What is the significance of David dying "full of days, riches, and honour"?

This phrase is a powerful testament to a life that was divinely blessed and completed its full course. "Full of days" (Hebrew: śāvēaʿ yāmîm) signifies a life that was not only long but also satisfying, experienced to its fullest, and replete with accomplishments and divine favor. It's an idiomatic expression found elsewhere in the Old Testament for patriarchs like Abraham (Genesis 25:8) and Isaac (Genesis 35:29), indicating a life lived in covenant with God and blessed by Him. "Riches" and "honour" refer to the material prosperity and high esteem David enjoyed, not just personally but as the leader of a flourishing kingdom under God's blessing. It portrays a life that achieved its purpose and received the fullness of God's earthly rewards.

Why is the peaceful succession of Solomon so important in this verse?

The mention of "Solomon his son reigned in his stead" is crucial because it highlights the stability and divine endorsement of the Davidic dynasty. In ancient monarchies, succession was often a volatile period, marked by intrigue, violence, and civil war. David's own family had experienced internal strife (e.g., Absalom's rebellion in 2 Samuel 15). The smooth, undisputed transfer of power to Solomon, particularly after David's meticulous preparations and the public affirmation in 1 Chronicles 29:22-25, demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promise of an enduring kingdom for David's line, as given in the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16). It ensured continuity for the nation and for the sacred task of building the Temple.

29:27 29:27

1 Chronicles 29:28

29:29 29:29

Bible Versions

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

And he died {H4191} in a good {H2896} old age {H7872}, full {H7649} of days {H3117}, riches {H6239}, and honour {H3519}: and Solomon {H8010} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Then he died, at a ripe old age, full of years, riches and honor; and Shlomo his son reigned in his place.

He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.

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

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Genesis 15:15

And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
Acts 13:36

For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
1 Chronicles 23:1

¶ So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.
Job 5:26

Thou shalt come to [thy] grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.
Genesis 25:8

Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full [of years]; and was gathered to his people.
Genesis 35:29

And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, [being] old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
Proverbs 16:31

¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.

Bible Versions

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