1 Chronicles 22 13

1 Chronicles 22:13 kjv

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

1 Chronicles 22:13 nkjv

Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the LORD charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed.

1 Chronicles 22:13 niv

Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

1 Chronicles 22:13 esv

Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

1 Chronicles 22:13 nlt

For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the LORD gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!

1 Chronicles 22 verses

1 Chronicles 22 13 Meaning

This verse articulates a profound principle of covenant blessing and leadership. It assures success and prosperity if one diligently observes and puts into practice the divine decrees and judgments, which the LORD commanded through Moses for Israel. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful exhortation to be strong and courageous, freeing one from the paralyzing grip of fear and discouragement when pursuing God's will. It directly connects spiritual fidelity with practical success in life's endeavors, especially in leadership and service to God.

1 Chronicles 22 13 Context

This verse is part of David's instruction to his son Solomon regarding the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Chapter 22 begins with David's preparations for the Temple, having gathered vast quantities of materials. Realizing he would not build the Temple himself due to being a man of war (v. 8), he charges his son Solomon with the task. David had a profound desire to build a "house of rest" for the ark of the covenant, representing God's presence among His people. He informs Solomon of the divine promise that Solomon would be a "man of rest" and would build this house (v. 9-10). The preceding verses (v. 11-12) emphasize that God would be with Solomon and grant him wisdom and understanding for the task, with this specific verse (v. 13) serving as a direct, conditional exhortation for Solomon's success in carrying out this divinely appointed mission and leading the nation righteously. The historical context reflects a key transition in Israelite monarchy, from a warring king (David) to a king of peace (Solomon), and the establishment of a central place of worship, all governed by the enduring covenant relationship with the LORD.

1 Chronicles 22 13 Word analysis

• Then you will prosper:

  • Original Hebrew: וְאָז תַּצְלִיחַ (ve'az tatzliach)
  • ve'az: "and then" or "then" - indicating a consequence, a direct result of the preceding condition.
  • tatzliach (from root צָלַח, tzalach): To succeed, prosper, advance, be fruitful. It encompasses success in one's undertakings, achieving desired outcomes, and experiencing a positive progression in life. This is not mere material gain but holistic success, particularly in one's divine mission or responsibilities. This term is frequently associated with those who walk in God's ways (e.g., Josh 1:7-8).

• if you are careful to observe:

  • Original Hebrew: אִם תִּשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת (im tishmor la'asot)
  • im: "if" - clearly sets up a condition, a non-negotiable prerequisite.
  • tishmor (from root שָׁמַר, shamar): To guard, watch, preserve, be careful. It implies intentionality, diligence, and protection of the commands, signifying deep regard and attentiveness to them.
  • la'asot (from root עָשָׂה, asah): To do, make, perform, accomplish. This emphasizes practical application and obedience, not just intellectual understanding or mere contemplation of the law. It demands action.

• the decrees and judgments:

  • Original Hebrew: הַחֻקִּים וְאֶת הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים (ha-chukkim v'et ha-mishpatim)
  • ha-chukkim (from חֹק, choq): Statutes, ordinances, decrees, or prescribed regulations. These are God's fixed rules, often moral or ritual laws established by divine authority, unchangeable principles.
  • ha-mishpatim (from מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): Judgments, ordinances, customary laws, justice, legal decisions. These refer to specific rulings, equity, and the practical application of justice based on the underlying divine principles. Together, "decrees and judgments" represent the entire body of the Mosaic Law, encompassing moral, civil, and ceremonial aspects, as given to regulate all aspects of Israelite life and their relationship with God.

• that the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel:

  • Original Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵל (asher tzivah YHWH et-Mosheh al-Yisra'el)
  • YHWH (יְהוָה): The sacred name of God, indicating His covenant faithfulness and sovereign authority. This reinforces that the commands are divine in origin and therefore authoritative and binding.
  • tzivah (from צָוָה, tzavah): To command, appoint, instruct. It highlights the divine prerogative in legislating for His people.
  • et-Mosheh: Moses as the designated mediator through whom the Law was revealed. This grounds the authority of the law firmly in the historical transmission at Sinai.
  • al-Yisra'el: "concerning Israel," clarifying that these laws were given specifically for the governance and spiritual life of the chosen nation.

• Be strong and courageous:

  • Original Hebrew: חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ (chazaq ve'ematz)
  • chazaq (from חָזַק, chazaq): To be strong, firm, bold, steadfast. It implies resilience, inner resolve, and the ability to hold firm in one's convictions or tasks.
  • ve'ematz (from אָמַץ, amatz): To be courageous, strong, resolute. Often used in parallel with chazaq, it conveys the idea of boldness and unwavering resolve in the face of challenge or opposition. This double imperative is a recurring biblical exhortation, especially in contexts of leadership or difficult tasks (e.g., Deut 31, Josh 1). It emphasizes that simply "doing" requires inner strength.

• do not be afraid or dismayed:

  • Original Hebrew: אַל־תִּירָא וְאַל־תֵּחָת (al-tira ve'al-techat)
  • al-tira (from יָרֵא, yare): "do not fear." Refers to an inward state of dread, terror, or anxiety. It is a common command often accompanied by God's promise of presence or aid.
  • ve'al-techat (from חָתַת, chatat): "do not be dismayed," or "do not be terrified/broken down." This term suggests a loss of heart, being discouraged, utterly disheartened, or overwhelmed to the point of giving up.
  • This dual negative command acts as an assurance. God's call to courage implicitly includes a promise that fear and dismay are antithetical to faithful service and will be overcome by His enabling power. These states hinder effective action and obedience.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the decrees and judgments": This section establishes the conditional nature of God's blessings. Prosperity is not automatic or earned through human merit alone, but is a divine promise contingent upon diligent, active obedience to the Law. This highlights the covenantal framework: blessing flows from faithfulness.
  • "that the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel": This phrase asserts the absolute divine authority and origin of the Law. It reminds Solomon and Israel that these are not mere human suggestions but direct instructions from the Creator for their well-being and governance. It connects their current reality and future success back to the foundational revelation at Sinai.
  • "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed": This powerful command addresses the inner disposition necessary for obedience and success. Building the Temple and leading Israel rightly would be immense tasks, fraught with potential challenges and spiritual warfare. David, recognizing this, urges Solomon to cultivate inner strength and fearlessness, drawing from a source beyond himself—God's enabling presence. It signifies that God's commands often require courage to implement, and fear is the primary enemy of obedience.

1 Chronicles 22 13 Bonus section

The phrase "decrees and judgments" reflects the comprehensive nature of the Mosaic covenant, which regulated every aspect of Israelite life—from worship and rituals to civil law and ethical conduct. Solomon's challenge was to apply these divine standards as a national constitution. The repetition of "be strong and courageous" (echoing Josh 1:6-9) serves as a vital biblical motif for leadership transitions and embarking on difficult, God-ordained missions. It's not a call for self-reliant strength but rather strength sourced from God's promise to be present and to provide the necessary grace and wisdom. This verse underscores a central tenet of the Deuteronomic history and the Chronicler's theology: national and personal well-being are intrinsically tied to faithfulness to God's covenant, particularly demonstrated through adherence to His laws. The alternative, disobedience, historically led to decline and judgment. While directed to Solomon for building the Temple, the broader message serves as an enduring reminder for all who seek to walk in God's path, highlighting that diligence in God's commands and spiritual courage are key to fulfilling one's divine calling.

1 Chronicles 22 13 Commentary

1 Chronicles 22:13 offers profound spiritual principles applicable beyond Solomon's time. It articulates the deep connection between active obedience to God's revealed will and the experience of prosperity and success in His service. The term "prosper" extends beyond material wealth to encompass the flourishing of God's purposes through one's life. This prosperity is not promised merely for knowing the law, but for "being careful to observe" it, demanding diligent, conscious application of its principles. The Law is framed as God's divine command given through Moses, affirming its inherent authority and eternal relevance for Israel's welfare. Critically, the verse acknowledges that faithfulness requires an internal fortitude, hence the direct call to "be strong and courageous." This implies that obedience often demands boldness, confronting personal weakness, external opposition, and the allure of compromise. The accompanying "do not be afraid or dismayed" provides a powerful counter-affirmation that fear, doubt, and discouragement are hindrances to God's work, implying that His presence and enabling power overcome these deterrents. For the Christian, while the Law's demands are now fulfilled in Christ and enabled by the Holy Spirit (Jer 31:33, Rom 8:4), the principle remains: living according to God's truth, empowered by faith and courage, leads to genuine flourishing and effective service.