1 Kings 3:6

KJV

And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as [it is] this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} said {H559}, Thou hast shewed {H6213} unto thy servant {H5650} David {H1732} my father {H1} great {H1419} mercy {H2617}, according as he walked {H1980} before {H6440} thee in truth {H571}, and in righteousness {H6666}, and in uprightness {H3483} of heart {H3824} with thee; and thou hast kept {H8104} for him this great {H1419} kindness {H2617}, that thou hast given {H5414} him a son {H1121} to sit {H3427} on his throne {H3678}, as it is this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo said, "You showed your servant David my father much grace, as he lived before you honestly and righteously, having an upright heart with you. You preserved this great grace for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as is the case today.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

American Standard Version

And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great lovingkindness, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great lovingkindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 3:6, newly crowned King Solomon initiates his pivotal prayer at Gibeon by offering profound praise to God for His unwavering faithfulness and steadfast love shown to his father, King David. Solomon specifically acknowledges God's great mercy and kindness in establishing David's lineage and ensuring the dynastic succession, culminating in Solomon's own presence on the throne "as it is this day." This opening act of gratitude and recognition of divine sovereignty sets a humble and reverent tone, preceding his famous request for wisdom to govern God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening declaration of Solomon's significant prayer at Gibeon, immediately following his grand sacrifices of a thousand burnt offerings (1 Kings 3:4). The narrative places this event early in Solomon's reign, after he has consolidated power and entered into an alliance with Pharaoh (1 Kings 3:1). The prayer itself is a direct prelude to God's appearance to Solomon in a dream, where the Lord offers to grant him whatever he desires (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon's initial act of worship and his humble acknowledgment of God's past faithfulness to David (1 Kings 3:6-7) create a stark contrast with the later excesses and idolatry that would mar his reign. This foundational prayer establishes the theological framework for understanding God's subsequent blessing of wisdom (1 Kings 3:9-12) and the conditional nature of the Davidic covenant's continuation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gibeon, located northwest of Jerusalem, was a prominent "high place" (1 Kings 3:4) where the tabernacle of meeting and the bronze altar from the wilderness wanderings were housed ([2 Chronicles 1:3-6](/2_chronicles/1-3-6 "2 Chronicles 1:3-6 - Solomon at Gibeon")). While Jerusalem was becoming the political capital, Gibeon remained a significant cultic site before the construction of the Temple. Kings often offered sacrifices at such high places, a practice that would later be condemned once the Jerusalem Temple became the centralized place of worship. Solomon's journey to Gibeon and his extensive sacrifice demonstrated his piety and sought divine favor at the outset of his rule, aligning with ancient Near Eastern customs where new rulers sought divine legitimation and blessing. The concept of dynastic succession, particularly the promise of a continuous line, was crucial for stability and legitimacy in ancient monarchies, making God's fulfillment of the Davidic covenant exceptionally significant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Enduring Faithfulness (Hesed)**, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Solomon's recognition of God's "great mercy" and "great kindness" underscores the divine initiative in establishing and maintaining the monarchy. Secondly, the verse touches upon **David's Legacy and Righteous Walk**, affirming that God's favor was predicated on David's general adherence to God's ways, walking "in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart." While David had his failings, his overall devotion and repentance were remembered by God. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Appointment and Dynastic Succession**, explicitly stating that Solomon's kingship is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to David, thereby legitimizing his rule as divinely ordained. This sets the stage for the conditional promises made to Solomon in [1 Kings 3:14](/1_kings/3-14 "1 Kings 3:14 - Conditional Promise to Solomon"), linking his future prosperity to his obedience, much like David's.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this rich theological term, often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," or "covenant faithfulness," signifies God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. It is not merely pity but an active, enduring loyalty rooted in a relationship. Solomon's use of "great mercy" (גָּדֹול חֶסֶד, _gadol chêçêd_) emphasizes the magnitude and depth of God's covenant loyalty to David, which extended beyond David's lifetime to his descendants. This word is also translated as "kindness" in the latter part of the verse, reinforcing its profound significance.
* **Walked (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** From H1980, this primitive root means "to walk" in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. In this context, "walked before thee" signifies a life lived in God's presence and accountability, a consistent pattern of conduct and a manner of life. It implies David's overall behavior and spiritual journey were aligned with God's will, even with his imperfections.
* **Uprightness (Hebrew, _yishrâh'_):** From H3483, this word means "rectitude" or "uprightness." When combined with "heart" (H3824, _lêbâb'_), it describes David's internal disposition and moral integrity before God. It denotes sincerity, honesty, and a genuine desire to walk in accordance with God's will, contrasting with superficial or hypocritical religiosity. This concept is crucial for understanding the biblical emphasis on inner character over outward performance alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy":** Solomon begins his prayer by acknowledging God's profound, active demonstration of steadfast love (_chêçêd_) towards his deceased father, David. This opening is an act of worship and gratitude, recognizing God's initiative in their dynastic history and His covenant faithfulness.
* **"according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee;":** Solomon attributes God's favor to David's character and conduct. "Walked before thee" signifies a life lived in God's presence and accountability. "In truth" (בֶּאֱמֶת, _bĕ'emet_) implies faithfulness and integrity; "in righteousness" (וּבִצְדָקָה, _uvitsdāqāh_) refers to adherence to God's moral standards and justice; and "in uprightness of heart" (וּבְיֹשֶׁר לְבָב, _uvyōsher lêbâb_) points to sincerity and a genuine, undivided devotion to God. This clause highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where human obedience elicits divine blessing.
* **"and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as [it is] this day.":** Solomon identifies the specific, tangible fulfillment of God's "great kindness" (גָּדֹול חֶסֶד, _gadol chêçêd_, again) as the establishment of his own kingship. The phrase "kept for him" emphasizes God's faithfulness in preserving and fulfilling His promise across time. The "son to sit on his throne" directly references the Davidic covenant's promise of an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant Promise")), and "as it is this day" affirms the present reality of that divine promise being fulfilled in Solomon's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Apostrophe** is evident as Solomon directly addresses God, creating an intimate and reverent tone for his prayer. The repetition of the concept of God's unwavering loyalty through the terms "great mercy" and "great kindness" (both rooted in _chêçêd_) serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the central theme of divine faithfulness. The description of David's walk "in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart" utilizes **Tricolon**, a rhetorical device of three parallel clauses or phrases, which adds rhythm and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David's devotion. Furthermore, the entire statement functions as a **Preamble of Praise**, a common feature in ancient Near Eastern prayers and covenants, where the supplicant first acknowledges the deity's past deeds and character before making a request. This sets a humble and appreciative tone for Solomon's subsequent petition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 3:6 stands as a profound testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness and the significance of a righteous walk before Him. Solomon's opening prayer establishes a crucial theological principle: God remembers His promises and fulfills them across generations, even through imperfect human vessels. The continuity of the Davidic throne, embodied in Solomon's kingship, is presented not as a human achievement but as a direct result of God's "great mercy" and "great kindness," which are aspects of His unchanging _chêçêd_. This divine loyalty is shown to be both unconditional in its initial promise to David ([2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")) and yet responsive to the general trajectory of human obedience, as seen in David's "walk." This verse thus bridges the gap between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, setting the stage for the conditional blessings and curses that will follow Solomon's reign, emphasizing that God's character is both faithful and just.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant Promise")
* [Psalm 89:28-37](/psalms/89-28-37 "Psalm 89:28-37 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Deuteronomy 5:33](/deuteronomy/5-33 "Deuteronomy 5:33 - Walking in God's Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 3:6 offers a timeless model for approaching God. Before making any personal request, he first acknowledges God's character and His past faithfulness, particularly in fulfilling His promises to David. This act of starting with praise and thanksgiving cultivates a heart of humility and trust, reminding us that our petitions should flow from a deep appreciation for who God is and what He has already done. It challenges us to reflect on God's "great mercy" and "great kindness" in our own lives and in the history of salvation, recognizing that every blessing is a testament to His unwavering _chêçêd_. Furthermore, Solomon's emphasis on David's "walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart" reminds us that while salvation is by grace, a life of integrity and sincere devotion to God is both pleasing to Him and often results in His continued favor and blessing, not as earning, but as the natural fruit of a genuine relationship. It encourages us to examine our own walk, striving for a heart that is undivided in its loyalty to the Lord, knowing that God delights in those who seek to honor Him in all their ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does beginning our prayers with praise and thanksgiving, as Solomon did, transform our perspective and deepen our trust in God?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God's "great mercy" and "great kindness" in your own life or in the lives of those around you?**
* **What does it mean to "walk before God in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart" in our contemporary context, and how can we cultivate such a walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Solomon mentioning David's "walk" before God?**

Answer: Solomon's mention of David walking "in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart" is highly significant. It highlights the biblical principle that while God's covenant promises are ultimately rooted in His own character and faithfulness, human obedience and integrity play a crucial role in the experience of those blessings. David, despite his notable failures (e.g., [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba")), was remembered by God as a "man after His own heart" ([Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")), primarily because of his overall posture of repentance, his sincere devotion, and his commitment to God's law. Solomon's statement here reinforces that God honors a life lived with genuine integrity and a heart sincerely devoted to Him, even when human imperfection is present. It sets a standard for Solomon himself, implying that his own reign's success will be tied to a similar walk.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 3:6, with its focus on God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon's kingship, though divinely ordained, was a temporary and imperfect manifestation of God's promise to David. The "son to sit on his throne" ultimately points beyond Solomon to the eternal King, Jesus, who is explicitly identified as the "Son of David" (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus, Son of David")). The "great mercy" and "great kindness" shown to David culminate in God's sending of His Son, who perfectly embodies "truth, and righteousness, and uprightness of heart" in a way no human king ever could. Jesus' reign is not "as it is this day" but "forever and ever," establishing an everlasting kingdom that will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Through Christ, God's _chêçêd_ is fully revealed, not just in establishing a dynasty, but in providing salvation and eternal life for all who believe, demonstrating a kindness that far surpasses any earthly blessing ([Ephesians 2:7](/ephesians/2-7 "Ephesians 2:7 - God's Kindness in Christ Jesus")). Thus, Solomon's prayer, while acknowledging a past fulfillment, unknowingly anticipates the greater, spiritual, and eternal fulfillment found in the person and work of the Messiah, the true and everlasting Son of David.

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 9:4

And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, [and] wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:

1 Kings 1:48

And also thus said the king, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which hath given [one] to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing [it].

2 Corinthians 9:11

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

1 Kings 2:4

That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

2 Samuel 7:8

Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

1 Chronicles 29:12

Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.