1 Chronicles 22:9

But a son will be born to you who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant to Israel peace and quiet during his reign.

Study Bible

But a son will be born to you
This phrase signifies a divine promise and prophecy. The Hebrew root for "son" is "ben," which often denotes not just a biological offspring but a continuation of a legacy or covenant. In the context of David's lineage, this son represents the fulfillment of God's covenant with David, ensuring the continuation of his dynasty. The birth of this son is not just a familial event but a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as it marks the transition from a warrior king to a king of peace.

who will be a man of rest
The Hebrew word for "rest" is "menuhah," which implies not only physical rest but also tranquility and peace of mind. Solomon, whose name is derived from "shalom" (peace), embodies this concept. Unlike his father David, who was a man of war, Solomon's reign is characterized by peace and prosperity. This phrase highlights the shift in Israel's history from conquest to consolidation, from conflict to peace.

I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side
This promise of rest from enemies is significant in the historical context of Israel, a nation often besieged by surrounding adversaries. The phrase underscores God's sovereign control over the nations and His ability to grant peace. The Hebrew word "sabab" (on every side) suggests a comprehensive peace, indicating that Solomon's reign would be marked by stability and security, a fulfillment of God's promise to David.

for his name will be Solomon
The name "Solomon" is derived from the Hebrew "Shlomo," which is related to "shalom," meaning peace. Names in the Hebrew tradition often reflect character or destiny, and Solomon's name is prophetic of his role as a king who would bring peace and build the temple, a place of worship and rest for God's people. This naming is a divine declaration of his purpose and the nature of his reign.

and I will grant peace and quiet to Israel in his days
The dual promise of "peace and quiet" (Hebrew: "shalom" and "sheket") emphasizes not only the absence of war but also a deeper, spiritual peace. This peace is a gift from God, a sign of His favor and blessing upon Israel. In Solomon's time, this peace allowed for the flourishing of culture, wisdom, and the construction of the temple, which became the spiritual center of Israel. This phrase encapsulates the hope and fulfillment of God's promises, serving as a reminder of His faithfulness and the blessings of obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who desired to build a temple for the Lord but was told by God that his son would fulfill this task.

2. Solomon
The son of David, prophesied to be a "man of rest" and the one who would build the temple, bringing peace and prosperity to Israel.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, which would experience peace and quiet during Solomon's reign.

4. Enemies
The surrounding nations and adversaries from whom God promised to give rest to Israel during Solomon's reign.

5. Temple
The holy place that Solomon would build, signifying God's presence among His people.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Fulfillment of Promises
God's promise to David about Solomon shows His control over history and His faithfulness in fulfilling His word.

The Importance of Peace for God's Work
Solomon's reign of peace allowed for the construction of the temple, illustrating how peace can facilitate the work of God in our lives.

Legacy and Preparation
David's preparation for the temple, even though he would not build it, teaches us about the importance of preparing the way for future generations.

Spiritual Rest in Christ
Just as Solomon brought physical rest to Israel, Jesus offers spiritual rest to believers, inviting us to find peace in Him.

The Role of Obedience in God's Plan
Solomon's obedience in building the temple highlights the importance of following God's instructions to fulfill His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of Solomon as a "man of rest" reflect God's character and His plans for His people?

2. In what ways can we prepare for future generations to continue God's work, as David did for Solomon?

3. How does the peace during Solomon's reign compare to the spiritual peace offered by Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What are some "enemies" or challenges in your life from which you need God's rest and peace?

5. How can we apply the concept of obedience in our lives to ensure we are fulfilling God's purposes, as Solomon did with the temple?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 7
This chapter contains God's covenant with David, promising that his offspring would build the temple and establish a lasting kingdom.

1 Kings 5
Describes Solomon's preparations for building the temple, fulfilling the prophecy given to David.

Psalm 72
A psalm attributed to Solomon, reflecting the peace and prosperity of his reign.

Hebrews 4
Discusses the concept of rest, drawing parallels between the rest given to Israel and the spiritual rest found in Christ.