1 Chronicles 29 23

1 Chronicles 29:23 kjv

Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

1 Chronicles 29:23 nkjv

Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

1 Chronicles 29:23 niv

So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered and all Israel obeyed him.

1 Chronicles 29:23 esv

Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of David his father. And he prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.

1 Chronicles 29:23 nlt

So Solomon took the throne of the LORD in place of his father, David, and he succeeded in everything, and all Israel obeyed him.

1 Chronicles 29 verses

1 Chronicles 29 23 Meaning

1 Chronicles 29:23 describes the formal and divinely sanctioned enthronement of Solomon, emphasizing that his kingship was not merely a human succession but a sacred office bestowed by God. It highlights God's continued covenant faithfulness through the Davidic line, demonstrating that Solomon's reign began with prosperity and the united submission of all Israel, indicating God's favor and blessing upon him.

1 Chronicles 29 23 Context

This verse is situated at the climax of David’s reign in 1 Chronicles, specifically in the twenty-ninth and final chapter. Chapter 29 vividly describes David’s comprehensive preparation for the Temple, his stirring call to the people to contribute, his magnificent prayer of dedication and blessing to God, and the lavish sacrifices offered by the nation. It culminates in a grand feast where Solomon is publicly confirmed as king a second time (an earlier, more urgent anointing due to Adonijah’s attempted usurpation is mentioned in 1 Kings 1). The Chronicler emphasizes the unity of Israel and the seamless, divinely sanctioned transition of power from David to Solomon, portraying it as a moment of great national joy and prosperity. The historical backdrop for the original audience, the post-exilic community, was a yearning for a divinely ordered leadership and restoration of the Davidic line, which this passage vividly affirms through Solomon's initial righteous reign. This passage indirectly asserts the unique nature of Israel's monarchy, where the king serves under God's ultimate sovereignty, a stark contrast to pagan notions of kings as divine beings.

1 Chronicles 29 23 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֵּשֶׁב - vayyēshev): Literally "and he sat." This conjunction and verb indicate an immediate and consequent action, linking Solomon's ascension directly to the prior events of the chapter: the people's anointing, their sacrifices, and David's blessing. It denotes the formal installation of authority.
• Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה - Shlomo): His name, often linked to shalom (peace), reflects the character of the peaceful and prosperous reign that God intended for him and that he initially enjoyed.
• sat (יָשַׁב - yashav): This verb signifies the assumption of a ruling position. To sit "on the throne" is a formal act of inauguration and acceptance of kingship, conveying authority and stability.
• on the throne (עַל כִּסֵּא - al kisse): "Upon the seat/throne." The physical throne symbolizes royal power and legitimacy.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה - Yahweh): This is a profound theological statement. It signifies that the Davidic kings, while human rulers, are vice-regents. The throne belongs to God, and the human king governs on His behalf, exercising a divinely delegated authority. This emphasizes Israel's unique identity as a theocracy under divine rule, not just a human monarchy. It polemicizes against any idea of the king being inherently divine, as was common in surrounding nations.
• as king (לְמֶלֶךְ - lemelech): "For a king." This reiterates his established royal office and role.
• instead of (תַּחַת - tachat): Signifies succession, literally "under" or "in place of." It marks the orderly and legitimate transition of power.
• David his father (דָּוִיד אָבִיו - David aviv): Highlights the familial succession within the divinely chosen Davidic dynasty, fulfilling God’s covenant promise.
• and he prospered (וַיִּצְלַח - vayyitslach): From the root צָלַח (tsalach), meaning to succeed, advance, or make good progress. This prosperity is not just material but divinely granted success in his rule, an indication of God's blessing and favor on his reign. It signifies spiritual and physical flourishing attributed to God's hand.
• and all Israel obeyed him (וַיִּשְׁמְעוּ לוֹ כָל-יִשְׂרָאֵל - vayyishma'u lo kol-Yisrael): "And all Israel listened/hearkened to him." This signifies the unified acceptance and submission of the entire nation to Solomon's authority. Their obedience is a direct result of God's hand blessing Solomon, bringing national peace and cohesion.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king": This phrase powerfully encapsulates the unique nature of Israel's kingship. Solomon's ascension is presented not as a mere political event, but a sacred, divine appointment. He sits not merely on "the throne of Israel," but explicitly on "the throne of the Lord," establishing theocracy as the fundamental principle underlying the monarchy. It sets the precedent that the Davidic king's authority is derived from, accountable to, and exercised on behalf of God Himself. This also foreshadows the ultimate Messianic King, Jesus Christ, who will reign on the Lord's throne eternally.
• "instead of David his father": This highlights the seamless and divinely approved transition within the Davidic covenant line. It emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and God's faithfulness to His promise to David regarding an enduring dynasty. It's not a usurpation, but an orderly succession orchestrated by God.
• "and he prospered, and all Israel obeyed him": These twin outcomes are direct results of Solomon's God-ordained reign. His "prospering" speaks to divine blessing and success in his leadership, resulting in national stability and flourishing. The unanimous "obedience of all Israel" signifies the unity and peaceful submission of the nation, reflecting God's favor and validation of Solomon's rule, ensuring a strong and stable beginning to his reign. These are key signs of a king ruling righteously and being favored by God.

1 Chronicles 29 23 Bonus section

The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, meticulously records this orderly and joyful succession to instill hope and remind them of God's enduring commitment to the Davidic covenant and the theocratic nature of their kingship. By focusing on David’s preparation for the Temple and Solomon’s prosperous initial reign, the book presents an ideal of divinely-sanctioned leadership, providing a theological framework for understanding blessing and national identity. This verse is key in affirming the stability of the Davidic line and the continued presence of God's authority among His people. The "throne of the Lord" concept found here also contrasts with the common ancient Near Eastern practice where kings often claimed divinity or semi-divinity, underscoring Israel's unique monotheistic theology.

1 Chronicles 29 23 Commentary

1 Chronicles 29:23 provides the theological interpretation of Solomon’s enthronement: it was a divine act. The pivotal phrase "throne of the Lord" emphasizes that Solomon was not an absolute monarch but a steward ruling under God’s ultimate sovereignty. This principle affirmed God's continued kingship over Israel, with human kings acting as His designated regents. The Chronicler highlights Solomon’s immediate prosperity and the full obedience of Israel to underscore the divine approval and blessing on his reign. This ideal beginning for Solomon’s rule served as a model for subsequent kings and a source of hope for the post-exilic community that divine favor would return if they adhered to God’s covenant. The stability and unity seen here are hallmarks of God's presence and endorsement of His chosen leader, hinting at the future, perfect reign of the Messiah.