King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 22:7 Mean?

1 Chronicles 22:7 in the King James Version says “And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:”

1 Chronicles 22:7 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.

7

And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:

8

But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. Solomon: that is, Peaceable

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 · 13 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֖יד2 of 13

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֑ה3 of 13

“to Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְּנִ֕ו4 of 13

“My 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

אֲנִי֙5 of 13
H589

i

הָיָ֣ה6 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִם7 of 13
H5973

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

לְבָבִ֔י8 of 13

“as for me it was in my mind”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

לִבְנ֣וֹת9 of 13

“to build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַּ֔יִת10 of 13

“an house”

H1004

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

לְשֵׁ֖ם11 of 13

“unto the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֥ה12 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהָֽי׃13 of 13

“my 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 22:7 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 22:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 132:5Deuteronomy 12:112 Chronicles 6:7-91 Kings 8:16-20Deuteronomy 12:52 Chronicles 2:4

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