1 Chronicles 22:16 – “In gold, silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King David is encouraging Solomon to begin the monumental task of building the temple for the Lord. David reassures Solomon that everything he needs is already in place: an abundance of resources like gold, silver, bronze, and iron, along with an innumerable number of skilled craftsmen to do the work. With these preparations complete, David gives Solomon the command to start the work, reminding him that the Lord will be with him.
David’s words reflect both practical and spiritual preparation. He has done all he can to gather the materials and workers, but the success of the project ultimately depends on God’s presence and blessing. David’s final charge, “the Lord be with you,” is a reminder that no matter how well-prepared Solomon is, the real strength and success come from God.
Historical Context
David had wanted to build the temple for the Lord himself, but God had told him that this task would be passed on to his son Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:7-10). Though David couldn’t build the temple, he spent years gathering materials, preparing the workforce, and organizing everything Solomon would need. By the time Solomon came to power, all the resources were ready for the construction to begin.
The temple was incredibly important to Israel, as it would be the central place of worship where sacrifices were made and where God’s presence would dwell among His people. Solomon’s task of building the temple was not only a massive construction project but a spiritual responsibility that would impact Israel’s relationship with God for generations to come.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us about the partnership between human effort and divine blessing. David had done everything in his power to prepare for the temple’s construction, but he knew that the Lord’s presence and guidance were essential for the project to succeed. The phrase “the Lord be with you” highlights the truth that no matter how much we plan or prepare, true success comes only with God’s help and favor.
It also shows us that God equips His people for the tasks He calls them to. Solomon wasn’t being sent into this work unprepared. God had already provided all the necessary resources—both materials and skilled workers—before the project even began. This reflects how God works in our lives, giving us the tools, resources, and people we need to fulfill His purposes.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse emphasizes both the abundance of resources and the need to begin the work. The list of materials—gold, silver, bronze, and iron—underscores the richness of the preparations, while the reference to “craftsmen beyond number” highlights the sheer scale of the workforce that David had assembled. The command, “Now begin the work,” signals a transition from preparation to action, showing that the time for planning is over and the time for building has come.
The final phrase, “the Lord be with you,” adds a spiritual dimension to the task. It is both a blessing and a reminder that the success of the work depends on God’s presence and guidance.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 35:30-35 – This passage describes how God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with the Spirit of God, giving them the skill and knowledge to craft the Tabernacle. Just as God provided skilled workers for the Tabernacle, He provided for the temple.
- Joshua 1:9 – God encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel into the Promised Land, promising His presence with him. Similarly, David encourages Solomon with the reminder that the Lord will be with him.
- Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This verse echoes the idea that our efforts are successful when committed to the Lord’s guidance.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that God often provides everything we need to fulfill His plans, but it’s up to us to take the first step and begin the work. David’s encouragement to Solomon to “begin the work” is a challenge to us to not only wait for God’s provision but to take action in faith, trusting that God will be with us as we step into the roles He has called us to.
It also teaches us to rely on God’s presence for success. While preparation is important, we must remember that it is God who ultimately brings our plans to fruition. Whether we are building ministries, relationships, or careers, we are called to work hard and trust that God will be with us, guiding our efforts and blessing the results.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to be with His people and guide them in their work. God didn’t leave Solomon to build the temple alone; He provided resources, skilled workers, and, most importantly, His own presence to ensure the project’s success. God’s love is shown in the way He equips His people for the tasks He calls them to, ensuring that they have everything they need to succeed.
God’s love is also seen in the fact that He cares about the details of our lives. Just as He provided for the building of the temple, He cares about the things we are called to build in our own lives—whether it’s our families, churches, or communities. His promise to be with us shows that He is deeply involved in our daily work and desires for us to succeed as we follow His guidance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in a powerful way. Just as Solomon was called to build the temple, Jesus is building something far greater: His Church. Jesus is the cornerstone of this spiritual temple, and believers are the “living stones” that make up this structure (1 Peter 2:4-5). The abundance of resources and workers provided for Solomon foreshadows the way Jesus provides everything we need—grace, strength, and spiritual gifts—to build His kingdom.
Moreover, just as David reminded Solomon that the Lord would be with him, Jesus gave His disciples the same promise before ascending into heaven. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus assures His followers, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This promise of God’s presence remains true for us today, as we continue the work of building His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does David’s encouragement to Solomon to “begin the work” challenge you to step into the tasks God has called you to?
- In what ways can we trust God’s provision, knowing that He has already supplied the resources and people we need to fulfill His plans?
- How does the reminder that “the Lord be with you” change the way we approach our work and responsibilities?
- How can we see Jesus as the one who provides everything we need to build His Church, just as God provided for Solomon to build the temple?
- What practical steps can you take to start the work God has called you to, trusting that He will be with you in the process?