1 Chronicles 22 16

1 Chronicles 22:16 kjv

Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

1 Chronicles 22:16 nkjv

Of gold and silver and bronze and iron there is no limit. Arise and begin working, and the LORD be with you."

1 Chronicles 22:16 niv

in gold and silver, bronze and iron?craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the LORD be with you."

1 Chronicles 22:16 esv

gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The LORD be with you!"

1 Chronicles 22:16 nlt

You have expert goldsmiths and silversmiths and workers of bronze and iron. Now begin the work, and may the LORD be with you!"

1 Chronicles 22 verses

1 Chronicles 22 16 Meaning

This verse declares the immeasurable quantity of the prepared materials—gold, silver, bronze, and iron—for the construction of the Lord’s Temple. Following this pronouncement of abundant provision, it issues a direct imperative to Solomon: "Arise and work," signaling the commencement of the significant task. The verse concludes with a blessing and assurance, "and may the LORD be with you," signifying divine empowerment and presence necessary for the successful completion of this sacred undertaking.

1 Chronicles 22 16 Context

First Chronicles chapter 22 details King David’s preparations for the construction of the Temple, even though God had forbidden him from building it due to his history as a man of war. David, having been told that his son Solomon (whose name means "peace") would build it, dedicates himself to gathering immense resources and instructing Solomon on this divine commission. The immediate context of verse 16 is David's direct charge to Solomon, listing the staggering quantities of materials David has already collected—gold, silver, bronze, and iron—for the massive undertaking. This precedes David's charge to the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon and the overall declaration of the peace of the land under Solomon, conducive to the Temple's construction. Historically and culturally, building the Temple was the central spiritual and political project for Israel, signifying God’s dwelling among His people and embodying their national identity. It was to be a magnificent structure, requiring vast material wealth and dedicated labor, all provided through God's blessing and the king's initiative.

1 Chronicles 22 16 Word analysis

• Of the gold and silver, and of the bronze and iron: These are the primary, most valuable materials essential for constructing the Temple. The meticulous listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David’s preparation and the immense value of the provision. This signifies the best resources being dedicated to God's dwelling.
• there is no accounting: In Hebrew, this phrase is often translated from "אין מִסְפָּר" (ein mispar), meaning "there is no number" or "without measure/counting." It underscores the extraordinary, almost incalculable, abundance of materials David amassed. This indicates not merely sufficiency, but an overflowing provision, far exceeding the visible requirement, reflecting God’s lavish grace and the king’s diligent stewardship.
• Arise (קוּם, qum): An imperative verb meaning "to stand up," "to rise," or "to begin." It's a call to immediate action, purpose, and resolute initiation of the work. It implies moving from a state of contemplation or waiting to active engagement and assumes personal responsibility.
• and work (עֲשֵׂה, aseh): An imperative verb derived from "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning "to do," "to make," "to perform," or "to accomplish." This word emphasizes the need for diligent effort, skilled craftsmanship, and perseverance in the execution of the grand project. It highlights human responsibility in God's divine plan.
• and may the LORD be with you!: (וַיהוָה יִהְיֶה עִמָּךְ, Yahweh yihyeh immach). This is a foundational biblical blessing, indicating God's empowering presence, favor, and assistance. It is not just a wish but a declaration of divine partnership and guarantee of success for a God-ordained task. It confirms that the project, though humanly executed, relies entirely on divine enablement.

• "Of the gold and silver, and of the bronze and iron, there is no accounting": This phrase highlights God's magnificent provision for His work, channelled through human dedication. It shows that God's plans are backed by His unlimited resources and encourages faith in His ability to provide everything necessary for His kingdom projects. The immeasurable quantity also demonstrates David's immense personal sacrifice and thoroughness in preparation.
• "Arise and work": This serves as a powerful call to diligent and proactive engagement in one's divine mandate. It combines immediate readiness ("arise") with sustained effort ("work"), emphasizing that God's abundance does not negate the necessity of human labor and responsibility. It is an active rather than passive participation.
• "and may the LORD be with you!": This final clause beautifully balances divine enablement with human effort. While abundant resources and a clear command are given, ultimate success is contingent upon God's enabling presence. It transforms the labor into a sacred partnership, ensuring the fruitfulness and divine blessing upon the efforts for God's glory.

1 Chronicles 22 16 Bonus section

• Generational Stewardship: This verse exemplifies David's foresight and commitment to generational stewardship. Though he couldn't complete the Temple himself, he meticulously prepared for his successor, demonstrating faithful transfer of responsibility and resources for God's greater purposes. This lays the groundwork for Solomon's reign of peace and construction, embodying God's promise of an enduring dynasty (2 Sam 7).
• Significance of "Peace": The materials for the Temple were accumulated by a man of war (David) but built by a man of peace (Solomon). The immensity of the materials underscores that true "peace" in Israel, as enjoyed by Solomon, was providentially established by God through David's past military conquests and diligent preparation. The abundance was a result of divine blessing on David’s prior endeavors.
• More than just materials: The listed materials represent the finest of their kind, symbolizing the qualitative excellence required for God’s house. This foreshadows the spiritual Temple, the Church, which is to be built with living stones (believers) of faith and spiritual quality, emphasizing a demand for dedication and excellence in spiritual matters.

1 Chronicles 22 16 Commentary

First Chronicles 22:16 encapsulates a pivotal moment of transition and encouragement, central to the building of the First Temple. David, barred from building, meticulously amassed an unquantifiable amount of raw materials – gold, silver, bronze, and iron – signifying not just incredible human effort and generosity, but also the boundless provision of God for His purposes. The phrase "there is no accounting" goes beyond mere abundance, hinting at a divinely orchestrated overflow that anticipates every need for the massive sacred undertaking.

This material readiness is immediately followed by David’s imperative to his son Solomon: "Arise and work." This is a potent command to immediate, purposeful, and diligent action. It underscores that God’s provision, though complete, does not replace the necessity for human endeavor and diligent labor. God’s work in the world always requires responsive and responsible human agents.

Finally, the concluding blessing, "and may the LORD be with you," is foundational. It affirms that the success of any God-given task, regardless of preparation or effort, ultimately depends on divine presence and empowerment. It's a prayer, an assurance, and a condition: with God's presence, the monumental task is achievable and blessed. This verse serves as a model for all kingdom work, illustrating that abundant divine provision, coupled with diligent human labor and consecrated by God’s active presence, ensures the fulfillment of God's redemptive plans.