King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mean?

“And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.”

Context

And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

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Topics in This Verse

Fear & Courage

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **And David said to Solomon his son.**—The conclusion of the speech begun in 1Chronicles 28:9-10, and interrupted by the transfer of the plans and designs (1Chronicles 28:11-19). **Be strong and of good courage.**—So 1Chronicles 22:13. “And do” is added here, because the time for action is imminent. **Fear not . . . forsake thee.**—From Deuteronomy 31:6; Deuteronomy 31:8. (See also Joshua 1:5-6.) **My God.**—Recalling, in a single word, all his own wonderful experience of the Divine Helper. **Fail.**—*Drop, let go,* and so *dismiss, desert.* **Until.**—The word implies nothing about the time *beyond* the expressed limit. (Comp. εws, Matthew 1:25.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 28:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.