1 Kings 1:37

KJV

As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.

KJV (with Strong's)

As the LORD {H3068} hath been with my lord {H113} the king {H4428}, even so be he with Solomon {H8010}, and make {H1431} his throne {H3678} greater {H1431} than the throne {H3678} of my lord {H113} king {H4428} David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just as ADONAI has been with my lord the king, so may he be with Shlomo and make his throne even greater than the throne of my lord King David!"

Berean Standard Bible

Just as the LORD was with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon and make his throne even greater than that of my lord King David.”

American Standard Version

As Jehovah hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:37 captures the fervent prayer and loyal declaration of Benaiah, a key figure in David's court, during the tumultuous period of Solomon's anointing as king. It expresses a profound desire for God's continued presence and favor to rest upon Solomon's reign, mirroring the divine blessing that characterized King David's rule, and further articulates an aspiration for Solomon's kingdom to surpass even the esteemed glory of his father's. This verse underscores the deep theological conviction that the success and legitimacy of Israel's monarchy were intrinsically tied to the active presence and empowering hand of the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of the succession to David's throne. Immediately preceding it, David, prompted by Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, has given explicit instructions for Solomon to be anointed king, effectively thwarting the attempted coup by Adonijah (see [1 Kings 1:5-27](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-27 - Adonijah's Attempted Coup")). The anointing of Solomon by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet at Gihon, accompanied by the joyous shouts of the people, has just occurred (see [1 Kings 1:32-35](/1_kings/1-32 "1 Kings 1:32-35 - Solomon's Anointing")). Benaiah's declaration in [1 Kings 1:37](/1_kings/1-37 "1 Kings 1:37 - Benaiah's Prayer for Solomon") is a direct response to David's command and the unfolding events, serving as a powerful affirmation of loyalty and a prayer for divine blessing upon the newly established king. It sets the tone for Solomon's reign, emphasizing the continuity of divine favor.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the twilight of King David's reign, a period often marked by internal strife and questions of succession in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. David is old and frail, leading to a power vacuum that Adonijah attempts to exploit by gathering support and declaring himself king. The anointing of a king, often performed by a prophet or priest, was a sacred act signifying divine selection and legitimacy, distinguishing the Israelite monarchy from purely human political systems. The location of Gihon, a natural spring outside Jerusalem, was significant for its life-giving water, symbolizing the fresh start and divine blessing upon the new king. Benaiah, as one of David's most trusted and capable military commanders (see [2 Samuel 23:20-23](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20-23 - Benaiah's Mighty Deeds")), represents the loyal faction of David's court, whose public affirmation of Solomon was crucial for consolidating the new king's authority and quelling any remaining dissent.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Presence and Favor** as the ultimate source of a king's success and legitimacy. David's reign was characterized by God "being with" him (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:9](/2_samuel/7-9 "2 Samuel 7:9 - God's Promise to David")), and the prayer for Solomon is that this essential divine partnership would continue. Secondly, it emphasizes **Legitimacy and Continuity** of the Davidic line. Despite the political maneuvering, Solomon's anointing is presented as divinely sanctioned, fulfilling the promises of the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - The Davidic Covenant") that David's house and kingdom would be established forever. Finally, the aspiration for a "greater" throne introduces the theme of **Aspiration for Greater Glory**, not merely in political power but in wisdom, justice, and divine blessing, foreshadowing the unparalleled prosperity of Solomon's early reign and ultimately pointing to the ideal, messianic king (cf. [Psalm 72:8-11](/psalm/72-8 "Psalm 72:8-11 - Description of the Ideal King")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and faithful character. The use of "Yahweh" here underscores that the success of David's reign, and the hope for Solomon's, was not due to human might or wisdom alone, but to the active, covenantal presence and intervention of the sovereign God of Israel. It signifies a reliance on divine power rather than human strength.
* **be with (Hebrew, _hayah im'_):** This phrase denotes more than mere proximity; it signifies active, empowering presence, divine assistance, and favor. When God is "with" someone in the Old Testament, it implies His protective hand, guidance, and blessing, leading to prosperity and success (e.g., [Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2 - The LORD was with Joseph")). Benaiah's prayer is for this active, enabling presence to transition seamlessly from David to Solomon, recognizing it as the true source of royal authority and effectiveness.
* **greater (Hebrew, _gadol'_):** While "greater" can imply larger territory or more political power, in this context, especially concerning a divinely appointed king, it carries a broader theological weight. It signifies an increase in honor, influence, wisdom, justice, and divine favor, leading to a more profound and widespread impact. The aspiration is for a reign that not only matches but surpasses David's in its manifestation of God's blessing and the king's righteous rule, setting a new standard for the monarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As the LORD hath been with my lord the king":** This clause serves as the foundational premise for the prayer, establishing a direct parallel and precedent. It acknowledges that David's successful and divinely blessed reign was a direct result of God's active presence, support, and favor. It implicitly recognizes that David's authority and accomplishments were not self-derived but divinely bestowed. This sets up the expectation that similar divine engagement is necessary for the incoming king.
* **"even so be he with Solomon":** This is the core petition of the prayer, a fervent plea for the continuity of divine favor. It expresses the deep desire that the same empowering, guiding, and blessing presence of the LORD that characterized David's rule would likewise be granted to Solomon. This highlights the understanding that without God's presence, Solomon's reign would lack true legitimacy, stability, and success, regardless of human efforts or political maneuvering.
* **"and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David":** This final clause expresses a bold and hopeful aspiration. It is a prayer not just for continuity but for an escalation of divine blessing. The desire for a "greater" throne implies a hope for a reign marked by even more profound wisdom, justice, peace, and prosperity than David's, which was already highly esteemed. This aspiration looks forward to an ideal king whose dominion and influence would surpass all predecessors, setting a new standard for God's kingdom on earth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the direct comparison between God's presence with David and the prayer for His presence with Solomon ("As the LORD hath been... even so be he with Solomon"). This structural repetition emphasizes continuity and divine precedent. The phrase "make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David" can be seen as an example of **Hyperbole** or, more accurately, **Aspirational Language**. While it might seem an impossible human feat to exceed David's legendary reign, it expresses a profound hope for an unprecedented level of divine blessing and glory, pushing the boundaries of expectation for the new king. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prayer/Supplication**, a direct address to God, mediated through the speaker Benaiah, expressing deep faith and reliance on divine intervention for the success of the monarchy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse articulates a profound theological truth central to Israel's understanding of kingship: true royal authority and success do not stem from human power or lineage alone, but from the active, empowering presence and favor of the LORD. It reinforces the concept of a divinely chosen and sustained monarchy, where the king is God's anointed representative. The aspiration for Solomon's throne to be "greater" than David's not only speaks to immediate hopes for prosperity and peace but also carries a prophetic undertone, pointing beyond the earthly monarchy to a future, ideal king whose reign would indeed be infinitely "greater." This messianic longing for an ultimate, perfect king finds its fulfillment in the person and kingdom of Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate divine presence and whose reign transcends all earthly limitations.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 72:8-11](/psalm/72-8 "Psalm 72:8-11 - The Reign of the Righteous King")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Benaiah's declaration in 1 Kings 1:37 offers timeless principles for believers today, transcending its ancient monarchical context. It serves as a powerful reminder that true success, whether in leadership, personal endeavors, or spiritual growth, is ultimately dependent on the active presence and favor of God. Just as Solomon needed the LORD's "being with" him, we too must cultivate a deep reliance on God's guidance, strength, and blessing in every aspect of our lives. This verse encourages us to pray fervently for our leaders, whether in government, church, or community, asking for divine wisdom, integrity, and the empowering presence of God to enable them to lead justly and effectively. Furthermore, the aspiration for a "greater" throne challenges us to not merely maintain the status quo but to seek God's greater glory in our spheres of influence, always striving for excellence and impact that extends beyond our own capabilities, trusting that God can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's active presence and favor, rather than relying solely on your own strength or wisdom?**
* **How does Benaiah's prayer for Solomon model how we should pray for our current leaders, both spiritual and secular?**
* **What does it mean for God to "be with" someone, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence in your daily life?**
* **How does the aspiration for a "greater" reign in this verse challenge your own ambitions and goals, encouraging you to seek God's greater glory?**

### FAQ
**Who was Benaiah, and why were his words so significant?**

Answer: Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was one of King David's most loyal and formidable military commanders, known for his personal bravery and unwavering fidelity (see [2 Samuel 23:20-23](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20-23 - Benaiah's Mighty Deeds")). His words were significant because they represented the public affirmation of a key, powerful figure from David's inner circle. In a time of political instability and a contested succession, Benaiah's declaration of loyalty to Solomon and his prayer for divine blessing upon the new king helped to legitimize Solomon's reign and consolidate his authority, signaling to the entire court and kingdom that the transition was divinely sanctioned and supported by crucial military leadership.

**What is the significance of praying for Solomon's throne to be "greater than" David's?**

Answer: This prayer is not merely a wish for more political power or territory, but a profound spiritual aspiration. David's reign was already considered a golden age, marked by military success, the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, and the bringing of the ark of the covenant. To pray for Solomon's reign to be "greater" implies a hope for an even deeper manifestation of divine favor, wisdom, justice, and peace. It suggests a desire for a reign that would surpass David's in its spiritual and societal impact, fulfilling the highest ideals of God's kingdom on earth. This aspiration also carries a prophetic undertone, pointing to the ultimate, perfect reign of the Messiah, whose kingdom would indeed be infinitely greater than any earthly monarchy (cf. [Psalm 72](/psalm/72 "Psalm 72 - A Psalm for Solomon")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The aspiration for Solomon's throne to be "greater than the throne of my lord king David" finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon's reign was indeed marked by unparalleled wisdom and prosperity (see [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Prosperity")), it ultimately fell short of the ideal due to his later disobedience (see [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")). Jesus, however, is the true Son of David, the one to whom the promises of the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant with David") ultimately point. He is the King whose wisdom infinitely surpasses Solomon's (see [Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Solomon's Wisdom")), whose kingdom is eternal and righteous (see [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")), and whose reign brings true peace and salvation. The prayer for the LORD to "be with Solomon" is fully realized in Christ, who is God incarnate, Emmanuel, "God with us" (see [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Prophecy of Immanuel")). His throne is not merely greater than David's or Solomon's; it is the throne of God Himself, from which He reigns forever as King of kings and Lord of lords (see [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings")).

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 Samuel 20:13

The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father [to do] thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.

1 Kings 1:47

And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.

Joshua 1:17

According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

1 Kings 3:7

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?