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."

Study Bible

And give my son Solomon
This phrase highlights the personal and intimate prayer of David for his son Solomon. The Hebrew word for "give" is "נָתַן" (natan), which implies a bestowal or granting of something precious. David, as a father and king, recognizes that the ability to lead and govern comes from God alone. Historically, Solomon is known for his wisdom, which was a divine gift. This request underscores the importance of divine intervention in leadership, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

a perfect heart
The Hebrew term for "perfect" is "שָׁלֵם" (shalem), which can also mean whole, complete, or undivided. David's prayer for Solomon to have a "perfect heart" is a plea for integrity and wholehearted devotion to God. In the biblical context, the heart is the center of will and emotion. A "perfect heart" suggests a life fully committed to God's ways, echoing the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:5, which calls for loving God with all one's heart.

to keep Your commandments, decrees, and statutes
This phrase emphasizes obedience to God's law. The Hebrew words for "commandments" (מִצְוֹת, mitzvot), "decrees" (חֻקִּים, chukim), and "statutes" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim) cover the comprehensive nature of God's law. Commandments are direct orders, decrees are established laws, and statutes are legal decisions. David's prayer reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience is a response to God's faithfulness.

and to build the temple
The temple was central to Israel's worship and identity. The Hebrew word for "build" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which signifies constructing something lasting and significant. David had made preparations for the temple, but it was Solomon who would fulfill this divine mandate. The temple symbolized God's presence among His people, and its construction was a monumental task that required divine guidance and wisdom.

for which I have made provision
David's preparation for the temple, despite not being the one to build it, shows his dedication and foresight. The Hebrew root "כּוּן" (kun) for "provision" implies establishing or preparing. David's actions demonstrate a legacy of faith and responsibility, ensuring that Solomon had the resources needed to accomplish this divine task. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where one prepares and provides for future generations to fulfill God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who is praying for his son Solomon. He is nearing the end of his reign and is making preparations for the building of the temple.

2. Solomon
The son of David, chosen to succeed him as king and tasked with building the temple in Jerusalem.

3. Temple
The holy place that David has made provisions for, which Solomon is to build. It represents the dwelling place of God among His people.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the temple is to be built, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel.

5. God's Commandments, Decrees, and Statutes
The laws and instructions given by God to His people, which David prays Solomon will follow with a perfect heart.

Teaching Points

The Importance of a Perfect Heart
A "perfect heart" in Hebrew (lev shalem) implies completeness and sincerity in devotion to God. It is crucial for spiritual leadership and personal faithfulness.

Obedience to God's Commandments
True success and fulfillment in life come from aligning one's actions with God's will, as seen in David's prayer for Solomon.

Preparation and Provision
David's preparation for the temple teaches us the value of planning and providing for future generations in spiritual and practical matters.

Intercessory Prayer
David's prayer for Solomon highlights the power and importance of praying for others, especially for their spiritual growth and responsibilities.

Building God's Kingdom
Just as Solomon was tasked with building the temple, believers are called to contribute to building God's kingdom on earth through their gifts and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to have a "perfect heart" in the context of your own life and relationship with God?

2. How can you actively seek to keep God's commandments, decrees, and statutes in your daily life?

3. In what ways can you prepare and provide for the spiritual growth of future generations, as David did for Solomon?

4. How can you incorporate intercessory prayer into your spiritual practice, and who might you pray for specifically?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to build or contribute to God's kingdom. How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 3:9
Solomon asks God for wisdom to govern the people, showing his desire to lead with understanding and righteousness.

Deuteronomy 6:5-6
Emphasizes the importance of loving God with all one's heart and keeping His commandments, which aligns with David's prayer for Solomon.

Psalm 119:10
Highlights the pursuit of God with a whole heart, echoing the desire for a perfect heart in following God's laws.

Proverbs 4:23
Advises guarding one's heart, as it is the wellspring of life, relevant to the prayer for Solomon's heart.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, which parallels the priority of following God's commandments.