1 Chronicles 28:21

KJV

And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, [even they shall be with thee] for all the service of the house of God: and [there shall be] with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people [will be] wholly at thy commandment.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, the courses {H4256} of the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881}, even they shall be with thee for all the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship {H4399} every willing {H5081} skilful man {H2451}, for any manner of service {H5656}: also the princes {H8269} and all the people {H5971} will be wholly at thy commandment {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

See, there are the divisions of the cohanim and L'vi'im for all the service in the house of God. For every kind of work, you will have with you every man who is willing and skilled, for every kind of service. Also the captains and all the people will be completely at your disposal."

Berean Standard Bible

The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of the house of God, and every willing man of every skill will be at your disposal for the work. The officials and all the people are fully at your command.”

American Standard Version

And, behold, there are the courses of the priests and the Levites, for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee in all manner of work every willing man that hath skill, for any manner of service: also the captains and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:21 stands as a powerful declaration of divine provision and comprehensive support for Solomon's monumental task of building the Temple. David assures his son that God would not only provide the necessary blueprint and materials but also an abundance of human resources—from the established divisions of priests and Levites to every willing and skilled craftsman, all operating under the unified command of the nation's leaders and people. This verse encapsulates the principle that when God calls His servants to a task, He meticulously equips them with all that is needed for its successful and glorious completion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes David's profound and multi-faceted charge to Solomon and the assembled leaders of Israel regarding the construction of the Temple. The preceding verses in [1 Chronicles 28](/1-chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon") detail David's personal commitment to the project, his revelation of the divinely inspired blueprint for the Temple and its furnishings (explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 28:19](/1-chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - The Divinely Inspired Blueprint")), and his provision of vast quantities of gold, silver, and other precious materials. Having laid the spiritual and material foundations, David now turns to the human element, assuring Solomon that the necessary personnel and collective will of the nation would be fully behind him, solidifying the comprehensive nature of God's provision for this sacred undertaking. The verse acts as a final, encouraging affirmation of the unified support Solomon would receive.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was the most significant national project in Israelite history since the building of the Tabernacle. Culturally, the Temple was to be the central place of worship, sacrifice, and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, making its construction a matter of paramount religious and national importance. David's organization of the priests and Levites into "courses" (divisions) for rotating service (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1-chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-26 - Organization of Levites and Priests")) was a critical administrative reform ensuring continuous and orderly worship. The concept of "willing" and "skilful" contributions was deeply rooted in Israelite tradition, echoing the voluntary offerings and skilled craftsmanship essential for the Tabernacle's construction (e.g., [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Willing and Skilled Hearts for the Tabernacle")). The king, as God's anointed leader, was responsible for initiating and overseeing such national endeavors, but their success relied on the unified support of the people and their subordinate leaders.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in Chronicles. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Provision and Empowerment** is central, demonstrating that God equips those He calls, providing not only spiritual guidance and material resources but also the necessary human capital. Secondly, the verse highlights **Organized and Dedicated Service**, emphasizing the importance of structured ministry (the "courses") alongside the individual's willing heart and specialized skill in serving God. This reflects the Chronicler's concern for proper worship and temple protocol. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Unity and Corporate Responsibility**, portraying the entire nation—from spiritual leaders to civil authorities and the common people—as united under Solomon's leadership for a divinely ordained purpose. This collective effort, marked by obedience and cooperation, was crucial for the successful execution of God's will, mirroring the importance of unity in the post-exilic community for whom the Chronicler wrote.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Courses (Hebrew, _maḥălqōṯ_):** This term refers to the pre-established divisions or rotating shifts of priests and Levites that King David had meticulously organized (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1-chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-26 - David's Organization of Priests and Levites")). It signifies a highly structured, orderly, and continuous system of service within the sanctuary. The mention of these "courses" here assures Solomon that the spiritual and administrative backbone for the Temple's operation was already in place, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing ministry.
* **Willing (Hebrew, _nāḏîḇ_):** This adjective denotes a noble, generous, or spontaneous willingness, often implying a free-will offering of oneself or one's resources without compulsion. When applied to a "man," it describes someone whose heart is inclined to serve, eager to contribute, and not motivated by obligation alone. This quality was paramount for the sacred work of the Temple, indicating a spirit of devotion and cheerful participation.
* **Skilful (Hebrew, _ḥāḵām_):** This word signifies wisdom, intelligence, or expertise, particularly in craftsmanship or practical knowledge. It describes someone who possesses the necessary technical ability, artistry, and discernment to execute intricate and precise work. The combination of "willing" and "skilful" emphasizes that both the right heart attitude and the requisite competence are essential for effective service in God's house.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, [even they shall be with thee] for all the service of the house of God:"** This clause provides the primary assurance of spiritual and administrative support. David reminds Solomon that the established, organized divisions of the clergy—the priests and Levites—would be ready and available to assist him. Their presence signifies not only spiritual guidance but also the practical management of the Temple's complex rituals, maintenance, and daily operations, ensuring that the sacred service would be performed according to divine order.
* **"and [there shall be] with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service:"** This part expands the scope of support to include all necessary craftsmanship and labor. It promises Solomon a supply of individuals who possess both the intrinsic desire to serve ("willing") and the practical ability ("skilful") to execute the intricate and diverse tasks involved in building and furnishing the Temple. This highlights the importance of human talent and dedication in bringing God's architectural vision to fruition.
* **"also the princes and all the people [will be] wholly at thy commandment."** This final clause broadens the scope of support to the entire nation, from the highest civil authorities ("the princes") to the general populace ("all the people"). Their being "wholly at thy commandment" signifies complete submission, cooperation, and unified backing for Solomon's leadership in this divine project. It underscores the national commitment to God's house and ensures that no political or social resistance would hinder the Temple's construction, emphasizing the collective responsibility and obedience required for God's work.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive assurance and support. There is strong **Emphasis** through repetition of "with thee" and "for all," underscoring the abundant and universal nature of the resources available to Solomon. The phrase "every willing skilful man, for any manner of service" utilizes **Hyperbole** to convey the idea of an inexhaustible supply of qualified individuals for every conceivable task. The mention of "the princes and all the people" is a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the leaders and the general populace) represents the whole nation, signifying complete national unity and obedience. Finally, the overall structure of the verse, moving from spiritual personnel to skilled laborers and then to national leadership, creates a sense of **Climax**, building to a grand declaration of total, unified support for Solomon's divine mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:21 beautifully illustrates God's principle of equipping those He calls. Just as David assures Solomon of comprehensive support for the Temple, so too does God provide the necessary resources—spiritual, material, and human—for His work in every generation. This verse reminds us that God's plans are never contingent on our limited abilities alone, but on His infinite capacity to supply. It underscores the importance of both divine enablement and human cooperation, where individual gifts and collective unity converge for a greater purpose. The meticulous organization of the priests and Levites, combined with the willing hearts and skilled hands of the craftsmen, speaks to the value God places on order, competence, and joyful service within His kingdom. The unified support of the princes and people further emphasizes the corporate nature of God's work, where leadership and followership work in harmony to fulfill a divine mandate.

* [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Willing and Skilled Hearts for the Tabernacle")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - The People's Willingness to Build")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 28:21 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today, whether in personal callings or corporate ministry. It reminds us that when God places a task before us, He does not leave us to our own devices. Instead, He provides a network of support, a diversity of gifts, and the collective will of His people. This should inspire confidence and diminish feelings of inadequacy, knowing that our sufficiency comes from Him who calls us. We are challenged to identify our own "willing and skilful" contributions, recognizing that every talent and every heart yielded to God is valuable for His kingdom work. Furthermore, the verse highlights the indispensable role of unity and mutual submission within the body of Christ. Just as Solomon needed the princes and people to be "wholly at his commandment," so too does effective ministry require a spirit of cooperation, respect for leadership, and a shared vision among all members. This unity is not about blind obedience but about aligning our individual efforts with God's overarching purpose, fostering a healthy and productive environment for spiritual growth and outreach.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Temple" project has God called you to be a part of, and how might this verse encourage you in that endeavor?**
* **In what ways are you exercising your "willing" heart and "skilful" hands for the service of God's "house" (the church or His kingdom)?**
* **How can you better support your spiritual leaders and contribute to the unity of your faith community, reflecting the "wholly at thy commandment" principle?**
* **Where do you see God's provision of "courses of priests and Levites" (spiritual leaders and organized ministry) and "willing skilful men" (gifted individuals) in your current context?**

### FAQ
**What does "courses of the priests and the Levites" refer to, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "courses" (Hebrew: _maḥălqōṯ_) refer to the organized divisions or rotating shifts of priests and Levites that King David established for their service in the sanctuary. This meticulous organization, detailed in [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1-chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-26 - David's Organization of Levites and Priests"), ensured that there was a continuous and orderly system for carrying out the various duties associated with the worship of God, including sacrifices, music, gatekeeping, and treasury management. Its significance in [1 Chronicles 28:21](/1-chronicles/28-21 "1 Chronicles 28:21 - David's Assurance of Support for Solomon") is that it assures Solomon that the spiritual and administrative infrastructure for the Temple's operation was already firmly in place, providing a ready and structured workforce for the sacred service.

**Why is there an emphasis on "willing" and "skilful" men for the Temple's construction?**

Answer: The emphasis on both "willing" (Hebrew: _nāḏîḇ_, noble, generous) and "skilful" (Hebrew: _ḥāḵām_, wise, expert) men highlights the dual qualities essential for sacred service. "Willingness" speaks to the heart attitude—a cheerful, voluntary, and devoted spirit, which is paramount in serving God. It echoes the spirit seen in the construction of the Tabernacle, where people gave willingly from their hearts (e.g., [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Willing and Skilled Hearts for the Tabernacle")). "Skillfulness" speaks to the competence and expertise required for the intricate and precise work of building and furnishing God's house. Both qualities are necessary because a willing heart without skill might lead to inefficiency, and skill without a willing heart might lack devotion or joy. God desires service that is both excellent in execution and pure in motivation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 28:21, with its emphasis on a divinely equipped workforce for the earthly Temple, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual expansion in Jesus Christ and His Church. The Temple, as the dwelling place of God, foreshadowed Christ Himself, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Fullness")). Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). Just as Solomon was assured of comprehensive support, Christ, as the Head of the Church, builds His spiritual Temple—the community of believers—and is eternally assured of all necessary resources. He equips His "priests and Levites" (all believers, a "royal priesthood" according to [1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), providing spiritual gifts and ministries for the "service of the house of God" ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")). Every "willing skilful man" finds his ultimate purpose in Christ, as the Holy Spirit empowers believers with diverse talents for the building up of the body ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1-corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")). Furthermore, the unity of "princes and all the people" under Solomon's command prefigures the perfect unity and submission of the Church to Christ's headship, where all members, from leaders to the newest convert, work together in harmony to fulfill the Great Commission, demonstrating that God's ultimate plan of redemption is accomplished through a unified, Spirit-empowered people serving under the perfect leadership of the True King.

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 24:1

¶ Now [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

1 Chronicles 24:26

The sons of Merari [were] Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.

Romans 13:1

¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

1 Chronicles 22:17

¶ David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, [saying],

1 Chronicles 22:18

[Is] not the LORD your God with you? and hath he [not] given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.

Psalms 110:3

Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Exodus 35:25

And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, [both] of blue, and of purple, [and] of scarlet, and of fine linen.