1 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your heart and soul to seek the LORD your God. Get started building the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy articles of God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD."

Study Bible

Now set your heart and soul to seek the LORD your God.
This phrase emphasizes the importance of wholehearted devotion and spiritual focus. In the Hebrew context, the heart and soul represent the entirety of one's being, indicating that seeking God requires complete dedication. This mirrors the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. It underscores the biblical principle that true worship and service to God begin with an internal commitment.

Begin building the sanctuary of the LORD God,
David is instructing Solomon to commence the construction of the temple, a central place of worship for Israel. The sanctuary represents God's dwelling among His people, a concept rooted in the tabernacle's design given to Moses (Exodus 25:8-9). The temple's construction signifies a transition from a nomadic worship system to a permanent, centralized location in Jerusalem, which holds significant historical and theological importance as the city of David.

so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD
The ark of the covenant is a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and manna, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. Its presence in the temple signifies God's throne and His covenantal relationship with His people. The ark's movement to the temple marks a fulfillment of God's promises and a centralization of worship, as seen in 2 Samuel 6 when David brings the ark to Jerusalem.

and the holy articles of God
These articles include items used in worship and sacrifices, such as the altar, lampstand, and table for the showbread, as described in Exodus 25-30. Their placement in the temple signifies the continuation of the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends these rituals (Hebrews 9:11-14).

into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.
The temple is to be constructed for the Name of the LORD, indicating it is dedicated to His glory and presence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name represents one's character and authority. Thus, the temple serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and His chosen relationship with Israel. This dedication prefigures the New Testament understanding of believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), where God's presence dwells within His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who is preparing for the construction of the temple. He is instructing the leaders of Israel to seek God and begin the work.

2. Solomon
David's son, who is chosen to build the temple. Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the one who will carry out the construction.

3. The Sanctuary of the LORD
The temple that David is preparing for, which will house the Ark of the Covenant and serve as a central place of worship for Israel.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that holds the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.

5. The House for the Name of the LORD
Refers to the temple that will be built in Jerusalem, signifying God's presence among His people.

Teaching Points

Prioritize Seeking God
Just as David instructed the leaders to set their hearts and souls to seek the LORD, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

Prepare for God's Work
David's preparation for the temple teaches us the importance of preparing our hearts and lives for the work God has called us to do.

Build for God's Glory
The construction of the temple was for the glory of God's name. Our actions and endeavors should similarly aim to honor and glorify God.

Obedience to God's Plan
David's obedience in preparing for the temple, despite not being the one to build it, shows the importance of following God's plan even when we don't see the immediate results.

Community in Worship
The temple was a place for communal worship, reminding us of the importance of gathering with others to seek and worship God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we set our hearts and souls to seek the LORD in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to prioritize this?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the work God has called us to, similar to how David prepared for the temple?

3. How does the concept of building for God's glory apply to our personal and professional lives today?

4. What can we learn from David's obedience to God's plan, even when he wasn't the one to complete the task?

5. How does gathering with others for worship strengthen our relationship with God and with each other, and how can we foster this in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:29
This verse emphasizes seeking the LORD with all your heart and soul, similar to David's instruction in 1 Chronicles 22:19.

1 Kings 8:17-20
Solomon reflects on his father's desire to build the temple, showing the fulfillment of David's preparations and instructions.

Psalm 27:4
David expresses his desire to dwell in the house of the LORD, which aligns with his preparations for the temple.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking first the kingdom of God, which parallels the call to prioritize seeking the LORD in 1 Chronicles 22:19.