1 Chronicles 28:21

And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, [even they shall be with thee] for all the service of the house of God: and [there shall be] with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people [will be] wholly at thy commandment.

And, behold, the courses {H4256} of the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881}, even they shall be with thee for all the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship {H4399} every willing {H5081} skilful man {H2451}, for any manner of service {H5656}: also the princes {H8269} and all the people {H5971} will be wholly at thy commandment {H1697}.

See, there are the divisions of the cohanim and L'vi'im for all the service in the house of God. For every kind of work, you will have with you every man who is willing and skilled, for every kind of service. Also the captains and all the people will be completely at your disposal."

The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of the house of God, and every willing man of every skill will be at your disposal for the work. The officials and all the people are fully at your command.”

And, behold, there are the courses of the priests and the Levites, for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee in all manner of work every willing man that hath skill, for any manner of service: also the captains and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 28:21 concludes David's profound charge to his son Solomon concerning the monumental task of building the Temple. This verse serves as a powerful assurance, highlighting the comprehensive support and resources that would be available to Solomon for this divine undertaking.

Context

This verse is found within David's final address to Solomon and the leaders of Israel, where he outlines God's plan for the Temple. Having received the divinely inspired blueprint for the Temple, David is now empowering Solomon, emphasizing that he would not be alone in this immense endeavor. The preceding verses detail David's personal commitment and the provision of materials, setting the stage for this declaration of human resources and organizational support.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision of Resources: The verse underscores God's commitment to equipping those He calls. Solomon is assured that the necessary personnel—priests, Levites, and skilled craftsmen—would be readily available for the "service of the house of God." This reflects a fundamental biblical principle that God provides for His work.
  • Organized and Willing Service: David highlights the established "courses" of the priests and Levites, indicating a structured and orderly approach to ministry. Furthermore, the emphasis on "every willing skilful man" points to the importance of both competence and a ready heart in serving God. This voluntary and expert contribution was crucial for the detailed work of the Temple.
  • Unified Support and Leadership: The promise that "the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment" signifies a complete national commitment to the Temple project. It emphasizes the importance of unified leadership and the people's obedience in fulfilling God's will, ensuring that Solomon would have the full backing of the nation's spiritual and civil authorities. This collective effort was essential for the success of such a grand undertaking.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "courses" (Hebrew: machlekot) refers to the divisions or groups of priests and Levites that David had organized for their rotating duties in the sanctuary, ensuring continuous service. This speaks to the meticulous planning and order in the worship of God.
  • The phrase "willing skilful man" combines two crucial qualities for service: willingness (a heart inclined to serve) and skillfulness (the necessary ability or expertise). This combination was vital for the intricate and sacred work of the Temple, echoing similar calls for willing hearts and skilled hands in the construction of the Tabernacle.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 28:21 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God Equips His People: Just as God provided for Solomon, He continues to provide the necessary gifts, talents, and people for His work in the church and the world. We are never called to serve in our own strength alone.
  • Value of Skill and Willingness: Every believer has a role to play, and both our innate abilities (skill) and our readiness to serve (willingness) are valuable to God. Whether in leadership, teaching, practical service, or creative endeavors, our contributions are vital.
  • Importance of Unity and Support: The success of any spiritual endeavor, like the building of God's kingdom today, relies on the unity and cooperation of all its members. Leaders need the support of the people, and the people thrive under godly leadership, working together towards a common divine purpose. This principle is vital for the health and effectiveness of the church, as highlighted in Ephesians 4:16 regarding the body of Christ working together.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that when God calls His people to a task, He also provides the resources, the structure, and the willing hearts necessary to accomplish it for His glory.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 24:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:26 (3 votes)

    The sons of Merari [were] Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.

  • Romans 13:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:17 (2 votes)

    ¶ David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, [saying],

  • 1 Chronicles 22:18 (2 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.

  • Psalms 110:3 (2 votes)

    Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

  • Exodus 35:25 (2 votes)

    And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, [both] of blue, and of purple, [and] of scarlet, and of fine linen.