1 Chronicles 28:10-11
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David doesn't just command his son Solomon to build the Temple; he stresses that God chose him for this monumental task. This isn't just about construction; it's a divine assignment, meaning Solomon's strength must be rooted in God's calling, not just his own ability.
Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” Then David gave Solomon his son the plan of the vestibule of the temple, and of its houses, its treasuries, its upper rooms, and its inner chambers, and of the room for the mercy seat;
English Standard Version (ESV)
King David, old and frail, is giving his final instructions to his son Solomon, whom he has designated as his successor. David recounts his own desire to build the Temple but explains why God disallowed him, instead commissioning Solomon to undertake this monumental task. This verse is David's passionate charge to Solomon to embrace this divine calling with courage and diligence.
David tells Solomon, 'the LORD has chosen you.' What does it mean to be chosen by God for a specific, sacred task? It's more than just an assignment; it's an identity.
The Privilege of Divine Selection
God's choice isn't random. When God chooses someone, He equips them. David reminds Solomon that this monumental task of building the Temple wasn't thrust upon him by accident, but by divine selection. This choice comes with immense privilege and responsibility. It means God has a purpose and a plan that He is unfolding through you.
God's Choice and Your Calling
This principle isn't just for ancient kings. When we are called to serve God, whether in grand ways or quiet ones, it stems from His choice. His choosing signifies His trust and His empowering presence. It means He sees potential in us and has a unique role for us in His unfolding story.
God doesn't just choose us; He commands us to 'be strong and do it.' How do we find the strength to face daunting tasks that God calls us to?
The Command to Be Strong
Following David's reminder of God's choice, the command is clear: 'be strong and do it.' This isn't a suggestion; it's a directive. Building the Temple was an enormous undertaking, requiring immense resources, planning, and unwavering resolve. God’s command to be strong implies that He will provide the strength needed. It's a call to courage in the face of difficulty.
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Strength Rooted in God
True strength for God's work doesn't originate from within ourselves. It's a strength that comes from relying on God. When we are chosen for a task, we are also empowered by the One who chose us. This strength is activated through obedience and faith, trusting that God will uphold us as we step out to do what He has called us to.
Understand the original words
miqdash · Hebrew Noun
A consecrated place or holy site set apart for the worship of God, representing His holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him.
tabnit · Hebrew Noun
A comprehensive blueprint or architectural design, often implying divine instruction or wisdom for the construction of sacred structures or the life of God's people.
hekal · Hebrew Noun
A sacred building or palace designated as the dwelling place of God’s presence on earth, serving as the center of worship and atonement for Israel.
kapporet · Hebrew Noun
The golden cover of the Ark of the Covenant, representing the throne of God's grace and the place where the blood of atonement was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement.
This verse comes at the very end of David's life, as he passes the monumental task of building the Temple to his son Solomon. David's charge is not just about construction, but about carrying out God's will with divine enablement.
~1000 BC
David's Reign Begins
David becomes king over all Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as his capital.
c. 992 BC
Ark Brought to Jerusalem
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, signifying God's presence in his new capital.
c. 992 BC
David's Desire to Build Temple
David expresses his deep desire to build a permanent house for God, but is told by Nathan the prophet that his son will build it.
c. 970 BC— this verse
David's Temple Preparations
Towards the end of his reign, David makes extensive preparations of materials, plans, and skilled workers for the Temple.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Appointed Successor
David publicly designates his son Solomon as his successor and commissions him to build the Temple.
c. 970 BC
David's Final Instructions
David delivers his final charge to Solomon and the assembly, urging them to faithfulness and courage in building the Temple.
This passage emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Israel, not based on their size or merit, mirroring how David was chosen despite his own perceived limitations.
Joshua 1:6-9God's command to Joshua to 'be strong and courageous' echoes the charge given to David here, highlighting the need for faith and obedience when undertaking God's tasks.
1 Kings 8:6This verse directly connects to the verse from 1 Chronicles, as Solomon speaks of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple that David had planned, showing the fulfillment of the sanctuary project.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11Paul uses the metaphor of building the church as God's temple, which relates to the concept of building a sanctuary for God, emphasizing Christ as the foundation.
David doesn't just command his son Solomon to build the Temple; he stresses that God chose him for this monumental task. This isn't just about construction; it's a divine assignment, meaning Solomon's strength must be rooted in God's calling, not just his own ability.
King David, old and frail, is giving his final instructions to his son Solomon, whom he has designated as his successor. David recounts his own desire to build the Temple but explains why God disallowed him, instead commissioning Solomon to undertake this monumental task. This verse is David's passionate charge to Solomon to embrace this divine calling with courage and diligence.
King David, old and frail, is giving his final instructions to his son Solomon, whom he has designated as his successor. David recounts his own desire to build the Temple but explains why God disallowed him, instead commissioning Solomon to undertake this monumental task. This verse is David's passionate charge to Solomon to embrace this divine calling with courage and diligence.
"Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” Then David gave Solomon his son the plan of the vestibule of the temple, and of its houses, its treasuries, its upper rooms, and its inne…" — David doesn't just command his son Solomon to build the Temple; he stresses that God chose him for this monumental task. This isn't just about construction; it's a divine assignment, meaning Solomo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
