1 Chronicles 22:2 kjv
And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God.
1 Chronicles 22:2 nkjv
So David commanded to gather the aliens who were in the land of Israel; and he appointed masons to cut hewn stones to build the house of God.
1 Chronicles 22:2 niv
So David gave orders to assemble the foreigners residing in Israel, and from among them he appointed stonecutters to prepare dressed stone for building the house of God.
1 Chronicles 22:2 esv
David commanded to gather together the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God.
1 Chronicles 22:2 nlt
So David gave orders to call together the foreigners living in Israel, and he assigned them the task of preparing finished stone for building the Temple of God.
1 Chronicles 22 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chron 17:1 | Now it came to pass when David was dwelling in his house, that David said... | David's desire to build God a house |
| 1 Chron 22:3 | And David prepared large quantities of iron for the nails... | Continuation of David's material preparation for Temple |
| 1 Chron 22:4 | also cedar timbers without number; for the Sidonians and Tyrians... | David acquiring specific materials and foreign help for the Temple |
| 1 Chron 22:5 | for Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be... | David's motivation for extensive preparation due to Solomon's youth |
| 1 Chron 29:2 | Now for the house of my God I have prepared with all my ability... | David's comprehensive personal contribution to the Temple |
| Deut 10:18-19 | He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the... | God's love and command for care towards sojourners/strangers |
| Lev 19:33-34 | 'When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong... | Israelites commanded to treat sojourners as themselves |
| Exod 12:48-49 | But if a stranger sojourns with you and would celebrate the Passover... | Law applies to sojourners; inclusion in spiritual matters |
| Isa 56:6-7 | "Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD... for My house... | Future inclusion of foreigners in worship at God's house |
| Zech 6:15 | "Those who are far off will come and build the temple of the LORD..." | Foreigners contributing to rebuilding God's house in prophecy |
| 1 Ki 5:15 | Now Solomon had 70,000 who carried burdens and 80,000 stonecutters in the... | Solomon later employing large numbers of laborers for the Temple |
| 1 Ki 5:17 | Then the king commanded them to quarry large stones, costly stones... | Solomon's use of specific stone types for the Temple foundation |
| Ezra 3:7 | They also gave money to the masons and the carpenters... | Parallel of using skilled laborers for temple construction/reconstruction |
| Exod 31:1-5 | The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "See, I have called by name Bezalel... | God equipping individuals with skill for Tabernacle construction |
| Exod 35:30-35 | Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, "See, the LORD has called... | Divine inspiration and skill given for the building of God's sanctuary |
| Eph 2:19-22 | So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow... | New Testament fulfillment: spiritual building includes former outsiders |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house... | Believers as "living stones" in God's spiritual Temple |
| Heb 3:3-4 | For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God... | God as the ultimate builder and designer |
| Hag 1:8 | "Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple... | Call to bring materials and rebuild God's house |
| Amos 9:11 | "On that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its... | Prophecy of restoration, connecting to David's dynasty and spiritual rebuilding |
| Neh 3:1 | Then Eliashib the high priest arose with his brothers the priests... | Community involvement in building God's city walls, often using specific skills |
| Rom 15:9 | and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy... | Gentiles included in praising God, relevant to sojourners helping with Temple |
1 Chronicles 22 verses
1 Chronicles 22 2 Meaning
1 Chronicles 22:2 details King David's pragmatic initiation of preparations for the future construction of the Lord's Temple. Despite being prevented by God from building the Temple himself, David, in an act of obedient faith, commanded the collection of non-Israelite residents living within the land to serve as a labor force. He then appointed them specific tasks, such as stonecutters, to quarry and shape dressed stones essential for the divine edifice, showcasing his dedication to ensuring the sacred house of God would be magnificent and ready for his son Solomon to build.
1 Chronicles 22 2 Context
Chapter 22 of 1 Chronicles follows David's reign where he desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, God's presence, rather than its tent-dwelling. In 1 Chronicles 17, God, through Nathan the prophet, refused David permission to build the Temple because he was a man of war and had shed much blood (1 Chron 22:8). Instead, God promised that David's son, Solomon, would build it and that David's throne would be established forever. David's response was one of immediate and profound obedience. Though forbidden from the ultimate task, he devoted his remaining years to amassing an immense quantity of materials—gold, silver, bronze, iron, and timber—and preparing detailed plans for Solomon. Verse 2 specifically describes the earliest stage of this practical preparation: securing a workforce, highlighting that David leveraged the non-Israelite population resident in the land, not just his own people, to gather and shape foundational building blocks for God's holy house. This act underscores David's total commitment and foresight for the fulfillment of God's will.
1 Chronicles 22 2 Word analysis
- David commanded: This highlights David's initiative and authority as king. Though he could not build, he exercised his royal prerogative to prepare. His "command" (צוה - tzavah) indicates a direct, authoritative order for a sacred purpose.
- to gather the sojourners: The Hebrew word is גֵּרִים (gerim), referring to resident aliens, foreigners, or temporary inhabitants. Their inclusion signifies God's broad reach beyond ethnic Israel for sacred service, and David's pragmatic wisdom in utilizing all available resources. Historically, these gerim would be those permitted to live among Israel, often retaining their cultural identity but subject to Israelite law. Their contribution to the Temple foreshadows God's wider plan for the inclusion of all peoples.
- who were in the land of Israel: This specifies the gerim were not foreign conscripts from outside the land but established residents within Israel's territory, subject to David's authority.
- he set stonecutters: "Set" (עמד - amad) implies appointing, stationing, or establishing. David organized them for specific labor. Stonecutters were highly skilled artisans (חרשים - charashim) essential for grand construction projects.
- to hew: The action of "hewing" (חצוב - chatsev) involves precise cutting and shaping, turning rough quarried stone into usable building material. This speaks to the meticulous detail required for God's dwelling.
- dressed stones: Hebrew אבני גזית (avnei gazith), meaning "hewn stones" or "quarried stones." These were cut to specific dimensions and smoothed, distinguishing them from rough, fieldstones. Their preparation involved significant labor and expense, reflecting the value placed on the materials for the Temple, making it a place of utmost reverence and quality.
- for the building of the house of God: This is the ultimate purpose statement. Every action was dedicated to constructing "God's house" (בית אלהים - beit Elohim), the central place of worship and divine presence for Israel, representing God's glory and covenant faithfulness among His people.
1 Chronicles 22 2 Bonus section
The detailed focus on "dressed stones" is significant. Unlike simple construction that might use rough, unhewn stones, the Temple's foundation and structure were to be built with precisely cut and finished materials. This required specialized tools and expertise. This physical precision for the earthly Temple finds a parallel in the New Testament concept of the spiritual house built of "living stones" (1 Pet 2:5), believers themselves, who are shaped and fitted together by God's design. The use of foreign labor also echoes earlier scriptural instances where foreign entities were utilized in God's plan, such as the mixed multitude leaving Egypt (Exo 12:38). It portrays a picture where, in divine economy, diverse peoples and their unique skills can serve the unfolding of God's Kingdom purposes, showcasing God's sovereignty and His ability to work through anyone He chooses for His glory.
1 Chronicles 22 2 Commentary
1 Chronicles 22:2 unveils David's faithful response to divine limitations. Forbidden from building God's Temple due to his past as a man of war, David does not despair or disregard the command; rather, he dedicates himself wholeheartedly to preparing the way for his son. His active preparation demonstrates obedience beyond just abstaining. A remarkable aspect is his pragmatic enlistment of the gerim or sojourners. This shows David's wisdom in harnessing available skills and resources, and it quietly hints at God's universal interest—that even those outside the direct lineage of Israel could contribute to the sacred work of His dwelling place. This act subtly challenges an exclusivist view, foreshadowing how God's future redemptive work would include people from all nations. The specific task of "hewing dressed stones" emphasizes the labor, precision, and quality demanded for God's holy habitation. It teaches that even when direct fulfillment of a vision is delayed or assigned to another, our diligence in preparing for it, utilizing all means at our disposal, reflects a deeper commitment to God's ultimate plan and purpose.