1 Chronicles 22:16 (KJV) - "Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee."

The book of 1 Chronicles is a part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is a historical narrative that traces the genealogy of the people of Israel from Adam through the line of David. This particular verse is part of King David's charge to his son Solomon as he prepares to build the temple for the Lord.

The verse begins with a description of the abundance of resources that had been amassed for the construction of the temple - "Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number." This abundance reflects the importance and significance of the temple in the eyes of the people of Israel. The temple was not only a center for worship and sacrifice, but also a symbol of God's presence among his people.

Following the mention of the abundance of resources, King David urges Solomon to take action - "Arise therefore, and be doing." This is a call to action, a command for Solomon to take the initiative and commence the construction of the temple. It is a reminder that while God had provided the resources, it was up to Solomon to take the necessary steps to bring the plan to fruition. This command also reflects the proactive faith of King David, who was not content to leave the construction of the temple to chance, but rather took direct steps to ensure its completion.

Finally, David concludes his charge with a prayer and a blessing - "and the Lord be with thee." This prayer recognizes that success in the construction of the temple was ultimately dependent on the presence and guidance of the Lord. It is a reminder that despite the abundance of resources and the efforts of men, true success can only come from the Lord's blessing and guidance.

One of the key themes in this verse is the idea of stewardship. The abundance of resources, including gold, silver, brass, and iron, were not to be hoarded or wasted, but were to be used for a noble purpose - the construction of the temple. This concept of responsible stewardship is a constant theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of using the resources and gifts that God has given us for his glory and the benefit of others.

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of taking action. King David's command to Solomon to "arise therefore, and be doing" reflects the biblical principle of active faith. It is not enough to simply have good intentions or abundant resources; action is required to bring about God's plan and purposes. This theme is also echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22).

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The abundance of gold, silver, brass, and iron represents the material wealth and resources that God has provided for his people. These resources are not meant to be the end in themselves, but rather a means to a greater end - the building of a place of worship and encounter with God. The temple itself is a symbol of God's presence and a foreshadowing of the ultimate fulfillment of his kingdom.

In conclusion, 1 Chronicles 22:16 is a powerful and relevant verse with timeless themes of stewardship, action, and dependence on God. It serves as a reminder for believers to use their resources wisely and actively pursue God's purposes, always relying on his guidance and blessing. This verse continues to inspire and challenge readers to be faithful stewards of God's blessings and to take proactive steps in fulfilling his plans.