1 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your heart and soul to seek the LORD your God. Get started building the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy articles of God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD."

Study Bible

Now set your heart and soul
The phrase "set your heart and soul" is a call to total commitment and dedication. In Hebrew, the word for "heart" (לֵב, lev) often refers to the inner self, including emotions, will, and intellect. "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) encompasses the entire being or life force. This dual emphasis underscores the need for wholehearted devotion to God, aligning one's entire being with His purposes. Historically, this reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the heart and soul are to be fully engaged in His service.

to seek the LORD your God
The Hebrew verb "seek" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent pursuit or inquiry. It is not a passive action but an active, intentional effort to know and follow God. In the context of Israel's history, seeking the LORD was central to maintaining their covenant relationship. This pursuit involves prayer, study of the Scriptures, and obedience to God's commands, reflecting a life oriented towards divine guidance and wisdom.

Begin building the sanctuary of the LORD God
The command to "begin building" signifies a transition from preparation to action. The "sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash) is a holy place set apart for worship. Historically, this refers to the temple Solomon would build in Jerusalem, a central place for Israel's worship and the dwelling place of God's presence. Theologically, it symbolizes the importance of creating spaces in our lives dedicated to God's presence and worship.

so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD
The "ark of the covenant" (אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית, aron habrit) was the most sacred object in Israel's worship, representing God's throne and His covenant with Israel. Bringing the ark into the sanctuary signifies God's presence among His people. This act is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the centrality of His covenant promises in the life of the nation.

and the holy articles of God
The "holy articles" (כְּלֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ, kelei haqqodesh) refer to the sacred objects used in worship, such as the altar, lampstand, and table for the bread of the Presence. These items were consecrated for God's service, symbolizing purity and holiness. Their inclusion in the sanctuary underscores the importance of reverence and proper worship in the presence of God.

into the house that will be built for the name of the LORD
The "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) refers to the temple, a physical structure dedicated to God's name. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name represented one's character and authority. Thus, building a house for the name of the LORD signifies creating a place where God's character and authority are honored and proclaimed. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's desire to dwell among His people and be known by them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who is preparing for the construction of the temple. He is instructing the leaders of Israel to seek God and begin the work.

2. Solomon
David's son, who is chosen to build the temple. Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the one who will carry out the construction.

3. The Sanctuary of the LORD
The temple that David is preparing for, which will house the Ark of the Covenant and serve as a central place of worship for Israel.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that holds the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.

5. The House for the Name of the LORD
Refers to the temple that will be built in Jerusalem, signifying God's presence among His people.

Teaching Points

Prioritize Seeking God
Just as David instructed the leaders to set their hearts and souls to seek the LORD, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

Prepare for God's Work
David's preparation for the temple teaches us the importance of preparing our hearts and lives for the work God has called us to do.

Build for God's Glory
The construction of the temple was for the glory of God's name. Our actions and endeavors should similarly aim to honor and glorify God.

Obedience to God's Plan
David's obedience in preparing for the temple, despite not being the one to build it, shows the importance of following God's plan even when we don't see the immediate results.

Community in Worship
The temple was a place for communal worship, reminding us of the importance of gathering with others to seek and worship God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we set our hearts and souls to seek the LORD in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to prioritize this?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the work God has called us to, similar to how David prepared for the temple?

3. How does the concept of building for God's glory apply to our personal and professional lives today?

4. What can we learn from David's obedience to God's plan, even when he wasn't the one to complete the task?

5. How does gathering with others for worship strengthen our relationship with God and with each other, and how can we foster this in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:29
This verse emphasizes seeking the LORD with all your heart and soul, similar to David's instruction in 1 Chronicles 22:19.

1 Kings 8:17-20
Solomon reflects on his father's desire to build the temple, showing the fulfillment of David's preparations and instructions.

Psalm 27:4
David expresses his desire to dwell in the house of the LORD, which aligns with his preparations for the temple.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking first the kingdom of God, which parallels the call to prioritize seeking the LORD in 1 Chronicles 22:19.