1 Kings 2:12

Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) His kingdom was established greatly.—From the notice in the closing verse of the chapter, that after the deaths of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and the degradation of Abiathar, “the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon,” it would seem that, under the smooth surface of apparent loyalty, there lurked some elements of disaffection and danger—perhaps aggravated by enmity from without; for we gather from 1Kings 11:14-25 that the death of David was the signal for some attempts at rebellion in the conquered nations. But these are apparently crushed without the slightest effort, though with no little fierceness and severity; and the royalty of Solomon rises at once to a colossal greatness.

Benson Commentary

1 Kings 2:12. Then sat Solomon upon the throne, &c. — The kingdom was settled upon him with universal consent and approbation. His kingdom was established — He had the hearty affections of his people, which all men know to be a prince’s best and surest establishment.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:12-25 Solomon received Bathsheba with all the respect that was owing to a mother; but let none be asked for that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad request, or to appear in a bad cause. According to eastern customs it was plain that Adonijah sought to be king, by his asking for Abishag as his wife, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived. Ambitious, turbulent spirits commonly prepare death for themselves. Many a head has been lost by catching at a crown.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The "establishment" of the kingdom here intended is probably its universal acceptance both by the tribe of Judah and the other Israelites.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

1Ki 2:12-24. Solomon Succeeds Him.

12. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father—His ascension to the royal dignity was made under the happiest auspices. Having been born after his father became monarch of the whole kingdom, his claim, according to the notions of Oriental people, was preferable to that of all, even his elder brothers. The Hebrew kingdom enjoyed internal prosperity; it was respected and renowned abroad, and Solomon well knew how to improve these advantages.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

Being settled upon him with universal consent and approbation, and with the hearty affections of his people, which all wise men know to be a prince’s best and surest establishment.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Then sat Solomon on the throne of David his father,.... So he did in his lifetime, with his consent, and by his order, and now by the agreement of the whole people:

and his kingdom was established greatly; all submitting to it, and none opposing it.

Geneva Study Bible

Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - And Solomon sate on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom [i.e., dominion, sway] was established greatly. [Cf. 2 Chronicles 1:1, 2. This verse serves as a kind of heading or introduction to the rest of the chapter. It was principally by the removal of rivals and disaffected persons that his sway was established. 1 Kings 2:12

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

Accession of Solomon and Establishment of his Government. - 1 Kings 2:12 is a heading embracing the substance of what follows, and is more fully expanded in 1 Chronicles 29:23-25. Solomon established his monarchy first of all by punishing the rebels, Adonijah (1 Chronicles 29:13-25) and his adherents (1 Chronicles 29:26 -35), and by carrying out the final instructions of his father (vv. 36-46).