1 Chronicles 22:12
Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
Above all
This phrase emphasizes the supreme importance of what follows. In the Hebrew text, the idea of priority is conveyed, suggesting that the subsequent request is of utmost significance. It sets the stage for the divine wisdom and guidance that Solomon, David's son, will need. Historically, this reflects the biblical principle that spiritual insight and obedience to God are paramount in leadership.

may the LORD give you
Here, David is expressing a prayerful wish for Solomon. The Hebrew verb "natan" (to give) is used, indicating a divine bestowal of gifts. This reflects the belief that true wisdom and understanding are gifts from God, not merely human achievements. It underscores the dependence on God for successful leadership.

insight and understanding
These terms are often paired in the wisdom literature of the Bible, such as Proverbs. "Insight" (Hebrew: "binah") refers to the ability to discern and comprehend deeper truths, while "understanding" (Hebrew: "tebunah") involves the practical application of that knowledge. Together, they form the foundation of wise and effective governance, which is crucial for Solomon as he prepares to lead Israel.

when He puts you in command over Israel
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. The Hebrew verb "yashar" (to put or set) implies divine placement and purpose. Historically, Israel's kings were seen as God's chosen instruments to lead His people, and this divine appointment carried both privilege and responsibility.

so that you may keep
The phrase "so that" introduces the purpose of the divine gifts of insight and understanding. The Hebrew verb "shamar" (to keep, guard, observe) is used here, emphasizing the active role of the leader in maintaining and adhering to God's law. It suggests vigilance and dedication in upholding divine commandments.

the law of the LORD your God
This refers to the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel. The phrase underscores the centrality of God's law in the life of the nation and its leaders. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel, while "your God" personalizes this relationship for Solomon, reminding him of his duty to lead in accordance with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel who is preparing his son Solomon to build the temple. He is speaking to Solomon in this passage.

2. Solomon
The son of David, who is chosen to build the temple. David is advising him on how to lead Israel.

3. Israel
The nation over which Solomon will reign. The people of God who are to follow the law of the LORD.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who provides wisdom and understanding to those who seek Him.

5. The Law of the LORD
The commandments and statutes given by God, which Solomon is to keep as he leads Israel.
Teaching Points
The Source of Wisdom
True wisdom and understanding come from God. We must seek Him earnestly to lead effectively in any capacity.

The Role of Leadership
Leadership is a divine responsibility that requires adherence to God's laws. Leaders should prioritize God's commandments in their decision-making.

The Importance of Obedience
Keeping God's law is central to successful leadership and personal life. Obedience to God brings blessings and guidance.

Prayer for Insight
Like Solomon, we should pray for insight and understanding, especially when faced with significant responsibilities.

Legacy of Faithfulness
David's charge to Solomon highlights the importance of passing on a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the request for wisdom and understanding in 1 Chronicles 22:12 relate to Solomon's later request in 1 Kings 3:9-12?

2. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our daily lives, according to James 1:5?

3. How does keeping God's law demonstrate wisdom and understanding to others, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:6?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are leading others with God's wisdom and understanding?

5. How can we pass on a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to the next generation, as David did with Solomon?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 2:6
This verse highlights that wisdom and understanding come from the LORD, reinforcing the idea that Solomon's ability to lead will depend on divine insight.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, showing the continuity of this principle from the Old to the New Testament.

Deuteronomy 4:6
Emphasizes the importance of keeping God's laws as a demonstration of wisdom and understanding to other nations.

1 Kings 3:9-12
Describes Solomon's request for wisdom from God, which is granted, fulfilling David's prayer for his son.

Psalm 119:34
A prayer for understanding to keep God's law, echoing the desire for insight and obedience.
David's Preparation for Building the TempleF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 22:1-5, 14
David's Charge to SolomonF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 22:6-16
Successful ServiceW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 22:6-16
A Son PredictedBiblical Museum1 Chronicles 22:6-19
David's Charge to SolomonMonday Club Sermons1 Chronicles 22:6-19
God's Word to DavidJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 22:6-19
LearnJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 22:6-19
The Prediction of Solomon's BirthJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 22:6-19
A Father's Prayer for His SonJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 22:11-13
Condition of Successful EffortJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 22:11-13
Fatherly Wishes and PrayersJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 22:11-13
Keeping God's LawJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 22:11-13
Right TrainingJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 22:11-13
The Qualifications NeededJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 22:11-13
Conditions of ProsperityR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 22:12, 13
People
David, Sidonians, Solomon, Tyrians, Zidonians
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Charge, Command, Discretion, Gives, Grant, Law, Mayest, Orders, Puts, Understanding, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 22:12

     8227   discernment, nature of
     8355   understanding
     8775   libertinism

1 Chronicles 22:1-19

     5089   David, significance

1 Chronicles 22:11-13

     8221   courage, strength from God

1 Chronicles 22:12-13

     8367   wisdom, importance of

Library
David's Prohibited Desire and Permitted Service
'Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel. 7. And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God: 8. But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto My name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in My sight. 9. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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