1 Chronicles 28:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of all my sons {H1121},(for the LORD {H3068} hath given {H5414} me many {H7227} sons {H1121},) he hath chosen {H977} Solomon {H8010} my son {H1121} to sit {H3427} upon the throne {H3678} of the kingdom {H4438} of the LORD {H3068} over Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and of all my sons - for ADONAI has given me many sons - he has chosen Shlomo my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of ADONAI over Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Chronicles 28:5, King David, addressing the entire assembly of Israel, publicly declares that out of his many sons, the Lord Himself has sovereignly chosen Solomon to succeed him and sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. This pivotal statement not only legitimizes Solomon's future reign but also profoundly emphasizes that the monarchy of Israel is not merely a human institution but a divine appointment, with the earthly king serving as God's chosen vice-regent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within David's final, momentous address to the leaders of Israel, including all the officials, commanders, and mighty men, gathered in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 28:1). David, now old and near death, is meticulously preparing for the construction of the Temple and the orderly transfer of royal authority. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 28:2-4) recount David's desire to build the Temple and God's prohibition due to his martial past, instead designating Solomon for this task. Verse 5 serves as the climactic public declaration of God's specific, divine choice, underscoring that Solomon's succession is not a political maneuver but a direct act of divine will, setting the stage for David's subsequent instructions regarding the Temple plans and Solomon's responsibilities (1 Chronicles 28:6-10).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal succession was often a volatile and bloody affair, frequently involving intrigue, assassinations, and power struggles among potential heirs. David himself had experienced such challenges with his sons, notably Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15) and Adonijah's premature attempt to seize the throne (1 Kings 1). Against this backdrop, David's public declaration of Solomon's divine election was crucial. It served to legitimize Solomon's reign, consolidate support, and prevent future challenges. Furthermore, Israel's monarchy was unique among nations; it was a theocracy where the king was meant to rule as God's representative, accountable to divine law. The emphasis on "the throne of the kingdom of the LORD" highlights this distinct theological understanding, differentiating Israel's kingship from purely secular monarchies.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme is **Divine Sovereignty in Kingship**. The verse unequivocally states that "he hath chosen Solomon my son," asserting God's ultimate authority and active involvement in selecting leaders, even over the natural succession of a father's many sons. This reinforces the idea that the throne of Israel was fundamentally "the throne of the kingdom of the LORD," a sacred trust rather than a mere political office. This divine election also speaks to the **Fulfillment of God's Promise**, specifically the Davidic Covenant, where God promised David an enduring dynasty and a son who would build His house (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Solomon's appointment confirms God's faithfulness to His word, providing a clear link between the divine promise and its unfolding reality. Finally, the public nature of this declaration contributes to the **Legitimacy of Solomon's Reign**, dispelling any doubt about his rightful claim and reinforcing the divine mandate necessary for national unity and the successful execution of the monumental task of building the Temple (1 Chronicles 28:6).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bāḥar_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, sovereign act of selection, not merely a passive acceptance or human preference. In biblical theology, God's "choosing" indicates a special relationship, a divine initiative that sets apart an individual or a nation for a specific purpose. Here, it emphasizes that Solomon's kingship is not a matter of human politics or primogeniture (as he was not the eldest son), but a direct, intentional act of God's will, ensuring his legitimacy and divine backing.
* **throne of the kingdom of the LORD (Hebrew, _kisse' malkut Yahweh_):** This phrase profoundly elevates the nature of Israel's monarchy. It signifies that the earthly throne in Jerusalem is not merely a human seat of power but represents God's own sovereign rule. The king of Israel, therefore, was not an absolute monarch in the typical ancient Near Eastern sense but a vice-regent, ruling on behalf of and under the authority of Yahweh. This concept imbued the kingship with immense spiritual responsibility and accountability to God, making it a sacred trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,)":** David acknowledges his numerous progeny, highlighting that Solomon's selection was not due to a lack of other options. This emphasizes the specificity and intentionality of God's choice, distinguishing Solomon from his brothers, some of whom were older or had previously attempted to usurp the throne. It sets the stage for a divine rather than a human decision.
* **"he hath chosen Solomon my son":** This is the core declaration. The subject "he" refers unequivocally to the Lord, as stated in the parenthetical clause. This direct statement of divine election removes any ambiguity about Solomon's legitimacy and the source of his authority. It underscores that God, not David or any human faction, made the ultimate decision, thereby validating Solomon's future rule and authority for the monumental task of building the Temple.
* **"to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.":** This clause defines the nature and scope of Solomon's appointed role. He is chosen not merely to rule Israel, but to sit upon a throne that is fundamentally God's own. This reiterates the unique theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the earthly king serves as God's representative. Solomon's reign, therefore, is understood as an extension of God's divine rule over His chosen people, carrying immense spiritual weight and responsibility.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 28:5 is **Emphasis** through explicit declaration and theological framing. David's direct statement, "he hath chosen Solomon my son," is a forceful and unambiguous declaration, designed to leave no doubt about the divine origin of Solomon's kingship. This is further emphasized by the parenthetical clause, "(for the LORD hath given me many sons,)," which highlights that God's choice was specific and intentional, not a default. The phrase "the throne of the kingdom of the LORD" serves as a powerful **Theological Framing**, elevating the earthly monarchy to a sacred, divinely ordained institution. This framing clarifies that Solomon's rule is not merely political but spiritual, serving as God's representative. The overall effect is one of divine authority being publicly and unequivocally asserted, legitimizing Solomon's succession in the eyes of all Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:5 stands as a profound testament to God's active sovereignty in human affairs, particularly in the establishment of leadership. It underscores the biblical truth that all authority ultimately derives from God, and that He orchestrates events and raises up individuals according to His divine purpose. This verse connects deeply with the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness, as Solomon's election is a direct fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, promising an enduring dynasty and a son to build God's house. It also highlights the unique nature of Israel's monarchy as a theocratic institution, where the king was a steward of God's kingdom, accountable to divine law and purpose, rather than an absolute ruler. This divine appointment of Solomon for a specific task—building the Temple—foreshadows God's continued work of choosing and equipping individuals for His purposes throughout salvation history.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David, Promising an Enduring Dynasty")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalms/78-70 "God's Choice of David as Shepherd of Israel")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "The Most High Rules the Kingdom of Mankind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The declaration in 1 Chronicles 28:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of God's ultimate sovereignty over all things, including the appointment of leaders in every sphere of life—whether in government, business, or the church. This truth calls us to trust in God's providence and wisdom, even when human choices seem chaotic or contrary to our expectations. Secondly, David's humble acknowledgment that God "hath chosen Solomon" serves as a powerful model for all in positions of authority. True leadership, as demonstrated here, recognizes its dependence on divine guidance and purpose, fostering humility rather than pride. It encourages us to seek God's will in our endeavors and to understand our roles as stewardship rather than ultimate control. Finally, understanding that Israel's throne was "the throne of the kingdom of the LORD" challenges us to view our own lives and callings within the context of God's larger, eternal kingdom. We are called to serve Him in whatever capacity He has chosen for us, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to Him and His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereign choice in leadership, as seen in Solomon's election, impact your perspective on current leaders or authorities in your life?**
* **In what ways can you, in your own sphere of influence, reflect the humility of David, acknowledging that your abilities and opportunities are ultimately from the Lord?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to live as a citizen of "the kingdom of the LORD," and how does this understanding shape your daily decisions and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Why was Solomon chosen by God when David had other, older sons?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 28:5 explicitly states that "the LORD hath given me many sons," yet "he hath chosen Solomon my son." This highlights that God's choice is sovereign and not bound by human conventions like primogeniture (the right of the firstborn son to inherit). While Adonijah, an older son, attempted to seize the throne (1 Kings 1:5-10), God had a specific plan for Solomon. Earlier, God had revealed to David that Solomon would be a man of peace and would build the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). God's choice of Solomon was therefore based on His divine purpose and foreknowledge, demonstrating that His kingdom operates by divine decree, not human preference or political maneuvering.

**What is the significance of the phrase "the throne of the kingdom of the LORD" for understanding Israel's monarchy?**

Answer: The phrase "the throne of the kingdom of the LORD" is profoundly significant because it elevates Israel's monarchy beyond a typical earthly kingdom. It signifies that the king of Israel was not an absolute ruler but God's chosen representative, ruling on behalf of Yahweh Himself. This concept meant that the earthly king was a steward of God's kingdom, accountable to God's laws and purposes. It underscored the unique theocratic nature of Israel, where God was the true King, and the human monarch served as His vice-regent. This understanding placed immense spiritual responsibility on the king and ensured that the kingdom's ultimate authority and destiny rested with God, not with any human ruler (Deuteronomy 17:14-20).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine election of Solomon to sit upon "the throne of the kingdom of the LORD" in 1 Chronicles 28:5 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon, chosen by God to build His earthly temple and reign over Israel, serves as a powerful type of the Messiah. Jesus, the true Son of David, is the eternally chosen King, not just of Israel, but of a spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly boundaries. Just as God chose Solomon from among David's many sons, so too did God choose His unique Son, Jesus, to establish an everlasting kingdom (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus does not merely sit on an earthly throne; He reigns from heaven, having all authority given to Him (Matthew 28:18). He is the one who truly builds God's eternal temple, not of stone, but of living stones—His Church (Ephesians 2:19-22). The "throne of the kingdom of the LORD" ultimately refers to the sovereign reign of God, which is fully embodied and perfectly administered by Christ. His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36), yet it is a kingdom that "will never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44), extending its dominion over all creation (Revelation 11:15). Thus, Solomon's chosen status and sacred kingship point forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who is also the Lion of Judah, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose reign is eternal and whose kingdom knows no end (Revelation 19:16).

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

1 Chronicles 3:1

¶ Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:

1 Chronicles 3:9

[These were] all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.

1 Chronicles 23:1

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

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

1 Chronicles 22:10

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

2 Chronicles 1:8

And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

2 Chronicles 1:9

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.