1 Chronicles 28:9

As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Study Bible

As for you, Solomon my son
This phrase marks a personal and intimate address from David to Solomon. The Hebrew word for "son" (בֵּן, ben) signifies not only a biological relationship but also a spiritual and covenantal one. David, as a father and king, is passing on a legacy of faith and responsibility. Historically, this moment is significant as it represents the transition of leadership and the continuation of God's covenant with David's lineage.

know the God of your father
The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) implies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual understanding. David is urging Solomon to cultivate a personal relationship with God, the same God who guided David throughout his life. This phrase underscores the importance of a generational faith, where the knowledge of God is passed down and personally embraced.

and serve Him with all your heart
The word "serve" (עָבַד, avad) in Hebrew conveys the idea of worship and labor. It is a call to wholehearted devotion and action. The "heart" (לֵבָב, levav) in Hebrew culture is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. David is instructing Solomon to engage in service to God that is complete and undivided, reflecting a life fully surrendered to divine purposes.

and with a willing mind
The phrase "willing mind" (נֶפֶשׁ חֲפֵצָה, nefesh chafetzah) suggests a soul that delights in God's will. The Hebrew word for "mind" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh) often refers to the soul or life force, indicating that service to God should be both intentional and joyful. This highlights the importance of attitude in worship and obedience, where one's inner disposition aligns with God's desires.

for the LORD searches every heart
The verb "searches" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a thorough and penetrating examination. The LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is depicted as omniscient, fully aware of the innermost thoughts and intentions of every individual. This serves as a reminder of God's intimate knowledge of humanity and His desire for genuine devotion rather than mere outward compliance.

and understands the intent of every thought
The word "understands" (בִּין, bin) conveys discernment and insight. God not only knows our thoughts but comprehends their motivations and purposes. This phrase emphasizes the depth of God's wisdom and His ability to perceive beyond human facades, calling believers to authenticity in their relationship with Him.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you
The act of seeking (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent and earnest pursuit. The promise that God "will be found" (מָצָא, matsa) assures believers of His accessibility and readiness to reveal Himself to those who earnestly desire Him. This reflects a covenantal promise, where God's faithfulness is met with human responsiveness.

but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever
The warning to "forsake" (עָזַב, azav) God carries the connotation of abandonment and neglect. The consequence of being "rejected" (זָנַח, zanach) underscores the seriousness of turning away from God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where faithfulness is met with blessing, and unfaithfulness with judgment. Historically, this reflects the conditional nature of the Davidic covenant, where obedience leads to divine favor and disobedience to divine discipline.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who is giving a charge to his son Solomon. David is known for his heart for God and his leadership in establishing Israel as a powerful nation.

2. Solomon
The son of David, who is being prepared to succeed his father as king. Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem.

3. God (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is described as knowing every heart and understanding every thought. He is the one whom David instructs Solomon to serve.

4. Israel
The nation over which Solomon will reign. The context of this charge is the preparation for Solomon's kingship and the building of the Temple.

5. The Temple
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of David's charge is related to Solomon's future task of building the Temple, a central place of worship for Israel.

Teaching Points

Wholehearted Service
We are called to serve God with our entire being, not just outwardly but with genuine devotion and willingness.

God's Omniscience
Recognize that God knows our hearts and thoughts. This should lead us to live transparently before Him, seeking purity in our intentions.

The Promise of Seeking
There is a promise that if we seek God, He will be found. This encourages us to pursue a relationship with Him actively.

The Consequence of Forsaking
The warning that forsaking God leads to rejection should motivate us to remain faithful and committed to Him.

Legacy and Leadership
Like David to Solomon, we should pass on a legacy of faith and encourage the next generation to know and serve God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to serve God "wholeheartedly and with a willing mind," and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. How does understanding that God "searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought" impact the way you live and make decisions?

3. Reflect on a time when you actively sought God. What was the outcome, and how does this relate to the promise in 1 Chronicles 28:9?

4. In what ways can we ensure that we do not forsake God in our personal lives, and what practices can help us remain faithful?

5. How can we, like David, encourage and prepare the next generation to know and serve God? What practical steps can we take to pass on a legacy of faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage emphasizes trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not relying on your own understanding, which aligns with David's instruction to serve God wholeheartedly.

Jeremiah 29:13
This verse promises that those who seek God with all their heart will find Him, echoing the promise given to Solomon.

Hebrews 4:12-13
These verses speak of God's word as living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, similar to how God searches every heart in 1 Chronicles 28:9.