David sought the best resources from Sidonians and Tyrians to ensure the temple would be built with abundant, high-quality cedar.
“and cedar timbers beyond number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought large amounts of cedar timber to David.” (v.4)
This verse highlights King David’s diligent preparation for building the future temple in Jerusalem. Although David himself would not construct the temple—that task would ultimately fall to his son Solomon—he took decisive steps to gather materials in abundance for its eventual completion (1 Chronicles 22:1-5). Part of these preparations involved acquiring robust cedar logs, which were considered some of the most prized building materials in the ancient Near East due to their strength and pleasant aroma. This verse underscores the tremendous volume of cedar wood secured, noting that it was brought in such abundance that it was beyond number.
The mention of “the Sidonians and Tyrians” reveals key details about the timber’s origins. Sidon and Tyre were major Phoenician coastal cities located in what is now modern-day Lebanon, an area known for its dense cedar forests. Sidon was a port city populated by the Sidonians, while Tyre lay farther south along the Mediterranean coast. They were both respected centers of trade (in part due to maritime commerce) and known to have abundant resources of cedar. David’s arrangements with the Sidonians and Tyrians show his willingness to partner with neighboring peoples for high-quality materials, foreshadowing the region-wide cooperation that would extend into Solomon’s reign when constructing the temple itself.
These preparations also speak to David’s heart for a place of worship to the Lord. David’s reign (circa 1010-970 BC) marked a unifying period for the Israelites, during which he established Jerusalem as the capital and laid the groundwork for the nation’s spiritual center. The lavish cedar timber and other resources symbolized the future magnificence of the temple—an earthly representation of God’s presence among His covenant people. In the New Testament, this theme of God dwelling with His people finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who became the living Temple and made God accessible to all who believe (John 2:19-21).
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1 Chronicles 22:4 meaning
“and cedar timbers beyond number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought large amounts of cedar timber to David.” (v.4)
This verse highlights King David’s diligent preparation for building the future temple in Jerusalem. Although David himself would not construct the temple—that task would ultimately fall to his son Solomon—he took decisive steps to gather materials in abundance for its eventual completion (1 Chronicles 22:1-5). Part of these preparations involved acquiring robust cedar logs, which were considered some of the most prized building materials in the ancient Near East due to their strength and pleasant aroma. This verse underscores the tremendous volume of cedar wood secured, noting that it was brought in such abundance that it was beyond number.
The mention of “the Sidonians and Tyrians” reveals key details about the timber’s origins. Sidon and Tyre were major Phoenician coastal cities located in what is now modern-day Lebanon, an area known for its dense cedar forests. Sidon was a port city populated by the Sidonians, while Tyre lay farther south along the Mediterranean coast. They were both respected centers of trade (in part due to maritime commerce) and known to have abundant resources of cedar. David’s arrangements with the Sidonians and Tyrians show his willingness to partner with neighboring peoples for high-quality materials, foreshadowing the region-wide cooperation that would extend into Solomon’s reign when constructing the temple itself.
These preparations also speak to David’s heart for a place of worship to the Lord. David’s reign (circa 1010-970 BC) marked a unifying period for the Israelites, during which he established Jerusalem as the capital and laid the groundwork for the nation’s spiritual center. The lavish cedar timber and other resources symbolized the future magnificence of the temple—an earthly representation of God’s presence among His covenant people. In the New Testament, this theme of God dwelling with His people finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who became the living Temple and made God accessible to all who believe (John 2:19-21).