1 Chronicles 29:19
And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
Original Language Analysis
בְנִ֗י
my son
H1121
בְנִ֗י
my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תֵּ֚ן
And give
H5414
תֵּ֚ן
And give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
שָׁלֵ֔ם
a perfect
H8003
שָׁלֵ֔ם
a perfect
Strong's:
H8003
Word #:
5 of 15
complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly
לִשְׁמוֹר֙
to keep
H8104
לִשְׁמוֹר֙
to keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִצְוֹתֶ֔יךָ
thy commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתֶ֔יךָ
thy commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
7 of 15
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וְחֻקֶּ֑יךָ
and thy statutes
H2706
וְחֻקֶּ֑יךָ
and thy statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
9 of 15
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְלַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
and to do
H6213
וְלַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
and to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַכֹּ֔ל
H3605
הַכֹּ֔ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְלִבְנ֖וֹת
all these things and to build
H1129
וְלִבְנ֖וֹת
all these things and to build
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
12 of 15
to build (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 72:1Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.1 Chronicles 22:14Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Historical Context
This public prayer (c. 971 BCE) demonstrated wise parenting - making material provision while recognizing that spiritual preparation comes only from God. David knew from experience that resources without heart-devotion lead to failure.
Questions for Reflection
- For whom are you praying for God to give a 'perfect heart' - undivided devotion to God?
- How do you balance making practical preparations with recognizing ultimate dependence on God's work in hearts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's specific prayer for Solomon: 'And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.' A 'perfect heart' (lev shalem) means wholehearted, undivided devotion. The threefold description - commandments, testimonies, statutes - encompasses comprehensive Torah obedience. David's prayer recognizes that despite all material preparations, only God can give the heart-devotion necessary for completing God's work. Tragically, Solomon later failed through divided heart (1 Kings 11:4), showing even answered prayer requires ongoing faithfulness. This points to Christ who perfectly maintained undivided devotion.