King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:1 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:1 in the King James Version says “Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.”

1 Chronicles 22:1 · KJV

Context

1

Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.

2

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.

3

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;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Temple preparations - David's charge to Solomon. The Hebrew term בַּיִת (bayit) - house/temple is theologically significant here, pointing to Worship center as focus of covenant community. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Worship center as focus of covenant community. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as true temple and church as His body.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Temple preparations - David's charge to Solomon occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Worship center as focus of covenant community challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as true temple and church as His body teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 11

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔יד2 of 11

“Then David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

זֶ֣ה3 of 11
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

ה֔וּא4 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בֵּ֖ית5 of 11

“This is the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים7 of 11

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְזֶה8 of 11
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מִּזְבֵּ֥חַ9 of 11

“and this is the altar”

H4196

an altar

לְעֹלָ֖ה10 of 11

“of the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃11 of 11

“for Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 22:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 3:11 Chronicles 21:18-28Genesis 28:172 Chronicles 6:5-62 Samuel 24:182 Kings 18:22

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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