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1 Chronicles 22:1 meaning

David’s pronouncement set in motion the construction of God’s temple in Jerusalem, establishing a crucial center for Israel’s worship and cementing the nation’s spiritual identity.

Then David said, “This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” (v.1)

King David, who reigned over Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, had just taken possession of the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite when he made this declaration (1 Chronicles 21:24). Geographically, this spot lay on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem—an area steeped in biblical history and known for its holiness, ever since Abraham obeyed God’s command to offer up Isaac there (Genesis 22:2). By calling it “the house of the LORD God,” David recognized that this would become the permanent site for the temple, rather than the portable structure of the Tabernacle that had served Israel’s worship until then. David’s statement ties this sacred location to God’s covenant purposes for Israel, marking it as the place of atonement and fellowship with the LORD through burnt offerings (1 Chronicles 22:1-5).

Although David was a mighty king who desired to build a house for God, the LORD reserved that honor for David’s son, Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:6-7). Nevertheless, David faithfully prepared stones, iron, and cedar in abundance, gathering materials so that his successor would have all that was needed for the glorious temple. This future temple would become the focal point of Israel’s worship and spiritual life, a visible reminder that God chose to join His presence with His people. Later, once constructed under Solomon’s leadership, the temple was consecrated and filled with God’s glory (2 Chronicles 7:1-2), foreshadowing Jesus Christ’s role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (John 2:19-21).

In proclaiming, “This is the house of the LORD God” (v.1), David effectively inaugurated the sacred purpose of this ground. The altar of burnt offering assumed a place at the heart of Israel’s relationship with God, testifying that forgiveness and reconciliation with the LORD required sacrifice. The writer of 1 Chronicles underscores how David’s zeal and preparation paved the way for a lasting legacy of worship in Jerusalem, where countless generations would come before God with offerings, prayers, and praise. This devoted monarch, though barred from building the temple himself, exemplified servant-hearted obedience by laying the groundwork for another to continue the task.

1 Chronicles 22:1