1 Chronicles 28:9

As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Study Bible

As for you, Solomon my son
This phrase highlights the personal and direct address from David to Solomon, emphasizing the father-son relationship. David, nearing the end of his reign, is passing on his spiritual and kingly responsibilities to Solomon. This moment is significant as it marks the transition of leadership in Israel. Solomon is being prepared to build the Temple, a task David was not permitted to complete. The father-son dynamic also reflects the biblical theme of generational faithfulness and the importance of passing down spiritual wisdom.

know the God of your father
David urges Solomon to have a personal relationship with God, not just rely on the faith of his ancestors. This phrase underscores the importance of personal knowledge and experience of God, rather than mere tradition. The "God of your father" refers to the covenantal relationship God had with David, and by extension, with Israel. It also points to the continuity of God's promises through the Davidic line, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David.

and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind
David instructs Solomon to serve God with complete devotion and sincerity. The call to wholehearted service is a recurring biblical theme, emphasizing that God desires genuine commitment rather than mere ritualistic observance. A "willing mind" suggests an attitude of eagerness and readiness to follow God's commands. This reflects the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:5, which calls for loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.

for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought
This phrase highlights God's omniscience and His ability to discern the true motives and intentions of individuals. It serves as a reminder that God cannot be deceived by outward appearances or actions. This truth is echoed in passages like Jeremiah 17:10 and Hebrews 4:12, which speak of God's ability to judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. It underscores the importance of inner purity and integrity in one's relationship with God.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you
This promise assures Solomon that God is accessible and desires to be in relationship with those who earnestly seek Him. It reflects the biblical principle that God rewards those who diligently seek Him, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 7:7-8. This assurance is foundational to the faith journey, encouraging believers to pursue God with confidence that He will respond.

but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever
David warns Solomon of the consequences of turning away from God. This conditional statement reflects the covenantal nature of Israel's relationship with God, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience or disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The warning serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of apostasy and the eternal implications of rejecting God. It also foreshadows the eventual division and downfall of the kingdom due to unfaithfulness, highlighting the need for steadfastness in faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who is giving a charge to his son Solomon. David is known for his heart for God and his leadership in establishing Israel as a powerful nation.

2. Solomon
The son of David, who is being prepared to succeed his father as king. Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem.

3. God (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is described as knowing every heart and understanding every thought. He is the one whom David instructs Solomon to serve.

4. Israel
The nation over which Solomon will reign. The context of this charge is the preparation for Solomon's kingship and the building of the Temple.

5. The Temple
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of David's charge is related to Solomon's future task of building the Temple, a central place of worship for Israel.

Teaching Points

Wholehearted Service
We are called to serve God with our entire being, not just outwardly but with genuine devotion and willingness.

God's Omniscience
Recognize that God knows our hearts and thoughts. This should lead us to live transparently before Him, seeking purity in our intentions.

The Promise of Seeking
There is a promise that if we seek God, He will be found. This encourages us to pursue a relationship with Him actively.

The Consequence of Forsaking
The warning that forsaking God leads to rejection should motivate us to remain faithful and committed to Him.

Legacy and Leadership
Like David to Solomon, we should pass on a legacy of faith and encourage the next generation to know and serve God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to serve God "wholeheartedly and with a willing mind," and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. How does understanding that God "searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought" impact the way you live and make decisions?

3. Reflect on a time when you actively sought God. What was the outcome, and how does this relate to the promise in 1 Chronicles 28:9?

4. In what ways can we ensure that we do not forsake God in our personal lives, and what practices can help us remain faithful?

5. How can we, like David, encourage and prepare the next generation to know and serve God? What practical steps can we take to pass on a legacy of faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage emphasizes trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not relying on your own understanding, which aligns with David's instruction to serve God wholeheartedly.

Jeremiah 29:13
This verse promises that those who seek God with all their heart will find Him, echoing the promise given to Solomon.

Hebrews 4:12-13
These verses speak of God's word as living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, similar to how God searches every heart in 1 Chronicles 28:9.