1 Chronicles 28:6 – “He said to me: ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King David recounts what God told him regarding Solomon. God clearly states that Solomon, David’s son, is the one chosen to build the temple, the place where God’s presence would dwell among His people. God affirms His selection of Solomon, not only as the builder of the temple but also as a special son to Him. The relationship between God and Solomon is portrayed as that of a father and son, highlighting the intimate and personal nature of God’s guidance in Solomon’s life. This verse speaks to the deep care God takes in both His dwelling place and the people He chooses to carry out His plans.
Historical Context
David’s desire to build the temple was sincere, but God chose Solomon for this sacred task. At this point, David was nearing the end of his life and reign as king, having brought Israel into a time of relative peace after years of warfare. Solomon’s reign, in contrast to David’s, would be marked by peace and stability, making him the ideal candidate to oversee the construction of the temple. The temple was to be a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God’s presence with His people. Solomon’s role was not just a political appointment but a spiritual calling to fulfill a key part of Israel’s worship and identity.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s sovereign choice in determining who will carry out His plans. Theologically, it reveals that God’s will is not about human ambition or qualification but His divine selection. Solomon was chosen not only to rule but to be in a unique relationship with God, described in familial terms. The father-son language used here points to a special covenant relationship, where God’s care and guidance would be with Solomon in his leadership. It also indicates that Solomon’s task of building the temple was not merely an earthly project but part of God’s larger plan for His people to have a place of worship where they could encounter His presence.
Literary Analysis
The repetition of “chosen” in this verse reinforces the theme of God’s election. This choice is presented as a personal and deliberate act of God. The phrase “I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father” echoes the covenant language found throughout Scripture, where God establishes His relationship with His people. The reference to Solomon building God’s “house and courts” connects Solomon’s task to the broader narrative of God’s desire to dwell with His people. The father-son relationship mentioned also foreshadows deeper theological themes that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 7:12-14: God promises David that his son will build the temple and that He will be a father to Solomon.
- 1 Chronicles 22:9-10: A more detailed account of God’s choice of Solomon to build the temple and the promise of peace during his reign.
- Psalm 2:7: A reference to the divine sonship of the king, highlighting the special relationship between God and His anointed ruler.
- Hebrews 1:5: Refers to this father-son language, showing its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse teaches the importance of recognizing and submitting to God’s plans. Just as Solomon was chosen for a specific task, God has a purpose for each believer. This verse also emphasizes the closeness of the relationship God desires to have with His people. Christians can take comfort in knowing that, like Solomon, they are chosen and loved by God, and that He will guide them in fulfilling His will. It reminds us that the work we do for God—whether big or small—is part of His larger plan to make Himself known.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s loving nature in how He chooses and calls people for specific purposes. God’s relationship with Solomon is not distant or impersonal; it’s portrayed as that of a father and son. This highlights God’s love and care for those He calls to serve Him. The task of building the temple was significant, but God did not leave Solomon to do it alone—He promised to be a loving father who would guide and support him throughout his life and leadership. This same loving guidance is available to all who follow God’s calling.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The father-son relationship described in this verse ultimately points to Jesus Christ. While Solomon was chosen to build a physical temple, Jesus, the Son of God, came to establish a greater, spiritual temple. In Jesus, we see the perfect fulfillment of the father-son relationship spoken of in this verse. As the true Son of God, Jesus builds the spiritual house where God dwells with His people (John 2:19-21), and through Him, believers are brought into this same intimate relationship with God. The language of God being a Father to His chosen one finds its ultimate expression in Christ’s relationship with the Father (Matthew 3:17).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that God chooses specific people for His purposes encourage you in your walk with Him?
- What can we learn from Solomon’s example of being chosen to build the temple about listening to God’s calling in our own lives?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s love as a Father?
- In what ways does the relationship between God and Solomon point to the greater relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ?
- How can we apply the principle of serving God’s purposes, like Solomon, in our daily lives?