1 Chronicles 28:7

KJV

Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover I will establish {H3559} his kingdom {H4438} for ever {H5769}, if he be constant {H2388} to do {H6213} my commandments {H4687} and my judgments {H4941}, as at this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will establish his kingdom forever, if he uses his strength to obey my mitzvot and abide by my rulings, as [he is doing] currently.'

Berean Standard Bible

I will establish his kingdom forever, if he resolutely carries out My commandments and ordinances, as is being done this day.’

American Standard Version

And I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and mine ordinances, as at this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In God, through King David, conveys a pivotal promise to Solomon regarding the stability and enduring nature of his reign. This divine assurance is explicitly conditioned upon Solomon's unwavering and consistent obedience to God's commandments and judgments, establishing a clear link between divine blessing and human faithfulness within the context of the Davidic covenant and the future of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within King David's profound and final charge to his son, Solomon, and to all the leaders of Israel, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon"). David has just declared God's sovereign choice of Solomon to build the Temple and rule over Israel ([1 Chronicles 28:6](/1_chronicles/28-6 "1 Chronicles 28:6 - God's Choice of Solomon")). The preceding verses detail David's personal desire to build the Temple and God's prohibition due to his warrior past, coupled with the divine selection of Solomon. This specific promise in [1 Chronicles 28:7](/1_chronicles/28-7 "1 Chronicles 28:7 - The Conditional Promise") serves as a crucial bridge, connecting God's unconditional covenant with David's lineage (as established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")) to the immediate, conditional stability of Solomon's personal reign. It highlights the tension and interplay between God's overarching, eternal plan and the temporal experience of its blessings, which are often contingent upon human fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the twilight of David's reign, a period of transition in Israel's history from a nascent kingdom to a more established monarchy. The unified kingdom under David had achieved significant military and political success, but the building of a permanent Temple in Jerusalem was the ultimate aspiration, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people and the centralization of worship. The concept of a conditional covenant, where blessings and curses were tied to obedience, was deeply ingrained in Israelite consciousness, particularly from the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Kings in the ancient Near East often received divine legitimation, but Israel's monarchy was unique in its direct accountability to Yahweh and His covenant stipulations. Solomon, as the designated successor, was expected to uphold these divine standards, not merely as a political ruler but as God's anointed representative.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 28:7](/1_chronicles/28-7 "1 Chronicles 28:7 - The King's Obedience") contributes significantly to several key themes within Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**. While God's ultimate plan for the Davidic dynasty is eternal, the immediate prosperity and stability of any individual king's reign are directly linked to their obedience. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Covenantal Nature of God's Relationship with Israel**, where blessings are contingent upon faithfulness to the divine commandments and judgments, echoing the principles found in the Deuteronomic covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:1](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1 - Obedience for Life")). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Importance of Personal Integrity and Steadfastness** for leadership. The call for Solomon to be "constant" speaks to a sustained, unwavering commitment, which later accounts reveal Solomon struggled to maintain, leading to significant consequences for the kingdom (e.g., [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - Solomon's Disobedience and its Consequences")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Constant (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This verb (חָזַק) means "to be strong," "to be firm," "to be resolute," or "to hold fast." It implies not just a momentary act of obedience but a sustained, unwavering commitment and resolve. In this context, it speaks to Solomon's need for moral fortitude and persistent adherence to God's law throughout his reign, resisting temptations to deviate. It is a call to steadfast loyalty and vigorous pursuit of God's will.
* **Establish (Hebrew, _qum'_):** The verb (קוּם) means "to rise," "to stand up," "to confirm," or "to make stand firm." When God is the subject, it signifies His act of making something endure or confirming its existence. Here, it refers to God's divine power to secure and perpetuate Solomon's kingdom, ensuring its stability and longevity, but critically, this divine action is presented as conditional upon Solomon's faithfulness.
* **Commandments and Judgments (Hebrew, _mitzvot u'mishpatim'_):** These terms (מִצְוֹת וּמִשְׁפָּטִים) refer collectively to the divine laws and ordinances given to Israel, particularly through Moses. "Commandments" (_mitzvot_) generally refers to moral and ethical precepts, while "judgments" (_mishpatim_) often refers to civil and judicial statutes. Together, they encompass the entirety of God's revealed will for how His people, and especially their king, should live and govern in righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever":** This clause reiterates God's commitment to the Davidic dynasty, promising an enduring kingdom. It echoes the unconditional nature of the Davidic Covenant, where God promises an eternal lineage and throne for David's descendants. However, in this immediate context, it is presented as the divine blessing that will be realized in Solomon's personal reign, contingent upon his fidelity.
* **"if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments":** This is the pivotal conditional clause. The "if" introduces the human responsibility element. Solomon's personal enjoyment of a stable and perpetual kingdom, as well as the immediate prosperity of his reign, is directly tied to his sustained and unwavering obedience to God's entire body of revealed law, encompassing both moral precepts and judicial decrees. This highlights the principle that divine blessings, while rooted in grace, are often experienced in their fullness through human faithfulness.
* **"as at this day":** This phrase sets a benchmark or standard for Solomon's required obedience. It likely refers to David's own current state of devotion and adherence to God's will, or perhaps to the ideal of faithfulness that David embodies at this moment of transition. It implies a call for Solomon to maintain the same level of commitment and integrity that characterized David's walk with God, particularly in his later years.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs a **Conditional Clause**, signaled by the "if," which establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Solomon's obedience and the stability of his kingdom. This structure is a hallmark of **Covenant Language** found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Deuteronomic tradition, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. The phrase "for ever" also introduces an element of **Hyperbole** or **Idealization**, as Solomon's personal reign did not literally last forever, but it points to the divine intention for the Davidic line to endure eternally, a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the future challenges Solomon would face in maintaining his "constancy," which tragically led to the division of the kingdom, as recounted in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and its Consequences").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the tension and interplay between God's unconditional covenant promises and the conditional experience of those promises in the lives of His people. While God's ultimate commitment to the Davidic line was immutable (the Davidic Covenant), the immediate prosperity and security of any individual king's reign, including Solomon's, were contingent upon their personal faithfulness. This principle underscores a foundational theological truth: God's character is faithful, and His promises are sure, but our enjoyment of His blessings often requires our active and sustained obedience. It reminds us that even those chosen for great purposes are still held accountable to divine standards, and deviation from these standards carries consequences, not for God's ultimate plan, but for the individual's experience and the immediate community.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Blessings for Obedience")
* [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "Solomon's Disobedience and God's Judgment")
* [Psalm 89:30-34](/psalm/89-30 "God's Faithfulness Despite Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Chronicles 28:7](/1_chronicles/28-7 "1 Chronicles 28:7 - The Call to Steadfastness") serves as a profound reminder that while salvation and God's ultimate promises are rooted in His unchanging grace, our daily experience of His blessings and the stability of our spiritual walk are deeply intertwined with our consistent obedience. The call for Solomon to be "constant" is a timeless challenge for all believers. It's not enough to begin well; spiritual maturity demands sustained, unwavering commitment to God's Word and His ways, even amidst prosperity or adversity. Our faithfulness is not a means to earn salvation, but it is the pathway through which we walk in the fullness of God's intended life for us, demonstrating our love for Him and allowing His kingdom principles to be manifest in our lives and communities. Just as Solomon's kingdom faced consequences for his later unfaithfulness, so too can our lives become unstable and less fruitful when we drift from God's "commandments and judgments." This verse calls us to a vigilant, daily pursuit of holiness, recognizing that our steadfastness honors God and opens the door for His continued blessing and establishment in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to be "constant" in obeying God's commandments?**
* **How does understanding the conditional nature of some of God's blessings motivate you to pursue greater faithfulness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more "constant" and unwavering commitment to God's Word in your daily life?**
* **How does Solomon's eventual failure to remain constant serve as a cautionary tale for your own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse contradict God's unconditional promise to David in 2 Samuel 7?**

Answer: No, it does not contradict, but rather clarifies the nuanced relationship between God's eternal, unconditional covenant with David's lineage and the conditional experience of blessings within that covenant. In [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), God unconditionally promises David an eternal dynasty, a perpetual throne, and a lasting kingdom. This overarching promise ensures that a descendant of David will always reign, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. However, [1 Chronicles 28:7](/1_chronicles/28-7 "1 Chronicles 28:7 - The Conditional Reign") speaks to the *personal* reign of Solomon and the *immediate* stability and prosperity of the kingdom under his rule. While the dynasty itself would endure, the individual king's experience of a peaceful and established reign, and the avoidance of divine discipline, was contingent upon his faithfulness. Thus, the dynasty is unconditional, but the well-being and duration of any specific king's reign within that dynasty are conditional upon obedience.

**What does "as at this day" imply for Solomon's expected obedience?**

Answer: The phrase "as at this day" (כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה, _kayyom hazzeh_) serves as a benchmark or standard for Solomon's required faithfulness. It most likely refers to King David's own exemplary devotion and adherence to God's will at that very moment. David, despite his past failures, had matured into a king deeply committed to God's commandments and judgments, especially in his later years as he prepared for the Temple's construction and the succession. Therefore, the phrase calls Solomon to emulate David's current level of steadfast obedience and integrity, setting a high standard for his own conduct as king and God's chosen builder of the Temple. It implies a call to consistent, present-tense faithfulness, not merely a past commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 28:7](/1_chronicles/28-7 "1 Chronicles 28:7 - The Ideal King") lays out a conditional promise for Solomon's reign, its ultimate fulfillment and the perfect embodiment of its ideals are found in Jesus Christ. Solomon, despite his initial wisdom and prosperity, ultimately failed to be "constant to do my commandments and my judgments" ([1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - Solomon's Apostasy")), leading to the division of his kingdom. Jesus, however, is the true and greater Son of David, the perfect King who perfectly fulfilled all of God's commandments and judgments. He lived a life of absolute obedience, not just "as at this day," but every day, from His incarnation to His death on the cross ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Because of His perfect obedience, God has indeed "established His kingdom for ever" in Him, a kingdom that is not of this world but is eternal and unshakable ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World"); [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). Jesus is the one in whom the unconditional Davidic Covenant finds its ultimate and everlasting realization, reigning forever on David's throne ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). He is the perfectly "constant" King, whose reign brings not just temporal stability but eternal life and righteousness to all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")).

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 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

1 Kings 8:61

Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Psalms 89:28

My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.

Psalms 89:37

It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

1 Kings 9:4

And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, [and] wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:

1 Kings 9:5

Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.