1 Chronicles 28:20
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David doesn't just tell Solomon to be strong; he emphasizes that the Lord God, "even my God," is with him, making it personal and a shared journey of faith. This isn't just about future strength, but about God's present companionship to see the sacred task through to completion. The promise is tied not to Solomon's inherent ability, but to God's unwavering presence until the work is finished.
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)
King David, knowing his time is short, is passing the monumental task of building the temple to his son Solomon. He's just gathered all Israel's leaders and revealed God's detailed plans for the temple, laying out the immense work ahead. This verse is David's final, fatherly charge to Solomon, an encouragement to step into this God-given responsibility with faith and bravery.
David, the mighty king, is passing the torch to his son Solomon. It's not just a transfer of power, but a profound moment of fatherly counsel. What makes this charge so impactful?
King David, facing the end of his life, gives his son Solomon a crucial charge. This isn't about military might or political strategy, but about the spiritual leadership of Israel and the building of the Temple. David knows the task ahead is immense and fraught with challenges. His words are infused with urgency and a deep understanding of his son's potential fears. This charge is a blueprint for facing daunting responsibilities with faith, not fear. It sets the tone for Solomon's reign and the monumental task of building God's house.
Fear and dismay are natural human responses to overwhelming tasks. But David offers a divine antidote. What is it?
David confronts the very real emotions of fear and dismay head-on. He doesn't dismiss them but provides a powerful reason to overcome them: the unfailing presence of the LORD. "The LORD God, even my God, is with you." This isn't a generic promise; it's personal. David emphasizes that the God who has been his God is also Solomon's God. This intimate relationship is the foundation for courage. The assurance that God "will not leave you or forsake you" is the ultimate weapon against discouragement, especially when undertaking His service.
The charge isn't just for a day, but for a duration. What does it mean to press on until the 'service of the house of the LORD' is complete?
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David's final words link strength, courage, and God's presence to the completion of a specific task: "all the work for the service of the house of the LORD." This highlights the importance of perseverance in God's work. It's about endurance, staying the course even when the challenges are great and the end seems distant. The promise of God's presence is tied directly to the completion of His purposes. This calls us to a steadfast commitment, understanding that our strength comes from God, empowering us to finish what He has called us to do for His glory.
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.
This passage echoes David's own transition of leadership and the monumental task of building the Temple, emphasizing that divine presence empowers even the most daunting assignments.
c. 1015 BC
David Anointed King
After years of fugitive status and a lengthy reign over Judah, David is finally anointed king over all Israel, uniting the tribes. This marks the beginning of his significant rule and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital.
c. 1005 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David successfully conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital. This strategic move unifies the north and south and sets the stage for building the Temple.
c. 1000 BC
Ark of the Covenant Brought to Jerusalem
David joyfully brings the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to Jerusalem. Though he desired to build a house for God, he is told by God that his son will do this.
c. 970 BC— this verse
David's Final Instructions to Solomon
As David nears the end of his life, he gathers Israel and commissions his son, Solomon, to build the magnificent Temple for the LORD. He entrusts Solomon with immense resources and spiritual guidance.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Begins Reign
Following David's death, Solomon ascends to the throne. He consolidates power and prepares to fulfill his father's dream of constructing the Temple.
c. 966 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon initiates the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental task involving vast labor and resources, fulfilling the divine mandate given through David.
This passage echoes David's encouragement to Solomon, calling Joshua to be strong and courageous because the LORD his God will be with him, just as God promised to be with Solomon.
Deuteronomy 31:6This verse directly supports the promise that God will not leave or forsake His people, a vital assurance David gives Solomon as he undertakes a monumental task.
2 Chronicles 15:7Similar to David's charge, this verse encourages strength and persistence in doing the LORD's work, assuring that those who act will be rewarded because God is with them.
Matthew 28:20Jesus makes a similar promise to His disciples, assuring them of His constant presence 'to the end of the age,' mirroring God's unwavering commitment to Solomon throughout his service.
David doesn't just tell Solomon to be strong; he emphasizes that the Lord God, "even my God," is with him, making it personal and a shared journey of faith. This isn't just about future strength, but about God's present companionship to see the sacred task through to completion. The promise is tied not to Solomon's inherent ability, but to God's unwavering presence until the work is finished.
King David, knowing his time is short, is passing the monumental task of building the temple to his son Solomon. He's just gathered all Israel's leaders and revealed God's detailed plans for the temple, laying out the immense work ahead. This verse is David's final, fatherly charge to Solomon, an encouragement to step into this God-given responsibility with faith and bravery.
King David, knowing his time is short, is passing the monumental task of building the temple to his son Solomon. He's just gathered all Israel's leaders and revealed God's detailed plans for the temple, laying out the immense work ahead. This verse is David's final, fatherly charge to Solomon, an encouragement to step into this God-given responsibility with faith and bravery.
"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 to be strong; he emphasizes that the Lord God, "even my God," is with him, making it personal and a shared journey of faith. This isn't just about future strength, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
