(13) Then shalt thou prosper.--The verse makes it quite clear that obedience was an indispensable condition to the full realisation of the promise. (Comp. 1Chronicles 22:10 with the actual after-course of history.) Yet the word of the Lord does not return unto Him void; and if the earthly dynasty of David came to an end through disobedience, in due time was born an heir of David and Solomon, who is at this day the Lord of a spiritual dominion which will endure throughout the ages.

If thou takest heed to fulfil.--Literally, if thou keep to do the statutes and judgments: language which is obviously a reminiscence of Deuteronomy. (Comp. Deuteronomy 7:11; Deuteronomy 11:32.)

Be strong, and of good courage.--Or, Be stout and staunch! a frequent phrase in Joshua (1Chronicles 1:7, &c.).

Dread not, nor be dismayed.--So Deuteronomy 1:21; Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9.

Dismayed.--Broken, i.e., in spirit: metu fractus. (Comp. "Solomon my son is young and timid," 1Chronicles 22:5.)

Verse 13. - The references to olden time, and the pointed reference to Moses, must be regarded as emphatic. In 1 Chronicles 28:20 we find the additional words, "and do it," inserted after the animated and intensely earnest exhortation, Be strong, and of good courage. This inspiriting summons was no new one. It was probably already hallowed in the name of religious language, and would be often quoted (Deuteronomy 4:1; Deuteronomy 31:5-8; Joshua 1:5-9).

22:6-16 David gives Solomon the reason why he should build the temple. Because God named him. Nothing is more powerful to engage us in any service for God, than to know that we are appointed thereto. Because he would have leisure and opportunity to do it. He should have peace and quietness. Where God gives rest, he expects work. Because God had promised to establish his kingdom. God's gracious promises should quicken and strengthen our religious service. David delivered to Solomon an account of the vast preparations he had made for this building; not from pride and vain-glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work. He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin; on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the Lord. In our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we have need of courage and resolution.Then shall thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes,.... See 1 Kings 2:2 where the same things are said as here: which shows that this was spoken by David a little before his death.