1 Chronicles 28:10

KJV

Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Take heed {H7200} now; for the LORD {H3068} hath chosen {H977} thee to build {H1129} an house {H1004} for the sanctuary {H4720}: be strong {H2388}, and do {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

See now that ADONAI has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; so be strong, and do it!"

Berean Standard Bible

Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”

American Standard Version

Take heed now; for Jehovah hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Chronicles 28:10, King David delivers a solemn and direct charge to his son, Solomon, regarding the monumental and divinely appointed task of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem. This pivotal verse encapsulates profound themes of divine election, the weighty responsibility that accompanies a sacred calling, and the imperative for courage, strength, and diligent action in fulfilling God's purposes. It serves as a foundational exhortation for Solomon's reign, setting the spiritual and practical tone for the most significant building project in Israel's history, a physical testament to God's desire to dwell among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within David's final public address to his son Solomon and the assembled leaders of Israel, meticulously recorded in [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon and Israel"). Having devoted years to meticulously preparing vast quantities of materials—gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and precious stones—and having received the precise architectural plans for the Temple "by the hand of the LORD" ([1 Chronicles 28:19](/1_chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - David Received Plans by the Lord's Hand")), David now formally transfers this sacred commission to his chosen successor. The narrative preceding this chapter details David's fervent, long-held desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant ([1 Chronicles 17:1](/1_chronicles/17-1 "1 Chronicles 17:1 - David's Desire to Build a Temple")), God's subsequent revelation through the prophet Nathan that Solomon, a man of peace, would be the builder ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Not to Build the Temple")), and David's extensive, almost obsessive, preparations for the project. The immediate verses surrounding [1 Chronicles 28:10](/1_chronicles/28-10 "1 Chronicles 28:10 - David's Charge to Solomon"), particularly [1 Chronicles 28:9-11](/1_chronicles/28-9-11 "1 Chronicles 28:9-11 - David's Charge to Solomon and the Temple Plans"), underscore the deeply personal and spiritual nature of the task, emphasizing the absolute necessity of a wholehearted and willing commitment to God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period marked by [1 Chronicles 28:10](/1_chronicles/28-10 "1 Chronicles 28:10 - David's Charge to Solomon") signifies a momentous transition in Israelite history. It moves from the era of the warrior-king David, who successfully consolidated the kingdom and secured its borders, to the reign of his son Solomon, which would be characterized by unparalleled peace, immense prosperity, and profound wisdom. The construction of a permanent Temple was not merely a grand architectural undertaking; it represented a pivotal shift from the portable Tabernacle, which had served as the center of Israelite worship since the Exodus. This magnificent structure was destined to become the central place of worship, the symbolic dwelling place of Yahweh among His people, and the very heart of Israel's national and religious identity. The Temple's construction would irrevocably solidify Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital, serving as a tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promise to establish David's dynasty and a lasting kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David")). Culturally, such a monumental project demanded not only immense national effort and skilled craftsmanship but also a deep reverence for the sacred and an understanding of the profound theological implications of building a house for God.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 28:10](/1_chronicles/28-10 "1 Chronicles 28:10 - David's Charge to Solomon") powerfully articulates several enduring theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Divine Election and Calling** is central, highlighted by David's unequivocal declaration that "the LORD hath chosen thee." This emphasizes that Solomon's role was not a mere accident of birth or political inheritance but a specific, sovereign appointment by God for a sacred purpose, echoing God's consistent choice of individuals throughout salvation history, from Abraham to the prophets. Secondly, the theme of **Solemn Responsibility** is profoundly evident in the task "to build an house for the sanctuary." This was a national and spiritual undertaking of unparalleled significance, demanding unwavering dedication, meticulous adherence to divine specifications, and a profound sense of stewardship. It underscores the immense weight of being entrusted with God's sacred work. Finally, the concluding command "be strong, and do [it]" introduces the crucial theme of **Courage and Diligence in Obedience**. This powerful exhortation, frequently found throughout the biblical narrative when God calls individuals to challenging tasks (e.g., God's charge to Joshua in [Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6-9 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua")), reminds Solomon, and by extension all believers, that divine backing enables human effort. It implies not only physical and mental fortitude but also moral and spiritual resilience to overcome obstacles and faithfully complete the assigned work, trusting in God's empowering presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take heed (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This verb, primarily meaning "to see" or "to look," carries a deeper connotation in this context, signifying "to consider carefully," "to pay close attention," or "to understand fully." It functions as a solemn and urgent call to Solomon to grasp the gravity, divine origin, and immense scope of the task ahead. It implies a necessity for spiritual discernment, serious contemplation, and a profound awareness of the covenant implications.
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** This word denotes selection, preference, or election. Its use here unequivocally underscores the divine initiative and sovereignty in appointing Solomon for this specific task. His role was not accidental or based solely on human merit or lineage, but on God's deliberate, purposeful, and gracious choice, highlighting God's active involvement in the lives of His servants and the precise unfolding of His redemptive plan.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** Derived from the root _qâdash_, meaning "to be holy" or "to be set apart," _miqdâsh_ refers specifically to a consecrated place or sacred enclosure, in this instance, the Temple. Its inclusion emphasizes the inherent sacredness, purity, and divine purpose of the structure Solomon was commissioned to build, marking it as distinct, consecrated, and set apart for God's holy presence and the worship of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take heed now;":** This opening imperative serves as a solemn, urgent warning and a direct call for Solomon's complete and undivided attention. David, speaking with the combined authority of a reigning king, a loving father, and a prophet delivering a divine message, demands that Solomon deeply consider and internalize the gravity, the divine origin, and the profound implications of the monumental task he is about to receive. It implies a need for careful thought, spiritual discernment, and a profound sense of personal responsibility.
* **"for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary:":** This central clause articulates the core of Solomon's divine mandate and the reason for David's preceding exhortation. It explicitly states that Solomon's appointment is not by human decree or dynastic succession alone, but by God's sovereign and deliberate choice ("the LORD hath chosen thee"). The precise purpose of this divine election is singularly focused: "to build an house for the sanctuary," which refers to the holy Temple. This highlights the sacred nature of the task, its centrality to Israel's worship and national identity, and God's enduring desire for a permanent, consecrated dwelling place among His covenant people.
* **"be strong, and do [it].":** This concluding command is a powerful, concise exhortation to courage, fortitude, and diligent action. "Be strong" (from the Hebrew root _châzaq_, meaning "to be firm," "to be resolute," "to seize") implies not merely physical strength but robust moral, spiritual, and mental resilience in the face of daunting challenges inherent in such a massive undertaking. "And do [it]" is a direct, actionable imperative to execute the task with unwavering commitment, perseverance, and faithfulness. This phrase implicitly conveys that divine election comes with divine enablement, and human effort is required as a faithful response to God's clear and empowering call.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that amplify its message. **Direct Address** is prominently used, as David speaks personally and directly to Solomon, lending a tone of intimate instruction yet also authoritative command. The pervasive use of **Exhortation** is central, with the commanding phrases "Take heed now" and "be strong, and do [it]" serving as strong imperatives that convey urgency, the weight of the commission, and the expectation of obedience. The explicit declaration "for the LORD hath chosen thee" functions as a **Divine Mandate**, grounding Solomon's monumental task not in human ambition or dynastic succession but in God's sovereign will, thereby elevating its significance and ensuring its ultimate success. Furthermore, the phrase "house for the sanctuary" employs **Symbolism**, where the physical structure represents God's holy dwelling place, the focal point of Israel's covenant relationship with Him, and the tangible expression of His presence among His people. The brevity, directness, and declarative nature of the final command, "be strong, and do [it]," create a powerful sense of **Climax and Resolution**, encapsulating the essence of David's charge in a memorable, actionable, and profoundly impactful directive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 28:10](/1_chronicles/28-10 "1 Chronicles 28:10 - David's Charge to Solomon") serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine calling and the corresponding human responsibility. It powerfully illustrates that God's sovereign election of individuals is always for a specific, purposeful role within His overarching redemptive plan. Solomon's divinely appointed task to build the Temple, a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, underscores the enduring biblical theme of God's desire to dwell in intimate relationship with humanity. This verse also highlights the foundational principle that God invariably equips those whom He calls, and His commands are always accompanied by His enabling power. The exhortation to "be strong, and do it" is not a call to self-reliance but to courageous obedience, a summons to trust implicitly in God's faithfulness to bring His purposes to fruition through human instruments. It speaks profoundly to the continuity of God's work across generations, as David, having prepared diligently, passes the torch of a divine vision and sacred responsibility to his son.

* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship for Good Works")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Hebrews 3:3-6](/hebrews/3-3-6 "Hebrews 3:3-6 - Christ Greater Than Moses, Builder of God's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Solomon's monumental task of building the Temple was unique in its scope and historical significance, the timeless principles embedded in [1 Chronicles 28:10](/1_chronicles/28-10 "1 Chronicles 28:10 - David's Charge to Solomon") resonate deeply with believers in every age. Each of us, as part of God's kingdom and His new covenant people, is "chosen" and called by God for specific purposes within our families, communities, vocations, and ministries. This verse challenges us to "take heed" to the unique assignments and divine promptings God has placed before us, urging us to discern His will with careful attention, spiritual sensitivity, and a humble heart. It calls us to embrace our responsibilities with the profound understanding that our work, however seemingly small or mundane, contributes significantly to God's larger, eternal plan. When faced with daunting spiritual, relational, or practical challenges that feel overwhelming, the divine command "be strong, and do it" serves as a powerful, empowering reminder that our true strength comes not from our own limited abilities or resources, but from the Lord who calls, empowers, and sustains us. It encourages us to act with courage, diligence, unwavering faith, and joyful obedience, knowing that God's enablement unfailingly accompanies His divine mandate. Our lives, as living temples of the Holy Spirit, are meant to be built for His glory, reflecting His presence, character, and redemptive work in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I diligently "take heed" to God's specific calling and instructions in my own life, ensuring I am truly listening, discerning, and responding to His will?**
* **What "house for the sanctuary"—whether a family, a ministry, a community, or a personal sphere of influence—has God chosen me to build, nurture, or steward for His glory and purposes?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or service do I need to courageously "be strong, and do it," trusting in God's enabling presence rather than succumbing to fear, procrastination, or perceived limitations?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't David build the Temple himself, since he desired to?**

Answer: Although King David harbored a deep and fervent desire to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the worship of the Lord, God revealed through the prophet Nathan that it would not be David who would undertake this sacred task. As recorded in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Not to Build the Temple"), God stated that David was a "man of war" and had "shed much blood," making him unsuitable for building a house for the sanctuary, which was meant to be a symbol of peace and divine presence. Instead, God sovereignly chose David's son, Solomon, whose name means "peace," to build the Temple during a time of peace and prosperity for Israel. This divine choice underscores God's sovereign plan, His specific qualifications for those who carry out His work, and the symbolic nature of the Temple as a place of peace.

**What is the significance of the phrase "be strong, and do it"?**

Answer: The phrase "be strong, and do [it]" is a powerful and frequently recurring biblical exhortation, often found when God calls individuals to challenging and significant tasks. It is not merely a command for physical prowess but a profound call to moral, spiritual, and mental fortitude and unwavering resolve. In the context of [1 Chronicles 28:10](/1_chronicles/28-10 "1 Chronicles 28:10 - David's Charge to Solomon"), David charges Solomon to approach the monumental task of building the Temple with courage, unwavering resolve, and diligent, persistent effort. It implies that while the task is immense and human capabilities are limited, God's election of Solomon ensures divine enablement and provision. This echoes similar commands given to Joshua upon leading Israel into the Promised Land ([Joshua 1:7-9](/joshua/1-7-9 "Joshua 1:7-9 - Be Strong and Very Courageous")) and to the Israelites before entering Canaan ([Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Presence and Strength")). Ultimately, it is a timeless reminder that God's empowering presence enables His servants to accomplish what He has called them to do, requiring their faithful obedience and courageous action.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 28:10](/1_chronicles/28-10 "1 Chronicles 28:10 - David's Charge to Solomon") speaks directly to Solomon's commission to build the earthly Temple, its profound themes find their ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon's divinely chosen role as the builder of God's physical dwelling foreshadows Christ as the true and ultimate builder of God's spiritual house, the Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")). Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of a stone edifice but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). He is the foundational cornerstone upon whom all believers, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). The wisdom and peace that characterized Solomon's reign, which enabled the Temple's construction, powerfully point to Christ, who is eternally the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")) and the very embodiment of divine wisdom from God ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). The command to "be strong, and do it" is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's unwavering obedience to His Father's will, culminating in His triumphant cry from the cross, "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")), having perfectly accomplished the ultimate work of salvation and building God's eternal dwelling place, which is His redeemed 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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 28:6

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father.

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Chronicles 22:16

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.

1 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.