1 Chronicles 28:3

But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou [hast been] a man of war, and hast shed blood.

But God {H430} said {H559} unto me, Thou shalt not build {H1129} an house {H1004} for my name {H8034}, because thou hast been a man {H376} of war {H4421}, and hast shed {H8210} blood {H1818}.

But God said to me, 'You are not to build a house for my name, because you are a man of war, you have shed blood.'

but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has spilled blood.’

But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build a house for my name, because thou art a man of war, and hast shed blood.

Commentary

In 1 Chronicles 28:3, King David recounts to the assembly God's specific reason for forbidding him from building the Temple. Despite David's fervent desire and extensive preparations, God declared that David was not the chosen one for this sacred task because he had been "a man of war" and had "shed blood." This verse highlights God's particular standards for the one who would construct His dwelling place on earth, emphasizing purity and peace.

Context

This verse is part of David's final public address to the leaders of Israel, just before his death. He is commissioning his son, Solomon, to build the Temple, a project David himself had longed to undertake. God had previously communicated this prohibition to David through the prophet Nathan, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:5-13, and David reiterated this divine command to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 22:8. David had dedicated his reign to securing the kingdom and subduing its enemies, a necessary but often violent role for the king of Israel at that time. While David's actions were often divinely sanctioned and crucial for the nation's survival and establishment, they rendered him unsuitable for the peaceful task of building God's house.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Choice: God has the ultimate authority to choose who will perform specific tasks for His kingdom. Despite David's excellent intentions and devout heart, God had a different plan and a different person for this particular work.
  • Purity and Peace: The Temple, as God's dwelling place, was to symbolize peace and holiness. The builder needed to reflect this. David, though righteous in many ways, was consistently engaged in warfare. In contrast, Solomon, whose name means "peace," was chosen for this task, indicating a new era of tranquility for Israel under his reign.
  • God's Holiness: The prohibition underscores the profound holiness and distinct nature of God. His dwelling place was to be set apart, built by hands not associated with the necessary bloodshed of war, even righteous war.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a man of war" (Hebrew: ish milchamah) vividly describes David's primary role throughout much of his life. He was a skilled warrior and strategist, responsible for many military campaigns that secured Israel's borders and established its power. The accompanying phrase "hast shed blood" (Hebrew: damim shafachta) refers to the act of taking life, even in the context of battle. It's important to note that this was not necessarily a condemnation of David's actions as sinful, but rather a practical and symbolic distinction. The Temple was to be a place of worship and peace, and its construction was designated for one whose hands were not accustomed to the work of war.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • God's Diverse Callings: God uses different people for different purposes. While David was called to establish the kingdom through battle, Solomon was called to build the Temple in a time of peace. We should recognize and respect the distinct callings God places on individuals, understanding that everyone has a unique role in His greater plan.
  • The Importance of Purity: While we are no longer under the Old Testament sacrificial system, the principle of purity in God's service remains. Our spiritual "temple" (believers are living stones in a spiritual house) should be built on foundations of peace, reconciliation, and holiness.
  • God's Standards: God's ways are higher than our ways. Even with the best intentions, our plans must align with His specific will and character. This reminds us to seek God's guidance and timing in all our endeavors for His kingdom.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 22:8 (6 votes)

    But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:4 (5 votes)

    Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:

  • 2 Chronicles 6:8 (4 votes)

    But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:

  • 2 Chronicles 6:9 (4 votes)

    Notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name.

  • 1 Kings 5:3 (4 votes)

    Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.

  • 2 Samuel 7:5 (3 votes)

    Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?

  • 2 Samuel 7:13 (3 votes)

    He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.