King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:2 in the King James Version says “And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought s...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 22:2 · 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;

4

Also cedar trees in abundance : for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.

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 · 16 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 16

“commanded”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔יד2 of 16

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לִכְנוֹס֙3 of 16

“to gather together”

H3664

to collect; hence, to enfold

אֶת4 of 16
H853

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

הַגֵּרִ֔ים5 of 16

“the strangers”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

אֲשֶׁ֖ר6 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 16

“that were in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֣ד9 of 16

“and he set”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לַחְצוֹב֙10 of 16

“masons”

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

לַחְצוֹב֙11 of 16

“masons”

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

אַבְנֵ֣י12 of 16

“stones”

H68

a stone

גָזִ֔ית13 of 16

“wrought”

H1496

something cut, i.e., dressed stone

לִבְנ֖וֹת14 of 16

“to build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בֵּ֥ית15 of 16

“the house”

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃16 of 16

“of 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

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 22:2 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 22:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 5:17-182 Chronicles 2:171 Kings 9:20-211 Kings 6:72 Kings 12:121 Chronicles 14:1

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