1 Chronicles 22:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 22:6 mean?

1 Chronicles 22:6 describes King David summoning his son Solomon and giving him the responsibility to build a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel. David is passing on this important task because he will not be the one to construct the house for God.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to Solomon, his son, in a time of transition. David had long desired to build a temple but was told by God that this honor would go to his son instead. The verse marks a key moment where David formally gives Solomon the charge to carry out this sacred work, setting the stage for the building of the temple in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 22:6

• "called" (קָרָא, qara): This word means to summon or invite. David is not just casually speaking to Solomon; he is formally calling him for a significant purpose.
• "charged" (צָוָה, tsavah): This word means to command or give a directive. David is not making a suggestion—he is giving Solomon a clear and authoritative instruction.
• "build" (בָּנָה, banah): This verb means to construct or establish. The focus is on the physical act of building, highlighting the tangible task Solomon is to undertake.
• "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word often means a dwelling or temple. Here, it refers specifically to the temple as a house for the LORD, emphasizing its role as a sacred place for God’s presence.

Why 1 Chronicles 22:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that the building of the temple was not Solomon’s own idea, but a charge handed down from David, based on God’s earlier instructions.
• The emphasis on David’s formal charge highlights the seriousness and sacredness of the task, showing that building the temple was a matter of divine command, not just royal ambition.
• Understanding this moment helps explain why Solomon’s temple held such significance for Israel—it was the fulfillment of a divinely appointed mission passed from father to son.