King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:17 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:17 in the King James Version says “David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,”

1 Chronicles 22:17 · KJV

Context

15

Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work. workers: that is, masons and carpenters

16

Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

17

David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,

18

Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.

19

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

Read 1 Chronicles 22 full chapter

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 · 8 words
וַיְצַ֤ו1 of 8

“also commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

דָּוִיד֙2 of 8

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְכָל3 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שָׂרֵ֣י4 of 8

“all the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 8

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לַעְזֹ֖ר6 of 8

“to help”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֥ה7 of 8

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

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 22:17 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 22:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 28:1-63 John 1:8Philippians 4:31 Chronicles 28:21Romans 16:2-31 Chronicles 29:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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