2 Chronicles 1 9

2 Chronicles 1:9 kjv

Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

2 Chronicles 1:9 nkjv

Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

2 Chronicles 1:9 niv

Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth.

2 Chronicles 1:9 esv

O LORD God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.

2 Chronicles 1:9 nlt

O LORD God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth!

2 Chronicles 1 verses

2 Chronicles 1 9 Meaning

In 2 Chronicles 1:9, King Solomon addresses the Most High, asking for the establishment and confirmation of the covenant promise made to his father, David. He bases this petition on the fact that God has already fulfilled a part of that promise by making him king. Solomon acknowledges the immense responsibility of ruling over the people of Israel, whom God has multiplied to be as numerous as the dust of the earth, echoing an ancient promise of countless descendants. This verse signifies Solomon's initial humility and reliance on the Sovereign Lord before his request for wisdom.

2 Chronicles 1 9 Context

2 Chronicles 1:9 takes place at the very beginning of Solomon's reign as king over Israel. David, his father, had already prepared immensely for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. However, the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) from the wilderness period and the bronze altar of burnt offering, originally built by Moses, were still located at Gibeon. Solomon, in a profound act of piety and seeking divine legitimacy, gathers all the leaders of Israel – commanders, judges, governors, and heads of families – and goes to Gibeon to offer sacrifices. This specific verse is part of Solomon's direct address to God during his time at Gibeon, just before the Most High appears to him in a dream and asks what He wishes to be given. It sets the stage for Solomon's famous request for wisdom, emphasizing his awareness of the magnitude of his divinely appointed task and his reliance on God's covenant promises. The historical context positions Solomon as the divinely chosen successor to David, charged with continuing the sacred legacy, especially the building of the House of God.

2 Chronicles 1 9 Word analysis

• Now, O LORD God (אַ֚תָּה יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֗ים - ’attah Yahweh Elohim):
  • Now (’attah): This opening word functions as an emphatic particle, drawing immediate attention to Solomon's heartfelt plea. It often carries a sense of "so now," linking his prayer to the preceding context of God's blessing.
  • O LORD (Yahweh): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and unchanging character, especially in relation to His promises to Israel. This is the unutterable, holy name revealed to Moses.
  • God (Elohim): The general term for God, denoting His supreme power, creative authority, and sovereignty over all things. The combination Yahweh Elohim stresses both God's covenant faithfulness and His universal power.
• let Your promise (יִקַּם֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֤ה - yiqqam debar-Yahweh):
  • let... be established/confirmed (yiqqam): From the verb qum, meaning "to stand," "arise," "be confirmed," "be fulfilled." Solomon is praying for God's word to stand firm, to be brought to full realization. It implies a petition for strength and endurance for the promise.
  • Your promise (debar-Yahweh): Literally, "word of Yahweh." This refers to specific divine utterances and covenants.
• to my father David (‘im-Dawid ‘avi):
  • Clearly references the Davidic Covenant found in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17, which promised an enduring dynasty and kingdom for David and his descendants. Solomon appeals based on this divine oath to his father.
• for You have made me king (כִּ֤י אַתָּה֙ הִמְלַכְתַּ֔נִי - ki ’attah himlakhtani):
  • for (ki): This conjunction introduces the reason or justification for Solomon's prayer. He bases his plea not on his own merit but on God's prior action.
  • You have made me king (himlakhtani): This uses the causative form of the verb "to reign," directly attributing his kingship to divine initiative and power. It stresses God's sovereign hand in his appointment, giving him a right to appeal to God's continued faithfulness.
• over a people (עַל־עָ֖ם - ‘al-‘am):
  • Simply refers to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, whom Solomon is now tasked to govern.
• as numerous as the dust of the earth (כַּעֲפַר־הָאָֽרֶץ - ka‘apar-ha’aretz):
  • A significant biblical hyperbole used to describe an innumerable quantity, directly echoing the promises made to Abraham regarding his countless descendants (Gen 13:16, 22:17). This connection highlights the continuity of God's covenant promises from Abraham through David to Solomon, emphasizing the immense scope of Solomon's responsibility as shepherd over such a vast flock. It also serves as evidence of God's faithfulness in increasing His people.

2 Chronicles 1 9 Bonus section

The Chronicler, writing post-exile, often highlighted the importance of covenant fidelity, the Jerusalem Temple, and the Davidic line as central to Israel's hope. In this verse, Solomon's recognition of the immense population ("dust of the earth") connects the Abrahamic promise (physical multitude) with the Davidic promise (righteous rule) through the person of the king. This subtly reassures the post-exilic audience that God's promises, even in their broken state, were not forgotten and found fulfillment through generations. Solomon's prayer here, prior to his receiving wisdom, also models the appropriate response for any leader (or believer) facing a daunting, God-given task: to acknowledge the divine appointment, recognize the vastness of the responsibility, and humbly seek God's confirmation and enablement of His own established word. This moment at Gibeon functions as a profound spiritual preparation for the great works that follow.

2 Chronicles 1 9 Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:9 is a pivotal statement reflecting Solomon's initial posture before God. Far from an arrogant king assuming his throne by right, Solomon demonstrates a humble acknowledgment of divine sovereignty and a profound reliance on God's established promises. His request for God to "establish" His word is not a challenge, but a recognition that the immense task of ruling over an "innumerable" people (a clear fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise of a vast nation) demands ongoing divine intervention and enablement, in accordance with the Davidic covenant. This verse frames Solomon's subsequent famous request for wisdom as a means to fulfill God's purpose for His people, rather than a self-serving ambition. It underscores the Chronicler's theological emphasis on God's faithfulness to His covenants, demonstrating that even earthly success and national prosperity are ultimately products of divine promise and ongoing grace. The Chronicler thus portrays Solomon's early reign as one marked by piety and covenant fidelity, aligning it with the greater divine plan.