1 Chronicles 22 19

1 Chronicles 22:19 kjv

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 22:19 nkjv

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy articles of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the LORD."

1 Chronicles 22:19 niv

Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD."

1 Chronicles 22:19 esv

Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD."

1 Chronicles 22:19 nlt

Now seek the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. Build the sanctuary of the LORD God so that you can bring the Ark of the LORD's Covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor the LORD's name."

1 Chronicles 22 verses

1 Chronicles 22 19 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial call to action and a spiritual mandate from King David to the leaders of Israel, urging them to demonstrate wholehearted commitment and active diligence in their service to the Lord. It commands them to align their inner devotion ("heart and soul") with the practical task of constructing God's house, the Temple. The ultimate purpose is to provide a consecrated dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the sacred vessels, thereby establishing a central place for God's presence and worship among His people.

1 Chronicles 22 19 Context

Chapter 22 of 1 Chronicles marks a pivotal moment in David's reign, where he publicly commissions his son Solomon to build the Temple, a task David himself was forbidden to undertake due to his life of warfare (1 Chr 22:8). David recognizes his successor’s youth and inexperience (1 Chr 22:5), so he takes extensive preparations: gathering immense quantities of materials, securing skilled laborers, and organizing resources (1 Chr 22:2-4, 14-16). He then summons the leaders of Israel and charges them to assist Solomon. This particular verse, 1 Chr 22:19, is a direct instruction from David to these leaders, impressing upon them the spiritual foundation required for such a monumental task. The historical context reflects a desire to establish a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant, moving beyond the portable tabernacle, thereby symbolizing the stability and centrality of God's worship in Israel. It is also a polemic against syncretism, urging exclusive devotion to Yahweh, implicitly contrasting with surrounding nations who served multiple gods and often integrated them.

1 Chronicles 22 19 Word analysis

• Now set (צוּר – tsuwr): This Hebrew word signifies "to bind," "to fasten," or "to fix firmly." In this context, it is used imperatively, implying a resolute and intentional determination of one's will. It's not a casual suggestion but a command to establish a firm, unyielding purpose. It demands deliberate action and steadfastness, as if binding oneself to a sacred vow.
• your heart (לְבַבְכֶם – l'vavchem): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (lev/levav) is not merely the seat of emotions but the center of one's intellect, will, and moral character. It represents the inner person, the seat of decisions, desires, and understanding. To "set one's heart" means to fix one's mind, intentions, and entire inner being.
• and your soul (וְנַפְשְׁכֶם – v'nafshechem): The word "soul" (nephesh) often denotes the life-breath, the individual person, the entire living being. Pairing it with "heart" emphasizes a total commitment—intellectual, volitional, and existential. It speaks to bringing every aspect of one's existence, body, mind, and spirit, into alignment with the command.
• to seek (לִדְרֹשׁ – lid'rosh): This verb means to "seek out," "inquire," "investigate," or "pursue diligently." It implies more than passive waiting; it’s an active and persistent quest for God's will, presence, and favor. This seeking includes worship, obedience, and dependence on God. It’s an ongoing, active pursuit.
• the LORD your God (לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם – l'Yahweh Eloheikem): "LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's personal, covenantal name, highlighting His faithfulness and relationship with Israel. "Your God" (Eloheikem) reinforces the specific covenant bond and the exclusive devotion owed to Him as their one true God. This underlines the personal, intimate relationship within the covenant.
• Arise therefore (קוּמוּ אֵפוֹא – qoomoo efoh): "Arise" (qum) often serves as an emphatic command to take action, to get up and begin a task. "Therefore" (epho) creates a logical connection, indicating that the preceding call to spiritual devotion is the essential foundation and motivation for the subsequent physical action. Spiritual commitment must precede and fuel practical work.
• and build (וּבְנוּ – uv'noo): This is the practical command, directly referring to the physical construction of the Temple. It represents the tangible expression of their internal commitment and diligence in seeking God.
• the sanctuary (מִקְדַּשׁ – miqdash): A "sanctuary" is a consecrated place, specifically set apart as holy for the worship and dwelling presence of God. This term highlights the sacredness and divine purpose of the building.
• of the LORD God (יְהוָה הָאֱלֹהִים – Yahweh ha'Elohim): Repeating God's name emphasizes the divine ownership and sacred purpose of the structure.
• that the ark of the covenant of the LORD (אֶת־אֲרוֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה – et-aron b'riyth Yahweh): The Ark was the most sacred object, representing God's throne, His presence, and His covenant agreement with Israel. Its placement at the center was crucial.
• and the holy vessels of God (וּכְלֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ הָאֱלֹהִים – uch'ley haqqodesh ha'Elohim): These were the consecrated implements used in Temple worship, ritually purified and set apart for divine service, symbolizing the reverence and specific requirements for approaching God.
• may be brought into the house that is to be built for the name of the LORD (יוּבָא לַבַּיִת הַנִּבְנֶה לְשֵׁם יְהוָה – yuvva labbayith hannivneh l'shem Yahweh): The Temple is to be built "for the name of the LORD," meaning for His glory, honor, and as a place where His presence (symbolized by His Name) would reside. It is not just a building, but a consecrated space dedicated entirely to God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now set your heart and your soul": This phrase emphasizes an internal, total commitment. It signifies complete spiritual and volitional dedication before any outward action begins. It speaks to the holistic nature of obedience, engaging both mind and spirit.
• "to seek the LORD your God": This defines the ultimate objective of the inner commitment. Seeking God implies pursuing His will, His presence, His favor, and acknowledging Him as the supreme authority in their lives. It establishes the spiritual priority that must underpin the physical labor.
• "Arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of the LORD God": This connects the spiritual devotion directly to the practical task. The "therefore" signifies that the building project is a direct consequence and expression of their heart's posture towards God. Without the inward seeking, the outward building would lack divine purpose.
• "that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into the house that is to be built for the name of the LORD": This defines the sacred purpose of the construction. The building is not an end in itself but a means to facilitate God's presence and consecrated worship among His people, serving as the central hub for the visible symbols of His covenant and holiness. The Temple is truly God's house, built for His honor and habitation.

1 Chronicles 22 19 Bonus section

The charge in 1 Chronicles 22:19 echoes a recurring theme throughout Scripture: God values inner disposition more than outward performance alone (1 Sam 16:7). The concept of "seeking the Lord" found here is multifaceted, encompassing prayer, study of God's Word, obedience to His commands, and diligent pursuit of His will. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem was significant, this verse also foreshadows a deeper reality—that the Lord ultimately seeks people, not buildings (John 4:23-24). In the New Testament, believers are identified as "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house," a "holy temple" where the Spirit of God dwells (1 Pet 2:5, Eph 2:20-22). Therefore, the call to "set your heart and soul to seek the LORD" takes on new meaning, referring to the continuous consecration of our lives as a dwelling place for God's Spirit and for fulfilling His mission in the world. This necessitates self-examination and consistent repentance, ensuring that our personal "sanctuary" remains pure and devoted to Him.

1 Chronicles 22 19 Commentary

This verse is a profound theological statement wrapped in a practical command. It asserts that true action for God's kingdom must spring from a deep, internal wellspring of devotion. David challenges the leaders of Israel not merely to engage in a building project but to root that project in a profound, unwavering commitment to Yahweh. The act of "seeking the LORD" with their "whole heart and soul" is the prerequisite and foundation for the physical labor of building the Temple. This priority teaches that diligence in spiritual disciplines precedes and empowers effectiveness in tangible service. The purpose of the Temple was not for human glory but for God's "name"—His revealed character and presence. This underscores the principle that all Christian service and worship must similarly be God-centered, proceeding from sincere faith and aiming solely at His honor and the fulfillment of His purposes. It serves as a timeless call for intentionality and spiritual focus in every endeavor undertaken in His name.