And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
1 CHRONICLES 28:20KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 28:20 mean?
1 Chronicles 28:20 records King David encouraging his son Solomon to be strong and courageous as he takes on the task of building the temple for the LORD. David reassures Solomon that God will be with him, promising that God will not abandon or fail him until all the work for the temple is complete.
David is speaking directly to Solomon, his son, as he prepares to hand over the responsibility of constructing the temple—something David himself wanted to do but was not allowed by God. The verse highlights a moment of transition and trust, with David passing on both a practical charge and a spiritual assurance. The focus is on Solomon’s need for courage and the certainty of God’s presence and faithfulness throughout the demanding project.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 28:20
- חֲזַק (ḥazaq, "be strong"): This word often means to take courage or to be resolute, not just physically strong but also firm in purpose. David is urging Solomon to have inner strength for the task ahead.
- אֱמָץ (’ematz, "of good courage"): This word emphasizes being determined and brave, especially in the face of difficulty. It pairs with "be strong" to stress both resolve and bravery.
- יָרֵא (yare’, "fear"): This word can mean to be afraid or intimidated. David tells Solomon not to let fear stop him, suggesting that the task may seem overwhelming.
- יַעֲזְבֶךָ (ya‘azveka, "forsake"): This word means to leave or abandon. David assures Solomon that God will not desert him, highlighting God's reliability and commitment.
Why 1 Chronicles 28:20 matters
- This verse clarifies that the work of building the temple was not just a construction project but a spiritual calling, with God’s presence and help promised throughout.
- The emphasis on not fearing or being dismayed shows that even great leaders like Solomon could feel overwhelmed, and that encouragement and reassurance were needed.
- The verse connects to the larger story of David’s life and legacy, showing his faith in God’s promises and his desire to see his son succeed in serving God’s purposes.