic dynasty, as seen in [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - Solomon to Build the Temple"). The rest God provides enables this permanent dwelling, allowing for the full expression of Israel's identity as God's people centered around His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 23:25, with its emphasis on God giving "rest" to His people so they may "dwell in Jerusalem for ever," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's rest was a physical and national reality, a shadow of the deeper, spiritual rest that Christ provides. Jesus Himself invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising to give them rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). This rest is not merely a cessation of physical labor or conflict, but a profound peace with God, a security of conscience, and an end to the striving for righteousness through human effort, which is found only through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). Furthermore, the "dwelling in Jerusalem for ever" foreshadows the eternal dwelling of God's people not in an earthly city, but in the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city of God, where God Himself will dwell with His redeemed people for all eternity ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2-4 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). Christ is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God, through whom believers gain access to God's presence ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")). Thus, David's vision of a settled people in a permanent city of worship culminates in the spiritual rest and eternal communion with God that Christ secures for all who believe, establishing them in His eternal kingdom.

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 Chronicles 22:18

[Is] not the LORD your God with you? and hath he [not] given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.

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.

Psalms 132:13

For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation.

Psalms 132:14

This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

2 Samuel 7:1

¶ And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

Zechariah 8:3

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Psalms 135:21

Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.