1 Chronicles 28:6

KJV

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto me, Solomon {H8010} thy son {H1121}, he shall build {H1129} my house {H1004} and my courts {H2691}: for I have chosen {H977} him to be my son {H1121}, and I will be his father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Moreover, he said to me, 'Shlomo your son will build my house and courtyards, for I have chosen him to be a son to me, and I will be a father to him.

Berean Standard Bible

And He said to me, ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him as My son, and I will be his Father.

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:6 records a profound divine declaration delivered by King David to his son Solomon, affirming God's sovereign choice and specific mandate for Solomon to construct the Temple in Jerusalem. This pivotal verse not only designates Solomon as the builder of God's physical dwelling place but also establishes a unique, intimate covenantal relationship, wherein God pledges to be a father to Solomon, and Solomon is chosen to be His son, underscoring themes of divine election, filial adoption, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within David's final public address to the assembled leaders of Israel, including his son Solomon, as recounted in 1 Chronicles 28. Having gathered all the necessary materials and plans for the Temple, David formally charges Solomon with the sacred task of building God's house. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 28:2-5) detail David's fervent desire to build the Temple himself, God's prohibition due to David's history as a man of war, and God's promise that Solomon would be the one to accomplish this work. This specific declaration in verse 6 serves as a direct divine confirmation of Solomon's unique calling and the covenantal basis for his kingship and the Temple project, setting the stage for David's subsequent instructions regarding the Temple's construction and the transfer of the kingdom to Solomon.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, likely near the end of David's reign, a period of relative peace and consolidation for the Israelite kingdom. David, having secured the nation's borders and established Jerusalem as its capital, now focuses on the spiritual center of the nation. The concept of a permanent temple for Yahweh was revolutionary, as God's presence had previously resided in the portable tabernacle. Building a magnificent temple was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern kings, often seen as a way to honor their deities and legitimize their rule. However, for Israel, this Temple would be the unique dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The divine choice of Solomon, a younger son, over his elder brothers, also speaks to God's sovereign prerogative, often seen in biblical narratives where God chooses the unexpected (e.g., Jacob over Esau, David over his brothers).
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 28:6 powerfully articulates several overarching themes central to the Chronicler's narrative and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Election and Sovereignty**, highlighting that Solomon's role as Temple builder and king was not merely a matter of human succession but a direct, purposeful choice by God, as seen in the declaration "I have chosen him." This choice extends beyond a task, establishing a profound **Covenantal Sonship**, echoing the promises made to David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "The Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7"), where God pledges to be a father to David's descendant and establish his kingdom forever. This filial relationship signifies divine protection, guidance, and intimacy, elevating Solomon's kingship to a divinely ordained status. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Mandate to Build God's House**, emphasizing the centrality of the Temple as the designated place for God's presence and worship, a theme that permeates the books of [1 and 2 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bāḥar'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate and purposeful selection, often implying a preference or election for a specific role or relationship. In this context, God's "choosing" of Solomon emphasizes divine initiative and sovereignty, indicating that Solomon's appointment was not accidental or merely humanly determined, but part of God's overarching plan. It underscores the idea of a divine calling that precedes and enables human action.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bēn'_):** While literally meaning "son" in a biological sense, in covenantal contexts, "son" often denotes a special relationship of dependence, inheritance, and loyalty. Here, God's declaration, "I have chosen him to be my son," transcends mere biological lineage, establishing a unique, adoptive, and covenantal bond. It implies divine protection, guidance, and the bestowal of authority and favor.
* **Father (Hebrew, _'āv'_):** This term denotes the head of a family, a source of life, authority, and provision. When God declares, "I will be his father," it signifies a profound commitment to Solomon, promising paternal care, discipline, and unwavering support. This relationship is foundational, guaranteeing God's active involvement in Solomon's reign and the Temple project.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me, Solomon thy son,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker as God ("he said unto me," referring to David) and identifies the recipient of the divine promise: Solomon, David's son. It highlights the direct nature of God's revelation to David concerning his successor, lending divine authority to Solomon's future role.
* **"he shall build my house and my courts:"**: This is the explicit divine mandate. Solomon's primary task, as ordained by God, is the construction of the Temple ("my house") and its surrounding areas ("my courts"). This emphasizes the sacred nature of the project and its importance as the central place of worship and the dwelling of God's presence among His people.
* **"for I have chosen him [to be] my son,"**: This clause provides the divine rationale and foundation for Solomon's appointment. His selection as the Temple builder is rooted in God's sovereign choice to enter into a unique filial relationship with him. The phrase "chosen him [to be] my son" signifies a covenantal adoption, elevating Solomon's status beyond that of a mere earthly king to one specially designated and beloved by God.
* **"and I will be his father."**: This final clause reiterates and reinforces the covenantal relationship. God's promise to act as Solomon's father assures divine protection, guidance, and unwavering commitment. It signifies a relationship of intimacy, authority, and reciprocal loyalty, ensuring that God would actively uphold and sustain Solomon in his monumental task and throughout his reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Oracle** is evident, as the passage presents God's direct words to David, conveying a clear and authoritative message. The use of **Covenant Language** is paramount, particularly in the phrases "I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father," which directly echo and affirm the promises of the Davidic Covenant found in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "The Davidic Covenant"). This establishes a formal, binding agreement between God and Solomon. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Solomon's role as the builder of God's house and his unique sonship prefigure the ultimate Son of God, Jesus Christ, who would build a spiritual house not made with hands. The structure also exhibits a form of **Chiasm** or **Parallelism** in the "son...father" relationship, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the divine-human bond established by God's choice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:6 is a cornerstone verse, deeply rooted in the theological framework of the Davidic Covenant and God's unwavering faithfulness. It underscores God's sovereign right to choose and appoint individuals for specific purposes, not based on human merit or primogeniture, but according to His divine will. The establishment of a father-son relationship with Solomon signifies a unique intimacy and commitment, assuring divine protection and guidance for the monumental task of building the Temple. This divine election and covenantal sonship are not merely for Solomon's benefit but serve a broader redemptive purpose: to establish a physical dwelling for God among His people, symbolizing His presence and facilitating worship, thereby maintaining the covenant relationship with Israel.

* [2 Samuel 7:13-14](/2_samuel/7-13 "God's promise to David about his son and the Temple")
* [Psalm 89:26-27](/psalm/89-26 "The Lord's covenant with David and his offspring")
* [Hebrews 1:5](/hebrews/1-5 "God's declaration of sonship to Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound declaration in 1 Chronicles 28:6 offers timeless insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, sovereignly choosing and equipping individuals for His purposes. Just as Solomon was chosen for a specific, grand task, every believer is called to participate in God's ongoing work in the world. This verse encourages us to recognize God's hand in our lives, trusting that He not only calls us but also provides the necessary resources, guidance, and intimate relationship to fulfill our unique assignments. The promise "I will be his father" reveals God's deep desire for a personal, protective, and nurturing relationship with His children, inviting us into a profound spiritual sonship. This fatherly care assures us that as we endeavor to build God's "house" – whether through our lives, our communities, or our service – He is faithfully with us, sustaining and empowering us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you sense God's specific calling or assignment, and how does the concept of God "choosing" you for this purpose impact your perspective?**
* **How does understanding God's promise, "I will be his father," deepen your trust in His provision and protection in your own life?**
* **What does it mean for you to be a "son" or "daughter" of God in a covenantal sense, and how does this relationship shape your identity and actions?**
* **While Solomon built a physical temple, how are believers today called to contribute to building God's "spiritual house" or kingdom in the world?**

### FAQ
**Was Solomon the only one chosen by God for a specific task?**

Answer: No, Solomon was certainly not the only one chosen by God for a specific task. The Bible is replete with examples of God sovereignly choosing individuals for unique roles and purposes. From Abraham, chosen to be the father of a great nation ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "God's call to Abraham")), to Moses, chosen to deliver Israel from slavery ([Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "God's call to Moses")), and the prophets, chosen to speak God's word, divine election is a consistent theme. In the New Testament, Jesus chose His disciples ([John 15:16](/john/15-16 "Jesus chooses His disciples")), and Paul was specifically chosen to be an apostle to the Gentiles ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "God chooses Paul for ministry")). Solomon's election in 1 Chronicles 28:6 is a particular instance within a broader biblical pattern of God's sovereign choice and calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 28:6, with its declaration of Solomon as God's chosen son and the builder of His house, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon built a magnificent physical Temple, a structure that would eventually be destroyed, Jesus is the true and eternal Son of God, not by adoption but by divine nature ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh")). He is the ultimate "builder" of God's house, not a temple made of stone, but a spiritual temple comprised of believers, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Believers as a holy temple in the Lord")). Just as God promised to be a father to Solomon, He is eternally the Father of Jesus, and through Christ, all believers are adopted as sons and daughters, gaining access to this same intimate filial relationship with God ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4 "Adoption as sons through Christ")). Solomon's kingship was temporary and flawed, but Jesus's reign is eternal and perfect, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "The eternal reign of Jesus")). Thus, Solomon serves as a profound type, pointing forward to the one who would perfectly embody divine sonship, perfectly fulfill God's will, and perfectly establish God's enduring dwelling place among humanity.

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

2 Samuel 7:13

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

2 Samuel 7:14

I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

1 Chronicles 22:10

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

Hebrews 3:6

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Hebrews 3:3

For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

2 Chronicles 1:9

Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.