Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

1 CHRONICLES 22:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 22:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 22:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 22:13 says that Solomon will succeed if he carefully follows the laws and decisions God gave to Moses for Israel, and encourages him to be strong, courageous, and not afraid or discouraged. The verse ties Solomon’s future prosperity to his obedience and his attitude in facing the task ahead.

David is speaking to his son Solomon as he prepares him to build the temple in Jerusalem. David reminds Solomon that following God’s commands—specifically the "statutes and judgments" given through Moses—is essential for success. David also urges Solomon to have strength and courage, echoing words spoken to Joshua in earlier times, because the work ahead is significant and challenging.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 22:13

  • "Prosper" (‏הִצְלִיחַ‎, hitsliakh): This word often means to succeed or to have things go well, especially as a result of God’s help. Here, it emphasizes that Solomon’s success depends on his faithfulness to God’s instructions.
  • "Heed" (‏שָׁמַר‎, shamar): This word means to keep, guard, or pay careful attention. David is telling Solomon not just to know the laws, but to watch over them and make sure he lives by them.
  • "Statutes" (‏חֹק‎, choq) and "Judgments" (‏מִשְׁפָּט‎, mishpat): "Statutes" refers to established rules or decrees, while "judgments" points to decisions or ordinances. Together, they cover the full range of God’s instructions given through Moses.
  • "Be strong" (‏חָזַק‎, chazaq) and "of good courage" (‏אָמַץ‎, amats): These words are often paired in the Old Testament to encourage someone facing a daunting task. They stress the need for inner resolve and determination, not just physical strength.

Why 1 Chronicles 22:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s success as king and temple builder is not automatic; it is directly linked to his obedience to God’s law and his personal courage.
  • The language connects Solomon’s mission to earlier leaders like Moses and Joshua, showing continuity in God’s expectations for Israel’s leaders.
  • The verse highlights that true prosperity in Israel’s history is seen as a result of faithfulness to God, not just political skill or wealth.

Where else these words appear

“courage” Hebrew H553 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • 2 Samuel 22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
  • Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

“dismayed” Hebrew H2865 · used in 48 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:21 Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
  • Job 32:15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
  • Jeremiah 17:18 Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

“prosper” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • 1 Kings 22:15 So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
  • Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

“statutes” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:16 This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.