1 Chronicles 28 8

1 Chronicles 28:8 kjv

Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.

1 Chronicles 28:8 nkjv

Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, be careful to seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever.

1 Chronicles 28:8 niv

"So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.

1 Chronicles 28:8 esv

Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.

1 Chronicles 28:8 nlt

"So now, with God as our witness, and in the sight of all Israel ? the LORD's assembly ? I give you this charge. Be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God, so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.

1 Chronicles 28 verses

1 Chronicles 28 8 Meaning

David's charge in 1 Chronicles 28:8 serves as a solemn injunction to Solomon and the assembled nation of Israel. It emphasizes that diligent observance and active pursuit of God's commandments are fundamental. This obedience is presented as a public commitment made before the entire nation and witnessed by God Himself. The primary purpose and promised outcome of such faithfulness are the continuous possession of the good land promised by God and the successful transmission of this inheritance to future generations, ensuring their enduring welfare.

1 Chronicles 28 8 Context

First Chronicles 28 records King David's final public address to the leaders of Israel and to his son, Solomon, regarding the building of the Lord's Temple. This momentous occasion includes the divine plans for the Temple given directly to David by the Spirit (v. 12, 19). The chapter is not merely a record of architectural plans but a deep theological discourse on leadership, responsibility, and the foundational role of obedience to God's covenant for national well-being and continued divine favor. Verse 8, specifically, underscores the public nature and intergenerational significance of this charge, extending its mandate from Solomon to all of Israel for all time, tying their dwelling in the promised land to their faithfulness. This context is deeply rooted in the Deuteronomic theology, which repeatedly links obedience to the Law with Israel's flourishing in the land and disobedience with displacement and curses.

1 Chronicles 28 8 Word analysis

• Now therefore (וְעַתָּה - ve‘attah): This transitional phrase signifies a summation and an urgent call to action based on what has just been revealed (divine plans, God's promise to Solomon). It carries weight and immediacy.
• in the sight (לְעֵינֵי - le‘eyney): From ‘ayin, meaning 'eye' or 'presence.' It signifies full public view and accountability. The instruction is not private but given transparently before witnesses.
• all Israel (כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל - kol-yisrael): Encompasses the entire nation, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the audience and their collective responsibility.
• the assembly of the Lord (קְהַל־יְהוָה - qehal-YHWH): Qehal refers to a solemn convocation, often with religious purpose, emphasizing the sacred gathering before God. It highlights their status as God's chosen, covenant people. This term is foundational for the idea of 'ekklesia' in the New Testament.
• in the hearing (וּבְאָזְנֵי - uv’ozney): From ’ozen, meaning 'ear,' stressing that this command is verbally declared and meant to be heard and absorbed. This ensures divine attestation.
• our God (אֱלֹהֵינוּ - Eloheynu): A possessive pronoun signifying a covenantal relationship, implying His attentive presence and divine witness to the charge given. God Himself is privy to this public declaration.
• observe (שִׁמְרוּ - shimru): An imperative from shamar, meaning 'to keep,' 'to guard,' 'to watch,' 'to preserve.' It implies careful, protective, and faithful adherence to the commandments. It's not just passive acceptance but active safeguarding of God's Word.
• and seek out (וְדִרְשׁוּ - vedirshu): An imperative from darash, meaning 'to seek,' 'to inquire,' 'to diligently search,' 'to investigate,' 'to pursue.' This adds a layer of proactive engagement. It means not just passively obeying but actively understanding, seeking out the implications, and applying the commands with diligence and zeal. The combination of "observe" and "seek out" emphasizes comprehensive and active obedience.
• all the commandments (כָּל־הַמִּצְוֹת - kol-hammitzvot): 'Commandments' (mitzvot) refers to the divine precepts given by God. 'All' emphasizes the entirety, indicating that selective obedience is not sufficient; faithfulness requires upholding the complete law of God.
• of the Lord your God (לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - laYHWH Eloheykhem): Reiterates the specific divine source of the commands, affirming God's authority and His covenant relationship as 'your God.'
• that you may possess (לְמַעַן תִּירְשׁוּ - lema‘an tirshu): Introduces the purpose clause, indicating a conditional promise. 'Possess' (yarash) refers to inheriting or taking possession of property, here, the land of Israel.
• this good land (הָאָרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה - ha’arets hattovah): Refers specifically to Canaan, the promised land. Its goodness signifies its fertility and God's benevolent provision. Its possession is contingent upon obedience.
• and leave it for an inheritance (וְהוֹרַשְׁתֶּם אוֹתָהּ - vehorashtem otah): From yarash, but in a causative sense, meaning 'to cause to inherit' or 'to bequeath.' This emphasizes the intergenerational transfer of the land and its blessings, making obedience crucial for future generations.
• to your children after you forever (לִבְנֵיכֶם אַחֲרֵיכֶם לְעוֹלָם - livneykhem ’achareykhum le‘olam): Highlights the enduring and generational nature of the promise. The covenant relationship and its blessings are meant to perpetuate through faithful succession.

• "in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God": This powerful triad emphasizes solemnity, transparency, and accountability. It highlights that the covenant between God and His people, including their leaders, is not private but a public declaration with divine witness, creating a profound sense of responsibility for all involved.
• "observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God": This active verbal pairing (shamar and darash) conveys profound diligence. It is not a casual obedience but a mindful, intentional guarding of the commands, coupled with a proactive, inquisitive searching for deeper understanding and diligent application of every single one. This sets a high standard for spiritual devotion and practical righteousness.
• "that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever": This phrase links immediate obedience to long-term national flourishing and intergenerational blessings. The 'good land' symbolizes God's present covenant blessing, but its perpetuation is directly tied to the current generation's faithfulness. It transforms individual obedience into a legacy for perpetuity.

1 Chronicles 28 8 Bonus section

This verse contains an implicit polemic against a superficial understanding of God's covenant or the belief that divine favor is automatic regardless of obedience. It counters any temptation towards mere ritualism without righteous living by demanding active "observance" and "seeking out" of commandments. In the broader Biblical narrative, the land (הָאָרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה) is a powerful symbol of God's promised presence, provision, and blessing. While Israel’s possession of the literal land was conditional upon their obedience, New Testament theology extends this concept. Believers under the New Covenant are promised a spiritual inheritance in Christ, often described as partaking in His kingdom (Col 1:12; 1 Pet 1:4), receiving every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3), or entering into His eternal rest (Heb 4:1). Just as the physical land was tied to obedience for Old Covenant Israel, so is the experience of the fulness of Christ's spiritual inheritance often tied to obedience and faithful perseverance for the believer in the New Covenant (John 15:10; Rev 22:14). This verse thus echoes principles that transcend the immediate historical context, speaking to the enduring value of active and holistic obedience to God's revealed will.

1 Chronicles 28 8 Commentary

First Chronicles 28:8 is a powerful declaration of God's unchanging principle: obedience to His commandments is the foundation for lasting blessing and covenant fulfillment. David, on the cusp of transferring leadership to Solomon, stresses that the future prosperity of the nation and their continued tenure in the Promised Land depend not on military might or political astuteness, but on devout and comprehensive adherence to God's law. The emphasis on being witnessed by "all Israel" and "our God" makes this a public and sacred covenant charge, underscoring collective responsibility and divine accountability. The command to "observe and seek out" speaks to both careful guarding and diligent application, fostering a proactive relationship with God's will. Ultimately, this verse champions a legacy of faith—where the actions of one generation determine the inheritance of the next—reminding us that walking faithfully with God secures not only present blessings but also future generational welfare, making a compelling case for diligent spiritual discipline.