1 Chronicles 22:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 22:4 mean?

1 Chronicles 22:4 describes how cedar trees were supplied in great quantity for David by the people of Zidon and Tyre, who brought much cedar wood to him. This verse highlights the abundance of building materials David received from neighboring regions as he prepared for the construction of the temple.

In this part of the book, the chronicler is recounting King David’s preparations for building the temple in Jerusalem, even though David himself would not build it. The verse specifically mentions the Zidonians and those from Tyre, who were known for their access to high-quality cedar wood from Lebanon. Their cooperation shows the extent of David’s influence and the importance of the temple project.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 22:4

• "cedar" (אֶרֶז, ’erez): This word refers to the famous cedar trees of Lebanon, valued for their durability and fragrance. The use of cedar here emphasizes the quality of materials being gathered.
• "Zidonians" (צִידֹנִי, Tsidoni): This term points to people from Zidon (Sidon), a major Phoenician city, known for trade and expertise in timber.
• "Tyre" (צֹר, Tsor): Tyre was another important Phoenician city. Mentioning both Tyre and Zidon underlines the international cooperation involved in David’s preparations.

Why 1 Chronicles 22:4 matters

• This verse clarifies that the temple’s construction would rely not only on Israel’s resources but also on international partnerships, especially with skilled Phoenician suppliers.
• The mention of abundant cedar wood from Tyre and Zidon highlights the scale and grandeur of the temple project David was planning for his son Solomon.
• By showing David’s preparations, the verse connects to the larger biblical theme of God’s house being built with the best resources and broad cooperation, setting the stage for Solomon’s later work.