1 Chronicles 22 3

1 Chronicles 22:3 kjv

And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;

1 Chronicles 22:3 nkjv

And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails of the doors of the gates and for the joints, and bronze in abundance beyond measure,

1 Chronicles 22:3 niv

He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed.

1 Chronicles 22:3 esv

David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing,

1 Chronicles 22:3 nlt

David provided large amounts of iron for the nails that would be needed for the doors in the gates and for the clamps, and he gave more bronze than could be weighed.

1 Chronicles 22 verses

1 Chronicles 22 3 Meaning

1 Chronicles 22:3 describes King David's diligent and abundant provision of raw materials for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although God had forbidden David from building the Temple himself due to his involvement in warfare, David committed himself to preparing vast quantities of iron for structural fastenings like nails, gate doors, and joinings, along with an immeasurable amount of bronze. This meticulous pre-arrangement demonstrates David's profound devotion to God's house and his foresight in ensuring his son Solomon would have ample resources for this monumental sacred undertaking.

1 Chronicles 22 3 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 22 marks a pivotal transition in David's reign. Following his desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant, God, through Nathan the prophet, reveals that David's son, Solomon, will be the one to construct the Temple (1 Chr 17). This divine directive prompts David, despite his personal disappointment, to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to preparing the vast necessary resources for the sacred project.

The broader historical context is David's consolidation of the kingdom and his intention to establish Jerusalem as both the political and religious capital. Building a grand Temple for YHWH was crucial for the national identity of Israel and for symbolizing God's presence among His people. Verse 3 specifically details David's immense practical contribution to this future endeavor, demonstrating his unwavering devotion and selfless planning for the succeeding generation's ability to fulfill God's will. Culturally, temples in the ancient Near East were elaborate structures, symbolizing the dwelling of deities; David's preparations ensured the Temple of YHWH would be exceptionally magnificent, setting it apart as dedicated to the one true God, free from any pagan associations.

1 Chronicles 22 3 Word analysis

• David: The second king of unified Israel, a "man after God's own heart" (1 Sam 13:14). His actions here underline his deep reverence and personal commitment to God's glory, even when personally restricted from completing the work.
• prepared (Hebrew: kiynoti from the root כון, kun): Signifies establishing, making ready, providing for a specific, enduring purpose. This was not a hasty gathering but a methodical, intentional collection of materials with foresight for a great construction. It highlights David's proactive and responsible stewardship.
• iron (Hebrew: בַּרְזֶל, barzel): A strong, hard, and utilitarian metal, essential for durable construction, especially for structural components needing immense strength. Its mention points to the practical necessities for a sturdy edifice.
• in abundance (Hebrew: לָרֹב, la'rov): Emphasizes vast quantity and super-sufficiency. David provided far more than was strictly necessary, showcasing extraordinary generosity and an unreserved dedication to God's house being built magnificently. This phrase highlights the sheer scale of his provision.
• for the nails (Hebrew: מִסְמְרוֹת, mism^erot): Specific fastening devices. Nails were critical for securely joining large timber and metal components, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the temple. Their provision reflects David's attention to fundamental construction details.
• for the doors of the gates (Hebrew: דַּלְתוֹת הַשְּׁעָרִים, daltot hasha'arim): Refers to the robust and typically large doors of the Temple complex's entrances. These were important for security, solemnity, and demarcation of the sacred space. David's foresight included their strong construction.
• and for the joinings (Hebrew: וְלַמְחַבְּרֹת, v^elamchaberot): General term for various fastenings, reinforcements, or connecting elements used throughout the structure. It implies comprehensive preparation for all parts requiring assembly or reinforcement, not just major visible components.
• bronze (Hebrew: נְחֹשֶׁת, n^echoshet): An alloy (often copper and tin), valuable and versatile. In the Tabernacle and Temple, bronze was used for altars, basins, columns, and other significant fixtures, blending functionality with ornamentation. Its abundant provision ensured all such elements could be made.
• in abundance, without weight (Hebrew: לָרֹב לְאֵין מִשְׁקָל, la'rov le'ein mishkal): A powerful reiteration and intensification of "in abundance." It signifies such an immense, immeasurable quantity of bronze that it was beyond any practical weighing. This hyperbolic expression underscores the extraordinary extent of David's provision and his unreserved commitment to the Lord's house.

Words-group Analysis

• "David prepared iron in abundance... and bronze in abundance, without weight": This highlights David's exceptional personal dedication, wealth, and selfless giving for God's glory. It conveys a spiritual attitude of lavishing the very best and beyond-sufficient resources for a divine purpose, anticipating God's abundant blessings in return (2 Cor 9:6-8). It also shows a clear distinction between the functional materials (iron for strength) and more ornate/sacred materials (bronze).
• "for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings": This demonstrates David's meticulous attention to detail and practical understanding of large-scale construction. He considered every component, from major architectural features like gates to crucial yet smaller elements like nails and joinings, ensuring the overall integrity, security, and permanence of the sacred structure. It speaks of diligent stewardship and comprehensive planning for a holy task.

1 Chronicles 22 3 Bonus section

• The chronicler emphasizes David's massive preparations to demonstrate his profound piety and obedience to God, showcasing him as the foundational figure for Israel's worship, even in his final years. This sets the stage for Solomon's successful building project, showing it was divinely ordered and materially well-resourced.
• David's action underscores the principle of diligent, comprehensive preparation for divine service. It implies that true worship extends beyond intention to practical effort and resource provision, ensuring the next phase of God's work is well-equipped.
• The magnitude of materials reflects the supreme holiness and importance of the Temple as the designated dwelling place for the Name of YHWH, deserving of Israel's best.
• This act by David can be seen as an enduring lesson in servant leadership and mentoring: equipping the next generation with the tools and vision to fulfill God's plans that one might not complete personally. It demonstrates putting God's kingdom agenda ahead of personal credit or gratification.

1 Chronicles 22 3 Commentary

1 Chronicles 22:3 is a profound testament to King David's faith, humility, and long-term vision for the Kingdom of God. Despite God's command that he, a man of war, could not build the Temple (1 Chr 22:8), David did not simply acquiesce. Instead, he channeled his passion into preparing every conceivable resource. The repeated emphasis on "abundance" and "without weight" illustrates his unparalleled generosity and determination that God's house would lack nothing in material provision.

This verse exemplifies the principle of stewardship: David meticulously prepared resources that others would use to build what he himself desired to build but could not. He laid a strong foundation, not only in terms of materials but also in commitment and vision, setting a standard of devotion for future generations, especially for Solomon, who was tasked with the actual construction. It showcases how selfless preparation and equipping others are vital components of serving God's ultimate purposes. It speaks to a heart fixed on God's glory, even above personal fulfillment.