Building God's True Temple: A Reflection on 1 Chronicles 22
22:2–10: David’s Preparation and Solomon’s Commission
David’s zeal for the glory of God shines brightly as he begins preparations for building the temple. Although David longed to construct this dwelling place for the Lord, God prohibited him from doing so due to the bloodshed and warfare that characterized his reign. Instead, the temple was to be built by Solomon, a king whose reign would bring peace and rest to the nation.
This commission echoes the covenant promises God made to David in 1 Chronicles 17, but as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Solomon, despite his wisdom and accomplishments, could not fulfill the ultimate promise of an eternal king. Solomon’s temple, while magnificent, was only a shadow of the greater temple to come.
God’s covenant finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true son of David and Son of God. Jesus is the eternal King who builds God’s ultimate temple—not with bricks and stones, but with living stones (Eph. 2:19–22; 1 Pet. 2:4–5). This spiritual temple, the church, is a place where God’s glory will dwell forever, and the reign of this temple-builder will never end.
22:11–19: A Pattern of Covenant Succession
David’s exhortation to Solomon mirrors the commissioning of Joshua by Moses, reinforcing a pattern of covenantal succession. David urges Solomon to obey the law of the Lord and to be strong and courageous, echoing Moses’ words to Joshua as Israel prepared to enter the promised land (Deut. 31:7–8). Just as God’s presence was promised to Joshua, so David reassures Solomon of the Lord’s faithfulness.
The Chronicler highlights this continuity, showing that Solomon’s temple was tied to David and the Davidic covenant. For the readers of Chronicles, reestablishing themselves as a nation after exile, this was a powerful reminder to obey God’s law and find strength and courage in His presence.
This theme extends to David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ, who leads God’s people into their eternal inheritance. Jesus builds the true temple and establishes a kingdom that will never fade. He commissions His church to carry out His mission, going into all the world to make disciples (Matt. 28:18–20).
The Church: God’s Living Temple
The temple Solomon built was a significant step in God’s redemptive plan, but it pointed to a greater reality—the church as God’s living temple. Through Christ, believers are united as living stones, built together into a dwelling place for God. The promises of God’s presence, given to David and Solomon, now belong to all believers through Christ.
As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the unshakable faithfulness of God’s covenant. The Lord who promised to be with David and Solomon now promises to be with His church as we fulfill His mission. In this truth, we find strength, courage, and the assurance that God’s eternal purposes will be accomplished through His people.