1 Chronicles 28:12

KJV

And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the pattern {H8403} of all that he had by the spirit {H7307}, of the courts {H2691} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and of all the chambers {H3957} round about {H5439}, of the treasuries {H214} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}, and of the treasuries {H214} of the dedicated things {H6944}:

Complete Jewish Bible

also the designs for everything he had been given by the Spirit - for the courtyards of the house of ADONAI, for all the rooms surrounding it, for the storehouses in the house of God, for the storehouses for the holy articles,

Berean Standard Bible

The plans contained everything David had in mind for the courts of the house of the LORD, for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated things,

American Standard Version

and the pattern of all that he had by the Spirit, for the courts of the house of Jehovah, and for all the chambers round about, for the treasuries of the house of God, and for the treasuries of the dedicated things;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:12 reveals that King David's intricate plans for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem were not products of human ingenuity but were divinely inspired and revealed to him by the Spirit of God. This verse specifically details the divine blueprint for the Temple's various components, including its courts, surrounding chambers, and the treasuries designated for the house of God and for consecrated offerings, underscoring the sacred and meticulously ordered nature of God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within King David's final public address and charge to his son Solomon and the leaders of Israel, recorded in [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon"). Having been divinely prohibited from building the Temple himself due to his involvement in warfare ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Forbidden to Build the Temple")), David diligently prepared vast quantities of materials and, crucially, received the architectural blueprint for the Temple directly from God. Verses 11-19 of this chapter elaborate on these detailed plans, which David then passed on to Solomon. Verse 12 specifically lists the various functional areas of the Temple—courts, chambers, and treasuries—all of which were part of this divinely revealed "pattern" ([1 Chronicles 28:11](/1_chronicles/28-11 "1 Chronicles 28:11 - David Gives Solomon the Plans")). This emphasis on divine origin establishes the Temple's unique sanctity and authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the construction of a national temple was a monumental undertaking, often symbolizing a king's power, prosperity, and divine favor. However, Israel's Temple was distinct in its conception. Unlike pagan temples often designed by human architects, the Temple of Yahweh was to be built according to a divine "pattern," echoing the divine instructions given to Moses for the Tabernacle ([Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle")). This emphasized God's sovereignty over His dwelling place and the meticulousness of His design. The mention of "treasuries" reflects the practical administration of a central sanctuary, which would receive tithes, offerings, and dedicated items from across the nation, supporting the priesthood and the temple's upkeep, a common feature in ancient religious institutions.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme is **Divine Revelation and Inspiration**, highlighted by the phrase "by the spirit," signifying that the entire design for [Solomon's Temple](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple") was supernaturally given by God, not conceived by human wisdom. This underscores God's active involvement in establishing the place of His dwelling and worship. Another theme is **Order and Purpose**, evident in the detailed enumeration of "courts," "chambers round about," and "treasuries." Every component of the Temple had a specific function, from facilitating communal worship and sacrificial rituals to housing sacred items and managing the temple's economy, all designed to ensure proper and reverent worship. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Preparation for Worship**, as David's meticulous gathering of materials and reception of divine blueprints ensured that the future house of the Lord would be built to divine standards, suitable for the glory of God and the worship of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pattern (Hebrew, _tabnith'_):** This word denotes a blueprint, model, or detailed design. Its use here emphasizes that David received a precise, comprehensive architectural plan, not merely a general concept. This term is also used for the pattern of the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle"), drawing a direct parallel between the divine origin of both structures.
* **By the Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach'_):** This phrase is crucial, indicating divine inspiration and revelation. The Hebrew word _ruach_ often refers to the Spirit of God, emphasizing that David's understanding of the Temple's design came through direct spiritual insight and guidance from the Almighty, not through human architectural genius or imagination. This makes the Temple truly a "house of the LORD" in its very conception.
* **Dedicated Things (Hebrew, _qodesh'_):** This refers to items that have been consecrated or set apart for sacred use, often spoils of war or special offerings given to God. Their storage in the temple treasuries underscores the holiness of these items and the meticulous care required for their preservation and use in the service of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin of the Temple plans. David's possession of these plans was not a result of his own architectural skill or research, but a direct revelation from God's Spirit, emphasizing the sacredness and authority behind the design.
* **"of the courts of the house of the LORD,"**: This refers to the outer areas surrounding the main sanctuary, where the general populace would gather for worship, sacrifices, and other religious activities. These courts were essential for the functioning of the Temple as a place of communal worship and national gathering.
* **"and of all the chambers round about,"**: These were various rooms and structures built around the main Temple building. They served multiple purposes, including housing priests, storing sacred vessels, preparing offerings, and administrative functions necessary for the daily operations of the vast Temple complex.
* **"of the treasuries of the house of God,"**: This specifies the storage areas within the Temple complex designated for the general financial and material resources of the Temple. These treasuries would hold tithes, offerings, and other contributions used for the maintenance of the Temple, the support of the priesthood, and various temple services.
* **"and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:"**: This phrase distinguishes a specific type of treasury for items that were consecrated or set apart for God. These "dedicated things" often included spoils of war, special vows, or precious gifts that were considered holy and belonged exclusively to the Lord, requiring separate and secure storage within the Temple complex.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to emphasize its message. **Repetition** is notable in the phrase "of the treasuries... and of the treasuries," which serves to highlight the importance and specific categorization of the Temple's storage facilities, underscoring the meticulous planning and the significant material resources involved. **Emphasis** is placed on the divine origin of the plans through the explicit mention "by the spirit," which immediately elevates the entire project beyond mere human endeavor to a divinely ordained undertaking. Furthermore, the detailed enumeration of the Temple's components (courts, chambers, treasuries) serves as a form of **Merism**, where listing specific parts implies the comprehensive nature of the whole, signifying that the divine pattern encompassed every single aspect of the vast Temple complex.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:12 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and His desire for order and precision in the worship and service rendered to Him. Just as God provided a detailed blueprint for the Tabernacle in the wilderness, so too did He provide the exact "pattern" for the permanent Temple in Jerusalem. This divine revelation underscores that true worship is not based on human invention or aesthetic preference, but on God's revealed will. The Temple, in all its detailed components, was designed to facilitate proper worship, administer sacred duties, and serve as a tangible symbol of God's presence among His people. This principle extends beyond physical structures, implying that God also has a divine design for His people and their spiritual endeavors, requiring divine guidance and adherence to His revealed truth.

* [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")
* [1 Chronicles 28:19](/1_chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - David's Affirmation of Divine Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, purpose, and divine revelation. Just as He provided a precise blueprint for His earthly dwelling place, He also has a divine plan for our lives, our ministries, and His church. We are called to seek His guidance and inspiration in all significant undertakings, trusting that His Spirit will reveal the necessary wisdom and direction. This means prioritizing prayer, studying His Word, and listening for the promptings of the Holy Spirit, rather than relying solely on human wisdom or trends. Furthermore, the detailed mention of "treasuries" reminds us of the importance of dedicating our resources—our time, talents, and material possessions—to God's purposes. Every aspect of our lives, as spiritual "temples" of the Holy Spirit, should be ordered and dedicated according to God's divine design, reflecting His glory and facilitating His work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry am I relying on human wisdom rather than seeking God's "pattern by the spirit"?**
* **How can I better align my personal "chambers" (my thoughts, habits, and priorities) with God's divine order?**
* **What "dedicated things"—my gifts, resources, or time—am I holding back from God, and how can I more fully consecrate them to His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why was David, a man after God's own heart, forbidden to build the Temple, yet given its divine plans?**

Answer: David was indeed a man after God's own heart, chosen by God, and he passionately desired to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant. However, [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Forbidden to Build the Temple") explains that God forbade him because he had shed much blood in warfare. God desired the Temple, a symbol of peace and His presence, to be built by Solomon, a man of peace whose reign would be characterized by rest. Despite being forbidden to build, David's role was crucial in preparing the materials and, as this verse highlights, receiving the divine blueprint. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over both the timing and the instruments of His plans, using David for preparation and Solomon for construction, each according to God's specific purpose for their lives and reigns.

**What is the significance of the "treasuries of the dedicated things" distinct from other treasuries?**

Answer: The distinction between "treasuries of the house of God" and "treasuries of the dedicated things" highlights the meticulous organization and the sacred nature of the Temple's resources. The general "treasuries of the house of God" likely held tithes, regular offerings, and funds for the daily operation and maintenance of the Temple and the support of the priesthood. In contrast, "treasuries of the dedicated things" were specifically for items that had been consecrated or "set apart" as holy to the Lord. These often included spoils of war, special vows, or precious gifts that were irrevocably devoted to God, as seen in examples like [2 Samuel 8:11](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11 - David Dedicates Spoils of War"). This separate storage underscored the unique holiness and divine ownership of these particular items, ensuring their proper handling and preservation within the sacred complex.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divinely revealed pattern for the earthly Temple in [1 Chronicles 28:12](/1_chronicles/28-12 "1 Chronicles 28:12 - The Divine Pattern for the Temple") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal Temple. The physical structure, with its meticulous design and sacred functions, served as a shadow pointing to a greater spiritual reality. Jesus 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 Predicts the Temple's Destruction and Resurrection")). He is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, the perfect dwelling where God's presence fully resides. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a spiritual house, becoming "living stones" built into a holy temple, with Christ as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). This spiritual temple is indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), fulfilling the longing for God to dwell among His people in a way far surpassing any physical structure. The divine blueprint given to David thus foreshadows God's perfect and eternal plan of salvation, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God Himself will dwell with His people, and there will be no need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")).

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 26:20

¶ And of the Levites, Ahijah [was] over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.

2 Kings 16:8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent [it for] a present to the king of Assyria.

Exodus 25:40

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

1 Kings 14:26

And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

1 Chronicles 26:26

Which Shelomith and his brethren [were] over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.

1 Chronicles 26:28

And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; [and] whosoever had dedicated [any thing, it was] under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.

1 Kings 15:18

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,