1 Chronicles 22:7 kjv
And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:
1 Chronicles 22:7 nkjv
And David said to Solomon: "My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the LORD my God;
1 Chronicles 22:7 niv
David said to Solomon: "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God.
1 Chronicles 22:7 esv
David said to Solomon, "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the LORD my God.
1 Chronicles 22:7 nlt
"My son, I wanted to build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD my God," David told him.
1 Chronicles 22 7 Cross References
h2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 7:1 | ...David sat in his house and the Lord had given him rest... | David's desire for God's house while he himself dwells in one. |
| 2 Sam 7:2 | The king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar... | David expresses his specific desire to Nathan. |
| 1 Chr 17:1 | ...David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar... | Parallel account, reiterating David's thought. |
| 1 Chr 17:2 | Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” | Initial human approval, but not yet divine revelation. |
| 2 Sam 7:5 | “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house...? | God's direct question, initiating His refusal. |
| 1 Chr 17:4 | “Go and tell David my servant, ‘Thus says the Lord: You shall not build a house... | God directly prohibits David from building the temple. |
| 2 Sam 7:13 | He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. | God promises Solomon will build, establishing the Davidic line. |
| 1 Chr 17:12 | He shall build for me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. | Parallel promise to Solomon through David. |
| 1 Kgs 8:17 | Now it was in the heart of My father David to build a house for the name... | Solomon acknowledges David's initial intent. |
| 1 Kgs 8:18 | But the Lord said to My father David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a house... | God acknowledges David's pure motive despite refusal. |
| 1 Chr 22:8 | But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and... | Reason for David's inability: he was a man of war. |
| Isa 66:1-2 | Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool... | God's transcendence, no human house can truly contain Him. |
| Acts 7:48-50 | “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says... | Stephen echoes Isaiah, emphasizing God's transcendence. |
| Psa 27:4 | One thing I have desired of the Lord...that I may dwell in the house of the Lord... | David's enduring longing for God's presence, reflected in his temple desire. |
| Psa 132:3-5 | ...I will not give sleep to my eyes...till I find a place for the Lord... | David's commitment to finding a resting place for the Ark, prefiguring the Temple. |
| Heb 8:1-2 | ...we have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand... | The New Covenant temple is not earthly, but heavenly, with Christ. |
| Heb 9:11-12 | But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater... | Christ enters a perfect, spiritual tabernacle, not made by human hands. |
| John 4:23-24 | But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship... | Worship in Spirit and truth, transcending physical temple structures. |
| Rev 21:22 | But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. | In the new Jerusalem, God's presence is the temple. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood... | Believers become the spiritual temple where God dwells. |
| Eph 2:19-22 | ...built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself... | The church as a spiritual temple, built by Christ. |
| Phil 2:13 | for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. | God putting desires in the heart and enabling their fulfillment. |
| Prov 16:1 | The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue... | Highlights human intention (David's desire) vs. God's ultimate decision. |
| Prov 19:21 | Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. | Reiteration of divine sovereignty over human plans, seen in David's case. |
1 Chronicles 22 verses
1 Chronicles 22 7 Meaning
First Chronicles 22:7 describes King David recalling to his son Solomon his personal, fervent desire to build a permanent temple for the Name of the Lord. It reveals David's heartfelt intention and deep devotion, recognizing that such a structure would be a dwelling place for God's glory and a focal point for Israelite worship, solidifying his covenant relationship with God.
1 Chronicles 22 7 Context
David, having established Jerusalem as his capital and brought the Ark of the Covenant there, felt uneasy dwelling in a palace of cedar while the Ark of God remained in a tent (2 Sam 7:1-2, 1 Chron 17:1). This personal desire stemmed from a profound sense of reverence and love for God. However, God, through the prophet Nathan, rejected David's personal intention to build the temple (2 Sam 7:5-7, 1 Chron 17:4-6). Instead, God promised David an eternal dynasty and revealed that David’s son, Solomon, would be the one to build the temple (2 Sam 7:12-13, 1 Chron 17:11-12). In 1 Chronicles 22, David is now elderly and is commissioning Solomon to undertake this monumental task, recalling their past conversation regarding this desire, the divine prohibition, and God's provision for Solomon to succeed where he could not. The chapter serves as David's instruction and encouragement to Solomon, emphasizing the temple's importance, the divine command, and the necessary preparations.
1 Chronicles 22 7 Word analysis
I myself: Hebrew: 'ă-nî (אֲנִ֤י). Emphatic first-person singular pronoun. Highlights David's personal initiative and deep-seated, individual longing, not an external command or suggestion. It emphasizes the profound internal wellspring of this desire.
had it in my heart: Hebrew: hā-yāh 'im-lĕ-ḇā-ḇî (הָיָ֣ה עִם־לְבָבִ֗י). Literally "it was with my heart." The "heart" (לֵבָב, lēḇāḇ) in biblical Hebrew signifies the totality of one's inner being—the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and conscience. It denotes David's profound inner desire, his thoughtful intention, and earnest commitment. This was not a passing thought but a deeply rooted purpose.
to build: Hebrew: liḇnōṯ (לִבְנֹ֖ות). From bānāh (בָּנָה), "to build, construct." Refers to the physical erection of a structure. It implies planning, effort, and execution for a lasting monument.
a house: Hebrew: bayit (בַּ֣יִת). Refers here specifically to a physical edifice. In this context, it implies the central sanctuary for the worship of Yahweh, which would later be known as the Temple in Jerusalem. It signifies a place of stability, reverence, and consecrated dwelling.
for the Name: Hebrew: lē-šêm (לְשֵׁ֣ם). "For the Name" is a significant theological phrase. In biblical thought, God's "Name" (שֵׁם, šēm) is more than just a title; it represents God's character, reputation, presence, authority, and essence. Building a house "for the Name" means constructing a place dedicated to the revelation and honor of God's being, a place where His presence could manifest among His people. It distinguishes it from houses built for idols.
of the Lord: Hebrew: Yahweh (יְהוָ֑ה). The covenantal Name of God, revealing His personal relationship with Israel. Emphasizes that this desire was specifically for the true God of Israel, not a generic deity.
Words-group analysis:
- "I myself had it in my heart": This phrase highlights David's personal passion and initiative. It shows his inward motivation for worship, indicating genuine piety rather than a coerced action. It underscores the sincerity of his devotion before the Lord.
- "to build a house for the Name of the Lord": This specific purpose clarifies that David's ambition was entirely devoted to God's glory. Building "for the Name" was about establishing a consecrated place for God's manifest presence, where His character and authority would be acknowledged and worshipped among His people. It points to a deep theological understanding of worship and God's sovereignty.
1 Chronicles 22 7 Bonus section
David's desire here resonates with the prophetic theme that true worship comes from the heart, not just external actions. While God denied David the right to build, He commended his intention, highlighting that a pure heart is more significant to God than the deed itself (1 Kgs 8:18). This principle finds echoes in the New Testament, where God is concerned with the spirit behind an action. The phrase "for the Name of the Lord" prefigures the emphasis on God revealing His presence in specific, chosen places. This commitment also contrasts with pagan temples, which were thought to "contain" or "confine" deities, whereas the Israelite temple was understood as a place for God's Name to dwell, not His infinite being. It was a dwelling place for His presence to meet with His people. David meticulously gathered materials and plans (1 Chr 22:14-16) for a project he knew he would not complete, showing his unwavering faith and selfless devotion, preparing for his son's success as part of God's larger plan.
1 Chronicles 22 7 Commentary
First Chronicles 22:7 succinctly encapsulates King David's profound personal aspiration: to construct a permanent temple dedicated to the Lord. This verse is pivotal because it articulates David's pure and deeply internal desire, stemming from his heartfelt devotion. David, as the king who unified Israel and settled in a glorious palace, recognized the incongruity of God's dwelling, the Ark, remaining in a tent. His motivation was not born of ego or compulsion but of a fervent spiritual desire to honor God with a structure worthy of His holy presence and Name. This passage sets the stage for Solomon's commission, confirming that while the execution of the divine plan would fall to another, the genesis of the temple project lay in David's righteous intention and love for God. It showcases the tension between human good intentions and divine sovereignty, where God sometimes diverts noble plans for His own perfect timing and chosen instrument. David's willingness to transfer this deep desire and preparations to Solomon demonstrates humility and obedience to God's will.