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1 Chronicles 22:16 meaning

God’s limitless provision calls us to action and assurance of His presence.

“Of the gold, the silver and the bronze and the iron there is no limit. Arise and work, and may the LORD be with you.” (1 Chronicles 22:16). As King David prepared vast reserves of materials for the building of the temple in Jerusalem, he encouraged his son, Solomon, with these words. David’s reign spanned from roughly 1010 to 970 BC, and he collected abundant resources—gold, silver, bronze, and iron—so that his son could construct a permanent dwelling for God on Mount Moriah, the place where Abraham once brought Isaac to be offered (2 Chronicles 3:1; Genesis 22:2). David’s exhortation to “arise and work” underscores a call to active obedience, reminding Solomon that God’s limitless provision is already in place.

This temple would replace the portable Tabernacle used by Israel since Moses’s time, and it was completed by Solomon around 957 BC. By urging Solomon to step forward and build, David also pointed to the truth that spiritual endeavors—whether constructing a temple or fulfilling God’s commands—rely on divine partnership. The phrase “may the LORD be with you” captures the heart of godly service, illustrating that success stems from the collaboration between human diligence and God’s empowering presence. In the New Testament, Jesus referred to Himself as the ultimate Temple (John 2:19-21), showing that all of God’s dwelling with His people culminates in Christ.

This verse also reveals a timeless principle: God’s supply is never lacking, and He invites His people to carry out His purposes courageously. Just as Solomon needed to trust in God’s abundance and presence, believers today are called to arise and do the work God has set before them, confident that He will provide the resources and sustain them by His power (Philippians 4:19).

1 Chronicles 22:16