1 Chronicles 28:11

KJV

¶ Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} gave {H5414} to Solomon {H8010} his son {H1121} the pattern {H8403} of the porch {H197}, and of the houses {H1004} thereof, and of the treasuries {H1597} thereof, and of the upper chambers {H5944} thereof, and of the inner {H6442} parlours {H2315} thereof, and of the place {H1004} of the mercy seat {H3727},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David gave Shlomo his son the designs for the hall [of the temple], its buildings, its supply areas, its upper rooms, its inside rooms, and the place for the ark-cover;

Berean Standard Bible

Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, storehouses, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the room for the mercy seat.

American Standard Version

Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porchof the temple, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper rooms thereof, and of the inner chambers thereof, and of the place of the mercy-seat;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:11 marks a crucial moment in King David's final preparations for the construction of the Jerusalem Temple. Having received a divinely inspired blueprint for the entire sacred complex, David meticulously transfers this detailed "pattern" to his son Solomon, who is divinely appointed to undertake the monumental task. This verse underscores the Temple's divine origin, the continuity of God's redemptive plan through generations, and the precise nature of God's will for His dwelling place among His people, culminating in the mention of the "place of the mercy seat" as its sacred heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within David's final instructions and charge to Solomon and the leaders of Israel regarding the building of the Temple. In the preceding chapters, David has gathered immense resources for the project ([1 Chronicles 22:1-5](/1_chronicles/22-1 "1 Chronicles 22:1-5 - David's Preparations for the Temple")). He has been explicitly told by God that he, a man of war, would not build the Temple, but his son Solomon, a man of peace, would ([1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1_chronicles/22-7 "1 Chronicles 22:7-10 - God's Promise to David Regarding Solomon and the Temple")). Chapter 28 opens with David assembling all the officials of Israel and publicly declaring God's choice of Solomon and the divine origin of the Temple project ([1 Chronicles 28:1-7](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1-7 - David's Charge to Solomon")). Verse 11 then directly follows David's exhortation to Solomon to "know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind" ([1 Chronicles 28:9](/1_chronicles/28-9 "1 Chronicles 28:9 - David's Exhortation to Solomon")). The act of handing over the pattern signifies the formal transfer of authority and divine mandate for the Temple's construction, ensuring its design aligns perfectly with God's will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings often built temples to their deities, but the Israelite Temple was unique in its divinely revealed blueprint. The concept of a "pattern" for a sacred structure was not new to Israel; Moses had received precise instructions for the Tabernacle, God's portable dwelling, on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle")). This established a precedent for God dictating the design of His dwelling place, emphasizing His sovereignty and the necessity of worship according to His revealed will. The Temple in Jerusalem was to be the permanent, central place of worship for the unified Israelite kingdom, symbolizing God's presence among His people and serving as the focal point for national identity and religious life. David's role as the recipient of the divine pattern, even though he wouldn't build it, solidified his status as a faithful servant and prophet, akin to Moses, and underscored the continuity of God's covenant with Israel from the wilderness to the settled land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Guidance and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that the Temple's design was not a human invention but a direct revelation from God, ensuring its sacredness and theological integrity. This echoes the precise instructions given for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - The Tabernacle Blueprint"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Legacy and Succession**, as David faithfully prepares for and passes on a divine mandate to Solomon, showcasing the importance of intergenerational faithfulness in God's work. David's inability to build the Temple himself, yet his diligent preparation and transfer of the divine plan, exemplifies obedience and stewardship, as seen in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - God Forbids David from Building the Temple"). Thirdly, the detailed nature of the pattern, culminating in "the place of the mercy seat," underscores the theme of **Holiness and Precision in Worship**. Every part of God's dwelling was significant, designed for specific functions related to atonement and communion with God, particularly the mercy seat, which was the most sacred component of the Ark of the Covenant, as detailed in [Leviticus 16:14-15](/leviticus/16-14 "Leviticus 16:14-15 - The Day of Atonement and the Mercy Seat").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pattern (Hebrew, _tabnith'_):** This significant Hebrew word (תַּבְנִית) denotes a "model," "form," "likeness," or "construction plan." It conveys the idea of a precise, detailed architectural design, not merely a general concept. Its use here, parallel to its application in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Tabernacle Pattern") for the Tabernacle, emphasizes that the Temple's design was divinely revealed and thus authoritative and sacred, leaving no room for human improvisation. It signifies God's meticulous care for His dwelling place and the worship conducted therein.
* **Mercy Seat (Hebrew, _kapporeth'_):** The Hebrew term (כַּפֹּרֶת) literally means "covering" or "propitiatory cover." It refers specifically to the solid gold lid of the Ark of the Covenant, flanked by two cherubim. This was the most sacred object within the Holy of Holies, the very place where God's presence was manifested to Israel and where the blood of the atonement sacrifice was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:14-15](/leviticus/16-14 "Leviticus 16:14-15 - Atonement on the Mercy Seat")). Its inclusion in the detailed pattern signifies its supreme importance as the focal point of God's gracious presence and the means of expiation for the sins of the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern":** This opening clause establishes the critical act of transmission. David, as the divinely chosen patriarch and recipient of the revelation, formally hands over the blueprint. The "pattern" (תַּבְנִית, _tabnith'_) is not a human invention but a divinely inspired design, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the Temple's construction. This transfer signifies the continuity of God's plan through generations and David's obedience in preparing for a task he himself could not complete.
* **"of the porch, and of the houses thereof":** The "porch" (אוּלָם, _ʾulam'_) was the entrance hall of the Temple, leading into the main sanctuary. The "houses thereof" likely refers to the main sanctuary building itself, including the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), highlighting the central structure of the Temple.
* **"and of the treasuries thereof":** These were chambers designated for storing the Temple's dedicated offerings, sacred vessels, and other valuable items. Their inclusion in the divine pattern underscores the importance of the Temple as an economic and administrative center, as well as a place of worship, and the need for order and provision in its operation.
* **"and of the upper chambers thereof":** These likely refer to rooms built above or alongside the main structure, possibly for priests, storage, or other administrative functions. Their specific inclusion in the divine pattern indicates that even the ancillary parts of the Temple complex were divinely ordained, emphasizing the holistic nature of God's design.
* **"and of the inner parlours thereof":** These were likely inner rooms or side chambers, perhaps for specific priestly functions, storage, or private devotion. The detailed nature of the pattern, extending to these more private or functional spaces, reinforces the idea that every aspect of God's dwelling was to be constructed according to His precise specifications.
* **"and of the place of the mercy seat":** This final phrase highlights the ultimate focal point of the entire Temple complex. The "place of the mercy seat" was the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant, topped by the mercy seat, resided. Its explicit mention underscores its supreme sanctity as the very locus of God's presence and the site of atonement, making it the theological heart of the Temple's design and purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is subtly present in the repeated phrase "and of the..." (e.g., "and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof"), which emphasizes the comprehensive and meticulous nature of the divine pattern. This enumeration highlights that every single detail, from the grand porch to the most private inner parlours, was included in God's blueprint, underscoring His thoroughness and the sanctity of the entire complex. **Symbolism** is profoundly at play, particularly with "the place of the mercy seat." This physical location symbolizes God's presence, His covenant faithfulness, and the means of atonement, serving as the ultimate spiritual anchor of the Temple. The entire "pattern" itself functions as a **metaphor** for divine wisdom and order, illustrating that God's work is not haphazard but precisely planned and executed. Furthermore, the act of David passing the pattern to Solomon can be seen as **foreshadowing** the passing of spiritual authority and divine revelation through generations, a principle central to biblical narrative and the ongoing work of God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:11 powerfully articulates God's meticulous care for His dwelling place and the worship of His people. The divine origin of the Temple's pattern signifies that true worship is not arbitrary but must conform to God's revealed will. This concept extends beyond physical structures, teaching us that God has a specific design for our lives, our churches, and our service to Him. Just as the Temple was to be built with precision, our spiritual lives and ministries are called to be ordered according to divine principles, not human whims. The inclusion of the "mercy seat" as the culmination of the pattern points to the centrality of atonement and God's grace in His relationship with humanity, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice that would make true access to God possible.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly Things")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and intention, and He often provides a "pattern" for the work He calls us to do, whether in personal discipleship, family life, or corporate ministry. Just as David diligently prepared and passed on the divine blueprint, we are called to seek God's specific guidance through His Word and prayer, to be faithful stewards of the vision He entrusts to us, and to prepare the next generation to carry it forward. The emphasis on the "mercy seat" within the pattern also calls us to remember that all our service and worship must ultimately lead to and be centered on God's grace and the provision for sin. It challenges us to consider if our lives and ministries are truly built according to God's precise specifications, valuing His revealed will above our own preferences or contemporary trends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you seeking God's specific "pattern" or blueprint, rather than relying on your own plans?**
* **How does David's faithful preparation for a task he would not complete inspire you to be a diligent steward for future generations?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of the Temple's pattern, especially the "mercy seat," teach you about the importance of intentionality and reverence in your worship and service to God?**

### FAQ
**Why was David not allowed to build the Temple, and why was a "pattern" necessary?**

Answer: David was forbidden from building the Temple because he was a man of war who had shed much blood ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Bloodshed")). God desired a man of peace, Solomon, to construct His house. The "pattern" was necessary because God's dwelling place was not to be a human invention but a sacred structure built precisely according to divine specifications. This ensured its theological integrity, symbolic significance, and function as the locus of God's presence and worship. It mirrored the divine blueprint given to Moses for the Tabernacle ([Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Tabernacle's Divine Design")), establishing a consistent principle that God dictates the terms of His worship.

**What is the significance of "the place of the mercy seat" being specifically mentioned in the pattern?**

Answer: The "place of the mercy seat" refers to the Holy of Holies, the innermost and most sacred chamber of the Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant with its mercy seat lid resided. This was the very spot where God's presence was uniquely manifested to Israel, and where the High Priest performed the annual atonement ritual on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:14-15](/leviticus/16-14 "Leviticus 16:14-15 - The Day of Atonement Ritual")). Its specific mention in the divine pattern underscores that the ultimate purpose of the Temple was to facilitate reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity through divinely appointed means of atonement. It highlights that the entire elaborate structure ultimately served to point to this central act of God's grace and mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 28:11, with its emphasis on a divinely revealed "pattern" for God's dwelling and the centrality of the "mercy seat," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, built according to God's precise design, was a shadow of a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). Christ is the true and perfect Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, in whom "all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). Furthermore, the mercy seat, the place of atonement and God's presence, is superseded by Christ. He is our ultimate "mercy seat" or "propitiation," through His sacrificial death on the cross, which perfectly atones for sin and grants us direct access to God's presence ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation"); [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The meticulous divine pattern given to David foreshadowed the perfect, unblemished plan of salvation realized in Christ, who is not merely a blueprint but the very embodiment and fulfillment of God's redemptive design.

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 28:19

All [this, said David], the LORD made me understand in writing by [his] hand upon me, [even] all the works of this pattern.

Exodus 25:40

And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

1 Kings 6:3

And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits [was] the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; [and] ten cubits [was] the breadth thereof before the house.

Exodus 25:17

And thou shalt make a mercy seat [of] pure gold: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.

Exodus 25:22

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Hebrews 8:5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

1 Chronicles 9:26

For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in [their] set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.