1 Chronicles 28:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A large task can bring fear even when the work is clearly needed and carefully prepared. Solomon faces the construction and ordering of the house of the LORD after David's death. David gives his son more than a command to be brave. He anchors courage in the LORD's presence, faithfulness, and continuing help until the assigned work is finished.
David charges Solomon to begin and complete the temple work with courage, because the LORD is personally present and faithful. God's promised help gives Solomon grounds to act through a demanding sacred responsibility.
The Context of 1 Chronicles 28:20
After charging all Israel to keep God's commandments, David speaks directly to Solomon. He calls him to know and serve the God of his father with a whole heart and willing mind, and reminds him that the LORD searches hearts. David then gives Solomon the pattern for the temple, its rooms, courts, treasuries, furnishings, priestly courses, and service. He says that the LORD enabled him to understand this pattern. Verse 20 follows these detailed preparations and precedes the assurance that priests, Levites, skilled workers, princes, and people will stand ready for the work.
What Does 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mean?
David's words are immediate and practical: "Be strong and of good courage, and do it." Solomon is called to begin the work entrusted to him, rather than waiting for every feeling of fear to disappear. "Fear not, nor be dismayed" addresses the inner weight of an undertaking that exceeds ordinary skill. The ground for this command is personal: "the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee." David speaks from his own relationship with God and directs Solomon toward the same faithful Lord. The promise includes perseverance, for God will remain with Solomon until the temple service work has been finished.
The chapter gives this encouragement a concrete setting. David has already supplied plans, materials, weights for sacred vessels, and arrangements for priests and Levites. Yet careful preparation does not make divine help unnecessary. The house is called the house of the LORD, and its service is ordered for the LORD's worship. Verse 20 joins human labor to God's presence. Solomon must act, craftsmen must work, and Israel's leaders must support the undertaking. The work is large because it concerns God's dwelling among his covenant people, and David's confidence rests in the God who called Solomon to it.
David's promise belongs to a pattern found when God entrusts his servants with weighty work. The LORD's presence enables obedience, endurance, and service beyond a person's natural confidence. In the wider biblical witness, Christ fulfills the hope of God's dwelling with his people and gathers a people for holy service. His presence does not make ordinary labor unimportant. It gives labor performed in faith a lasting direction. Solomon's temple task was unique, yet David's words teach us to meet God-given work with courage shaped by God's faithfulness rather than by confidence in ourselves.
Bible Verses Related to 1 Chronicles 28:20
“Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.”
- 1 Chronicles 28:10
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
- Joshua 1:9
“And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.”
- 1 Chronicles 28:21
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
- Hebrews 13:5
Where 1 Chronicles 28:20 Echoes in Scripture
Hebrews 13:5 strongly echoes the assurance that God will not leave or forsake his people. In that later setting, the promise encourages a community toward contentment and trust in God's help. The wording reaches back to assurances given in Israel's Scriptures, including David's charge to Solomon. Hebrews applies the reality of God's faithful presence to the life of believers while preserving the seriousness of the original promise given for Solomon's temple work.
How to Apply 1 Chronicles 28:20 Today
When a duty seems larger than our ability, this verse invites a faithful beginning: "and do it." That may mean taking the next honest step in caring for family, serving a congregation, repairing a neglected responsibility, learning a needed skill, or completing work already entrusted to us. Courage grows through acting in reliance on God. We can also remember the helpers named in the next verse. Asking for wise assistance is part of faithful service. Our confidence rests in God's steadfast presence, while our hands remain ready for the work set before us.
Reflection & Prayer
What work has God placed before us that we have delayed through fear or discouragement? Pray: "LORD God, be with us in the work you have given. Strengthen our hearts, guide our decisions, provide faithful companions, and help us bring our service to completion for your glory."