Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

1 CHRONICLES 22:19KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 22:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 22:19 mean?

1 Chronicles 22:19 calls the people to dedicate themselves fully—both in heart and soul—to seeking the LORD their God, and then to take action by building the sanctuary so that the ark of the covenant and the holy items can be placed in a house built for God’s name. The verse is a charge to prioritize God’s presence and worship by preparing a proper place for Him.

King David is speaking to the leaders of Israel as he prepares them for the task of building the temple, which his son Solomon will oversee. David urges them to focus their inner lives (“heart and soul”) on seeking God (not just outward actions), and then to rise up and physically build the sanctuary, emphasizing both spiritual devotion and practical obedience.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 22:19

  • "Set" (נָתַן, nathan): This word often means “to give” or “to set,” and here it carries the sense of intentionally directing or dedicating one’s heart and soul toward God, not just a passive feeling.
  • "Heart" (לֵבָב, levav) and "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): These words together highlight a call for total commitment—both the inner thoughts and the whole being are to be focused on seeking God.
  • "Seek" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This verb means to search out or pursue with intention, not just a casual interest. David is urging a deep, ongoing pursuit of God.
  • "Sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash): This word refers specifically to a holy place set apart for God, underlining the importance of building a space dedicated to God’s presence.

Why 1 Chronicles 22:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that building the temple is not just a construction project but a spiritual act that requires the people’s full devotion and intentional seeking of God.
  • The emphasis on both “heart” and “soul” shows that God desires inward dedication, not just outward religious activity.
  • The verse connects the physical act of building with the spiritual purpose of bringing the ark and holy vessels into a house for God’s name, tying together worship, obedience, and God’s presence among His people.

Where else these words appear

“sanctuary” Hebrew H4720 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Psalms 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
  • Ezekiel 28:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.