1 Chronicles 22:8

But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

But the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to me, saying {H559}, Thou hast shed {H8210} blood {H1818} abundantly {H7230}, and hast made {H6213} great {H1419} wars {H4421}: thou shalt not build {H1129} an house {H1004} unto my name {H8034}, because thou hast shed {H8210} much {H7227} blood {H1818} upon the earth {H776} in my sight {H6440}.

But a message from ADONAI came to me, 'You have shed much blood and fought great wars. You are not to build a house for my name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth in my sight.

but this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You are not to build a house for My Name because you have shed so much blood on the ground before Me.

But the word of Jehovah came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build a house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 22:8 (KJV) records a pivotal moment in King David's life, explaining why he was not permitted to build the Temple, a task he deeply desired. The verse reveals God's specific instruction to David, highlighting the divine standard for the dwelling place of His name.

Context

This verse is part of David's charge to his son, Solomon, regarding the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. David had long harbored a desire to construct a magnificent house for the Ark of the Covenant, feeling it inappropriate for him to live in a cedar palace while the Ark resided in a tent (see 2 Samuel 7:2). However, through the prophet Nathan, God had previously revealed that David would not build the Temple, but his son would (1 Chronicles 17:11-12). Here, David explains the specific reason for this divine prohibition: his extensive involvement in warfare and the shedding of blood.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purity and Holiness: God's dwelling place, the Temple, was to be a symbol of His holiness and presence. The prohibition against David, a "man of war" who had "shed blood abundantly," emphasized a spiritual principle that the one who built the sanctuary should be associated with peace and purity rather than constant conflict. This doesn't imply David was unrighteous, but rather that the nature of his reign was incompatible with the symbolic purpose of the Temple's construction.
  • The Nature of the Builder: The task was reserved for Solomon, whose name means "peace" (from Hebrew shalom), and whose reign was characterized by a period of relative peace and prosperity (1 Kings 5:4). This illustrates God's careful selection of instruments for specific purposes, ensuring that the message conveyed by the builder aligned with the spiritual essence of the project.
  • God's Sovereignty and Plan: Despite David's fervent desire and righteous motives, God's ultimate plan and timing prevailed. This verse underscores that God's will is paramount, and He ordains the right person for the right task at the right time.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shed blood abundantly" (Hebrew: dam rab, literally "much blood") highlights the sheer volume of military engagements and casualties during David's reign. While David's wars were often fought by divine command and for the establishment of Israel's kingdom, the very act of constant warfare and bloodshed, regardless of its justification, marked him as a warrior. This contrasted with the envisioned character of a sanctuary dedicated to the Lord's peaceful presence among His people.

Practical Application

This verse offers several enduring lessons:

  • God's Specific Requirements: Even good intentions must align with God's specific will and character. David's desire to build the Temple was commendable, but God had a different plan for its builder.
  • Purpose and Preparation: God prepares individuals for specific tasks. David was prepared to establish the kingdom through warfare, while Solomon was prepared to consolidate it through peace and wisdom, culminating in the Temple's construction. We are all called to different roles in God's kingdom.
  • The Symbolism of Peace: The Temple's construction by a man of peace underscored that God's ultimate desire for His people is peace and harmonious fellowship, not perpetual conflict. This foreshadows the ultimate Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, who builds a spiritual house not made with hands (Ephesians 2:20-22).
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 5:3 (5 votes)

    Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:3 (5 votes)

    But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou [hast been] a man of war, and hast shed blood.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:4 (4 votes)

    Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:

  • 1 Chronicles 17:10 (4 votes)

    And since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.

  • 2 Samuel 7:5 (3 votes)

    Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?

  • 2 Samuel 7:11 (3 votes)

    And as since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

  • Numbers 31:20 (2 votes)

    And purify all [your] raiment, and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats' [hair], and all things made of wood.