1 Chronicles 28:12
And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:
Original Language Analysis
וְתַבְנִ֗ית
And the pattern
H8403
וְתַבְנִ֗ית
And the pattern
Strong's:
H8403
Word #:
1 of 17
structure; by implication, a model, resemblance
כֹּל֩
H3605
כֹּל֩
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֤ה
H1961
הָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בָר֙וּחַ֙
of all that he had by the spirit
H7307
בָר֙וּחַ֙
of all that he had by the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
5 of 17
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
עִמּ֔וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לְחַצְר֧וֹת
of the courts
H2691
לְחַצְר֧וֹת
of the courts
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
7 of 17
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּלְכָל
H3605
וּלְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַלְּשָׁכ֖וֹת
and of all the chambers
H3957
הַלְּשָׁכ֖וֹת
and of all the chambers
Strong's:
H3957
Word #:
11 of 17
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
סָבִ֑יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֑יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
12 of 17
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
14 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Historical Context
David's detailed plans (c. 971 BCE) weren't merely architectural drawings but Spirit-revealed designs ensuring the temple properly symbolized spiritual truths. This divine blueprint guaranteed the structure served its purpose - facilitating worship and pointing to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you take the principle that worship must follow God's revealed will rather than human preferences?
- Where might your church need to align its practices more closely with biblical patterns rather than cultural traditions?
Analysis & Commentary
David's charge specifies the temple plans' source: 'And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things.' The phrase 'by the spirit' (b'ruach) indicates the Holy Spirit revealed the temple's design to David. This parallels Moses receiving tabernacle plans (Exodus 25:9, 40). True worship follows divinely revealed patterns, not human innovation. The regulative principle - worship according to God's Word - finds foundation here. Christ, greater than the temple, is both the fulfillment of these patterns and the pattern for the church.