King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:3 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:3 in the King James Version says “And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abunda...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

1 Chronicles 22:3 · 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.

5

And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.

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 · 12 words
וּבַרְזֶ֣ל׀1 of 12

“iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

לָרֹ֖ב2 of 12

“in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

לַֽמִּסְמְרִ֞ים3 of 12

“for the nails”

H4548

a peg (as bristling from the surface)

לְדַלְת֧וֹת4 of 12

“for the doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

הַשְּׁעָרִ֛ים5 of 12

“of the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וְלַֽמְחַבְּר֖וֹת6 of 12

“and for the joinings”

H4226

a joiner, i.e., brace or cramp

הֵכִ֣ין7 of 12

“prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

דָּוִ֑יד8 of 12

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּנְחֹ֥שֶׁת9 of 12

“and brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

לָרֹ֖ב10 of 12

“in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

אֵ֥ין11 of 12
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִשְׁקָֽל׃12 of 12

“without weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

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 22:3 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 22:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 22:141 Chronicles 29:21 Kings 7:471 Chronicles 29:7Jeremiah 52:202 Chronicles 4:18

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