1 Chronicles 28:20

KJV

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} to Solomon {H8010} his son {H1121}, Be strong {H2388} and of good courage {H553}, and do {H6213} it: fear {H3372} not, nor be dismayed {H2865}: for the LORD {H3068} God {H430}, even my God {H430}, will be with thee; he will not fail {H7503} thee, nor forsake {H5800} thee, until thou hast finished {H3615} all the work {H4399} for the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David said to Shlomo his son, "Be strong, be bold, and do it! Don't be afraid or become discouraged! For ADONAI, God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or abandon you until all the work for the service in the house of ADONAI has been finished.

Berean Standard Bible

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

American Standard Version

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for Jehovah God, even my God, is with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until all the work for the service of the house of Jehovah be finished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:20 captures King David's poignant and powerful final charge to his son Solomon, as the young king-elect stood poised to embark on the colossal and sacred undertaking of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse serves as a profound theological statement, interweaving the divine imperative for human courage and diligence with the steadfast promise of God's unwavering presence and faithfulness, assuring Solomon that the LORD Himself would empower and sustain him through the completion of this monumental, divinely-ordained task.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of David's preparations for the Temple's construction and the formal transfer of power to Solomon. In the preceding verses of [1 Chronicles 28](/1-chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon"), David has gathered all the officials of Israel, publicly declared Solomon as God's chosen successor, and presented him with the detailed plans for the Temple, which David himself received "by the hand of the LORD" ([1 Chronicles 28:19](/1-chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - David's Divine Blueprint")). David also provided immense quantities of materials and encouraged the people to give generously. Verse 20, therefore, is not merely paternal advice but a solemn, public commissioning, a spiritual baton pass from the seasoned king to his inexperienced son, emphasizing the divine backing essential for such a monumental and sacred project. It underscores the continuity of God's covenant purposes through successive generations of leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a central sanctuary was a long-held aspiration in Israel, dating back to the wilderness tabernacle. For centuries, the ark of the covenant had no permanent home, reflecting a nomadic past. Building the Temple in Jerusalem would signify the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people, solidifying Jerusalem's status as the spiritual and political capital. Culturally, kings were often seen as great builders, and a magnificent temple would enhance the prestige of both the king and the nation. However, the scale of this project—requiring vast resources, skilled labor, and complex organization—was unprecedented for Israel. Solomon, a relatively young and untried king, would face immense pressure and potential opposition. David's words acknowledge the daunting nature of the task and provide the spiritual and psychological fortitude necessary for Solomon to overcome the challenges inherent in such a grand, national undertaking.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Commission and Empowerment:** David's exhortation to "Be strong and of good courage" is not a mere platitude but a theological echo of God's own charge to leaders like Joshua when facing immense tasks, as seen in [Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua"). It signifies that Solomon's work is not merely a human endeavor but a divinely appointed mission, for which God Himself will provide the necessary strength, wisdom, and resources. This theme underscores that God equips those He calls.
* **God's Unfailing Presence and Faithfulness:** The core promise, "for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee," is a foundational covenantal assurance. It directly addresses the potential for human fear and inadequacy, grounding Solomon's courage in the immutable character of God. This promise resonates with earlier divine assurances given to Israel, such as in [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail or Forsake"), affirming God's unwavering commitment to His purposes and His people.
* **Overcoming Fear and Dismay:** David explicitly commands Solomon, "fear not, nor be dismayed." This acknowledges the natural human response to overwhelming challenges. The antidote to such fear is not self-reliance but a confident trust in God's active presence and sustaining power. This theme highlights the spiritual battle against doubt and anxiety that often accompanies significant callings.
* **Purpose-Driven Perseverance:** The promise of God's presence and faithfulness is explicitly tied to the completion of the task: "until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD." This emphasizes that divine support is not passive but active and enduring, empowering Solomon to see the entire project through to its successful conclusion. It underscores that God's faithfulness enables His servants to persevere in His work until it is fully accomplished.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Be strong and of good courage (Hebrew, _chazaq v'ametz'_):** This imperative phrase, חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ, is a powerful and recurring motif in the Old Testament, particularly used when commissioning individuals for daunting, divinely-ordained tasks. "Chazaq" (חֲזַק) implies to be strong, firm, or resolute, often in a physical or military sense, but here it extends to mental and spiritual fortitude. "Ametz" (אֱמָץ) means to be strong, valiant, or courageous, emphasizing inner resolve and boldness. Together, they form a comprehensive command for unwavering determination and resilience, rooted not in self-confidence but in trust in God's power and presence. This phrase was famously used for Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land ([Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua")), underscoring the magnitude and divine backing of Solomon's mission.
* **will not fail thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrew, _lo yarpeka v'lo ya'azveka'_):** This double negative promise, לֹא יַרְפְּךָ וְלֹא יַעַזְבֶךָּ, is a profound expression of God's covenant faithfulness. "Yarpeka" (יַרְפְּךָ) comes from the root meaning "to let drop, relax, abandon, or fail," suggesting that God will not loosen His grip or withdraw His support. "Ya'azveka" (יַעַזְבֶךָּ) means "to leave, forsake, or abandon," indicating that God will not desert Solomon or leave him alone in the task. This promise is absolute and unconditional in its commitment to God's chosen servant for His specific purpose, echoing similar assurances given to Moses and Joshua ([Deuteronomy 31:6, 8](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail You") and [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")). It is the bedrock upon which Solomon's courage is to be built.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said to Solomon his son":** This opening establishes the speaker, David, and the recipient, Solomon, highlighting the paternal authority and wisdom being passed down. It underscores the personal nature of the charge, yet given in a public context, making it both an intimate encouragement and a formal commissioning.
* **"Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]:":** This is a direct, emphatic command from David, mirroring divine imperatives found throughout scripture. "Be strong and of good courage" calls for inner fortitude and resolute determination, while "and do [it]" (referring to the work of building the Temple) demands practical action and diligent execution. It is a call to both spiritual and practical readiness.
* **"fear not, nor be dismayed:":** This negative command directly addresses the emotional and psychological challenges Solomon might face. "Fear not" (אַל תִּירָא - *al tira'*) warns against terror or dread, while "nor be dismayed" (וְאַל תֵּחָת - *v'al techat*) speaks against being broken, disheartened, or overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task. It is an exhortation to maintain composure and confidence in the face of daunting circumstances.
* **"for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee;":** This clause provides the foundational reason and ultimate source for Solomon's courage. The phrase "the LORD God, even my God" emphasizes both God's universal sovereignty (LORD God) and His personal covenant relationship with David and, by extension, with Solomon ("my God"). The promise "will be with thee" is the ultimate assurance, signifying God's active, empowering, and protective presence, which is the true antidote to fear and dismay.
* **"he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,":** This reiterates and strengthens the promise of God's presence, providing specific details of His unwavering commitment. It assures Solomon that God will not withdraw His support, abandon him, or allow him to be defeated in the task He has commissioned. This is a covenant promise of steadfast loyalty and enduring help.
* **"until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.":** This final clause specifies the duration and purpose of God's unfailing presence. God's support is not temporary but extends throughout the entire process, guaranteeing the successful completion of the monumental project. The phrase "the work for the service of the house of the LORD" underscores the sacred, divinely-ordained nature of the Temple building, emphasizing that it is a holy task for God's glory and worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, seen in David's direct commands: "Be strong and of good courage," "do [it]," "fear not," and "nor be dismayed." These commands are not suggestions but forceful directives, reflecting the gravity of the task and the authority of the one commissioning. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the negative commands ("fear not, nor be dismayed") and the divine promises ("he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee"), which emphasizes the comprehensive nature of both the human challenge and the divine assurance. The phrase "Be strong and of good courage" functions as an **Echo** or **Allusion** to previous divine commissions, particularly to Joshua ([Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua")), linking Solomon's task to the grand narrative of God's redemptive history and the pattern of divine empowerment for His chosen leaders. The entire verse is imbued with **Covenant Language**, particularly in the promise of God's unfailing presence and non-abandonment, which is a hallmark of God's relationship with His people throughout the Old Testament. Finally, the "house of the LORD" functions as a **Symbol** of God's dwelling among His people, representing His presence, His holiness, and the center of Israelite worship and identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:20 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that divine calling is always accompanied by divine enablement. It underscores God's faithfulness to His purposes, even when those purposes are carried out through fallible human agents. The promise that God "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" is not merely a personal assurance to Solomon but a foundational principle of God's character revealed throughout Scripture. It teaches that our courage and perseverance in God's work are not self-generated but flow from a confident reliance on His unwavering presence and power. This verse bridges the gap between human responsibility and divine sovereignty, demonstrating that while God commissions us to "do it," He also guarantees His active participation and sustaining grace until the work is complete. It reminds us that no task for God is too great when God Himself is with us.

* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail You")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's charge to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20 offers profound and timeless encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the principles of divine calling, courage, and God's faithfulness transcend historical contexts. Just as Solomon faced a daunting, unprecedented task, we too are called to participate in God's kingdom work, whether in our vocations, families, communities, or ministries, often encountering challenges that feel overwhelming. This verse invites us to confront our fears and anxieties not with self-reliance, but with a deep-seated trust in the same God who promised to be with Solomon. It teaches us that God equips those He calls, and His presence is the ultimate source of strength and courage. When we feel inadequate or overwhelmed by the "work for the service of the LORD" placed before us, we can cling to the assurance that He will not fail us nor forsake us, empowering us to persevere until His purposes are fulfilled through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "work for the service of the LORD" has God called you to undertake, and what specific challenges or fears do you face in pursuing it?**
* **How does the promise of God's unfailing presence and non-abandonment (He "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee") impact your approach to daunting tasks or seasons of doubt?**
* **In what practical ways can you "be strong and of good courage" in your daily life, drawing strength from God's faithfulness rather than your own abilities?**

### FAQ
**Why was David forbidden from building the Temple, and why was Solomon chosen instead?**

Answer: David passionately desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the ark of the covenant, but God revealed through the prophet Nathan that David, as a "man of war" who had shed much blood, was not the one chosen for this peaceful task ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1-chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Hands of Blood") and [1 Kings 5:3](/1-kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3 - David's Wars")). Instead, God chose Solomon, whose name means "peace" (from *shalom*), to build the Temple during a time of peace and rest for Israel ([1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1-chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - Solomon, Man of Peace")). This decision highlighted God's sovereignty in choosing His instruments and underscored the Temple's purpose as a place of peaceful worship and communion, rather than a monument built by conquest.

**Is the promise "he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" only for great leaders like Solomon, or does it apply to all believers?**

Answer: While this promise was given specifically to Solomon for a monumental task, its underlying principle of God's unwavering faithfulness is a foundational truth for all believers. The New Testament affirms this promise for all who are in Christ. For instance, [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God Will Never Leave You") quotes a similar Old Testament promise, applying it universally: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Jesus Himself promised His disciples, and by extension all believers, His perpetual presence: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Jesus' Promise of Presence")). Therefore, while the context was specific, the divine character it reveals—God's steadfast loyalty and commitment to His people—is a timeless assurance for every Christian as they undertake the "work for the service of the LORD" in their lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 28:20, with David's charge to Solomon to "Be strong and of good courage" and the promise of God's unfailing presence in the building of the Temple, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon built a physical temple, a shadow of God's dwelling, Christ is the true and greater Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate builder of God's spiritual house, the Church, composed of living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones of God's House")). Just as Solomon was commissioned for a divine work, Jesus was sent by the Father to accomplish the greatest work of all—redemption and reconciliation. His commission to His disciples, to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," came with the same bedrock assurance: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). The Holy Spirit, promised by Christ, empowers believers to "be strong and of good courage" in their mission, ensuring that God's presence will "not fail" or "forsake" them ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Ultimately, the "work for the service of the house of the LORD" culminates not in a physical structure, but in the New Jerusalem, where God's presence is so complete that there is no need for a temple, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")), signifying the finished work of Christ and His eternal dwelling with 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 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Deuteronomy 31:7

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.