King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 28:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 28:5 in the King James Version says “And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.”

1 Chronicles 28:5 · KJV

Context

3

But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. blood: Heb. bloods

4

Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:

5

And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

6

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

7

Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. constant: Heb. strong

Read 1 Chronicles 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's final charge and temple plans. The Hebrew term לֵבָב (levav) - heart/mind is theologically significant here, pointing to Wholehearted devotion to God's purposes. 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 Wholehearted devotion to God's purposes. 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's commands to disciples.

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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 David's final charge and temple plans 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 Wholehearted devotion to God's purposes challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's commands to disciples 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 · 18 words
וּמִכָּ֨ל1 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְנִ֔י2 of 18

“And of all my sons”

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

כִּ֚י3 of 18
H3588

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

רַבִּ֣ים4 of 18

“me many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בְנִ֔י5 of 18

“And of all my sons”

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

נָ֥תַן6 of 18

“hath given”

H5414

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

לִ֖י7 of 18
H0
יְהוָ֖ה8 of 18

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּבְחַר֙9 of 18

“he hath chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בִּשְׁלֹמֹ֣ה10 of 18

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנִ֔י11 of 18

“And of all my sons”

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

לָשֶׁ֗בֶת12 of 18

“to sit”

H3427

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

עַל13 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסֵּ֛א14 of 18

“upon the throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

מַלְכ֥וּת15 of 18

“of the kingdom”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

יְהוָ֖ה16 of 18

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

עַל17 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“over Israel”

H3478

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

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 28:5 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 28:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 23:11 Chronicles 3:1-91 Chronicles 22:9-101 Chronicles 14:3-7Psalms 72:1-20Isaiah 9:6-7

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