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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only the LORD {H3068} give {H5414} thee wisdom {H7922} and understanding {H998}, and give thee charge {H6680} concerning Israel {H3478}, that thou mayest keep {H8104} the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May ADONAI give you common sense and understanding, and may he give you his orders concerning Isra'el, so that you will observe the Torah of ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Only Jehovah give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of Jehovah thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:12 records King David's earnest prayer and profound charge to his son Solomon, who was divinely chosen to succeed him and undertake the monumental task of building the Temple. This verse encapsulates David's deepest aspirations for Solomon's reign: that it would be characterized by God-given wisdom and discerning understanding, righteous leadership over the nation of Israel, and unwavering faithfulness to the Law of the LORD, thereby ensuring the stability, prosperity, and spiritual blessing of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal chapter that details King David's meticulous preparations for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although David deeply desired to build a permanent dwelling for the LORD, God had revealed that this sacred task was reserved for his son, Solomon, a man of peace ([1 Chronicles 22:7-8](/1-chronicles/22-7 "David's Desire to Build the Temple and God's Refusal")). Having diligently amassed vast quantities of materials—gold, silver, iron, bronze, timber, and hewn stones—and organized the necessary workforce (1 Chronicles 22:2-5), David now shifts his focus from material provisions to the spiritual and moral qualifications essential for his successor. Chapter 22 serves as a crucial transition, bridging David's military conquests and kingdom consolidation with the preparations for the central place of worship. David's charge and prayer for Solomon here are immediately followed by his exhortation to the leaders of Israel, urging them to assist Solomon in this divinely appointed and sacred endeavor ([1 Chronicles 22:17-19](/1-chronicles/22-17 "David's Charge to Israel's Leaders to Assist Solomon")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the twilight of David's illustrious reign, a critical period during which the united monarchy of Israel was transitioning from its foundational king to his chosen heir, Solomon. The construction of a permanent Temple in Jerusalem was not merely an architectural feat; it was a monumental theological and national undertaking. It symbolized the establishment of a central, enduring place for Israel's worship and God's manifest presence among His people, moving beyond the portable Tabernacle. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, a monarch's success was often attributed to divine favor, and for Israel, this favor was uniquely contingent upon the king's adherence to the covenant and the Law of Yahweh. David's profound emphasis on God-given wisdom and unwavering obedience reflects the distinctive nature of Israelite kingship, where the king was not an absolute sovereign but a servant under God's ultimate authority, tasked with upholding the divine law for the nation's spiritual and temporal well-being, as explicitly prescribed in the Deuteronomic instructions for kings ([Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Instructions for the King's Rule")).
* **Key Themes:** Several profound theological and narrative themes converge and are powerfully articulated in this single verse. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Appointment and Succession** is preeminent, as Solomon is clearly designated by God to build the Temple and to rule, ensuring the continuity of God's covenant promises to the Davidic line. Secondly, **Divine Wisdom and Understanding** are presented as absolutely indispensable for righteous and effective governance. David profoundly recognizes that human intellect, skill, or political acumen alone are utterly insufficient for leading God's chosen people and fulfilling His divine purposes. This anticipates and echoes the later narrative of [Solomon's famous prayer for an understanding heart](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom") to govern Israel, a prayer that God abundantly answered. Thirdly, the verse powerfully underscores the immense **Responsibility of Leadership**, highlighting that Solomon's "charge concerning Israel" involves far more than merely constructing a magnificent building; it encompasses the sacred duty of shepherding a nation in justice, righteousness, and faithfulness to God. Finally, and most crucially, the ultimate goal and condition for these divine gifts and responsibilities is **Obedience to God's Law**. For David, and indeed throughout the entirety of Old Testament theology, national blessing, individual success, and the very stability of the covenant relationship were directly and inextricably tied to faithful adherence to God's commandments, a foundational principle for God's people, as vividly illustrated in [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditating on the Law and Prosperity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _sekel'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be wise" or "to be prudent," _sekel_ (H7922) refers to intelligence, sound judgment, and discretion. It implies the practical ability to discern, to act prudently, and to manage affairs successfully. For a king, this is the sagacity needed to govern effectively, make discerning decisions, and administer justice with insight.
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _bîynâh'_):** This term (H998) denotes deep insight, comprehension, and the capacity to discern and distinguish between matters. It signifies a profound grasp of meaning and the ability to perceive underlying truths, essential for a ruler to navigate complex situations and make righteous judgments. Often paired with wisdom, it represents a comprehensive intellectual and spiritual capacity.
* **Charge (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680) signifies to command, to enjoin, or to appoint. In this context, it refers to the divine mandate or authoritative instruction given to Solomon concerning his rule over Israel. It emphasizes the solemn responsibility and the specific duties he is commanded to undertake as God's chosen leader, implying a divine entrustment with the care and well-being of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin of true wisdom and understanding. David's fervent prayer acknowledges that these essential qualities for righteous and effective governance are not innate human attributes or acquired solely through education or experience, but are supernatural gifts bestowed directly by God. It underscores Solomon's absolute dependence on divine enablement for his kingly duties and the monumental task ahead.
* **"and give thee charge concerning Israel":** This clause highlights the immense weight of responsibility and the sacred nature of the office placed upon Solomon. The "charge concerning Israel" signifies his divine appointment as king and shepherd of God's covenant people. It implies a sacred trust to lead, protect, administer justice, and ensure the spiritual well-being of the nation, demanding accountability to God for his stewardship.
* **"that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God":** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and foundational condition for the preceding divine gifts and responsibilities. The wisdom, understanding, and the charge of leadership are all given so that Solomon may faithfully obey God's revealed will. It establishes a direct and unbreakable link between divine enablement, righteous leadership, and covenant faithfulness, making obedience to the Law the bedrock upon which the success, blessing, and very stability of his reign, and indeed the entire nation, would rest.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices, enhancing its profound message. It functions primarily as a **Prayer** and a **Paternal Blessing/Charge**, demonstrating King David's deep spiritual concern for his son's future reign and the enduring welfare of Israel. The emphatic phrase "Only the LORD give thee..." highlights the **Divine Source** of all true wisdom, authority, and enablement, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and the necessity of His intervention for success. The structure of the verse also contains a clear **Purpose Clause** ("that thou mayest keep the law"), which establishes a direct correlation between divine enablement (wisdom, understanding, and charge) and human responsibility (obedience). This implies that the gifts are bestowed for a specific, righteous purpose. Furthermore, the pairing of "wisdom and understanding" is a classic example of **Merism** or **Parallelism**, a common feature in biblical wisdom literature, signifying a comprehensive intellectual and spiritual capacity for discernment and righteous living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:12 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of leadership within God's covenant people. It asserts unequivocally that true authority, effectiveness, and lasting success do not stem from human charisma, military prowess, political shrewdness, or inherited power, but fundamentally from divine enablement. The emphasis on God-given wisdom and understanding, explicitly for the purpose of keeping God's law, powerfully echoes the Deuteronomic vision of kingship, where the monarch is to be a diligent student and faithful practitioner of the Torah, rather than its master or a law unto himself. This principle transcends the specific historical context of the Israelite monarchy, speaking to the universal truth that all stewardship, particularly spiritual leadership, requires an absolute reliance on divine guidance and an unwavering commitment to obedience to God's revealed will. The success of any endeavor, especially one dedicated to God's glory like the building of the Temple, is predicated on faithfulness to His commands and the divine wisdom to execute them.

* [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "Solomon's Prayer for an Understanding Heart")
* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Instructions for the King's Rule")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Wisdom Comes from the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's heartfelt prayer for Solomon offers timeless and profoundly relevant lessons for all believers, particularly those entrusted with any form of leadership, whether in family, church, community, or professional spheres. It challenges us to recognize that genuine success, lasting impact, and true flourishing in any God-honoring endeavor flow not primarily from human effort, natural talent, or strategic planning, but from divine enablement. We are called to constantly and humbly seek God's wisdom and understanding through fervent prayer, diligent study of His Word, and unwavering reliance on the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that our own intellect and capabilities are utterly insufficient for navigating the complexities of life and ministry. Furthermore, the verse powerfully reminds us that any authority, influence, or responsibility we possess is a sacred trust, a stewardship given not for personal gain, self-aggrandizement, or worldly glory, but for the selfless service of others and, ultimately, for the supreme glory of God and the upholding of His righteous principles. Our ultimate purpose in receiving divine gifts and responsibilities is to live in faithful obedience to God's Word, which is the unshakeable bedrock for blessed, effective, and spiritually fruitful living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life or leadership do I most need to actively seek God's wisdom and understanding, rather than relying on my own insights?**
* **How am I currently stewarding the "charge" or responsibilities God has entrusted to me, whether in my family, church, workplace, or community?**
* **What practical and specific steps can I take to deepen my commitment to "keep the law of the LORD my God" in my daily decisions, actions, and attitudes?**

### FAQ
**Why does David emphasize wisdom so much for Solomon?**

Answer: David emphasizes wisdom so strongly for Solomon because he understands that governing God's people and building His Temple are not merely administrative, political, or architectural tasks; they are profoundly spiritual endeavors requiring supernatural insight and divine discernment. Human cleverness, political acumen, or inherited authority alone would be utterly insufficient. True wisdom, as understood in the biblical sense, is far more than mere intelligence; it is the ability to apply God's truth to life, to discern His will in complex situations, and to rule justly in accordance with His covenant. Without this divine wisdom, Solomon would be unable to lead Israel in a way that truly honors God and maintains the nation's unique covenant relationship, potentially leading to spiritual and national decline. David knew that the success and enduring blessing of the kingdom and the sacred Temple project depended entirely on Solomon's alignment with God's purposes, which only God-given wisdom could ensure.

**What is the significance of "keeping the law of the LORD thy God" in this context?**

Answer: "Keeping the law of the LORD thy God" is the ultimate purpose and non-negotiable condition for which wisdom, understanding, and leadership are granted to Solomon. In the Old Testament, the Law (Torah) was the foundational covenant document that defined Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, their God. For the king, adherence to the Law was paramount, as he was meant to be the chief exemplar of covenant faithfulness for the entire nation. National blessing, prosperity, peace, and security were directly contingent upon the king and the people obeying God's commandments, as repeatedly emphasized throughout Deuteronomy and the historical books. For Solomon, keeping the Law meant ruling justly, maintaining proper worship, administering righteous judgment, and leading the people in spiritual integrity. It was the true measure of his wisdom and the prescribed path to fulfilling his divine calling and securing God's continued blessing upon his reign and the sacred Temple project.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 22:12 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Solomon was endowed with wisdom and understanding to build a physical temple and rule a temporal kingdom, Jesus is the very embodiment of divine wisdom itself, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). He is the true and greater Solomon, not merely receiving wisdom as a gift, but being wisdom incarnate, the very Word of God made flesh. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the "charge concerning Israel" and indeed the entire cosmos, exercising perfect, righteous, and compassionate leadership as the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose dominion is eternal ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Unlike any earthly king, He perfectly kept "the law of the LORD His God," living a sinless life and fulfilling every righteous requirement of the Torah, not to abolish it but to complete and bring it to its intended purpose ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Moreover, Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, whose body, once destroyed, would be raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). Through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has opened the way for all believers to receive true wisdom from God ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")) and to be empowered by His Spirit to live in obedience to God's will, becoming living stones in the spiritual temple that is His church, built upon Him as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 14:8

¶ The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

1 Kings 3:12

Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

2 Chronicles 1:10

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, [that is so] great?

Psalms 72:1

¶ [A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.