1 Chronicles 22 12

1 Chronicles 22:12 kjv

Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

1 Chronicles 22:12 nkjv

Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

1 Chronicles 22:12 niv

May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

1 Chronicles 22:12 esv

Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

1 Chronicles 22:12 nlt

And may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the LORD your God as you rule over Israel.

1 Chronicles 22 verses

1 Chronicles 22 12 Meaning

First Chronicles 22:12 contains David’s charge to his son Solomon, praying for divine enablement for his kingly responsibilities. It expresses the crucial need for Solomon to be divinely endowed with wisdom and understanding, not for personal aggrandizement, but specifically for his immense task of ruling Israel righteously and ensuring the keeping of God's law. This verse establishes that effective and righteous leadership, particularly in the covenant community of Israel, is dependent upon a spiritual gift from the Lord, directly linking royal authority to covenant obedience.

1 Chronicles 22 12 Context

First Chronicles chapter 22 details King David's preparations for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although David had a deep desire to build a house for the Lord (as seen in 1 Chron 22:7), God forbade him, stating that because he had been a man of war and shed much blood, his son Solomon, a man of peace, would undertake the task (1 Chron 22:8). David, in submission to God's will, gathered vast quantities of materials, skilled craftsmen, and financial resources, preparing everything for Solomon.

Verse 12 is part of David's instruction and blessing to Solomon. It’s a paternal charge combined with a prophetic prayer, emphasizing the divine nature of Solomon's kingship and the Temple project. Historically, it prepares for one of the most significant architectural and theological feats in Israel's history – the building of the First Temple, which was central to Israelite worship and national identity. Culturally, leadership in ancient Israel, especially kingship, was understood as divinely appointed and accountable to the Mosaic Law. There is an indirect polemic against the idea of self-sufficient human wisdom prevalent in surrounding cultures; David clearly emphasizes that true wisdom for leadership comes exclusively from Yahweh. The king's primary duty was not merely conquest or wealth, but upholding God's covenant with His people, underscoring Israel's unique identity as a nation ruled by divine principles.

1 Chronicles 22 12 Word analysis

• Only (רַק - raq): This adverb emphasizes singularity and exclusivity, meaning "only," "surely," or "provided that." It highlights that the subsequent granting of wisdom and understanding is solely from the LORD, stressing the divine origin as opposed to human ingenuity or effort.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - Yahweh): The Tetragrammaton, God's personal covenant name. This name reinforces that the source of wisdom is the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, not a generic deity or human potential. It emphasizes His active involvement in Solomon's life and reign.
• give thee (וְיִתֵּן־לְךָ - v'yitten-l'kha): A volitional or jussive verb, functioning as a prayer or a strong desire for God to grant these qualities. It denotes a gift or endowment.
• wisdom (חָכְמָה - chokhmah): Practical sagacity, skill, prudence, the ability to make good judgments, and to apply knowledge effectively. For a king, it means skill in governance, discerning justice, and effective administration. It is not mere intelligence, but wisdom applied in daily life and leadership.
• and understanding (וּבִינָה - u'vinah): The ability to discern, comprehend, interpret, and differentiate between good and evil, right and wrong. It complements chokhmah by providing insight and clear perception of issues. Together, they form comprehensive practical and intellectual acumen.
• and give thee charge (וּצְוָּה - u'tzvuah, understood as 'appoint' or 'commission'): This phrase refers to a divine mandate or commission, not merely giving an instruction, but entrusting responsibility or office. It signifies a divine authorization for rulership over Israel. It's the Lord who ordains his rule.
• concerning Israel (עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵל - al-Yisrael): Specifies the realm of Solomon's divinely given authority and responsibility. His rule is specifically over God’s chosen people, demanding a particular kind of wisdom aligned with God's covenant purposes for them.
• that thou mayest keep (לִשְׁמוֹר - lishmor): A purpose clause, meaning "in order that you may keep," "so that you may observe." It directly links the divine gift of wisdom and understanding to a specific outcome: obedient observance. It’s for function, not status.
• the law (תּוֹרָה - Torah): Refers to divine instruction, specifically the Mosaic Law – the statutes, commandments, and precepts given by God to Israel through Moses. It is the core of the covenant relationship and the blueprint for Israelite society and worship.
• of the LORD thy God (לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - la-Yahweh Eloheykha): This dual designation emphasizes both the personal, covenantal relationship ("the LORD") and the supreme authority ("thy God") that Israel and its king are accountable to. It grounds the Law in its divine and covenantal context.

1 Chronicles 22 12 Bonus section

This verse implicitly touches upon the foundational concept of Deuteronomic theology, which ties Israel's blessing and success directly to their obedience to the Law. Solomon's success in building the Temple and governing would be contingent on his adherence to this principle. The 'charge concerning Israel' is not just political dominion but a shepherd's mandate over God's flock, a role for which only divine wisdom could truly prepare him. This prayer anticipates Solomon's own request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3, revealing David's foresight and his deep desire for his son to succeed in the divine mission, demonstrating continuity in God's plan across generations of leadership.

1 Chronicles 22 12 Commentary

First Chronicles 22:12 distills a profound principle for leadership within God's people: true competence for divine service and effective governance flows directly from the Lord. David, having served God, understands that human ability alone is insufficient for ruling God's unique nation according to His will. He therefore articulates a powerful prayer that Solomon receive specific spiritual endowments—wisdom and understanding—which are prerequisite for a king operating under God's covenant. This wisdom isn't for worldly success or personal glory, but for a singular, sacred purpose: to effectively rule "concerning Israel" and, critically, "that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God." The essence of godly kingship is not merely governing but governing righteously, meaning in full obedience and alignment with God's revealed will (the Torah). This highlights that kings are under the Law, not above it. This emphasis on divine enablement for righteous obedience sets a timeless standard for all who would lead in God's kingdom, underscoring that our capabilities for God's work are a gracious gift from Him, purposed towards honoring His commands.

• Example for practical usage: A leader in a church or community asks God daily for wisdom, not for personal ambition, but specifically for guidance to make decisions aligned with biblical principles.
• Example for practical usage: Before embarking on a new spiritual ministry or responsibility, an individual prioritizes prayer for discernment and understanding rather than relying solely on personal talent or strategy.