1 Kings 5:5

And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.

And, behold, I purpose {H559} to build {H1129} an house {H1004} unto the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, as the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto David {H1732} my father {H1}, saying {H559}, Thy son {H1121}, whom I will set {H5414} upon thy throne {H3678} in thy room, he shall build {H1129} an house {H1004} unto my name {H8034}.

So now I intend to build a house for the name of ADONAI my God, in keeping with what ADONAI said to David my father, 'Your son, whom I will put on your throne in your place, will be the one to build the house for my name.'

So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’

And, behold, I purpose to build a house for the name of Jehovah my God, as Jehovah spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build the house for my name.

Commentary

1 Kings 5:5 presents King Solomon's foundational declaration regarding the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse marks a pivotal moment, as Solomon communicates his resolve to fulfill a divine mandate passed down from his father, King David.

Context

Following King David's reign, marked by numerous wars, his son Solomon inherited a kingdom enjoying relative peace and prosperity. This verse is part of Solomon's communication with Hiram, King of Tyre, an ally who had also supplied David. Solomon acknowledges that God had granted him rest from enemies, creating the ideal conditions for a monumental undertaking: the building of a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for Israelite worship. David himself had desired to build this house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:2), but God had reserved that task for his son, Solomon, a man of peace.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The verse directly references God's promise to David that his son would build the Temple. This highlights God's faithfulness and the orderly progression of His plan through generations. This promise is crucial to the Davidic covenant, establishing the permanence of David's dynasty and the building of the Temple.
  • Solomon's Dedication: Solomon's declaration, "I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God," demonstrates his commitment to God's will and his role as a spiritual leader. It emphasizes that this was not merely a construction project, but a sacred duty.
  • Divine Timing and Peace: The period of peace and rest granted by God was essential for such a massive undertaking. It suggests that divine work often flourishes in times of tranquility and stability.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "build an house unto the name of the LORD my God" is significant. The Hebrew word for "name" (shem) encompasses more than just a title; it represents God's entire character, reputation, authority, and presence. Building "unto the name" means dedicating the structure to God's glory and worship, making it a place where His presence would be uniquely manifested and where His covenant people could encounter Him. It signifies that the Temple's purpose was to honor and glorify God above all else.

Practical Application

Solomon's commitment to building the Temple serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. Just as Solomon was called to build a physical house for God's name, Christians are called to be spiritual houses, built up by God's Spirit (1 Peter 2:5). This verse encourages us to:

  • Honor God's Promises: Recognize and act upon the divine calls and promises in our lives.
  • Embrace Our Role: Understand that God works through people across generations to accomplish His purposes.
  • Seek Peace for Purpose: Value and steward periods of peace and stability as opportunities to devote ourselves to God's work.

Ultimately, 1 Kings 5:5 highlights the importance of obedience, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the enduring purpose of God's presence among His people.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 17:12 (7 votes)

    He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:10 (7 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 7:12 (5 votes)

    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

  • 2 Samuel 7:13 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 28:6 (5 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:10 (4 votes)

    Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do [it].

  • Zechariah 6:12 (3 votes)

    And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: