Solomon replied, "You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Solomon repliedThe name "Solomon" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shlomo," which is related to "shalom," meaning peace. Solomon's response here is a reflection of his character as a wise and discerning leader. His reply is not just a mere answer but a profound acknowledgment of God's past mercies and faithfulness. This sets the tone for his reign, emphasizing wisdom and understanding as foundational principles. You have shown great loving devotion
The phrase "loving devotion" is translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," which signifies steadfast love, mercy, and covenant loyalty. This term is central to understanding God's relationship with His people. It is a love that is not based on merit but on God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. Solomon recognizes this divine attribute as the reason for his father David's success and his own current position. to Your servant, my father David
The term "servant" here is "ebed" in Hebrew, indicating a position of humility and dedication. David, despite his flaws, is remembered as a servant of God, highlighting his heart for God and his role in God's plan. This acknowledgment by Solomon underscores the importance of servanthood in leadership, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. because he walked before You
The phrase "walked before You" implies living a life in the presence of God, with awareness and reverence. It suggests a lifestyle of obedience and devotion. In the Hebrew context, "halak" (walk) is often used to describe one's conduct or way of life. David's life, despite its imperfections, was characterized by a sincere pursuit of God's heart. in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart
These three qualities—faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness—are foundational to a godly life. "Faithfulness" (Hebrew: "emunah") denotes trustworthiness and reliability. "Righteousness" (Hebrew: "tsedeq") refers to living in accordance with God's standards. "Uprightness of heart" suggests integrity and sincerity. Together, they paint a picture of a life that is pleasing to God, one that Solomon aspires to emulate. And You have maintained this great loving devotion
The continuation of "chesed" or loving devotion is a testament to God's unchanging nature. Solomon acknowledges that God's faithfulness is not just a past event but an ongoing reality. This assurance of God's continued presence and support is a source of strength and confidence for Solomon as he begins his reign. by giving him a son to sit on his throne this day
The phrase "to sit on his throne" signifies the continuation of David's lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a throne symbolizes authority, stability, and divine favor. Solomon's ascension to the throne is not just a political event but a divine appointment, affirming God's sovereign plan and the perpetuation of the Davidic covenant. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity. 2. DavidSolomon's father, the second king of Israel, known for his heart for God despite his imperfections. David is remembered for his faithfulness and his covenant relationship with God. 3. God's Loving Devotion (Hebrew: "chesed")This term refers to God's steadfast love and mercy, a central theme in the covenant relationship between God and His people. 4. Faithfulness, Righteousness, and Uprightness of HeartThese are the qualities attributed to David, which Solomon acknowledges as the reason for God's continued favor. 5. The Throne of IsraelSymbolizes the continuation of God's promise to David, ensuring his lineage and the stability of the kingdom. Teaching Points Understanding God's Chesed (Loving Devotion)God's loving devotion is not based on human merit but on His covenant promises. Reflect on how God's steadfast love is evident in your life. The Legacy of FaithfulnessDavid's faithfulness set a foundation for Solomon's reign. Consider how your faithfulness can impact future generations. The Importance of Heart PostureSolomon highlights the importance of walking in uprightness of heart. Evaluate your own heart posture before God. Acknowledging God's FaithfulnessLike Solomon, take time to acknowledge and thank God for His faithfulness in your life, recognizing His hand in your current circumstances. The Role of Prayer in LeadershipSolomon's prayer demonstrates humility and reliance on God. In your leadership roles, prioritize seeking God's wisdom and guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's acknowledgment of God's loving devotion to David influence his own understanding of leadership and responsibility? 2. In what ways can you cultivate a heart of faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness in your daily walk with God? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's "chesed" (loving devotion) in your life. How did it impact your faith journey? 4. How does the concept of God's covenant with David encourage you in your personal relationship with God? 5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your leadership or influence is rooted in prayer and dependence on God, as demonstrated by Solomon? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7This chapter details God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage will endure and that his throne will be established forever. Solomon's acknowledgment in 1 Kings 3:6 is a direct reflection of this covenant. Psalm 89This psalm celebrates God's faithfulness and loving devotion (chesed) to David, echoing the themes Solomon mentions in his prayer. Proverbs 3:3-4Written by Solomon, these verses emphasize the importance of love and faithfulness, qualities that Solomon attributes to his father David. | The Prayer of Solomon and its Fulfilment | E. De Pressense | 1 Kings 3:3-16; 4:2-34 | | A Prince At Prayer | | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | A Wise Choice | E. J. Hardy, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Acquisition of Knowledge | Homilist | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Dreams Indicate Character | Hugh Black, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Effectual Prayer | Homilist | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Lonely Communion in View of Great Duty | H. O. Mackey. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | On the Youth of Solomon | A. Allison, LL. B. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | J. MacNeill. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | Monday Club Sermons | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | J. Eells, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | E. Payson, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Duty, Nature, and Blessings of Prayer | R. P. Buddicom, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The First Thing to Do | C. S. Robinson, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Heart as Organ of Insight | C. H. Parkhurst, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Highest Order of Wisdom | Alex. Whyte, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Story of a Right Choice | W. Hoyt. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Wisdom of Solomon | Homiletic Quarterly | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | True Aims and False Aims | H. Evans. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Wisdom | Carlyle. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | A Wise Prayer | J. Waite | 1 Kings 3:5-16 | | The Reverent Prayer of a Royal Petitioner | A. Rowland | 1 Kings 3:6, 7 |
People David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Egypt, Gibeon, JerusalemTopics Continued, David, Faithful, Faithfulness, Greatest, Hast, Heart, Kept, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, Reserved, Righteous, Righteousness, Servant, Shewn, Showed, Shown, Sit, Sits, Sitting, Solomon, Steadfast, Throne, Truth, Upright, Uprightness, WalkedDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 3:6 5017 heart, renewal
5181 sitting
5581 throne
6667 grace, in OT
8158 righteousness, of believers
8291 kindness
8459 perseverance 1 Kings 3:5-12 1680 types 1 Kings 3:5-13 8130 guidance, from godly people 1 Kings 3:5-14 5548 speech, divine
6622 choice 1 Kings 3:5-15 5849 exaltation 1 Kings 3:6-15 5120 Solomon, character Library A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
'In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
Objection 1: It would seem that the degrees of prophecy change as time goes on. For prophecy is directed to the knowledge of Divine things, as stated above [3690](A[2]). Now according to Gregory (Hom. in Ezech.), "knowledge of God went on increasing as time went on." Therefore degrees of prophecy should be distinguished according to the process of time. Objection 2: Further, prophetic revelation is conveyed by God speaking to man; while the prophets declared both in words and in writing the things …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Letter Lxxiv. To Rufinus of Rome.
Rufinus, a Roman Presbyter (to be carefully distinguished from Rufinus of Aquileia and Rufinus the Syrian), had written to Jerome for an explanation of the judgment of Solomon (1 Kings iii. 16-28). This Jerome gives at length, treating the narrative as a parable and making the false and true mothers types of the Synagogue and the Church. The date of the letter is 398 a.d. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet The Song of Solomon.
An important link in the chain of the Messianic hopes is formed by the Song of Solomon. It is intimately associated with Ps. lxxii., which was written by Solomon, and represents the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, imperfectly prefigured by Solomon as His type. As in this Psalm, so also in the Song of Solomon, the coming of the Messiah forms the subject throughout, and He is introduced there under the name of Solomon, the Peaceful One. His coming shall be preceded by severe afflictions, represented …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 3:6 NIV1 Kings 3:6 NLT1 Kings 3:6 ESV1 Kings 3:6 NASB1 Kings 3:6 KJV
1 Kings 3:6 Commentaries
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