1 Kings 3:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, O LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, thou hast made thy servant {H5650} king {H4427} instead of David {H1732} my father {H1}: and I am but a little {H6996} child {H5288}: I know {H3045} not how to go out {H3318} or come in {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, ADONAI my God, you have made your servant king in the place of David my father; but I am a mere child - I don't know how to lead!

Berean Standard Bible

And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.

American Standard Version

And now, O Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal verse, King Solomon expresses profound humility and a deep sense of inadequacy before God at the very outset of his reign. He acknowledges God's sovereign hand in appointing him king in place of his father, David, while simultaneously confessing his own perceived inexperience and lack of practical wisdom needed to govern a great nation. This sincere admission of personal limitation sets the stage for his subsequent, famous request for an understanding heart to discern justice for God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 3 opens with Solomon's consolidation of power, including a strategic marriage to Pharaoh's daughter. However, the narrative quickly shifts focus to his spiritual devotion, highlighting his "love for the Lord" and his practice of sacrificing at various high places. This verse is part of a crucial encounter at Gibeon, where Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings—a monumental act of worship. It is here, as recorded in [1 Kings 3:5](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5 - God Appears to Solomon at Gibeon"), that the Lord appears to Solomon in a dream, offering to grant him whatever he desires. Solomon's humble prayer, beginning with an acknowledgment of God's steadfast love for David in [1 Kings 3:6](/1_kings/3-6 "1 Kings 3:6 - Solomon's Prayer Begins"), culminates in his selfless request for wisdom to govern God's people, which directly follows this confession of inadequacy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon ascended to the throne following the long and impactful reign of his father, David, who had unified the Israelite tribes and established Jerusalem as the capital. This succession placed immense pressure on Solomon to maintain and expand the kingdom's stability and prosperity. Kingship in the ancient Near East was a demanding role, encompassing judicial, military, and administrative responsibilities, often viewed as divinely sanctioned. Gibeon, though not Jerusalem, was a significant "high place" where the tabernacle of meeting and the bronze altar were located, making it a legitimate and prominent site for large-scale worship, as noted in [1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4 - Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon"). Solomon's grand offering and subsequent prayer align with the cultural practice of new monarchs seeking divine favor and guidance for their rule.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several major themes in 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It powerfully illustrates **Humility in Leadership**, as Solomon contrasts his own perceived inadequacy ("a little child") with the monumental task of governing. This humility is foundational to the theme of **Dependence on God for Wisdom**, directly preceding his request for an "understanding heart" in [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon Asks for an Understanding Heart"). The verse also underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment**, as Solomon explicitly acknowledges that God, not human will or political maneuvering, made him king. This initial posture of dependence sets a benchmark against which Solomon's later reign is implicitly measured, highlighting the consequences when this dependence wanes, a recurring motif throughout [the book of Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Little child (Hebrew, _na'ar qaton'_):** While "na'ar" can refer to a young man (Solomon was likely in his late teens or early twenties at this time), the addition of "qaton" (small, insignificant) emphasizes not chronological age but a profound sense of immaturity, inexperience, and inadequacy for the monumental task of kingship. It is a humble self-assessment of his lack of wisdom and practical judgment required to govern a nation.
* **Go out or come in (Hebrew, _yatso' va'bo'_):** This is a well-known Hebrew idiom signifying the totality of one's public activity, particularly in leadership, military, or administrative contexts. It encompasses the full range of responsibilities involved in leading and managing a people effectively. Solomon's statement "I know not how to go out or come in" is a confession of his complete lack of practical skill, administrative acumen, and strategic insight required for the daily complexities of kingship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, O LORD my God,"**: Solomon begins his prayer with a direct, intimate address to Yahweh, emphasizing his personal covenant relationship with God ("my God"). The "And now" functions as a transition from the preceding context of God's appearance and offer, indicating his immediate, humble response to the divine invitation.
* **"thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father:"**: This clause is a profound acknowledgment of divine sovereignty. Solomon recognizes that his kingship is not by human design, political maneuvering, or personal merit, but by God's direct appointment and gracious provision. He explicitly links his reign to the legacy of his father, David, implicitly recognizing the immense weight and responsibility of that succession.
* **"and I [am but] a little child:"**: Here, Solomon expresses deep humility and a sense of personal inadequacy. As analyzed above, this refers to his inexperience and lack of mature judgment for the weighty responsibilities of kingship, rather than his literal age. It's a confession of his unreadiness and unfitness for the task based on his own abilities.
* **"I know not [how] to go out or come in."**: This idiomatic expression further emphasizes Solomon's feeling of utter incapacity and lack of practical wisdom. He admits to being completely unprepared for the daily, comprehensive demands of leadership, from making judicial decisions to leading the people in public affairs. It underscores his profound need for divine guidance in every aspect of his rule.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 3:7](/1_kings/3-7 "1 Kings 3:7 - Solomon's Humble Prayer") employs several powerful literary devices. The phrase "I am but a **little child**" serves as a form of **hyperbole** or **metaphor**, as Solomon was not literally a young boy but rather felt like one in terms of his preparedness for kingship. This emphasizes his profound sense of inadequacy and humility. The subsequent declaration, "I know not how to **go out or come in**," is a classic **idiom** in Hebrew, representing the totality of one's actions, particularly in leadership or public life. Its use here underscores Solomon's comprehensive lack of practical wisdom and administrative skill. The entire verse functions as a **supplication** within a larger **prayer**, setting the tone for his subsequent request for wisdom, demonstrating a model of humble dependence before a sovereign God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's humble confession in 1 Kings 3:7 is a foundational moment, establishing the principle that true leadership, especially over God's people, requires divine enablement rather than human self-sufficiency. His acknowledgment of God's sovereign appointment and his own inadequacy sets a precedent for righteous governance, emphasizing that those in positions of authority must recognize their dependence on the Almighty. This posture of humility is precisely what God honors, leading to the extraordinary blessing of wisdom that Solomon subsequently receives, demonstrating that God delights in empowering those who acknowledge their need for Him.

* [Psalm 121:8](/psalms/121-8 "Psalm 121:8 - The Lord Will Keep Your Going Out and Your Coming In")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 3:7 offers a timeless model for approaching new responsibilities, particularly those of leadership, whether in the church, workplace, or family. His humility reminds us that true strength is found not in self-reliance, but in acknowledging our limitations and dependence on God. When faced with daunting tasks or new roles, our first inclination should be to confess our inadequacy before the Lord, recognizing that our abilities are insufficient apart from His wisdom and guidance. This posture invites God's empowering presence and discernment, enabling us to navigate complexities with divine insight rather than human frailty. It encourages us to prioritize seeking God's will and wisdom above all else, trusting that He will equip us for every good work to which He calls us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like a "little child" or unprepared for the tasks ahead?**
* **How does Solomon's confession of inadequacy challenge your own tendencies toward self-reliance or pride?**
* **What specific responsibilities are you facing where you need to acknowledge your dependence on God to "go out or come in" effectively?**
* **How might a posture of humility, like Solomon's, open the door for God to grant you wisdom and discernment in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Was Solomon literally a child when he became king?**

Answer: No, Solomon was not literally a child in terms of chronological age when he ascended to the throne. While the Bible does not give his exact age, he was likely in his late teens or early twenties, old enough to be married and to have taken significant administrative actions. The phrase "little child" (Hebrew: *na'ar qaton*) is an expression of profound humility, signifying his perceived lack of experience, wisdom, and mature judgment required for the immense responsibilities of governing a nation. It emphasizes his spiritual and practical inadequacy for the task, especially when compared to the seasoned leadership of his father, David.

**What does the idiom "I know not how to go out or come in" mean?**

Answer: This is a common Hebrew idiom that signifies the totality of one's conduct, activities, or ability to manage affairs, particularly in a leadership or public context. It encompasses the full range of responsibilities, from making judicial decisions to leading military campaigns or overseeing daily administration. When Solomon says "I know not how to go out or come in," he is confessing his complete lack of practical skill, administrative acumen, and strategic insight needed to effectively lead the people of Israel. It's an admission that he feels utterly unprepared for the practicalities and complexities of kingship. This idiom is also used elsewhere in scripture, for example, to describe Joshua's leadership in [Numbers 27:17](/numbers/27-17 "Numbers 27:17 - Joshua to Lead the People") or the Lord's constant care in [Psalm 121:8](/psalms/121-8 "Psalm 121:8 - The Lord Will Keep Your Going Out and Your Coming In").

**Why was Gibeon a significant place for Solomon to offer sacrifices?**

Answer: Gibeon was a prominent "high place" (a traditional site of worship and sacrifice) during the early monarchy, where the tabernacle of meeting and the bronze altar were located, as mentioned in [1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4 - Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon") and [2 Chronicles 1:3](/2_chronicles/1-3 "2 Chronicles 1:3 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon"). While the Ark of the Covenant was in Jerusalem, Gibeon remained a significant center for worship. Solomon's offering of a thousand burnt offerings there was an act of immense devotion and public piety, demonstrating his commitment to God at the outset of his reign. It was at this significant spiritual site that God chose to appear to Solomon in a dream, initiating the pivotal conversation where Solomon requested and received wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's humble confession in [1 Kings 3:7](/1_kings/3-7 "1 Kings 3:7 - Solomon's Humble Prayer") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the wisdom and leadership Solomon only aspired to. While Solomon confessed his inability to "go out or come in" effectively, Jesus, the Son of God, is the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Unlike Solomon, who needed to be granted wisdom, Christ is wisdom personified, made unto us "wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")). He perfectly "goes out and comes in" for His people, leading them with infallible judgment, protecting them with divine power, and shepherding them with perfect understanding. His kingship is not merely by divine appointment but by divine nature, making Him fully capable of bearing the weight of all creation and redeeming humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ demonstrates the ultimate wisdom of God's plan for salvation, fulfilling the ideal of a perfectly wise and humble King who truly knows how to lead His people into eternal life ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")).

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 Chronicles 29:1

¶ Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, [is yet] young and tender, and the work [is] great: for the palace [is] not for man, but for the LORD God.

Numbers 27:17

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Daniel 5:18

O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

Daniel 4:25

That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.