1 Chronicles 28:8

KJV

Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave [it] for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore in the sight {H5869} of all Israel {H3478} the congregation {H6951} of the LORD {H3068}, and in the audience {H241} of our God {H430}, keep {H8104} and seek {H1875} for all the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}: that ye may possess {H3423} this good {H2896} land {H776}, and leave it for an inheritance {H5157} for your children {H1121} after {H310} you for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now therefore, in the sight of all Isra'el, the community of ADONAI, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the mitzvot of ADONAI your God, so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants after you forever.

Berean Standard Bible

So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, keep and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever.

American Standard Version

Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of Jehovah, and in the audience of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of Jehovah your God; that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 28:8 presents King David's profound and public charge to the entire congregation of Israel, specifically addressing his son Solomon, regarding the paramount importance of diligent and holistic obedience to God's commandments. This instruction is framed not merely as a moral duty but as the indispensable condition for the continued secure possession of the Promised Land and its successful transmission as an enduring inheritance to future generations. The verse powerfully underscores the corporate and intergenerational responsibility of God's people to uphold His covenant, directly linking their fidelity to their national prosperity, stability, and enduring legacy in the land divinely bestowed upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within David's final, pivotal address to the assembled leaders of Israel and his chosen successor, Solomon, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Final Charge and Temple Plans"). David has gathered "all the officials of Israel, the tribal leaders, the commanders of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the valiant warriors" ([1 Chronicles 28:1](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1 - David Gathers Officials")). In the preceding verses, David recounts God's specific promises to him and Solomon, particularly concerning the building of the Temple and the establishment of Solomon's kingdom ([1 Chronicles 28:2-7](/1_chronicles/28-2-7 "1 Chronicles 28:2-7 - God's Promises to David and Solomon")). Verse 8 marks a crucial transition from divine promise to human responsibility, issuing a solemn, public charge to the entire congregation. It emphasizes that the fulfillment of these promises and the nation's continued blessing are contingent upon their collective and individual faithfulness to God's laws. This powerful exhortation precedes David's detailed presentation of the architectural plans for the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's illustrious reign is drawing to a close, and Israel stands at a critical juncture of succession and transition. The unified monarchy, consolidated and expanded under David's leadership, is about to pass into the hands of his son, Solomon. In the ancient Near East, a reigning monarch's final public address or testament carried immense weight and authority, often serving as a binding will, a solemn blessing, and a comprehensive charge to his successor and the entire populace. The "good land" explicitly refers to Canaan, the territory divinely promised to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")), which Israel had possessed through miraculous divine intervention and military conquest. However, the continued retention and enjoyment of this land were consistently understood to be conditional upon their unwavering obedience to the Mosaic Covenant, a principle articulated with profound emphasis in Deuteronomy ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")). David's address takes place within a grand public assembly, underscoring the corporate nature of their covenant relationship with God and the shared responsibility of all Israel before Him.
* **Key Themes:** The verse articulates several foundational themes central to Israel's identity and their covenantal relationship with Yahweh. First, **Obedience as the Foundation of Blessing** is paramount; the imperative to "keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God" is presented as the direct and non-negotiable prerequisite for possessing and retaining the land. This highlights the **Conditional Nature of Covenant Blessings**, a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch and historical books, where faithfulness consistently leads to prosperity and divine favor, while unfaithfulness results in judgment and potential exile, as seen in the warnings of [Deuteronomy 30:15-20](/deuteronomy/30-15-20 "Deuteronomy 30:15-20 - Choose Life or Death"). Second, the theme of **Intergenerational Inheritance** is profoundly significant, as the land is to be left "for an inheritance for your children after you for ever." This emphasizes the long-term, enduring consequences of the current generation's actions and their solemn responsibility to pass on a legacy of faith and obedience, securing the future for their descendants. Finally, the address to "all Israel the congregation of the LORD" underscores **Corporate Responsibility**, signifying that the nation's destiny and well-being are a collective endeavor, inextricably dependent on the faithfulness of the entire community, not merely its leaders or a select few.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This verb (H8104) fundamentally means "to guard," "to observe," "to preserve," or "to watch over." In the context of divine commandments, it implies a careful, diligent, and active observance and adherence, far beyond mere passive awareness or superficial compliance. It suggests a proactive effort to protect and uphold the divine statutes, much like a watchman diligently guards a city from harm or a custodian preserves a precious treasure. It speaks to a commitment to the integrity of God's law.
* **Seek for (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This verb (H1875) signifies "to inquire," "to diligently pursue," "to consult," or "to investigate." When paired with "keep," it profoundly intensifies the call to obedience, indicating that Israel is not just to outwardly obey but to actively and earnestly pursue a deep understanding of God's will, to delve into His laws, and to seek His face in all matters of life. It speaks to an internal disposition of heart, a proactive desire to know, understand, and passionately follow God's ways, implying a continuous, earnest engagement with His word.
* **Possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) means "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to dispossess." Here, it refers to the lasting, secure tenure and enjoyment of the land. The implication is that their continued occupation, flourishing, and secure enjoyment of the "good land" is directly and perpetually linked to their diligent and ongoing obedience. It is not a one-time acquisition but a conditional, enduring state dependent on their continuous faithfulness to the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God":** This powerful opening clause establishes the profound solemnity, public nature, and weighty accountability of David's charge. It is delivered before the entire assembled nation, signifying their corporate responsibility and shared destiny. Crucially, it is also delivered "in the audience of our God" (H241, _ʼôzen_, meaning "ear" or "hearing"), emphasizing divine witness, ultimate accountability, and the sacred, covenantal nature of the exhortation. This is not a private counsel but a covenantal imperative made before both human and divine witnesses.
* **"keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God":** This is the core imperative, a powerful and comprehensive double command for active, diligent, and exhaustive obedience. "Keep" (H8104, _shamar_) implies careful observance, guarding, and preserving of the laws, while "seek for" (H1875, _dârash_) suggests an earnest, proactive pursuit of understanding and living out God's will. The phrase "all the commandments" (H4687, _mitsvâh_) stresses the totality and comprehensiveness of their required obedience – no selective adherence or partial compliance is permitted; it demands full fidelity.
* **"that ye may possess this good land, and leave [it] for an inheritance for your children after you for ever":** This final clause articulates the direct, conditional blessings tied to their obedience. The purpose (_that ye may_) of their faithfulness is twofold and deeply significant: first, their continued secure possession (H3423, _yârash_) of the "good land" (H2896, _ṭôwb_ land, H776, _ʼerets_ meaning "earth" or "land," implying its quality and divine provision), which is Canaan. Second, and equally vital, is the ability to transmit this land as a permanent, intergenerational inheritance (H5157, _nâchal_) to their children (H1121, _bên_) after (H310, _ʼachar_) them for ever (H5769, _ʻôwlâm_, meaning "eternity" or "perpetuity"). This highlights the long-term, communal consequences of their actions, linking present obedience to future prosperity, stability, and an enduring national legacy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse functions as a powerful **Exhortation**, a direct, urgent, and authoritative call to action from a revered, dying leader to his people and successor. It is steeped in **Covenantal Language**, deeply rooted in the Deuteronomic tradition, where divine blessings, particularly the secure possession of the land, are explicitly conditioned upon faithful obedience to God's laws. The recurring phrase "good land" functions as a potent **Symbol**, representing God's faithfulness, His abundant provision, and the tangible manifestation of His covenant promises to Israel. The concept of leaving the land as an "inheritance for your children after you for ever" employs a profound **Intergenerational Motif**, emphasizing the enduring consequences of the current generation's actions and their solemn responsibility to secure the future and spiritual legacy for their descendants. Furthermore, the public setting, "in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God," utilizes **Witness Testimony**, lending immense gravity, solemnity, and accountability to David's charge, as it is made before both the entire community and the omnipresent God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Chronicles 28:8 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of covenant, obedience, and inheritance, reiterating a foundational truth established throughout Israel's history: God's blessings, particularly the possession of the land, were not unconditional but were contingent upon Israel's faithful adherence to His commandments. This principle, deeply embedded in the Mosaic Covenant, consistently runs through the Old Testament, demonstrating that while God's promises are steadfast and His character unwavering, their experiential realization often depends on human response and fidelity. The verse highlights the corporate nature of faith and responsibility, emphasizing that the destiny and well-being of the community are inextricably intertwined with the collective faithfulness of its members. This theme resonates powerfully with the New Testament understanding of the church as a corporate body, called to live in unity and obedience to Christ, impacting the world around it.

* [Deuteronomy 4:1](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1 - Obey to Live in the Land")
* [Joshua 1:7-8](/joshua/1-7-8 "Joshua 1:7-8 - Success Through Obedience to the Law")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1-3 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man's Delight in God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of 1 Chronicles 28:8 centers on Israel's physical land, its underlying principles of diligent obedience, corporate responsibility, and intergenerational legacy remain profoundly relevant and applicable for believers today. We are called not merely to passive assent to God's word or a superficial adherence to religious duties, but to an active, earnest, and holistic "keeping and seeking" of His will in every facet of our lives. This involves not only outward adherence to biblical commands but also an inward desire to understand, love, and passionately pursue God's truth, allowing it to transform our hearts and actions. Our faithfulness, both individually and corporately as the church, has far-reaching ripple effects, impacting not only our present spiritual "inheritance"—our experience of God's abundant blessings and the realities of His kingdom—but also profoundly influencing the spiritual legacy we pass on to future generations. Just as Israel's children would inherit the land, we are responsible for faithfully stewarding the spiritual truths, practices, and testimonies that will nourish and sustain the faith of those who come after us, ensuring that the "good land" of God's truth, presence, and redemptive work is preserved, cherished, and transmitted with integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways do I actively "keep" and "seek for" God's commandments in my daily life, moving beyond mere passive knowledge or occasional compliance?**
* **How does my personal obedience or disobedience contribute to or detract from the spiritual well-being and flourishing of my family, church, or broader community?**
* **What spiritual "inheritance" am I intentionally building and passing on to the next generation, and what practical steps can I take to ensure its lasting impact and faithfulness?**
* **Considering David's charge was delivered "in the audience of our God," how does the profound awareness of God's constant presence and witness influence my commitment to His revealed will?**

### FAQ

**What does "keep and seek for" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "keep and seek for" (Hebrew: _shamar_ and _dârash_) is a powerful, dual imperative that calls for a profound and holistic commitment, extending far beyond mere outward compliance. "Keep" (_shamar_) implies careful guarding, observing, and preserving God's commandments, much like a watchman diligently guards a city or a custodian protects a valuable treasure. It denotes a meticulous adherence and active protection of the law's integrity. "Seek for" (_dârash_) signifies an active, earnest pursuit, an inquiry, or a diligent investigation into God's will. Together, these verbs convey a comprehensive and internal disposition: not just rote obedience, but an inward desire, an intellectual engagement, and a diligent, proactive effort to understand and live by God's commandments in every aspect of life. It’s about a heart that yearns to know God's ways and a life that strives with intentionality to walk in them.

**How does the "good land" in this verse relate to believers today?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, the "good land" was the literal, physical territory of Canaan, promised by God and given as an inheritance, representing security, provision, and the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant. For believers today, while we do not inherit a physical land in the same way, the principle translates profoundly to our spiritual inheritance in Christ. This encompasses the abundant life found in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), the manifold spiritual blessings bestowed upon us in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), and ultimately, our eternal inheritance in the Kingdom of God ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inherit the Kingdom")). Our "possession" of this spiritual inheritance is not earned by human obedience but is a gracious gift received through faith in Christ alone. However, our experiential enjoyment, the flourishing, and the full realization of this inheritance in our daily lives are intrinsically linked to our ongoing obedience and faithfulness to God's revealed will, as we are called to "walk by the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")) and live in accordance with His truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Chronicles 28:8, with its profound emphasis on diligent obedience to God's commandments as the indispensable condition for possessing the good land and securing an enduring inheritance for future generations, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Israel, despite David's fervent charge, often failed to "keep and seek for" God's commandments, leading to cycles of disobedience, judgment, and eventual exile from the land, Jesus perfectly embodied this very obedience. He declared, "[I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love](/john/15-10 "John 15:10 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father")" and "[I always do the things that are pleasing to him](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")". Through His perfectly obedient life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Christ secured the ultimate "good land" – not a temporal, earthly territory, but the eternal Kingdom of God itself. Believers, through saving faith in Him, are adopted as children of God and become "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), inheriting not merely a physical land but an eternal spiritual reality, culminating in a new heavens and a new earth ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, what Israel sought to possess through their imperfect and conditional obedience, we receive as a gracious and secure inheritance through the perfect, vicarious obedience of the Son, who is the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Deuteronomy 5:32

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

Deuteronomy 6:3

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do [it]; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

Ezra 9:12

Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children for ever.

Proverbs 2:1

¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Proverbs 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Isaiah 34:16

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.