1 Chronicles 29:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} magnified {H1431} Solomon {H8010} exceedingly {H4605} in the sight {H5869} of all Israel {H3478}, and bestowed {H5414} upon him such royal {H4438} majesty {H1935} as had not been on any king {H4428} before {H6440} him in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI gave Shlomo exceedingly great power, in full view of all Isra'el, and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been seen on any king before him in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:25 powerfully concludes the narrative of David's preparations for the Temple and Solomon's succession, declaring that Solomon's unparalleled greatness, majesty, and authority were not merely a product of human succession or inherited power. Instead, this verse underscores that his extraordinary status was a direct, sovereign bestowal from the LORD, setting him apart from all previous kings in Israel and signaling a new era of divinely sanctioned splendor for the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic culmination of a pivotal chapter detailing King David's final public acts and the peaceful transition of power to Solomon. Chapter 29 opens with David's passionate appeal to the people for contributions to the Temple, which is met with overwhelming generosity and joyous celebration. David then offers a magnificent prayer of praise and intercession, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all things and entrusting Solomon and the nation to His care. The people respond by offering sacrifices, feasting with great joy, and, significantly, anointing Solomon as king for a second time, publicly affirming his position and securing the succession. Thus, 1 Chronicles 29:25 acts as the divine seal on this entire process, confirming that the human actions were met with God's supernatural approval and empowerment, thereby legitimizing Solomon's rule in the eyes of all Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the establishment of a king's reign often involved elaborate rituals and divine omens to signify legitimacy. For Israel, a unique theocracy with a human king, divine endorsement was paramount. The "magnifying" of Solomon by the LORD would have been understood as a clear sign of God's favor, crucial for securing the loyalty of the tribes and ensuring stability after David's long and often tumultuous reign. This public display of divine backing elevated Solomon's status beyond mere human appointment, placing him in a unique position of authority and prestige. Furthermore, the Chronicler's emphasis on Solomon's unprecedented majesty sets the stage for the glorious and prosperous reign described in subsequent chapters, a stark contrast to the often-struggling kingships that preceded him, and a fulfillment of the promise of a peaceful kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Favor**, unequivocally stating that Solomon's greatness originated from God, not from human effort or lineage alone. This reinforces the Chronicler's consistent message that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and their leaders, orchestrating events according to His will. Secondly, the theme of **Unprecedented Majesty and Wisdom** is introduced, foreshadowing the extraordinary wisdom and wealth that God would bestow upon Solomon, making him renowned among nations, as detailed in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor") and [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Blessings on Solomon"). This unique splendor was a visible sign of God's blessing. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to the **Fulfillment of God's Covenant Promises** to David. God had promised David an enduring dynasty and a son who would build His house, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David"). Solomon's divinely magnified reign, marked by peace and the eventual construction of the Temple, represents a significant step in the unfolding of this covenant, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **magnified (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be large," "to grow," or "to make great." When used with God as the subject, as it is here, it signifies that God actively caused Solomon to become great, elevating his status, influence, and renown. It implies a divine act of promotion and enhancement, not merely a recognition of existing greatness, but an impartation of it. This term underscores the divine origin of Solomon's authority and splendor.
* **bestowed (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** A primitive root meaning "to give," used with great latitude of application including "to impart," "to grant," or "to put." Its use here emphasizes that Solomon's royal majesty was a gift from God, not something he earned or inherited by right. This highlights the gratuitous nature of God's favor and the divine source of Solomon's unique position.
* **majesty (Hebrew, _hôwd'_):** From an unused root, meaning "grandeur," "splendor," "glory," "beauty," or "honor." This word describes the awe-inspiring, magnificent, and dignified quality of Solomon's kingship. It encompasses not only his outward pomp and wealth but also the inherent honor and respect associated with his divinely appointed position. The "majesty" bestowed by God was a tangible manifestation of His blessing, visible to "all Israel" and beyond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel":** This opening clause immediately attributes Solomon's elevation directly to God, identified by His covenant name, "the LORD" (Yahweh). It was not David, nor the people, who made Solomon great in this ultimate sense, but God Himself. The adverb "exceedingly" (Hebrew, _maʻal_) intensifies the verb "magnified," emphasizing the extraordinary nature of this divine act, indicating a level of greatness previously unseen. The phrase "in the sight of all Israel" highlights the public and undeniable nature of this divine endorsement. It was a visible demonstration of God's favor, designed to instill confidence and unity within the nation regarding their new king.
* **"and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel":** This second clause specifies the nature of the "magnification"—it was a bestowal of unique "royal majesty." The term "bestowed" (Hebrew, _nâthan_) signifies a gift or impartation, reinforcing the idea that this was not earned but divinely given. The comparative phrase "as had not been on any king before him in Israel" is crucial. It asserts Solomon's unparalleled status, distinguishing him from even great kings like Saul or David in terms of the visible splendor and dignity of his reign. This sets the stage for the subsequent accounts of Solomon's wisdom, wealth, and the glory of his kingdom, all seen as direct results of God's unique favor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Agency** is paramount, with "the LORD" explicitly stated as the subject of the verbs "magnified" and "bestowed," ensuring that Solomon's greatness is understood as divinely ordained rather than self-achieved or merely inherited. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel," which, while perhaps literally true in terms of visible splendor, also serves to emphasize the extraordinary and unique nature of God's blessing upon Solomon, setting him apart as a king of unparalleled glory. This hyperbolic language elevates Solomon's reign to a legendary status, underscoring its significance within Israel's history. Furthermore, the Chronicler uses **Emphasis through Contrast** by highlighting Solomon's unprecedented majesty against the backdrop of all previous kings, thereby underscoring the unique favor bestowed upon him by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement about God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in the establishment and empowerment of leaders. It teaches that true authority and lasting greatness derive from divine bestowal, not human ambition or power. Solomon's unparalleled majesty serves as a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David, demonstrating that God keeps His word and provides for the needs of His people. It also highlights the concept of divine equipping: just as God equipped Solomon for the immense task of building the Temple and ruling Israel, He continues to equip those He calls for His purposes. The "magnification" of Solomon, therefore, is not merely about a king's personal glory, but about God's glory being manifested through His chosen vessel, signaling a period of unprecedented blessing for the nation under a divinely appointed ruler.

* [1 Samuel 2:7](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7 - Hannah's Prayer: God Raises Up and Brings Down")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 29:25 offers a timeless reminder that all genuine authority, wisdom, and lasting success ultimately flow from God. Solomon's reign began with a clear and public demonstration of divine favor, underscoring that his extraordinary accomplishments were not self-made but divinely appointed and empowered. For us today, this verse challenges us to recognize God as the ultimate source of all good things in our lives and in the world. It encourages humility, reminding us that any position of influence, talent, or prosperity we possess is a gift from Him. Furthermore, it speaks to the principle of divine equipping: just as God prepared and empowered Solomon for the monumental task of building the Temple and leading His people, He also equips believers today for the unique callings and purposes He has for them. Our focus should not be on self-aggrandizement, but on faithfully stewarding the gifts and opportunities God has "bestowed" upon us, seeking His glory in all we do. This verse inspires us to begin our endeavors with a deep reliance on God's power and to acknowledge His hand in every success, fostering a spirit of gratitude and dependence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of your abilities or opportunities?**
* **How does the idea of God "magnifying" someone challenge or affirm your understanding of success and influence?**
* **What specific tasks or callings has God "bestowed" upon you, and how are you relying on His equipping rather than your own strength?**
* **How can recognizing God's active involvement in your life lead to greater humility and gratitude?**

### FAQ

**How does Solomon's later life, with its failures, reconcile with God "magnifying" him so exceedingly at the beginning of his reign?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 29:25 captures the profound divine favor and anointing upon Solomon at the *outset* of his reign, a moment of unparalleled promise and blessing. God's "magnification" of Solomon was a genuine bestowal of wisdom, wealth, and international renown, making his kingdom truly glorious for a time. This initial blessing was a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with David and His desire for Israel's prosperity. However, the Bible consistently presents human free will and responsibility. While God's gifts are irrevocable, as stated in [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Call are Irrevocable"), human obedience is required to fully walk in the blessings and maintain the relationship. Solomon's later failures, particularly his turning to foreign wives and idolatry, as detailed in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry and Decline"), were a direct result of his own choices, not a retraction of God's initial anointing. They demonstrate that even divinely appointed and greatly blessed individuals can stray from God's path, highlighting the ongoing need for faithfulness and obedience throughout one's life, regardless of how gloriously it began. This verse emphasizes God's perfect beginning for Solomon, while subsequent narratives reveal the consequences of human imperfection and disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 29:25 celebrates the unparalleled majesty bestowed upon King Solomon, foreshadowing a golden age for Israel, it ultimately points to a greater King and a more glorious kingdom in Jesus Christ. Solomon's reign, though magnificent, was temporary and imperfect, eventually marred by his own sin and the subsequent division of the kingdom. His "exceeding magnification" was a tangible, yet limited, manifestation of divine favor, serving as a type or shadow of the ultimate, eternal, and perfect reign of God's Son. Jesus, the true Son of David, is not merely magnified by the LORD, but is the LORD Himself, possessing inherent glory and majesty from eternity past, as declared in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"). The wisdom and wealth of Solomon pale in comparison to the infinite wisdom and spiritual riches found in Christ, of whom Jesus Himself declared, "Something greater than Solomon is here" in [Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Solomon"). Where Solomon's kingdom eventually fractured, Christ's kingdom is an everlasting one that will never be destroyed, as prophesied in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion"). Solomon's "royal majesty" was a gift; Christ's is His divine nature and sovereign authority over all creation, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission"). Thus, Solomon's glory, as described in this verse, serves as a magnificent but incomplete preview of the infinitely superior and eternal reign of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who truly embodies and bestows perfect, unending majesty.

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

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

2 Chronicles 1:1

¶ And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God [was] with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

1 Kings 3:13

And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

Ecclesiastes 2:9

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

Joshua 3:7

¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee.

Joshua 4:14

On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.

Job 7:17

¶ What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?