1 Chronicles 28:20
Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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David doesn't just tell Solomon God is generally with him, but emphasizes that the Lord is "even my God," implying a deeply personal, experienced relationship he's passing on. This isn't just a general promise, but a covenant assurance rooted in David's own walk with God, assuring Solomon that the same faithful God who was with him will be with his son. The verse also highlights that God's presence is tied to completing the task, urging Solomon to see the sacred work ahead as a journey with divine companionship.
King David, old and near the end of his life, is giving his son Solomon final instructions and encouragement for building the magnificent Temple. Just before this, David has publicly presented Solomon as his successor and gathered Israel's leaders, emphasizing that God Himself chose Solomon for this immense task. This charge to Solomon, therefore, isn't just a father's advice, but a divinely ordained handover, setting the stage for Solomon's reign and the monumental construction project.
Facing a massive, God-given task can feel overwhelming, right? David knew this, and he passed on some powerful encouragement to his son Solomon.
David's words to Solomon are packed with reassurance. He tells him to 'Be strong and courageous and do it.' This isn't just a pep talk; it's a divine mandate delivered through a father's voice. The key is why Solomon should be courageous: 'for the LORD God, even my God, is with you.' Our strength doesn't come from within ourselves, but from the empowering presence of God who walks with us through every challenge.
Ever felt like God might just up and leave when things get tough? David addresses that very fear head-on for Solomon.
The promise 'He will not leave you or forsake you' is a profound declaration of God's faithfulness. This isn't a conditional presence that evaporates when difficulties arise. It's a steadfast commitment that lasts 'until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.' This assurance means God is with us not just at the beginning, but through the entire process, no matter how long or arduous it may be.
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Understand the original words
chazaq ve'amats · Hebrew Verb Phrase
An imperative command often given in the context of divine commissioning, signifying reliance not on human strength but on the empowerment and presence of God.
chatath · Hebrew Verb
An intense emotional state of being overwhelmed, fearful, or broken-spirited, which the believer is commanded to avoid by placing trust in God's presence.
raphah / azab · Hebrew Verb Phrase
A promise of divine presence and faithfulness; it is the ultimate assurance that God will never abandon His people while they are engaged in the work He has assigned to them.
abodah · Hebrew Noun
The religious work, ministry, or duty performed for God within His house; it underscores that all activity in the temple is a form of worship and stewardship.
c. 1015 BC
David Anointed King
David is anointed king over all Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as his capital.
c. 1005 BC
Ark Brought to Jerusalem
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, signifying God's presence in the city and David's desire to build Him a temple.
c. 970 BC
David's Temple Plans
God tells David he cannot build the temple because he is a man of war, but he can prepare materials and make plans.
c. 970 BC— this verse
David Commissions Solomon
The passage in 1 Chronicles 28 occurs, where an aging David strongly encourages his son Solomon to be courageous and faithful as he takes over the kingship and the monumental task of building the temple.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Begins Temple Construction
Solomon, now king, begins the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, following his father's plans and God's directives.
c. 963 BC
Temple Completion and Dedication
The First Temple is completed and dedicated by Solomon, a central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites for centuries.
This passage echoes David's encouragement to Solomon, commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous because the LORD his God would be with him, just as God was with David and would be with Solomon.
Deuteronomy 31:6Similar to David's words, Moses tells Israel to be strong and courageous, reminding them that the LORD their God goes with them and will never forsake them, a promise directly applied to Solomon's task.
1 Kings 3:14This shows God’s direct response to Solomon after he asks for wisdom, promising him success if he walks in God’s ways, reinforcing the idea that God’s presence and blessing are tied to obedience in the task.
1 Corinthians 16:13Paul echoes David's charge to Solomon, urging believers to stay alert, stand firm in the faith, and be courageous and strong in their spiritual walk, emphasizing consistent spiritual fortitude.
David doesn't just tell Solomon God is generally with him, but emphasizes that the Lord is "even my God," implying a deeply personal, experienced relationship he's passing on. This isn't just a general promise, but a covenant assurance rooted in David's own walk with God, assuring Solomon that the same faithful God who was with him will be with his son. The verse also highlights that God's presence is tied to completing the task, urging Solomon to see the sacred work ahead as a journey with divine companionship.
King David, old and near the end of his life, is giving his son Solomon final instructions and encouragement for building the magnificent Temple. Just before this, David has publicly presented Solomon as his successor and gathered Israel's leaders, emphasizing that God Himself chose Solomon for this immense task. This charge to Solomon, therefore, isn't just a father's advice, but a divinely ordained handover, setting the stage for Solomon's reign and the monumental construction project.
King David, old and near the end of his life, is giving his son Solomon final instructions and encouragement for building the magnificent Temple. Just before this, David has publicly presented Solomon as his successor and gathered Israel's leaders, emphasizing that God Himself chose Solomon for this immense task. This charge to Solomon, therefore, isn't just a father's advice, but a divinely ordained handover, setting the stage for Solomon's reign and the monumental construction project.
"Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the h…" — David doesn't just tell Solomon God is generally with him, but emphasizes that the Lord is "even my God," implying a deeply personal, experienced relationship he's passing on. This isn't just a g…
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