1 Chronicles 28:2

KJV

Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: [As for me], I [had] in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} the king {H4428} stood up {H6965} upon his feet {H7272}, and said {H559}, Hear {H8085} me, my brethren {H251}, and my people {H5971}: As for me, I had in mine heart {H3824} to build {H1129} an house {H1004} of rest {H4496} for the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}, and for the footstool {H1916}{H7272} of our God {H430}, and had made ready {H3559} for the building {H1129}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David the king rose to his feet and said: "My kinsmen and my people! Listen to me! I set my heart on building a house where the ark for the covenant of ADONAI could remain at rest. It would have been God's footstool, and I prepared to build it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it,

American Standard Version

Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: as for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made ready for the building.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King David's address in 1 Chronicles 28:2 marks a profound moment of national transition and spiritual devotion. Standing before a grand assembly of Israel's leaders, David articulates his long-cherished desire to construct a permanent dwelling, a "house of rest," for the Ark of the Covenant, which he reverently refers to as "the footstool of our God." Though divinely prevented from completing this task himself, the verse highlights David's fervent heart, his diligent preparations, and his solemn transfer of this sacred commission to his son, Solomon, setting the stage for the building of the First Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens David's final public address to the assembled leaders of Israel, a pivotal moment in the Chronicler's narrative. Following chapters detailing David's military victories, administrative organization, and preparations for the Temple (1 Chronicles 22-27), chapter 28 shifts focus to the formal transfer of the kingdom and the Temple building mandate to Solomon. David's standing up signifies the solemnity and authority of his words, emphasizing the gravity of the occasion—a national assembly where the future of Israel's worship and governance is being publicly entrusted to the next generation. This speech serves as a theological and practical bridge, connecting David's vision with Solomon's future responsibilities, ensuring continuity in God's redemptive plan for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign was characterized by the consolidation of the Israelite kingdom and the establishment of Jerusalem as both its political and religious capital. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, had been housed in a tent (the Tabernacle) since the Exodus, reflecting Israel's nomadic past. David's desire to build a permanent temple was a natural progression for a settled kingdom, mirroring the practices of surrounding nations who built magnificent temples for their deities. Culturally, a king's legacy often included grand building projects, especially those dedicated to the national deity. David's act of gathering materials and making preparations, even knowing he wouldn't build, demonstrates a commitment to long-term national and religious infrastructure, a common practice for monarchs preparing for their successors.
* **Key Themes:** The verse strongly emphasizes several key themes prevalent throughout 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores **David's deep devotion and faithfulness** to Yahweh, revealing his personal desire to honor God by providing a suitable dwelling for His presence. This aligns with the Chronicler's portrayal of David as an ideal king, whose heart is wholly committed to God's will, even when that will differs from his personal aspirations, as seen in [2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7 "God's Covenant with David") and [1 Chronicles 17:1-15](/1_chronicles/17 "God's Covenant with David in 1 Chronicles"). Secondly, it highlights the **centrality of the Ark of the Covenant** as the tangible symbol of God's presence among His people, referred to reverently as "the footstool of our God," signifying His throne and dwelling place on earth. Finally, the theme of **divine election and succession** is prominent, as David explicitly acknowledges God's choice of Solomon to complete the task, reinforcing the divine hand in Israel's leadership and the continuity of God's covenant promises, a theme echoed in [1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1_chronicles/22 "David's Instructions to Solomon for the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stood up (Hebrew, _qam'_):** The verb `qam` (קָם) means "to rise, stand up, endure." In this context, David's act of "standing up upon his feet" is highly significant. Despite his advanced age and likely physical frailty (as implied by the need to "stand up"), this action conveys authority, solemnity, and a demand for attention. It signals a formal, weighty address, emphasizing the importance of the message he is about to deliver to the assembled leaders and people. It is a gesture of kingly dignity and spiritual earnestness.
* **house of rest (Hebrew, _bayit menuchah'_):** The phrase `bayit menuchah` (בַּיִת מְנוּחָה) literally translates to "house of resting-place" or "house of quietness." `Menuchah` signifies "rest, quiet, settled place, security." This term contrasts sharply with the Ark's long history of being housed in a portable tent (the Tabernacle), reflecting Israel's nomadic period. David's desire was not merely for a physical structure, but for a permanent, stable, and honorable dwelling where God's presence, symbolized by the Ark, could be securely established, signifying stability in the nation's relationship with God.
* **footstool (Hebrew, _hadom'_):** The word `hadom` (הֲדֹם) refers to a "footstool," a low stool used to rest one's feet, typically placed before a throne. In this context, "the footstool of our God" is a profound metaphorical reference to the Ark of the Covenant, specifically the mercy seat (kapporet) atop it. This imagery portrays God as a majestic King enthroned in heaven, with the Ark on earth serving as His symbolic earthly resting place or the base of His throne. It underscores the Ark's immense sanctity and its role as the central point of God's manifest presence among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David the king stood up upon his feet,"**: This opening clause establishes the setting and David's posture. His act of standing up, despite possibly being old or infirm, signifies the gravity and authority of the moment. It is a formal, kingly gesture commanding attention and respect from the assembled multitude.
* **"and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people:"**: David's address is inclusive, calling upon "my brethren" (fellow Israelites, perhaps specifically the tribal leaders) and "my people" (the general populace). The imperative "Hear me" underscores the importance of his message, demanding careful attention to his final instructions and vision for the kingdom and the Temple.
* **"[As for me], I [had] in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD,"**: This reveals David's deep, personal desire and intention. The phrase "in mine heart" emphasizes the sincerity and passion behind his long-held ambition to construct a permanent, stable dwelling place for the Ark, which embodied the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This was not a political maneuver but a profound spiritual longing.
* **"and for the footstool of our God,"**: This clause further clarifies and elevates the significance of the Ark. By referring to it as "the footstool of our God," David uses a powerful metaphor that connects the earthly Ark to God's heavenly throne. It highlights the Ark's sanctity as the symbolic point of God's manifest presence and authority among His people.
* **"and had made ready for the building:"**: This final clause demonstrates David's proactive commitment despite knowing he would not personally build the Temple. He had diligently gathered vast quantities of materials (gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, stone) and resources, and likely made architectural plans, ensuring that the project could commence immediately under Solomon's leadership. This signifies his faithful stewardship and dedication to God's work, even if he would not see its completion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Solemn Address** is evident in David's act of standing and his direct command, "Hear me, my brethren, and my people," which elevates the speech's importance and demands the audience's full attention. This rhetorical device emphasizes the gravity of the transition of power and the sacred nature of the Temple commission. **Metaphor** is powerfully used in the phrase "the footstool of our God" to describe the Ark of the Covenant. This vivid imagery portrays God as a majestic, enthroned King, with the Ark serving as the symbolic base of His earthly presence. This metaphor not only underscores the Ark's immense sanctity but also reinforces God's sovereignty and immanence. Furthermore, the concept of a "house of rest" for the Ark functions as **Symbolism**, representing a desire for stability, permanence, and a settled relationship between God and His people, contrasting with the Ark's previous nomadic existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:2 beautifully illustrates the profound theological truth that while God is transcendent and cannot be contained by any structure, He graciously condescends to dwell among His people. David's passionate desire to build a "house of rest" for the Ark, "the footstool of our God," reflects a deep reverence for God's presence and a longing for a settled, permanent place for worship in the heart of the nation. This desire, though not fully realized by David himself, was honored by God and became the foundation for the Temple, which served as the focal point of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The verse also highlights the theme of divine sovereignty in choosing both the builder (Solomon) and the ultimate design, emphasizing that God's plans prevail over human intentions, no matter how noble.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build the Tabernacle")
* [Isaiah 66:1](/isaiah/66-1 "God's Transcendence and Dwelling")
* [Acts 7:48-50](/acts/7-48 "Stephen's Speech on God Not Dwelling in Temples Made with Hands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's earnest desire to build a "house of rest" for God's presence, even though God had a different plan for its execution, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values the sincere intentions of our hearts to serve Him, even when our specific plans or roles may not perfectly align with His ultimate will. David's meticulous preparations, despite knowing he wouldn't see the Temple completed, exemplify faithful stewardship and a commitment to laying foundations for future generations. We are called to invest in God's kingdom work with diligence and foresight, understanding that our efforts contribute to a larger, ongoing divine narrative that extends beyond our individual lifetimes. Furthermore, David's reverence for the Ark as "the footstool of our God" challenges us to prioritize and honor God's presence in our own lives and communities. While we no longer have a physical Ark, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, making us living temples of God. Our lives, therefore, should be "houses of rest" for the Spirit, characterized by holiness, worship, and a fervent desire to manifest God's presence in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "house of rest" or dwelling place for God's presence are you seeking to build in your life or community today, and how does your heart's desire align with God's ultimate will?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to make diligent preparations for future generations, even if you may not see the full fruit of your labor?**
* **How does your understanding of God's presence (through the Holy Spirit) shape your daily actions and your commitment to honoring Him?**

### FAQ

**Why was David not permitted to build the Temple, despite his desire?**

Answer: David's desire to build a "house of rest" for the Ark was noble and from a pure heart, as 1 Chronicles 28:2 clearly states. However, God revealed through the prophet Nathan that David, as a man of war who had shed much blood, was not the one chosen to build the Temple. Instead, this sacred task was reserved for his son, Solomon, a man of peace, whose reign would be characterized by rest from enemies. This divine decision is explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "God's Reason for David Not Building the Temple") and [1 Kings 5:3](/1_kings/5-3 "Solomon's Acknowledgment of David's Inability to Build"). This demonstrated God's sovereignty in choosing His instruments and emphasized that the Temple was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely ordained project, built by one whose hands were not stained by warfare.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's earnest desire to build a "house of rest" for the Ark of the Covenant, the "footstool of our God," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David sought to provide a physical dwelling for God's symbolic presence, Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. He proclaimed, "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 "Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the True Temple")). In Christ, God's presence is not confined to a building or an object, but fully embodied in a person, the [Word made flesh who dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation"). Furthermore, David's longing for a "house of rest" foreshadows the spiritual rest that Christ offers to all who come to Him. Jesus invites, "[Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")." He is the ultimate "rest" for our souls, providing a permanent, secure dwelling place for God's Spirit within believers ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, David's vision, though grand, pointed forward to the greater reality of Christ, who is both the true Temple where God dwells and the source of eternal rest for His 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

Isaiah 66:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?

Psalms 99:5

Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; [for] he [is] holy.

1 Chronicles 17:1

¶ Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD [remaineth] under curtains.

1 Chronicles 17:2

Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that [is] in thine heart; for God [is] with thee.

Lamentations 2:1

¶ How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, [and] cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!

Psalms 132:3

Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;

Psalms 132:8

Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.