Commentary on 1 Chronicles 28:20

Verse: 1 Chronicles 28:20 - "And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord."

Introduction

The context of this verse is critical for understanding its significance. King David, at the end of his reign, calls together the leaders of Israel to give instruction, particularly to his son Solomon, who is to take on the great task of building the temple. This moment encapsulates not only David's concerns as a father but also his heart for God’s purpose and the nation of Israel.

Exegesis and Observations

• A paternal encouragement: David speaks directly to Solomon, emphasizing the need for strength and courage. This mirrors Moses' encouragement to Joshua before entering the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:6).
• Divine assurance: David reassures Solomon that God will be with him in this undertaking. This highlights a core theme in the Bible: God’s unwavering presence.
• Completion of work: The verse indicates a promise that God will not forsake Solomon until the temple's construction is complete, showing God's faithfulness to His plans.

Themes and Theological Implications

Strength and Courage

Matthew Henry emphasizes that strength and courage are not merely physical attributes; they are rooted in faith and trust in God's empowerment. Every believer is called to this strength when facing challenges in their faith journey.

God’s Faithfulness

Albert Barnes comments on the assurance that accompanies God’s promises. He notes that faith in God’s promises is crucial for any spiritual endeavor. The assurance that God will not fail or forsake us encourages us to undertake our tasks with confidence.

The Role of Leadership

Adam Clarke points out that David’s words were not just to inspire Solomon but to teach him about godly leadership. As leaders, whether in the church, community, or home, there is a responsibility to foster courage and faith in those we lead.

Practical Applications

• Encouragement for leaders: Just as David encouraged Solomon, modern leaders should be intentional in encouraging others in their faith and responsibilities.
• Facing fears: Understanding that God’s presence alleviates fears can empower believers when facing difficult tasks, be it in ministry, daily life, or other endeavors.
• Expecting divine assistance: Believers are reminded to rely on God's promise of support as they engage in the mission of the Church and the tasks assigned to them.

Conclusion

This verse stands as a powerful encapsulation of the biblical theme of divine presence amidst human endeavors. David's invocation of strength, courage, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness provides essential guidance for anyone undertaking tasks for the Lord. Solomon's subsequent actions would ultimately reveal his adherence to this counsel, a vivid reminder that the journey of faith often requires reminders and support from those who have walked the path before.