1 Chronicles 29:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And give {H5414} unto Solomon {H8010} my son {H1121} a perfect {H8003} heart {H3824}, to keep {H8104} thy commandments {H4687}, thy testimonies {H5715}, and thy statutes {H2706}, and to do {H6213} all these things, and to build {H1129} the palace {H1002}, for the which I have made provision {H3559}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and give to Shlomo my son wholeheartedness to obey your mitzvot, instructions and rules, to do all these things, and to build the palace for which I have made provision."

Berean Standard Bible

And give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and carry out all Your commandments, decrees, and statutes, and to build Your palace for which I have made provision.”

American Standard Version

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 which I have made provision.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King David's fervent prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:19 is a profound intercession for his son Solomon, not merely for material success, but for a spiritual foundation of unwavering devotion. Having meticulously prepared vast resources for the construction of the Temple, David understood that the ultimate success of this divine enterprise, and indeed Solomon's reign, hinged on the king possessing "a perfect heart"—a heart wholly committed to God. This spiritual integrity was essential for Solomon to faithfully obey God's commandments, testimonies, and statutes, thereby enabling him to fulfill the monumental task of building the Lord's house, for which David had already made extensive provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within King David's final public address and prayer, recorded in [1 Chronicles 29](/1_chronicles/29 "1 Chronicles 29 - David's Prayer and Offerings"). Preceding this prayer, David has meticulously detailed his extensive preparations for the Temple's construction, including amassing immense wealth and materials, and has exhorted the people to contribute willingly, which they do with great generosity ([1 Chronicles 29:6-9](/1_chronicles/29-6 "1 Chronicles 29:6-9 - The People's Freewill Offering")). David's prayer, beginning in [1 Chronicles 29:10](/1_chronicles/29-10 "1 Chronicles 29:10 - David Blesses the Lord"), is a magnificent doxology acknowledging God's sovereignty, power, and ownership of all things. Within this larger prayer of dedication and thanksgiving, David transitions from celebrating the people's generosity and God's provision to a specific, earnest petition for Solomon. This shift underscores David's understanding that while material resources are vital, the spiritual condition of the one leading God's work is paramount. The prayer culminates David's lifelong desire to build a house for the Lord, a task ultimately entrusted to his son.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem was the most significant national and religious undertaking in Israel's history since the Exodus. It was to be the permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the center of Israelite worship, solidifying Jerusalem's role as the spiritual and political capital. Culturally, the king's spiritual state was intrinsically linked to the nation's well-being and prosperity. A king who walked in obedience to God's law was seen as bringing blessing upon his people, while a disobedient king could lead to national disaster. David, as the progenitor of the Davidic dynasty and the recipient of God's covenant promise ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), understood the immense responsibility placed upon Solomon. The request for a "perfect heart" reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of a ruler's integrity and devotion as foundational to a successful and blessed reign, especially when undertaking a sacred task like building God's house.
* **Key Themes:**
* **The Primacy of the Heart:** David's foremost request for Solomon is not for power, wealth, or military might, but for a "perfect heart." This concept, expressed by the Hebrew word _shalem_, signifies an undivided, wholehearted, and sincere devotion to God, rather than sinless perfection. It underscores the biblical emphasis on internal spiritual condition as the wellspring of all righteous action, echoing the call to [love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment").
* **Obedience as the Fruit of Devotion:** The "perfect heart" is directly linked to the ability "to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes." David recognized that true loyalty to God manifests in faithful adherence to His revealed will. This theme of obedience is foundational throughout Scripture, where keeping God's commands is presented not as a burden but as an expression of love ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Keeping God's Commandments")) and the path to blessing and wisdom ([Psalm 119:1-8](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Blessings of God's Law")).
* **Divine Provision and Human Responsibility:** While David had made extensive material provision for the Temple ([1 Chronicles 29:2-5](/1_chronicles/29-2 "1 Chronicles 29:2-5 - David's Provision for the Temple")), he understood that the ultimate success of the project depended on God's grace and Solomon's spiritual readiness. The verse highlights the tension and cooperation between God's sovereign plan and human agency; God provides the means and the call, but human faithfulness is required for its execution.
* **Legacy and Succession:** This prayer encapsulates David's deep paternal and spiritual concern for his son. It is a plea for Solomon to not only inherit the throne but also to inherit and faithfully continue the spiritual legacy of devotion to Yahweh. David's desire was for God's plan, particularly the building of the Temple ([1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Construction of the Temple Begins")), to be fulfilled through the next generation, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational faithfulness in God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _shalem'_):** This word, derived from the root _shalam_, means "whole," "complete," "sound," "sincere," or "undivided." It does not imply moral flawlessness or sinlessness, but rather an integrity of purpose and an undivided loyalty. A "perfect heart" is one that is fully committed to God, without reservation or competing allegiances. It is the opposite of a "divided heart" (cf. [Hosea 10:2](/hosea/10-2 "Hosea 10:2 - A Divided Heart")). The root is also connected to _shalom_, meaning "peace" or "wholeness," suggesting that a perfect heart is one at peace with God through complete devotion.
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This verb signifies "to watch," "to guard," "to observe," "to preserve," or "to obey." It implies active, diligent, and careful adherence to something. When applied to God's commandments, it means more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes a conscious effort to live in accordance with divine instructions, guarding them as precious treasures and observing them in daily life.
* **Commandments, Testimonies, Statutes (Hebrew, _mitzvot_, _edot_, _chuqqim'_):** These three terms collectively refer to God's law, but each carries a slightly different nuance.
* **Commandments (_mitzvot_):** General divine precepts, often moral or ethical injunctions.
* **Testimonies (_edot_):** Divine declarations or stipulations, often bearing witness to God's covenant relationship with Israel (e.g., the Ten Commandments as "testimonies").
* **Statutes (_chuqqim_):** Fixed ordinances, decrees, or regulations, often related to ritual or judicial matters.
Together, they emphasize the comprehensive nature of God's revealed will, covering all aspects of life and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart":** This is the core petition. David recognizes that Solomon's ability to rule and build the Temple is contingent upon his internal spiritual state. The request for God to "give" implies that such a heart is a divine gift, not something achievable by human effort alone, though it requires human willingness. It prioritizes spiritual integrity over all other kingly attributes.
* **"to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes":** This clause explains the practical outworking and purpose of a "perfect heart." An undivided heart is one that naturally seeks to obey God's comprehensive law. This obedience is not merely external compliance but flows from an internal desire to honor God's will in all areas of life.
* **"and to do all [these things]":** This phrase serves as a summary and intensification of the preceding clause. It emphasizes a complete and holistic obedience to God's entire revealed will, leaving no aspect of divine instruction unfulfilled. It signifies a life characterized by consistent and comprehensive adherence to God's ways.
* **"and to build the palace, [for] the which I have made provision":** This final clause connects the spiritual foundation to the tangible task. The "palace" here refers to the Temple, the "house of the Lord" (as seen in later verses and the broader context of 1 Chronicles). David acknowledges his diligent material preparations, but firmly establishes that the physical construction, despite all human effort and provision, ultimately depends on Solomon's spiritual faithfulness and God's enabling grace. The success of God's work rests on the spiritual integrity of His chosen instruments.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Supplication** is central, as David directly addresses God in prayer, making a specific and earnest request. The phrase "a perfect heart" functions as a powerful **metaphor** for spiritual integrity, undivided loyalty, and sincere devotion, contrasting with a heart that is divided or wavering. The listing of "thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes" demonstrates **enumeration** and **comprehensiveness**, emphasizing the totality of God's law that Solomon is called to obey. This tripartite structure also exhibits a form of **parallelism**, where similar concepts are presented in a reinforcing manner. Furthermore, the verse uses **juxtaposition** by placing the spiritual request ("a perfect heart" and obedience) immediately before the physical task ("to build the palace"), thereby highlighting the fundamental prerequisite of spiritual readiness for the successful execution of God's grand purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth that true effectiveness in God's service, especially in leadership, stems from an internal spiritual state of wholehearted devotion. David's prayer underscores the theological principle that God looks upon the heart ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")), and that outward actions of obedience and service are the natural overflow of an undivided commitment to Him. It connects the Davidic covenant's promise of an enduring dynasty with the condition of faithfulness, showing that while God's promises are sure, human responsibility for obedience remains vital for their manifestation in history. The emphasis on "giving" a perfect heart also speaks to divine grace, acknowledging that even the capacity for such devotion is a gift from God, yet one that must be earnestly sought and cultivated. This interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating that God equips those whom He calls to fulfill His purposes, but their willing and devoted heart is essential.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love God with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 51:10](/psalms/51-10 "Psalm 51:10 - A Clean Heart")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer for Solomon transcends its historical setting, offering profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to prioritize the condition of our hearts above all else, recognizing that our capacity to serve God, fulfill our callings, and influence others flows directly from our inner devotion to Him. Like Solomon, we are called to build God's "house"—whether that be our local church, our families, or our personal lives as temples of the Holy Spirit. This requires not just material resources or human skill, but first and foremost, a heart wholly committed to God's will. We are reminded to pray earnestly for ourselves, for our spiritual leaders, and for the next generation, that they may be granted and cultivate "perfect hearts" – hearts undivided in their loyalty to Christ, eager to obey His Word, and dedicated to His purposes. This prayer is a call to examine our own hearts, asking if our devotion is truly whole, and if our actions are genuinely rooted in love and obedience to God's comprehensive commandments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "a perfect heart" mean for my daily walk with God, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate such a heart?**
* **How does my obedience to God's "commandments, testimonies, and statutes" reflect the true condition of my heart and my love for Him?**
* **In what ways can I pray for spiritual integrity and wisdom for leaders in my life (pastors, civic leaders, parents) and for the younger generation, that they may fulfill God's purposes?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David praying for a "perfect heart" for Solomon?**

Answer: The significance lies in the Hebrew word _shalem_ (perfect), which implies "whole," "complete," or "undivided" in loyalty and devotion to God, rather than sinless perfection. David understood that Solomon's ability to rule justly and, crucially, to build the Temple, depended entirely on his internal spiritual state. A king with an undivided heart would faithfully obey God's laws, ensuring divine blessing for himself and the nation. Conversely, a king with a divided heart, like later kings of Israel and Judah, would lead the people astray and bring judgment. David's prayer reflects his deep understanding that spiritual integrity is the ultimate foundation for effective leadership and the successful accomplishment of God's will.

**Why does David mention "building the palace" when Solomon is to build the Temple?**

Answer: In the King James Version (KJV), the word "palace" here is a translation of the Hebrew word _bayith_, which can mean "house," "palace," or "temple." In the context of 1 Chronicles 29, it unequivocally refers to the "house of the Lord," or the Temple. David had made extensive provisions for this sacred structure, and his prayer for Solomon's "perfect heart" was specifically so that Solomon would be spiritually equipped to undertake and complete this monumental task. The KJV's use of "palace" might be slightly confusing to modern readers, but within the biblical narrative, it clearly points to the grand edifice dedicated to God's worship, for which David had prepared so diligently.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's prayer for Solomon, though specific to the building of the earthly Temple, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon, the son of David, was called to build a physical house for God; Jesus, the greater Son of David, came to build a spiritual house—His Church, the living Temple not made with human hands ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). While David prayed for Solomon to be given "a perfect heart," Jesus inherently possessed the truly perfect and undivided heart, perfectly obedient to His Father in every thought, word, and deed ([Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Perfect Obedience")). He perfectly kept all of God's commandments, testimonies, and statutes, fulfilling the Law in its entirety ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "provisions" David made for the earthly Temple foreshadowed the ultimate provision of Christ's atoning sacrifice, which enables believers to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit and become living stones in God's spiritual Temple ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Through Christ, we are given new hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling us to walk in the obedience that David desired for Solomon, and participating in the building of God's eternal kingdom.

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

Psalms 72:1

¶ [A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

1 Chronicles 22:14

Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Psalms 119:80

¶ Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

1 Chronicles 29:1

¶ 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.

1 Chronicles 29:2

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.