Understanding 1 Chronicles 28:20
Verse: "And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord."
Summary of Insights
This verse encapsulates David's encouragement to Solomon as he prepares to build the Temple. It highlights themes of strength, courage, divine assistance, and the importance of dedication to God's work.
Main Themes
- Encouragement from a Father: David offers wise and comforting words to his son, preparing him for the monumental task ahead.
- Divine Presence: Assurance that God will accompany Solomon, emphasizing the importance of faith in divine support.
- Completing God’s Work: The emphasis on completion of tasks for God signifies the importance of service within one's calling.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry: Henry highlights David's role as a mentor, noting that he instills courage and faith in Solomon. He reflects on the significance of the temple and the need for Solomon to be resolute in his undertakings.
Albert Barnes: Barnes emphasizes the directive to be strong and not fearful, pointing out that God’s presence is a pivotal source of strength. He suggests that this encouragement is crucial for anyone embarking on a divine mission.
Adam Clarke: Clarke focuses on the repeated promises of God’s support. He views David’s admonition not just as a plea for courage, but an interpretation of God’s unwavering commitment to His people.
Cross-References to 1 Chronicles 28:20
- Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
- Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
- Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
- Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
- 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
- Psalm 27:14: "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
- Hebrews 13:5-6: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"
Thematic Connections
The connection between these verses and 1 Chronicles 28:20 reveals a recurring biblical theme of divine encouragement. The call to courage and strength resonates through various situations across scripture, reinforcing the comfort of God's presence during challenging tasks.
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
Understanding 1 Chronicles 28:20 within a broader scriptural context can be enhanced using various cross-referencing tools:
- Bible Concordance: An essential tool for identifying related verses and terms throughout scripture.
- Bible Cross-Reference Guide: This method allows readers to discover thematic connections and parallels between verses.
- Bible Chain References: Following thematic threads through linked verses will deepen understanding of biblical principles.
How to Utilize Bible Cross-References
The practice of cross-referencing involves comparing verses that deal with similar themes, phrases, or events. One can:
- Identify keywords in a verse and search for other verses containing those keywords.
- Study the context of related verses to see how each contributes to a fuller understanding of God's message.
- Utilize Bible cross-reference systems to find correlations between Old and New Testament scriptures, enhancing biblical literacy.
Conclusion
1 Chronicles 28:20 serves as a profound reminder of the empowerment one receives from God to fulfill divine responsibilities. Through contextual studies and cross-referencing, one can appreciate the richness of scripture and its cohesive message of courage, support, and unwavering divine presence.
As you explore scripture, remember the connections between Bible verses that strengthen your faith and understanding. Thematic Bible verse connections provide valuable insights, assisting in a deeper engagement with God’s Word.
