22:1 the house of Yahweh God The story of David’s census segues into his preparations for the temple (v. 2–29:31). Because God answered his prayers and sacrifices at Ornan’s (Araunah) threshing floor, David chooses this site for the future temple (2 Chr 3:1).

22:2 resident aliens The Hebrew term used here, ger, typically refers to a non-Israelite who is living peaceably in Israel (Lev 19:34). Here it seems to refer to foreign forced-laborers (2 Sam 20:24).

22:3 iron One of the hardest metals in the ancient Near East.

22:4 Sidonians and Tyrians See 1 Kgs 5:6 and note.

22:5 exceedingly great David explains the reason for his preparations. Solomon was young and inexperienced, and the temple needed to be magnificent.

in fame and splendor The temple needed to be great because it was the earthly representation of God’s heavenly dwelling, representing His sovereignty.

22:6 Solomon David’s son by Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:24). See note on 2 Chr 1:1.

commanded him to build a house This charge is fulfilled in 2 Chr 3:1–17.

22:7 I myself had in my heart to build David explains to Solomon his intention to build a temple for God. See 1 Chr 17:1–15 and note.

22:8 You have shed much blood David explains that God objected to David building the temple because David was a man of war. See note on 1 Kgs 5:3.

22:9 peace and quietness The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, is very similar to Solomon’s name in Hebrew, shelomoh.

22:10 will build a house Yahweh’s statement here envisions the fulfillment of His promise to establish David’s kingdom. See 1 Chr 17:1–15.

22:12 understanding and insight The first Hebrew word used here, sekhel, refers to good sense (Prov 13:15; 16:22). The second word, binah, indicates an ability to understand things like righteousness, justice, or piety (Prov 2:5, 9; 28:5).

Wisdom and Related Terms

22:13 Then you will prosper David tells Solomon that his obedience will result in his prosperity and success.

Be strong and be courageous David’s charge to Solomon shares many similarities with God’s commission of Joshua. Both men are encouraged to be strong and courageous, and both are told to not be afraid or dismayed (Josh 1:6, 9). Like Joshua, Solomon is encouraged to keep the law and is promised success if he is faithful (1 Chr 22:12; Josh 1:7–8).

22:14 100,000 talents of gold An exceptionally large amount. Solomon’s annual tribute as king was only 666 talents of gold (2 Chr 9:13).

22:16 Yahweh will be with you David repeats this phrase twice in his speech to Solomon (1 Chron 22:11). It is an encouragement, as well as a reminder to Solomon, that God must be with him and help him to complete this task.

22:17 all the commanders of Israel David made sure that Solomon would be supported. He wanted all of Israel’s leaders to be unified as they built the temple.

22:19 the name of Yahweh Just as God promised to make David’s name great (see 17:8 and note), David wanted the temple to make God’s name great (see note on v. 5).