1 Chronicles 29:1

KJV

¶ Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, [is yet] young and tender, and the work [is] great: for the palace [is] not for man, but for the LORD God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Furthermore David {H1732} the king {H4428} said {H559} unto all the congregation {H6951}, Solomon {H8010} my son {H1121}, whom alone {H259} God {H430} hath chosen {H977}, is yet young {H5288} and tender {H7390}, and the work {H4399} is great {H1419}: for the palace {H1002} is not for man {H120}, but for the LORD {H3068} God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To the whole community, David the king said, "Shlomo my son is the only one God has chosen. But he is still young and inexperienced, whereas the work to be done is great; because the palace is not for anyone human, but for ADONAI, God.

Berean Standard Bible

Then King David said to the whole assembly, “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great because this palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.

American Standard Version

And David the king said unto all the assembly, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great; for the palace is not for man, but for Jehovah God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:1 opens King David's final public address to the assembled congregation of Israel, a pivotal moment marking the formal transition of leadership and the commencement of the Temple building project. In this profound declaration, David publicly affirms his son Solomon as his divinely appointed successor and the chosen architect of God's house, simultaneously acknowledging Solomon's youth and inexperience while underscoring the immense, sacred nature of the task, emphasizing that the Temple's ultimate purpose is solely for the glory of the LORD God, not for human aggrandizement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful opening to David's final public address to the entire congregation of Israel, a speech that culminates the extensive preparations for the Temple's construction. Chapters 22-28 of 1 Chronicles detail David's meticulous organization of resources, materials, and personnel for the sacred project, even though God had explicitly forbidden David himself from building the Temple due to his history of warfare, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "God's Command to David Regarding the Temple"). Chapter 28 saw David privately charge Solomon with the task and provide him with the architectural plans. Chapter 29, therefore, marks the public ratification of Solomon's role and a call for the people's support and generous contribution, ensuring a seamless and divinely sanctioned transition of the most significant national and spiritual undertaking in Israel's history. The verse sets the tone for a speech filled with praise, thanksgiving, and a profound theological understanding of God's sovereignty and the nature of true worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a central sanctuary was a long-held aspiration for Israel, envisioned as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the visible manifestation of God's presence among His people, a concept deeply rooted in the wilderness tabernacle. David, having established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual capital, desired to build a magnificent Temple, symbolizing the stability of the monarchy and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine representatives responsible for building temples to their gods, and these structures were typically grand expressions of royal power and divine favor. David's public declaration in this verse, therefore, not only legitimizes Solomon's succession but also frames the Temple project within Israel's unique covenantal relationship with Yahweh, distinguishing it from pagan temple constructions by explicitly stating its divine, not human, purpose.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 29:1 encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the books of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, emphasizing that Solomon's kingship and his specific role in building the Temple were not merely a matter of political succession but a direct divine mandate, as David explicitly states Solomon is "whom alone God hath chosen." This resonates with God's choosing of David himself and the establishment of his dynasty, a theme found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David") and [1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11 "The Davidic Covenant"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Human Inadequacy and Divine Enablement**, as David acknowledges Solomon's "young and tender" state, underscoring that the monumental "work is great" and can only be accomplished through God's empowering grace, not human strength alone. Finally, and most profoundly, the verse articulates the theme of **God's Transcendent Glory and the Purpose of Worship**, declaring that "the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God." This sets the ultimate spiritual standard for the Temple, asserting that its sole purpose is for God's honor, worship, and the establishment of His covenant presence, a principle that should govern all service and devotion to God, as seen in the call to worship God in spirit and truth in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "Worship in Spirit and Truth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bachar'_):** The verb בָּחַר (_bachar_), meaning "to choose" or "to select," carries significant theological weight in the Old Testament. Here, it emphasizes that Solomon's appointment is not merely a dynastic decision but a direct, sovereign act of God. This divine election elevates Solomon's role beyond human politics, imbuing it with sacred authority and purpose. It signifies God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His specific selection of individuals for His redemptive plans, a theme consistently seen from Abraham's call to the selection of Israel as God's covenant people.
* **Young and Tender (Hebrew, _na'ar va'rak'_):** The phrase נַעַר וָרָךְ (_na'ar va'rak_) literally translates to "youthful and soft" or "boy and weak." This vivid description highlights Solomon's lack of maturity, experience, and robust strength, especially in comparison to the formidable task ahead. David's honest assessment serves not to diminish Solomon, but to magnify the divine enablement that would be necessary for him to undertake such a colossal and sacred project. It shifts the focus from human capability to God's empowering grace, reinforcing the idea that God often uses those who appear unqualified by human standards to accomplish His great purposes.
* **Palace (Hebrew, _birah'_):** The word בִּירָה (_birah_) typically refers to a fortified castle, citadel, or royal residence, often implying grandeur and strength. Its use here to describe the Temple elevates its status beyond a simple house to a magnificent, royal dwelling fit for a sovereign King. This choice of word underscores the Temple's monumental scale, its sacred nature as the dwelling place of the King of the universe, and its centrality to the nation's life, truly a fitting abode for the "LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation,"**: This opening clause establishes the setting and audience for David's momentous declaration. The "congregation" refers to the entire assembly of Israel's leaders, officials, and people, indicating the public and official nature of this address. David, as king, exercises his authority to formally present the divine mandate for the Temple and Solomon's role.
* **"Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen,"**: Here, David publicly designates Solomon as his successor, but more importantly, he emphasizes the divine hand in this appointment. The phrase "whom alone God hath chosen" is crucial, asserting that Solomon's selection for both kingship and the Temple project is not a mere human decision but a unique, sovereign act of God. This divine election provides Solomon with undeniable legitimacy and underscores the sacred nature of his task.
* **"[is yet] young and tender,"**: David honestly assesses Solomon's human limitations. The phrase "young and tender" (Hebrew: _na'ar va'rak_) points to Solomon's relative inexperience and immaturity for such a monumental undertaking. This acknowledgment serves to highlight the magnitude of the task and implicitly points to the necessity of divine wisdom and strength for Solomon to succeed. It also sets a tone of humility, recognizing that human ability alone is insufficient.
* **"and the work [is] great:"**: This clause explicitly states the immense scale and significance of the task at hand. The "work" refers specifically to the construction of the Temple, a project of unprecedented architectural, logistical, and spiritual magnitude for Israel. This declaration prepares the congregation for the immense resources, dedication, and collective effort that will be required.
* **"for the palace [is] not for man, but for the LORD God."**: This culminating statement provides the ultimate theological rationale and purpose for the Temple. By calling it a "palace" (Hebrew: _birah_), David emphasizes its grandeur and royal nature. The crucial distinction "not for man, but for the LORD God" clarifies that the Temple's construction is not for human glory, comfort, or political display, but exclusively for the honor, worship, and dwelling of Yahweh Elohim, the sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel. This sets the spiritual standard for the entire endeavor, ensuring its focus remains on divine glory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Emphasis** is clearly seen in David's repeated assertion of Solomon's divine election ("whom alone God hath chosen"), underscoring the theological weight of the succession. **Contrast** is effectively used to highlight the disparity between Solomon's "young and tender" state and the "great" work, drawing attention to the need for divine intervention and enablement. Furthermore, a powerful **Antithesis** is present in the final declaration: "the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God." This sharp opposition clarifies the ultimate purpose and sacred nature of the Temple, distinguishing it from any human-centric project and elevating it to a realm of divine dedication. The use of the term "palace" for the Temple also functions as **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a grand royal dwelling stands in for the magnificent and sacred house of God, emphasizing its majesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:1 profoundly articulates the principle that divine calling often precedes human qualification, and that God's work, being inherently great, necessitates a focus on His glory rather than human achievement. David's public acknowledgment of Solomon's youth and God's exclusive choice for him to build the Temple underscores a consistent biblical theme: God delights in using the seemingly unqualified or the humble to accomplish His grand purposes, thereby ensuring that the glory redounds to Him alone. This verse sets the stage for a project that is not merely an architectural feat but a theological statement about God's presence, sovereignty, and the proper object of worship. The Temple, as the "palace... for the LORD God," serves as a tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people and the centrality of His covenant relationship.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "God Looks at the Heart")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Isaiah 66:1-2](/isaiah/66-1 "God's Throne and Dwelling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 29:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's calling often transcends our perceived human limitations. Just as Solomon was "young and tender" yet chosen for a "great work," we are encouraged to embrace God's assignments with humility and faith, recognizing that our sufficiency comes from Him. This verse challenges us to evaluate the ultimate purpose of our endeavors, whether in ministry, our professions, or daily life. Are our "palaces" – our projects, aspirations, and achievements – truly "for the LORD God," or are they primarily for human recognition or self-glory? A genuine dedication to God's glory transforms every task, however mundane or magnificent, into an act of worship, aligning our efforts with His eternal purposes and ensuring that His name is magnified through our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "young and tender" or unqualified for a task God might be calling you to?**
* **How does the declaration "the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God" challenge your perspective on success, ambition, and the ultimate purpose of your work?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your daily activities and long-term goals are truly dedicated "for the LORD God"?**

### FAQ
**Why did David not build the Temple himself, and why was Solomon chosen?**

Answer: David passionately desired to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant, but God forbade him from doing so because he was a man of war who had shed much blood, as explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "God Forbids David from Building the Temple"). Instead, God promised David that his son, Solomon, a man of peace, would build the Temple. Solomon was chosen by God alone, as David declares in [1 Chronicles 29:1](/1_chronicles/29-1 "David's Proclamation of Solomon's Divine Election"), not merely through human succession but by divine election, signifying God's sovereign hand in appointing leaders and fulfilling His purposes through specific individuals, even those who might seem "young and tender."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 29:1, with its emphasis on a divinely chosen son building a "palace... for the LORD God," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Temple and the Son who builds it: Jesus Christ. While Solomon built a magnificent physical structure, it was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God. Jesus, the greater Son of David, is the one "whom alone God hath chosen" in the ultimate sense, as declared at His baptism and transfiguration ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism"); [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "God's Voice at the Transfiguration")). Though appearing in human weakness, He undertook the "great work" of redemption, a work far grander than any physical edifice. He is not merely the builder but the very embodiment of God's presence, the true Temple, as He Himself declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and His Resurrection"), speaking of the temple of His body. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus builds a spiritual "palace" – the Church – composed of believers, who are living stones, a "spiritual house" for God's dwelling ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones, Spiritual House")). Thus, the ultimate "palace is not for man, but for the LORD God" is fulfilled in Christ, who perfectly reveals God and through whom God dwells among His people forever, making us part of His eternal sanctuary.

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 22:5

And David said, Solomon my son [is] young and tender, and the house [that is] to be builded for the LORD [must be] exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will [therefore] now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.

1 Kings 3:7

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.

2 Chronicles 13:7

And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

1 Chronicles 29:19

And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all [these things], and to build the palace, [for] the which I have made provision.

Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.

Jeremiah 1:7

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

1 Chronicles 28:1

¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.