1 Chronicles 29:23

KJV

¶ Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Solomon {H8010} sat on {H3427} the throne {H3678} of the LORD {H3068} as king {H4428} instead of David {H1732} his father {H1}, and prospered {H6743}; and all Israel {H3478} obeyed {H8085} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo sat on the throne of ADONAI as king in place of David his father and prospered, and all Isra'el obeyed him.

Berean Standard Bible

So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.

American Standard Version

Then Solomon sat on the throne of Jehovah as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:23 culminates the narrative of David's final acts and the peaceful, divinely orchestrated transition of power to his son, Solomon. This verse highlights Solomon's enthronement not merely as a political succession but as an act of God, signifying that his rule was a direct representation of divine authority. His immediate prosperity and the unanimous obedience of all Israel underscore God's favor and the stability of the Davidic dynasty, setting the stage for the glorious early years of his reign and the building of the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic moment in the detailed account of Solomon's succession, which began in [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon and the People"). The preceding verses (specifically [1 Chronicles 29:1-22](/1_chronicles/29-1 "1 Chronicles 29:1-22 - David's Final Preparations and Prayer")) describe David's meticulous preparations for the Temple's construction, his fervent prayer of thanksgiving and blessing, and the people's generous contributions. The public acclamation and anointing of Solomon, along with the sacrifices and feasting, create an atmosphere of unity and divine approval. Verse 23 then solidifies Solomon's position, immediately followed by the summary of David's death and Solomon's firm establishment on the throne (1 Chronicles 29:24-30), effectively closing the book on David's reign and opening the door to Solomon's.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Ancient Near East, royal succession was often fraught with intrigue, violence, and instability. The peaceful, divinely sanctioned transfer of power from David to Solomon, as depicted in Chronicles, stands in stark contrast to many contemporary kingdoms and even to some internal struggles within Israel's own history (e.g., Absalom's rebellion in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). The concept of a king sitting on "the throne of the LORD" was unique to Israel, emphasizing its theocratic nature where the human monarch ruled as God's representative. This notion was deeply rooted in the Davidic Covenant, where God promised David an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The public assembly's obedience was crucial for legitimizing the new king and ensuring national unity, reflecting the communal aspect of Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment**, highlighted by Solomon sitting on "the throne of the LORD." This signifies that Solomon's kingship was not a mere human political transfer but a direct divine appointment, reinforcing God's ultimate authority over all earthly leadership and His active involvement in Israel's history. Another key theme is **Covenant Fulfillment and Continuity**, as Solomon's peaceful and blessed succession directly fulfills the promises made to David regarding his offspring ruling after him, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic dynasty and God's plan for Israel. The immediate **Prosperity and Obedience** of Israel under Solomon's initial reign signifies God's favor and blessing upon His chosen king, establishing a foundation of unity and stability that was essential for the monumental task of building the Temple, a project meticulously prepared for by David ([1 Chronicles 22:6-10](/1_chronicles/22-6 "1 Chronicles 22:6-10 - David's Charge to Solomon for the Temple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Throne of the LORD (Hebrew, _kisseh Yahweh_):** This highly significant phrase elevates the earthly kingship in Israel beyond mere human governance. It indicates that the king ruled as God's representative, underscoring the unique theocratic nature of Israel's government. God was the true King, and the human monarch served under His authority and by His divine appointment. This concept implies accountability to God for the exercise of power.
* **Prospered (Hebrew, _vayyitslach_):** Derived from the root צָלַח (_tsalach_), this word denotes success, good fortune, and progress. In the biblical context, especially in Chronicles, "prospered" often implies divine blessing and favor, frequently linked to obedience and right actions. Solomon's immediate prosperity is presented as a clear sign of God's approval and blessing upon his reign, setting a tone of divine endorsement.
* **Obeyed him (Hebrew, _vayyishme'u_):** From the verb שָׁמַע (_shama_), meaning "to hear, listen, obey." This word signifies not just passive hearing but active hearkening and submission. "All Israel obeyed him" emphasizes the widespread acceptance and unity of the nation under Solomon's rule, a crucial element for the stability and success of any kingdom, particularly one chosen by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father":** This clause marks the formal and divinely sanctioned enthronement of Solomon. The phrase "throne of the LORD" is paramount, indicating that Solomon's kingship was not merely a human political transfer but a divine appointment. He was God's chosen representative, ruling under divine authority. The phrase "instead of David his father" emphasizes the legitimate and peaceful continuity of the Davidic dynasty, a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David.
* **"and prospered":** This signifies the immediate and evident success of Solomon's reign from its very beginning. This prosperity is presented as a direct result of divine favor and blessing, a clear indication that God was with Solomon and approved of his ascension. It implies not only material and political success but also a spiritual well-being and alignment with God's purposes.
* **"and all Israel obeyed him":** This final clause highlights the national unity and widespread acceptance of Solomon's kingship. The phrase "all Israel" denotes the entire nation, signifying a complete and unanimous submission to his authority. This obedience was crucial for stability and for the successful execution of the national projects, particularly the building of the Temple. It underscores the legitimacy of his rule in the eyes of the people, mirroring God's own endorsement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "throne of the LORD" symbolizes not a literal seat for God, but the divine authority and presence that undergirded the Israelite monarchy. It transforms an earthly political office into a sacred trust, representing God's rule on earth. **Synecdoche** is present in "all Israel," where a part (the collective nation) stands for the whole of the people, emphasizing their unified obedience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the glorious and prosperous early years of Solomon's reign, particularly the successful construction of the Temple, which would be a high point in Israel's history. The peaceful transition and immediate prosperity also provide a **Contrast** to the tumultuous successions often seen in other kingdoms, highlighting the unique divine favor upon Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:23 profoundly articulates the biblical concept of divine kingship, where earthly rulers are understood to govern by divine appointment and as God's representatives. Solomon's sitting on "the throne of the LORD" signifies that true authority rests with God, and human leadership is merely a delegated stewardship. This perspective elevates the role of kingship beyond mere political power, imbuing it with sacred responsibility and accountability to the ultimate Sovereign. It underscores the covenantal nature of Israel's relationship with God, where national well-being and the prosperity of its leaders are directly linked to divine favor and the people's obedience to God's chosen king. This principle extends to all forms of leadership, reminding us that all authority is ultimately derived from God and should be exercised in a manner that honors Him.

* [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's Anointed King on Zion")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Messiah")
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God is sovereign over all earthly leadership and transitions of power, whether in nations, communities, or even within our own families and churches. Just as Solomon's reign began with divine blessing and national unity, so too can our endeavors prosper when they are aligned with God's will and undertaken in obedience to Him. It encourages us to pray for those in authority, recognizing that their positions are ultimately ordained or permitted by God, and that their decisions impact the welfare of many. Furthermore, David's meticulous preparation for Solomon's reign and the Temple's construction serves as a powerful model for intentional spiritual legacy. We are called to invest in and equip the next generation, passing on faith, wisdom, and opportunities for service, ensuring continuity in God's work. The unity and obedience of Israel under Solomon highlight the importance of harmony and submission to godly leadership within the body of Christ, fostering an environment where God's purposes can be effectively fulfilled and His blessings experienced.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over earthly leadership influence our prayers and engagement with those in authority, even in secular contexts?**
* **In what practical ways can we, like David, intentionally prepare the next generation for spiritual leadership and service within our families, churches, or communities?**
* **How does unity and obedience within a community or church contribute to its "prosperity" and effectiveness in fulfilling God's mission?**

### FAQ
**What does "throne of the LORD" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "throne of the LORD" does not imply that God literally sat on Solomon's throne. Instead, it signifies that Solomon ruled as God's chosen representative and vice-regent. It underscores the unique theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the human king was accountable to God and exercised authority under divine mandate. This concept elevates the kingship beyond mere human governance, making it a sacred office established by God Himself, as promised in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise of an Enduring Dynasty").

**How does Solomon's kingship relate to the Davidic Covenant?**

Answer: Solomon's peaceful and divinely sanctioned enthronement in 1 Chronicles 29:23 is a direct fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, particularly the promise found in [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Promise to David Regarding His Offspring"). God had promised David that his offspring would succeed him and establish his kingdom, and that "I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." Solomon's reign, marked by prosperity and national obedience, was the initial, tangible manifestation of this enduring covenant, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises.

**Was Solomon always prosperous and obeyed throughout his reign?**

Answer: This verse describes the glorious beginning of Solomon's reign, marked by immediate prosperity and universal obedience. Indeed, his early years were characterized by immense wisdom, wealth, and peace, as detailed in [1 Kings 4:20-25](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20-25 - Solomon's Prosperity and Dominion"). However, the biblical narrative also records that Solomon later strayed from God's commands, accumulating many wives and wealth, and allowing idolatry to flourish ([1 Kings 11:1-13](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-13 - Solomon's Idolatry and God's Judgment")). This disobedience ultimately led to God's judgment and the division of the kingdom after his death, demonstrating that sustained prosperity and peace are conditional upon continued faithfulness to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's sitting on "the throne of the LORD" in 1 Chronicles 29:23 serves as a powerful type, pointing forward to the ultimate, eternal, and perfect King, Jesus Christ. While Solomon ruled as God's earthly representative, his reign, despite its initial glory, was imperfect and temporary, eventually marred by sin and division. Jesus, however, is the true and eternal King, the Son of David who forever occupies the "throne of the LORD." The angel Gabriel's prophecy to Mary explicitly states that God "will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Christ's "prosperity" is not merely earthly wealth but the spiritual victory over sin and death, securing eternal salvation for His people. His reign is one of perfect righteousness and justice, unlike any human king. Furthermore, the "all Israel obeyed him" in Solomon's time foreshadows the universal submission to Christ. The New Testament declares that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). Ultimately, the kingdoms of this world will become "the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ")), fulfilling the promise of a truly everlasting and perfectly obeyed reign on the throne of the LORD.

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 Kings 2:12

¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

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.

Psalms 132:11

¶ The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

Romans 13:1

¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

1 Chronicles 22:11

Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.