and more cedar logs than could be counted;Cedar logs were highly valued in the ancient Near East for their durability, resistance to decay, and pleasant aroma. The abundance of cedar logs signifies the wealth and resources available to David for the construction of the temple. This phrase highlights the immense preparation and provision for the temple, which was to be a dwelling place for God. The use of cedar is also significant in biblical history, as it was used in the construction of Solomon's Temple (
1 Kings 6:9-10) and the palace (
1 Kings 7:2-3). The phrase "more than could be counted" emphasizes the vastness of the resources, reflecting God's provision and blessing upon David's reign.
for the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought a large quantity of cedar logs to David.
The Sidonians and Tyrians were known for their expertise in timber and shipbuilding, as they inhabited the region of Phoenicia, which was rich in cedar forests. This collaboration between David and the Phoenician cities indicates a peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship. Historically, the Phoenicians were renowned traders and craftsmen, and their involvement in supplying materials for the temple underscores the international scope of David's kingdom. This cooperation also foreshadows the alliance between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, in the building of the temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). The use of foreign resources and labor in the temple's construction can be seen as a type of the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, pointing to the future gathering of all nations in Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe King of Israel who is preparing for the construction of the temple, a task that will be completed by his son Solomon. David's role is pivotal as he gathers materials and resources for this sacred project.
2.
Sidonians and TyriansPeople from the regions of Sidon and Tyre, known for their expertise in timber and trade. They supplied cedar logs, a valuable resource for building the temple.
3.
Cedar LogsA significant building material in ancient times, known for its durability and fragrance. The use of cedar from Lebanon was a mark of quality and prestige.
4.
Temple PreparationThe event of gathering materials for the future construction of the temple, which symbolizes the preparation and dedication to worship and honor God.
Teaching Points
Preparation for God's WorkJust as David prepared materials for the temple, we should prepare our hearts and resources for God's work in our lives.
Collaboration in MinistryThe partnership between David and the Sidonians and Tyrians highlights the importance of collaboration and utilizing diverse gifts and resources in ministry.
Value of Quality in WorshipThe use of the finest materials for the temple teaches us to offer our best to God in worship and service.
Faithfulness to God's PromisesDavid's actions were in line with God's promise to him, reminding us to act in faithfulness to God's promises in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 22:4?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 22:4 demonstrate God's provision for Solomon's temple construction?
3.What significance do the "cedars of Lebanon" hold in biblical temple building?
4.How can we apply the principle of preparation in 1 Chronicles 22:4 today?
5.In what ways does 1 Chronicles 22:4 connect to Exodus 35:30-35?
6.How does David's preparation in 1 Chronicles 22:4 inspire our service to God?
7.Why did David prepare materials for the temple instead of building it himself in 1 Chronicles 22:4?
8.What is the significance of cedar logs from the Sidonians and Tyrians in 1 Chronicles 22:4?
9.How does 1 Chronicles 22:4 reflect God's plan for Solomon's reign?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 22?
11.Is there any external verification for the groups listed in 1 Chronicles 4--especially those not mentioned elsewhere--suggesting they might be legendary or symbolic?
12.Are the lifespans and generational spans implied in 1 Chronicles 4 scientifically plausible, or do they represent mythical or symbolic timelines?
13.In 1 Chronicles 4:41, why is there no clear historical record of the destruction of these inhabitants, raising doubts about the event's authenticity?
14.How do we reconcile the genealogies in 1 Chronicles 4:1-8 with other Old Testament passages that record different names and lineages?What Does 1 Chronicles 22:4 Mean
And more cedar logs than could be counted• “And more cedar logs than could be counted” (1 Chronicles 22:4) spotlights the staggering scale of David’s preparations for the future temple, echoing how Solomon later “made the cedars as plentiful as sycamores” (1 Kings 10:27).
• Abundance underlines the king’s faith that God’s house should surpass any earthly palace—just as the tabernacle’s gold‐laden craftsmanship reflected God’s glory inExodus 25–40.
• The phrase also anticipates Solomon’s prayer in2 Chronicles 2:5, where he declares, “The house I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.” Here, David lays the literal groundwork for that greatness.
For the Sidonians and Tyrians• Sidon and Tyre, Phoenician port cities famed for timber and maritime trade (Ezekiel 27:3–5), supply what Israel’s inland forests lack. God often uses outsiders—think of Ruth the Moabite (Ruth 4:13-17) or the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)—to advance His purposes.
• This partnership previews the later covenant friendship between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre (1 Kings 5:1-12), illustratingProverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”
• Gentile cooperation foreshadows the temple’s ultimate aim: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7;Mark 11:17).
Had brought a large quantity of cedar logs to David• The verbs highlight completed action—cedars are already stockpiled before Solomon ascends the throne (1 Chronicles 22:2-5). David obeys God’s restriction against building (1 Chronicles 22:8) yet maximizes his role as provider, embodying1 Corinthians 3:6: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
• Cedar, resistant to rot and insects, symbolizes durability. The same wood lines the inner sanctuary where the ark rests (1 Kings 6:15-18), a picture of God’s enduring covenant (Psalm 89:34-37).
• David’s foresight encourages believers to store up resources—spiritual and material—for future ministry (2 Timothy 2:2), trusting that what we lay in God’s hands today blesses generations tomorrow.
summary1 Chronicles 22:4 records extravagant, foreign-assisted provision of cedar for the temple. The verse testifies to God’s ability to supply beyond counting, to enlist unlikely partners, and to honor faithful groundwork even when we are not the ones to finish the task.
(4)
Also cedar trees in abundance.--Literally,
and beams or logs of cedars without number. A rhetorical exaggeration, like that which we have just noted. (See also
1Chronicles 14:1.)
The Zidonians and they of Tyra (i.e., the Phoenicians)brought much cedar wood--i.e., in the way of ordinary commerce, to barter them for supplies of grain, wine, oil, and other products of the soil, which their own rocky coast-land did not yield in sufficiency. (Comp.1Chronicles 14:1.) At a later time Hiram entered into an express contract with Solomon to supply the cedar and other materials required for building the Temple (1Kings 5:8-11).
Verse 4. -
The Zidonians and they of Tyre (see
1 Kings 5:6, 9, 13-18;
2 Chronicles 2:16-18). The interesting passages in Homer, Herodotus, and Strabo, which speak of Zidon, etc., are in entire accord with what is here said, and are well worth perusal;
e.g. 'Iliad,' 6:289-295, "And she descended to the vaulted chamber, where were the garments all embroidered, the works of women of Sidon, whom the godlike Alexander himself brought from Sidon when he crossed the wide sea, by the way that he brought Helen of noble lineage;" 'Iliad,' 23. 743, 744, "And this vessel was of unsurpassed fame for beauty over all the land, for the men of Sidon, cunning artificers, had skilfully wrought it, and Phoenicians had brought it over the dark sea;" 'Odyssey,' 4:615-618, "And it was all silver, but the borders were mingled with gold. It was the work of Hephaestus. The illustrious Phademus, King of the Sidonians, gave it me when his palace sheltered me on my return thither;" 'Odyssey,' 15:424, "I boast to come from Sidon, famed for its skill in the working of brass." Similar references may be found in Herodotus (7:44, 96) and Strabo (16:2, § 23. See also 'Speaker's Commentary,' under
1 Kings 5:6).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and moreמִסְפָּ֑ר(mis·pār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4557:A number, definite, indefinite, narrationcedarאֲרָזִ֖ים(’ă·rā·zîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 730:A cedar treelogsוַעֲצֵ֥י(wa·‘ă·ṣê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodthan could be counted;לְאֵ֣ין(lə·’ên)Preposition-l | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particleforכִּֽי(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe Sidoniansהַצִּֽידֹנִ֨ים(haṣ·ṣî·ḏō·nîm)Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6722:Sidonians -- an inhabitant of Sidonand Tyriansוְהַצֹּרִ֜ים(wə·haṣ·ṣō·rîm)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6876:Tyrians -- inhabitants of Tyrehad broughtהֵ֠בִיאוּ(hê·ḇî·’ū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goa large quantity ofלָרֹ֖ב(lā·rōḇ)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7230:Multitude, abundance, greatnesscedarאֲרָזִ֛ים(’ă·rā·zîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 730:A cedar treelogsעֲצֵ֧י(‘ă·ṣê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodto David.לְדָוִֽיד׃(lə·ḏā·wîḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse
Links
1 Chronicles 22:4 NIV1 Chronicles 22:4 NLT1 Chronicles 22:4 ESV1 Chronicles 22:4 NASB1 Chronicles 22:4 KJV
1 Chronicles 22:4 BibleApps.com1 Chronicles 22:4 Biblia Paralela1 Chronicles 22:4 Chinese Bible1 Chronicles 22:4 French Bible1 Chronicles 22:4 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Chronicles 22:4 And cedar trees without number: (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)