This verse, 1 Chronicles 22:11, is a blessing and a charge given by King David to his son Solomon. Let's break it down:
"Now, my son, may Yahweh be with you..." This is the core of the blessing. David is invoking the presence and favor of Yahweh (the Hebrew name for God, often translated as "the LORD") upon Solomon. He's asking that God be actively involved in Solomon's life and leadership. The phrase "be with you" implied divine protection, guidance, and enablement.
"...and prosper you..." This is a request for success. David wants Solomon to flourish in all his endeavors, particularly in the task he is about to assign him (building the temple). He wishes for God to grant Solomon wisdom, strength, resources, and good fortune so he can fulfill his divine purpose.
"...and build the house of Yahweh your God, as he has spoken concerning you." This is the specific task Solomon is being charged with. David reminds Solomon that building the temple is not just Solomon's idea, but a command from God himself. David likely refers to previous prophecies or communications where God indicated Solomon would be the one to build the temple (although some scholars debate the exact nature of these communications). This phrase provides divine legitimacy and authority to the task, emphasizing the importance of Solomon's obedience.
In essence, the verse means:
King David is blessing Solomon with the favor and presence of God. He prays that God will grant Solomon success, specifically in the task of building the temple that God has already ordained for him. David is passing the torch, delegating the responsibility to Solomon, and reassuring him of God's support. The verse conveys both a prayer for divine assistance and a commission to fulfill God's will.
The verse highlights key themes found throughout the Old Testament: the importance of divine blessing, the obedience to God's commands, and the significance of the temple as the dwelling place of God.
This verse, 1 Chronicles 22:11, is a blessing and a charge given by King David to his son Solomon. Let's break it down:
"Now, my son, may Yahweh be with you..." This is the core of the blessing. David is invoking the presence and favor of Yahweh (the Hebrew name for God, often translated as "the LORD") upon Solomon. He's asking that God be actively involved in Solomon's life and leadership. The phrase "be with you" implied divine protection, guidance, and enablement.
"...and prosper you..." This is a request for success. David wants Solomon to flourish in all his endeavors, particularly in the task he is about to assign him (building the temple). He wishes for God to grant Solomon wisdom, strength, resources, and good fortune so he can fulfill his divine purpose.
"...and build the house of Yahweh your God, as he has spoken concerning you." This is the specific task Solomon is being charged with. David reminds Solomon that building the temple is not just Solomon's idea, but a command from God himself. David likely refers to previous prophecies or communications where God indicated Solomon would be the one to build the temple (although some scholars debate the exact nature of these communications). This phrase provides divine legitimacy and authority to the task, emphasizing the importance of Solomon's obedience.
In essence, the verse means:
King David is blessing Solomon with the favor and presence of God. He prays that God will grant Solomon success, specifically in the task of building the temple that God has already ordained for him. David is passing the torch, delegating the responsibility to Solomon, and reassuring him of God's support. The verse conveys both a prayer for divine assistance and a commission to fulfill God's will.
The verse highlights key themes found throughout the Old Testament: the importance of divine blessing, the obedience to God's commands, and the significance of the temple as the dwelling place of God.