1 Chronicles 22 18

1 Chronicles 22:18 kjv

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.

1 Chronicles 22:18 nkjv

"Is not the LORD your God with you? And has He not given you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and before His people.

1 Chronicles 22:18 niv

He said to them, "Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side? For he has given the inhabitants of the land into my hands, and the land is subject to the LORD and to his people.

1 Chronicles 22:18 esv

"Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not given you peace on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and his people.

1 Chronicles 22:18 nlt

"The LORD your God is with you," he declared. "He has given you peace with the surrounding nations. He has handed them over to me, and they are now subject to the LORD and his people.

1 Chronicles 22 verses

1 Chronicles 22 18 Meaning

This verse conveys King David's declaration of God's complete provision and enablement to the leaders of Israel, particularly as he charges them concerning the building of the temple. He asserts that the Lord their God is surely with them, confirming His abiding presence and active support. Furthermore, God has granted them comprehensive peace and security from all their adversaries, a state of "rest on every side." David explicitly states that this divine intervention led to the inhabitants of the land being subjected to Israel's power, signifying that the land is now fully subdued, both under the authority of the Lord and His chosen people, paving the way for the temple's construction in peace.

1 Chronicles 22 18 Context

First Chronicles chapter 22 recounts King David's preparations for the construction of the Temple, even though God had chosen his son Solomon to undertake the actual building. David understands that he, as a man of war, is not permitted to build the Temple, which is a house of peace. Therefore, he dedicates himself to amassing materials, laborers, and plans for the sacred edifice. This specific verse, 1 Chronicles 22:18, is part of David's earnest charge to the leaders and officials of Israel, including Solomon. He urges them to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to building the house of the Lord. The historical context is a time of relative peace and prosperity after David's extensive military campaigns had subdued the surrounding nations, establishing the kingdom of Israel securely. David's words assure the people that the time is opportune for such a grand project, as God Himself has granted them tranquility and victory, making the endeavor feasible and divinely appointed.

1 Chronicles 22 18 Word analysis

• Is not (הֲלֹא - ha-lo): This is a rhetorical question in Hebrew, functioning as a strong affirmative statement. It implies, "Surely, the Lord your God is with you!" It builds conviction and reinforces an undeniable truth, encouraging confidence in the face of a great task.
• the LORD your God (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - YHWH Eloheykhem):
  • the LORD (YHWH): The sacred covenant name of God, revealing His personal, relational, and unchanging character, emphasizing His faithfulness to Israel.
  • your God (אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - Eloheykhem): Implies God's specific covenant relationship with Israel, a collective address emphasizing His ownership and care for His people.
• with you (עִמָּכֶם - immakhem): Signifies God's active, supportive presence, not merely being near, but acting on their behalf and empowering them. This presence ensures victory and success.
• And has he not (וַהֲלֹא - va-ha-lo): Another rhetorical question, reinforcing the previous statement and underscoring God's active involvement and proven faithfulness in providing.
• given you (נָתַן לָכֶם - nathan lakhem): The verb "given" (נָתַן - nathan) denotes divine agency. It asserts that the peace and land are a direct gift from God, not achievements of human might alone.
• rest (מְנוּחָה - menuḥah): A profoundly significant word. It means tranquility, security, a cessation from toil, war, or wandering. It points to the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding their inheritance in the land (Deut 12:10). This rest makes temple building possible.
• on every side (מִסָּבִיב - mis·sa·viv): Emphasizes the comprehensive and complete nature of the peace and security. There are no lingering threats or disturbances from any direction, signifying a divinely orchestrated quietness that permits national focus on worship.

Words-Group analysis:

• "Is not the LORD your God with you?": This foundational truth is central to Israel's confidence. It is a polemic against reliance on other gods or military power, declaring YHWH alone is their source of strength and success. It recalls the promises given to Moses and Joshua.
• "And has he not given you rest on every side?": This highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises of granting secure possession of the land. It denotes a period of national peace and stability, a divine blessing necessary for the spiritual focus required to build God's house.
• "For he has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and before his people.": This provides the practical evidence of the "rest." The conquest was a divine act ("into my hand" – David acting as God's instrument), demonstrating God's sovereign power over the land's previous occupants. "Subdued" (נִכְנְעָה - nikh·nə·'ah) implies complete subjugation and humble submission. The phrase "before the LORD and before his people" signifies that this triumph is for God's glory and the people's benefit, demonstrating their secure possession under divine favor.

1 Chronicles 22 18 Bonus section

The concept of "rest" (מְנוּחָה - menuḥah) in this verse is deeply rooted in biblical theology, linking back to God's "rest" after creation (Gen 2:2-3), the Sabbath command (Ex 20:11), and especially the promised "rest" in the land of Canaan after the wilderness wanderings (Deut 12:10; Jos 21:44). This "rest" represents not only peace from enemies but also a secure dwelling place, a settled existence, and the opportunity for uninterrupted worship. The Chronicler, in particular, emphasizes this "rest" as a necessary prerequisite for building the Temple, signifying that true worship requires internal peace and external security provided by God. The state of "rest on every side" highlights the culmination of God's promises through Joshua and David, making the era of Solomon uniquely suited for the construction of the permanent house of God, a symbol of God's enduring presence among His settled people.

1 Chronicles 22 18 Commentary

1 Chronicles 22:18 serves as a pivotal encouragement and justification for the colossal task of building the Temple. David assures the leaders that the success of this sacred undertaking is guaranteed by God's manifest presence and past actions. The "rest on every side" signifies not a mere absence of war, but a state of divine provision and completed conquest that liberates Israel to focus on its spiritual responsibilities. This comprehensive peace, gifted by God, implies both the cessation of external threats and internal stability, forming the ideal environment for establishing a permanent center of worship. David's emphasis on God's active agency in subduing the land ("given the inhabitants...into my hand") underscores that the peace they now enjoy is not a result of human military prowess alone, but a direct fulfillment of divine promise and power. This context of divine peace makes the call to build the Temple not a burden, but a blessed opportunity, for they are engaging in a task that is perfectly aligned with God's will and made possible by His unfailing grace and presence among them.