1 Chronicles 23:1

¶ So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

So when David {H1732} was old {H2204} and full {H7646} of days {H3117}, he made Solomon {H8010} his son {H1121} king {H4427} over Israel {H3478}.

David had now grown old; he had lived many years; so he made Shlomo his son king over Isra'el.

When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.

Now David was old and full of days; and he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

Commentary

Context

This opening verse of 1 Chronicles 23 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, signaling the end of King David's illustrious reign and the beginning of his son Solomon's. The book of 1 Chronicles, often focusing on the lineage of Israel and the establishment of the temple worship, presents David's life and reign from a priestly and theological perspective. While 1 Kings 1-2 provides a more detailed account of the political maneuvers and intrigues surrounding the succession, 1 Chronicles 23:1 presents the transition of power to Solomon as a smooth, divinely ordained event. David, having prepared extensively for the building of the Temple (as seen in 1 Chronicles 22), now ensures the kingdom's future by formally installing his chosen heir.

Key Themes

  • Orderly Succession: This verse highlights the importance of a clear and divinely sanctioned transfer of power. Despite previous challenges to the throne, David, in his advanced age, ensures a stable transition to Solomon, fulfilling God's promise regarding his lineage.
  • David's Legacy and Foresight: David is depicted as a king who not only led Israel through significant military and spiritual triumphs but also wisely prepared for the future. His act of making Solomon king demonstrates his commitment to God's plan and the continuity of the kingdom, particularly concerning the forthcoming Temple project.
  • The End of an Era: "Old and full of days" signifies the completion of David's significant life and reign. This phrase, commonly used in the Old Testament (e.g., of Abraham or Isaac), indicates a life lived to its full potential and ending peacefully, often with honor and accomplishment.
  • Divine Appointment: Solomon's kingship was not merely a dynastic choice but a fulfillment of God's covenant with David, promising that his "house and his kingdom shall be established for ever" (2 Samuel 7:16).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "old and full of days" (Hebrew: zaqen u'seva yamim) is a significant idiomatic expression in the KJV and other translations. It implies not just advanced age, but a life that has been lived to its completion, rich in experience, blessings, and often, honor. It suggests a peaceful and natural culmination of one's earthly journey, having fulfilled their purpose. For David, it encapsulates a life marked by both great achievements and personal failings, ultimately demonstrating God's enduring grace.

Practical Application

This verse offers several practical lessons for believers today:

  • Preparing the Next Generation: David's deliberate act of making Solomon king underscores the importance of mentorship and preparing the next generation for leadership and responsibility, whether in families, churches, or communities.
  • Finishing Well: David's life, though complex, concludes with him ensuring the kingdom's stability and the continuation of God's work. It reminds us of the value of finishing our own callings and commitments faithfully, even in old age.
  • Trusting God's Plan: Despite potential human interventions or challenges, God's ultimate plan for succession and continuity prevails. We are called to trust in His sovereign hand in guiding circumstances and raising up leaders for His purposes.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 29:28

    And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:5

    And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

  • 1 Kings 1:33

    The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:

  • 1 Kings 1:39

    And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

  • 1 Kings 1:1

    ¶ Now king David was old [and] stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:22

    And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed [him] unto the LORD [to be] the chief governor, and Zadok [to be] priest.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:25

    And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
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