1 Chronicles 22 17

1 Chronicles 22:17 kjv

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

1 Chronicles 22:17 nkjv

David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,

1 Chronicles 22:17 niv

Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon.

1 Chronicles 22:17 esv

David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,

1 Chronicles 22:17 nlt

Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon in this project.

1 Chronicles 22 verses

1 Chronicles 22 17 Meaning

First Chronicles 22:17 records David's directive to all the leaders of Israel to assist his son Solomon in the monumental task of building the temple for the Lord. It signifies David's proactive leadership, his complete devotion to God's will for the temple, and his strategic provision for Solomon's success. It underscores the theme of corporate responsibility in serving God's purposes.

1 Chronicles 22 17 Context

First Chronicles 22 takes place as David, though desiring to build a temple for the Lord, is prohibited by God because he is a man of war and has shed much blood. God reveals through Nathan that David's son, Solomon, a man of rest, will build the house. Undeterred, David dedicates himself to making extensive preparations for the temple, amassing vast quantities of materials—gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone—and organizing skilled workers. Having made these provisions, David commissions his son Solomon for the task, empowering him with divine instruction and wisdom. This particular verse (22:17) comes after David's charge to Solomon, demonstrating his understanding that the magnitude of the project requires not just Solomon's effort, but the unified support of all Israel's leaders. It transitions from David's individual provision to a call for collective responsibility, ensuring the future success and divine approval of the temple construction.

1 Chronicles 22 17 Word analysis

• Then (וַיְצַו, wayeṣaw - And he commanded): This conjunction indicates a sequential action following David's speech to Solomon in previous verses. It marks a transition from preparing for Solomon to activating the national leadership. It highlights David's immediate and decisive action.
• David (דָּוִיד, Dawiḏ): Refers to King David. His authority is absolute here. This is his final, overarching command regarding the temple project, showcasing his unwavering commitment even as his life nears its end. His name here emphasizes his leadership and foundational role in setting the vision.
• commanded (וַיְצַו, wayeṣaw): This Hebrew verb denotes a strong, authoritative directive. It is not a suggestion but a royal order, stemming from a divine revelation. This verb's strength implies an expectation of immediate obedience and comprehensive assistance.
• all (לְכֹל, ləḵol - to all): Indicates comprehensiveness. No leader is excluded from this sacred task. This inclusive nature reflects the corporate responsibility of the nation under God.
• the (הַ־, ha- - the): A definite article specifying the precise group.
• leaders (שָׂרֵי, śārê - princes/officials/chiefs): Refers to a wide array of civil and military officials and elders of the tribes and clans, demonstrating a deep structure of authority beyond just the direct kingly lineage. They hold significant influence and resources within their spheres. Their cooperation is crucial.
• of (־לְ, le- - of/to): Possessive or dative particle indicating relationship.
• Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yiśrā’ēl): The entire nation, encompassing all its tribes. The project is for the whole nation's spiritual benefit and reflects a national identity tied to Yahweh's presence.
• to help (לַעֲזֹר, la‘ăzōr - to help/assist): The infinitive verb expresses the purpose of the command. The concept of "help" here means actively participating, providing resources, labor, and support, recognizing Solomon's youth and the magnitude of the task.
• Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה, Šəlōmōh): David's son, divinely chosen to build the temple. His name means "peaceful." This highlights the transfer of authority and the need for seamless succession and support.
• his son. (בְנוֹ, bəno - his son): Clarifies the relationship, emphasizing the familial and divine mandate of the succession. It reinforces the continuity of the covenant line.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Then David commanded: Highlights David's proactive, decisive, and authoritative role in initiating the collective effort. His leadership is demonstrated not just in planning but in commissioning.
• all the leaders of Israel: Emphasizes the collective responsibility and unified effort required. The "leaders" (śārîm) represent the entirety of the nation's human resource, from tribal chiefs to military commanders, all unified under David's final directive for a sacred national project. This setup ensures that the work would have nationwide backing and coordination.
• to help Solomon his son: Directs the leaders' assistance specifically to Solomon. This isn't just a general call to help build; it is a clear mandate to support the designated successor, fostering unity and legitimacy for Solomon's reign and the temple project. The term "help" implies providing resources, labor, counsel, and moral support for a challenging and divinely appointed task.

1 Chronicles 22 17 Bonus section

This verse, when viewed in light of subsequent Old Testament history, underscores the chronic challenge of maintaining such unified purpose after a strong leader's demise. The disintegration of the united monarchy soon after Solomon's reign highlights the ephemeral nature of human unity unless sustained by constant divine orientation. The Chronistic writer, writing post-exile, often emphasized these examples of David's visionary leadership and calls for unity precisely to serve as a model for the returning community struggling to rebuild. The historical context indicates that the Chronicler likely used this instance to remind a fragmented people of their past collective obedience under strong, God-fearing leadership. David's foresight here points not just to physical construction but to the enduring need for spiritual succession planning and collaborative obedience within God's people.

1 Chronicles 22 17 Commentary

First Chronicles 22:17 is a pivotal verse, encapsulating David's commitment to the future of Israel and the fulfillment of God's dwelling place. Knowing he couldn't build the temple, David took responsibility for meticulously preparing for it, then ensured its continuation through Solomon, by securing not just his son's buy-in but the nation's leaders' collective support. This verse illustrates vital leadership principles: comprehensive preparation, delegation, and fostering unity around a shared divine purpose. It is a powerful example of stewardship across generations, demonstrating how a vision, even when unfulfilled by one leader, can be passionately championed and transitioned to the next, securing collective effort for God's glory. It underscores that spiritual enterprises often require corporate effort, not just individual giftedness. The temple, as a central worship place, demanded a unified national resolve to ensure God's presence was honored.

Examples for practical usage:

• A pastor nearing retirement preparing his congregation and leadership to support the incoming pastor for a new building project.
• Parents training their children in faith and then empowering them to serve God, enlisting family and church support.
• A Christian business owner establishing a mission for his company and charging his employees to collectively work towards it, beyond his tenure.