King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 29:22 Mean?

1 Chronicles 29:22 in the King James Version says “And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the s...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.”

1 Chronicles 29:22 · KJV

Context

20

And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

21

And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:

22

And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.

23

Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

24

And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king. submitted: Heb. gave the hand under Solomon

Read 1 Chronicles 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Offerings for temple and Solomon's coronation. The Hebrew term נְדָבָה (nedavah) - freewill offering is theologically significant here, pointing to Generous giving from willing hearts. 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 Generous giving from willing hearts. 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 ultimate self-offering.

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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 Offerings for temple and Solomon's coronation 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 Generous giving from willing hearts challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's ultimate self-offering 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
וַיֹּֽאכְל֨וּ1 of 18

“And did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּשְׁתּ֜וּ2 of 18

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

לִפְנֵ֧י3 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לַֽיהוָ֛ה4 of 18

“him unto the LORD”

H3068

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

בַּיּ֥וֹם5 of 18

“on that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֖וּא6 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּשִׂמְחָ֣ה7 of 18

“gladness”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

גְדוֹלָ֑ה8 of 18

“with great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַיַּמְלִ֤יכוּ9 of 18

“king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שֵׁנִית֙10 of 18

“the second time”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֣ה11 of 18

“And they made Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בֶן12 of 18

“the 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

דָּוִ֔יד13 of 18

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּמְשְׁח֧וּ14 of 18

“and anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

לַֽיהוָ֛ה15 of 18

“him unto the LORD”

H3068

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

לְנָגִ֥יד16 of 18

“to be the chief governor”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

וּלְצָד֖וֹק17 of 18

“and Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

לְכֹהֵֽן׃18 of 18

“to be priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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 29:22 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 29:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 23:11 Kings 2:35Exodus 24:111 Kings 1:34-39Deuteronomy 16:14-17Nehemiah 8:12

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