1 Chronicles 23:25

For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:

For David {H1732} said {H559}, The LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} hath given rest {H5117} unto his people {H5971}, that they may dwell {H7931} in Jerusalem {H3389} for ever {H5769}:

For David said, "ADONAI the God of Isra'el has given rest to his people, and he lives in Yerushalayim forever.

For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever.

For David said, Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath given rest unto his people; and he dwelleth in Jerusalem for ever:

Commentary

1 Chronicles 23:25 records King David's profound declaration concerning God's faithfulness and the established peace for His people. This verse is situated during David's twilight years, as he meticulously organizes the Levites and prepares for the construction of the Temple by his son, Solomon.

Context

This statement by David serves as a theological foundation for the elaborate preparations for the Temple service detailed in the subsequent chapters of 1 Chronicles. After years of warfare and the nomadic existence of the Ark of the Covenant, God had brought a period of relative peace and stability to Israel. David had conquered Jerusalem, making it the political and spiritual capital, and now, the time was ripe for a permanent dwelling place for the Ark, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The "rest" David speaks of is not merely a break from war, but a settled, secure state, allowing for the full establishment of organized worship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision of Rest: The verse highlights God's active role in providing peace and security. The "rest" (Hebrew: nuakh) signifies a cessation from wandering and conflict, allowing the people to be firmly established in their promised land. This concept of rest is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with God's covenant blessings after periods of struggle, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:10.
  • Significance of Jerusalem: David's statement underscores the importance of Jerusalem as the chosen city where God's people would "dwell... for ever." This refers to its enduring status as the spiritual and political center of Israel, the place where God's presence would be uniquely manifested through the Temple. It symbolizes the permanence of God's covenant with His people and the stability of the Davidic dynasty, as promised in 2 Samuel 7:16.
  • Foundation for Worship: This period of rest and stability was essential for the detailed organization of the Levitical service, which was David's primary focus in these chapters. With the people settled in Jerusalem, the elaborate system of Temple worship could finally be instituted without interruption.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rest," nuakh, carries the connotation of settling down, quietness, and a cessation from labor or trouble. It implies a state of security and peace. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: l'olam) indicates a long-lasting, perpetual, or enduring state. While not necessarily implying infinite literal time for every individual in Jerusalem, it points to the enduring nature of God's covenant and the permanent establishment of His presence and worship in that city.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse speaks to the ultimate rest and security found in God. Just as God provided a physical and spiritual dwelling place for Israel, He promises a spiritual rest for His people through Christ. This concept of rest extends beyond physical peace to the peace of conscience and security in God's presence, foreshadowing the eternal rest that remains for the people of God. It reminds us that God's plan is to establish His people in a secure and lasting relationship with Him, centered around His presence.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 22:18 (5 votes)

    [Is] not the LORD your God with you? and hath he [not] given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.

  • 2 Samuel 7:11 (5 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.

  • Psalms 132:13 (5 votes)

    For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation.

  • Psalms 132:14 (5 votes)

    This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

  • 2 Samuel 7:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

  • Zechariah 8:3 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

  • Psalms 135:21 (4 votes)

    Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.