Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 29:1
Then King David said to the whole assembly, “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great because this palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — King David speaks to the entire assembly, directly addressing his son Solomon, as he prepares to transfer the temple building responsibility. This occurs during the final phase of David’s reign, immediately preceding the formal succession.
The words — David uses אֶחָד ('echad), meaning "one," to mark Solomon as the single, chosen successor. He pairs this with בְנִי (beni), "my son," to establish the paternal and dynastic basis for the transfer.
The thread — The explicit mention of a young, inexperienced successor appears in 1 Chronicles 22:5, where David repeats the same assessment of Solomon. The motif of youthful inexperience is cross-referenced in 1 Kings 3:7 and 2 Chronicles 13:7, though applied to different historical figures.
Why it lands — The text states that the temple is not for human achievement but belongs to the LORD God, requiring the reader to acknowledge divine selection over human capability. It demands a practical reorientation of reliance from royal strength to God’s provision and authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God.
Cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent—famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I must make preparations for it.” So David made lavish preparations before his death.
- 1 Kings 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.
- 2 Chronicles 13:7 Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young, inexperienced, and unable to resist them.
- 1 Kings 8:19 Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’
- 1 Chronicles 28:1 Now David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men—every mighty man of valor.
- 1 Chronicles 28:8 So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, keep and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever.
- 1 Chronicles 28:10 Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”
- 1 Chronicles 29:19 And give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and carry out all Your commandments, decrees, and statutes, and to build Your palace for which I have made provision.”
- 2 Chronicles 2:4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever.
- Proverbs 4:3 When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,