1 Kings 1:36

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so [too].

And Benaiah {H1141} the son {H1121} of Jehoiada {H3077} answered {H6030} the king {H4428}, and said {H559}, Amen {H543}: the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of my lord {H113} the king {H4428} say {H559} so too.

B'nayah responded to the king by saying, "Amen! May ADONAI, the God of my lord the king, confirm it!

โ€œAmen,โ€ replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. โ€œMay the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it.

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: Jehovah, the God of my lord the king, say so too.

Commentary

1 Kings 1:36 finds Benaiah, a loyal and powerful commander under King David, responding to Davidโ€™s decree that Solomon be anointed king. This verse is pivotal in the dramatic narrative of royal succession in ancient Israel, emphasizing divine affirmation for the new leadership.

Context

This verse is set during the final days of King David's reign. David is old and frail (1 Kings 1:1), and a struggle for succession has erupted. Adonijah, one of David's sons, has attempted to seize the throne. However, through the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomonโ€™s mother (1 Kings 1:11-31), David is reminded of his divine promise regarding Solomon's future kingship. David has just given explicit orders for Solomon to be officially proclaimed and anointed king. Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief military officer known for his strength and unwavering loyalty (2 Samuel 23:20-23), is present and his affirmation carries significant weight.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ordination of Leadership: Benaiah's "Amen" and prayer for God's affirmation underscore the belief that Solomon's succession was not merely a political maneuver but a fulfillment of God's will. God had previously promised David that Solomon would build the Temple and reign in peace (1 Chronicles 22:9-10).
  • Loyalty and Affirmation: Benaiah's immediate and fervent response demonstrates his profound loyalty to King David and his acceptance of David's divinely guided decision. His affirmation provides crucial support and legitimacy to Solomon's anointing in the eyes of the people and the court.
  • The Power of Prayer: The phrase "the LORD God of my lord the king say so [too]" is a powerful prayer for God's blessing and confirmation on the king's words and actions. It acknowledges that true authority and success ultimately come from God.

Linguistic Insights

The word "Amen" (Hebrew: 'ฤmฤ“n) is a crucial term here. It means "so be it," "truly," or "let it be affirmed." It is not merely an agreement but a solemn declaration that expresses strong affirmation, desire, and belief that what has been said or promised will indeed come to pass. In this context, Benaiah's "Amen" functions as both an assent to David's command and a prayer that God would ratify it.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into the importance of supporting legitimate leadership and praying for those in authority. Benaiah's response highlights the role of faithful followers in affirming God's chosen path, even during challenging transitions. For believers today, it reminds us to affirm God's will in our own lives and in the leadership of our communities, always seeking His divine blessing and confirmation on important decisions. It also underscores the active nature of saying "Amen" โ€“ it's not just a passive agreement but a heartfelt desire for God's truth to prevail.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 17:27

    Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and [it shall be] blessed for ever.

  • Jeremiah 11:5

    That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.

  • Psalms 72:19

    And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

  • Psalms 89:20

    I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

  • Jeremiah 28:6

    Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.

  • Matthew 28:20

    Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

  • Deuteronomy 27:15

    Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
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