King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:18 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:18 in the King James Version says “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 th...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 22:18 · KJV

Context

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 · 19 words
הֲלֹ֨א1 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 19

“Is not the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙3 of 19

“your 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

עִמָּכֶ֔ם4 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְהֵנִ֥יחַ5 of 19

“with you and hath he not given you rest”

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

לָכֶ֖ם6 of 19
H0
מִסָּבִ֑יב7 of 19

“on every side”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

כִּ֣י׀8 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָתַ֣ן9 of 19

“for he hath given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָדִ֗י10 of 19

“into mine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֵ֚ת11 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י12 of 19

“the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָאָ֛רֶץ13 of 19

“and the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְנִכְבְּשָׁ֥ה14 of 19

“is subdued”

H3533

to tread down; hence, negatively, to disregard; positively, to conquer, subjugate, violate

הָאָ֛רֶץ15 of 19

“and the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְלִפְנֵ֥י16 of 19

“and before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה17 of 19

“Is not the LORD”

H3068

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

וְלִפְנֵ֥י18 of 19

“and before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עַמּֽוֹ׃19 of 19

“his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 22:18 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 22:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 23:251 Chronicles 22:92 Samuel 7:1Psalms 44:1-5Romans 8:312 Samuel 5:19-20

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

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