Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.

1 CHRONICLES 22:18KJV
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1 Chronicles 22:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 22:18 mean?

1 Chronicles 22:18 is a reminder from David to the people of Israel that God is with them and has given them peace and victory over their enemies. David points out that the land and its inhabitants have been brought under Israel’s control, showing that God has fulfilled His promises and given them rest.

David is speaking to the leaders of Israel as he prepares them for the building of the temple. He emphasizes that God (using the name יְהוָה, Yahweh) has provided security and success, so the people can now focus on the work ahead. The verse highlights a turning point: after years of conflict, Israel is finally settled and able to look forward to a new chapter.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 22:18

  • "Rest" (נוּחַ, nuach) means a settled peace or relief from enemies. David uses this word to show that Israel is no longer threatened on every "side" (סָבִיב, saviv), so they can focus on building the temple.
  • "Subdued" (כָּנַע, kana‘) means to bring under control or make subject. David is stressing that the land and its people are now under Israel’s authority, not just by force but as a settled reality.
  • "Before" (פָּנִים, panim) is used twice, meaning "in the presence of" or "in front of." David is saying that the land is subdued not just before Israel, but before God Himself, showing that this victory is seen as God’s work and under His authority.

Why 1 Chronicles 22:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the peace and victories Israel enjoys are directly attributed to God’s action, not just military strength or luck.
  • It sets the stage for the building of the temple by showing that the time of war is over and a new era of worship and stability can begin.
  • The verse connects God’s promises to their fulfillment, reminding the people that God’s presence and help are the foundation for their success and future plans.

Where else these words appear

“subdued” Hebrew H3533 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
  • 2 Samuel 8:11 Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;
  • Jeremiah 34:11 But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.

“rest” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
  • Isaiah 7:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.