1 Chronicles 22:6 - Meaning and Application

Though Solomon was young and tender, he was still able to receive instruction, and David gave him that instruction about the work he was chosen for. When David came to the throne, he had many things to set in order because the nation was in disorder. Solomon, however, had only one main task, to build a house for the Lord God of Israel (1 Chronicles 22:6).

David first explains why he did not build the temple himself. He had wanted to do it (1 Chronicles 22:7), but God forbade him because he had shed much blood (1 Chronicles 22:8). Some think this means the blood of Uriah, which brought shame on David and made him unfit for such an honor. But that could not be the main reason, because God had already kept him from this work before that sin happened. So the words must refer, as the passage itself explains, to the blood David shed in his wars. He had been a man of war from his youth, and though those wars were just and honorable in God’s service, they still made him less fit for a work of peace than someone who had not been called to such bloody labor. By giving this reason, God showed how precious human life is to him. He also pointed ahead to the one who would build the gospel temple, not by destroying lives, but by saving them (Luke 9:56).

David then gives Solomon the reason this task was placed on him. First, God had chosen him for it. A son would be born to David, named Solomon, and he would build a house for God’s name (1 Chronicles 22:9, 1 Chronicles 22:10). Nothing encourages us more in God’s service than knowing he has appointed us for it. Second, Solomon would have the time and peace to do the work. He would be a man of rest, with no enemy disturbing him abroad and no trouble at home, so he could give himself to building the temple. The lesson is clear, when God gives rest, he expects work. Third, God had promised to establish Solomon’s kingdom. That promise should move him to honor God, because God had honor in store for him. If Solomon built God’s house, God would build up his throne. God’s gracious promises should stir us to faithful service.

David also explains the great preparations he had already made for the building (1 Chronicles 22:14). He does not speak proudly, but humbly, as if it were a small thing, saying, in effect, that he had prepared in his poverty. He says this to encourage Solomon to go forward gladly, since such a solid foundation had already been laid. The amount of gold and silver named here is so large that many interpreters think there may be a copying error, or that the word talent means a smaller piece of metal than usual. Another view is that a definite number is used for an indefinite one, since the passage later says there was no number for the gold and silver, as well as for the brass and iron (1 Chronicles 22:16). David likely included all the dedicated gifts he had set apart for the Lord’s house (1 Chronicles 18:11), not only for the building itself but also for its stored wealth. Taken together, these gifts may well have been described in this very large way. We often use hundreds and thousands in this broad sense, to mean a great amount rather than an exact count.

David also charges Solomon to keep God’s commandments and watch his whole duty carefully (1 Chronicles 22:13). Solomon must not think that building the temple would give him any freedom to sin. On the contrary, his work would not be accepted if he did not carefully obey the statutes the Lord gave through Moses (1 Chronicles 22:13). Even though he was to be king over Israel, he still remained a subject of the God of Israel.

David encourages him to take on this great work and keep going in it (1 Chronicles 22:13). “Be strong and courageous.” Though the task was large, Solomon did not need to fear being like the foolish builder who started and could not finish. This was God’s work, and God would bring it to completion. So David tells him not to fear or be discouraged. We need that same courage and steady heart in our spiritual work as well as in spiritual warfare.

He also urges Solomon not to rest in what had already been prepared, but to add to it (1 Chronicles 22:14). Those who take up the work others have begun, and who build on their efforts, must still keep improving what they have received.

David ends by praying for him: “May the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel” (1 Chronicles 22:12). Whatever duty we are given, if we see that God has put us in it and called us to it, we may hope that he will also give us the wisdom to carry it out. Solomon may have remembered this prayer when he later prayed for himself, “Lord, give me a wise and understanding heart.” David finishes by saying, “Get up and do the work, and the Lord be with you” (1 Chronicles 22:16). The hope of God’s presence should not make us lazy. Even when the Lord is with us, we must rise and act. And if we do, we have good reason to believe he is with us and will remain with us. Work out your salvation, and God will work in you.