1 Chronicles 28:2
New International Version
King David rose to his feet and said: “Listen to me, my fellow Israelites, my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it.

New Living Translation
David rose to his feet and said: “My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it,

English Standard Version
Then King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building.

Berean Standard Bible
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it,

King James Bible
Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

New King James Version
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it.

New American Standard Bible
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people; I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God. So I had made preparations to build it.

NASB 1995
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brethren and my people; I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God. So I had made preparations to build it.

NASB 1977
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brethren and my people; I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God. So I had made preparations to build it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people; I had it within my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and for the footstool of the feet of our God. So I had made preparations to build it.

Amplified Bible
Then David the king rose to his feet and said, “Hear me, my brothers [in arms] and my people. I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God, and I prepared materials for the building.

Christian Standard Bible
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the LORD’s covenant and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the LORD’s covenant and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build,

American Standard Version
Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: as for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made ready for the building.

Contemporary English Version
After everyone was there, David stood up and said: Listen to me, my people. I wanted to build a place where the sacred chest would be kept, so we could go there and worship the LORD our God. I have prepared all the supplies for building a temple,

English Revised Version
Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: as for me, it was in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made ready for the building.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David stood in front of them and said, "Listen to me, my relatives and subjects. I had my heart set on building the temple where the ark of the LORD's promise could be placed. This temple would be a stool for our God's feet, and I have made preparations to build it.

Good News Translation
David stood before them and addressed them: "My friends, listen to me. I wanted to build a permanent home for the Covenant Box, the footstool of the LORD our God. I have made preparations for building a temple to honor him,

International Standard Version
King David rose to his feet and said, "My fellow citizens, may I have your attention. I intended to build a house of rest for the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, for a footstool of our God, so I began preparations for its construction.

Majority Standard Bible
Then King David rose to his feet and said, ?Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it,

NET Bible
King David rose to his feet and said: "Listen to me, my brothers and my people. I wanted to build a temple where the ark of the LORD's covenant could be placed as a footstool for our God. I have made the preparations for building it.

New Heart English Bible
Then David the king stood up on his feet, and said, "Hear me, my brothers, and my people. As for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God; and I had prepared for the building.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then David the king stood upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

World English Bible
Then David the king stood up on his feet and said, “Hear me, my brothers and my people! As for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, and for the footstool of our God; and I had prepared for the building.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David the king rises on his feet and says, “Hear me, my brothers and my people, I [had it] with my heart to build a house of rest for the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH, and for the footstool of our God, and I prepared to build,

Young's Literal Translation
And David the king riseth on his feet, and saith, 'Hear me, my brethren and my people, I -- with my heart -- to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and for the footstool of our God, and I prepared to build,

Smith's Literal Translation
And David the king will rise upon his feet and say, Hear me, my brethren and my people: I with my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and for the footstool of the feet of our God; and I prepared for the building.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king rising up, and standing said: Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had a thought to have built a house, in which the ark of the Lord, and the footstool of our God might rest: and I prepared all things for the building.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the king had risen up and was standing, he said: “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. I thought that I would build a house, in which the ark of the covenant of the Lord, the footstool of our God, might rest. And so I prepared everything for its building.

New American Bible
King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my kinsmen and my people. It was my purpose to build a house of repose myself for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the footstool for the feet of our God; and I was preparing to build it.

New Revised Standard Version
Then King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had planned to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, for the footstool of our God; and I made preparations for building.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then he said to them, Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for a dwelling place of our God, and I had made ready everything for the building of the house;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said to them: “Hear me, my brothers and my people! I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the Ark of the Covenant of LORD JEHOVAH and a place of the Shechinah presence of our God, and I prepared everything I had to build the house.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said: 'Hear me, my brethren, and my people; as for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made ready for the building.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David stood in the midst of the assembly, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and a place for the feet of our Lord, and I prepared materials suitable for the building:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Commissions Solomon
1Now 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. 2Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it, 3but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has spilled blood.’…

Cross References
2 Samuel 7:2
he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”

1 Kings 8:17-18
Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. / But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart.

Psalm 132:1-5
A song of ascents. O LORD, remember on behalf of David all the hardships he endured, / how he swore an oath to the LORD, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: / “I will not enter my house or get into my bed, ...

Acts 7:46
who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

2 Samuel 7:5-7
“Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in? / For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved about with a tent as My dwelling. / In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked any of the leaders I appointed to shepherd My people Israel, ‘Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’

1 Kings 5:3-5
“As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. / But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis. / So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’

2 Chronicles 6:7-9
Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. / But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. / Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’

2 Samuel 6:6-7
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. / And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.

1 Kings 8:27
But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

Isaiah 66:1-2
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be? / Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

2 Samuel 6:14-15
And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, / while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.

1 Kings 6:12-13
“As for this temple you are building, if you walk in My statutes, carry out My ordinances, and keep all My commandments by walking in them, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David. / And I will dwell among the Israelites and will not abandon My people Israel.”

2 Chronicles 2:4-6
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. / The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. / But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I, that I should build a house for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?

Hebrews 9:1-5
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...

2 Samuel 6:17
So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

Then David the king stood up on his feet, and said, Hear me, my brothers, and my people: As for me, I had in my heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

Stood up

Genesis 48:2
And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.

1 Kings 1:47
And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.

my brethren

1 Chronicles 11:1-3
Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh…

Deuteronomy 17:15,20
Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother…

Psalm 22:22
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

I had in mine heart

1 Chronicles 17:1,2
Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains…

2 Samuel 7:1,2
And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; …

1 Kings 8:17,18
And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel…

rest

1 Chronicles 6:31
And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.

Psalm 132:3-8,14
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; …

the footstool

Psalm 99:5
Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

Psalm 132:7
We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.

Isaiah 66:1
Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

had made ready

1 Chronicles 18:7-11
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem…

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1 Chronicles 28
1. David in a solemn assembly having declared God's favor to him,
5. and promise to his son Solomon, exhorts them to fear God
9. He encourages Solomon to build the temple
11. He gives him patterns, gold and silver, etc














Then King David rose to his feet
This phrase signifies a moment of solemnity and authority. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, standing was often a posture of respect and readiness to speak or act. David, as king, rising to his feet, indicates the importance of what he is about to say. The Hebrew root for "rose" (קוּם, qum) often implies establishing or confirming something significant. David's action here is not just physical but symbolic of his leadership and the weight of his message.

and said, 'Listen to me, my brothers and my people
David addresses the assembly with familial and communal terms, "my brothers and my people," which reflects the unity and shared identity of Israel. The Hebrew word for "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) is a call to heed and obey, not just to hear. This is reminiscent of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, emphasizing the importance of attentive listening to God's commands. David's use of "my brothers" underscores his humility and connection to the people, despite his royal status.

I had it in my heart to build a house
The phrase "in my heart" indicates a deep, personal desire and intention. In Hebrew thought, the heart (לֵב, lev) is the center of will and emotion. David's desire to build a "house" for God reflects his devotion and the centrality of worship in his reign. The "house" refers to the temple, a permanent dwelling for God's presence among His people, contrasting with the transient tabernacle.

as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD
The "ark of the covenant" was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's presence and His covenant with Israel. A "resting place" implies a permanent, stable location, signifying peace and divine favor. The Hebrew word for "resting place" (מְנוּחָה, menuchah) conveys a sense of tranquility and security, reflecting the ultimate rest found in God's presence.

for the footstool of our God
The "footstool" metaphorically represents the earth or the temple as the place where God's presence touches the world. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a footstool was part of a throne, indicating sovereignty and authority. This imagery highlights God's majesty and the temple's role as a bridge between heaven and earth, where God condescends to dwell among His people.

and I made preparations to build it
David's preparations demonstrate his commitment and foresight, even though he was not the one to build the temple. The Hebrew root for "preparations" (כּוּן, kun) suggests establishing or setting in order, reflecting David's dedication to ensuring the temple's future construction. This act of preparation underscores the importance of laying groundwork for future generations to fulfill God's purposes.

(2) Then David the king stood up upon his feet.--To address the assembly, the king naturally rose from his throne.

Hear me.--Calling attention, as in Genesis 23:11-15.

My brethren, and my people.--Comp. 1Samuel 30:23; 2Samuel 19:12. The words do not so much imply condescension as an acknowledgment of what every one of David's hearers felt to be true--viz., that all Israel were kin, and David the head of the family.

As for me, I had in mine heart to build.--See 1Chronicles 22:7-8 and the Notes there. 1Chronicles 28:2-7 of this chapter are in substance, and partly in expression, identical with 1Chronicles 22:7-10 (David's private charge to Solomon). . . .

Verse 2. - The expression, David the king stood up upon his feet, probably means to emphasize the fact that hitherto, having been in a sitting or recumbent position, owing to his age and infirmity, he now with effort forced himself to stand in the presence of the unusual congregation and in consideration of what he felt was due to the occasion. He had not lost the man and the brother in his official and exalted rank, and, following ancient precedents (Genesis 29:4; Judges 19:23; 2 Samuel 19:12), he addresses the congregation as my brethren, and my people. David says he had it in his heart to build a house of rest, i.e. an abiding house (Psalm 132:8, 14) for the ark of the covenant, instead of the moving one, and for the footstool of our God. By this he means the mercy-seat, to which especial allusion is made ver. 11 (בֵּת הַכַּפֹרֶת). God is often spoken of as "dwelling between the cherubim," and sometimes (Psalm 99:1) as "sitting between the cherubim," which were over the lid of the ark, called the mercy-seat.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then King
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

David
דָּוִ֤יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

rose
וַיָּ֨קָם (way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his feet
רַגְלָ֔יו (raḡ·lāw)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda

and said,
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Listen to me,
שְׁמָע֖וּנִי (šə·mā·‘ū·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

my brothers
אַחַ֣י (’a·ḥay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

and my people.
וְעַמִּ֑י (wə·‘am·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

It was in
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

my heart
לְבָבִ֡י (lə·ḇā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

to build
לִבְנוֹת֩ (liḇ·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1129: To build

a house
בֵּ֨ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

as a resting place
מְנוּחָ֜ה (mə·nū·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4496: Repose, peacefully, consolation, an abode

for the ark
לַאֲר֣וֹן (la·’ă·rō·wn)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727: A chest, ark

of the covenant
בְּרִית־ (bə·rîṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285: A covenant

of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and as a footstool
וְלַהֲדֹם֙ (wə·la·hă·ḏōm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1916: A stool, footstool

for our God.
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

I had made preparations
וַהֲכִינ֖וֹתִי (wa·hă·ḵî·nō·w·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3559: To be erect

to build it,
לִבְנֽוֹת׃ (liḇ·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1129: To build


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 28:2 Then David the king stood up (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 28:1
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