2 Chronicles 1:9

Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

Now, O LORD {H3068} God {H430}, let thy promise {H1697} unto David {H1732} my father {H1} be established {H539}: for thou hast made me king {H4427} over a people {H5971} like the dust {H6083} of the earth {H776} in multitude {H7227}.

Now, ADONAI, God, you have been faithful to your promise to David my father; for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the grains of dust on the earth.

Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to my father David be fulfilled. For You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.

Now, O Jehovah God, let thy promise unto David my father be established; for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

In 2 Chronicles 1:9, King Solomon addresses the LORD God, acknowledging his recent ascension to the throne and the immense responsibility that comes with ruling a vast population. His prayer is a humble request for God to uphold and fulfill the divine promise made to his father, David, demonstrating Solomon's reliance on God from the very outset of his reign.

Context

This verse is part of Solomon's interaction with God at Gibeon, a significant high place where Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. Following these sacrifices, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him whatever he desired (2 Chronicles 1:7). Before Solomon makes his famous request for wisdom, he lays the foundation of his prayer by recognizing God's faithfulness to David and the overwhelming task before him as king of a burgeoning nation. This sets a tone of humility and dependence on God's established word.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Davidic Covenant: Solomon's plea centers on the divine covenant made with his father, David, promising an enduring dynasty and an eternal throne. Solomon seeks God's active involvement in establishing this promise through his own reign.
  • Divine Appointment and Humility: Solomon clearly states, "thou hast made me king," recognizing that his position is not by human right alone but by God's sovereign hand. This acknowledgment of his divine appointment, coupled with the overwhelming magnitude of his responsibility ("a people like the dust of the earth in multitude"), reveals a humility crucial for effective leadership and sets the stage for his subsequent request for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:10).
  • God's Faithfulness to His Promises: The phrase "dust of the earth in multitude" echoes the Abrahamic promise of innumerable descendants, highlighting God's consistent faithfulness across generations. Solomon's prayer is a testament to the enduring nature of God's word.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "established" (qum) means to confirm, fulfill, or cause to stand firm. Solomon is not merely asking for a promise to be remembered, but for it to be actively fulfilled and made enduring. The phrase "like the dust of the earth" (aphar ha'aretz) is a powerful and common biblical idiom used to describe an innumerable multitude, often associated with God's promises to the patriarchs (e.g., Genesis 13:16), underscoring the miraculous growth of the Israelite nation.

Practical Application

Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 1:9 offers a timeless lesson for believers today. When God entrusts us with responsibilities, whether in leadership, family, or personal calling, it is vital to acknowledge His hand in our lives and seek His divine enablement. Like Solomon, we are called to rely on God's promises, recognizing that our ability to fulfill His purposes comes from Him. This humble dependence on God's faithfulness allows Him to bring His good work to completion through us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 13:16

    And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed also be numbered.

  • 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.

  • 2 Samuel 7:16

    And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

  • Genesis 22:17

    That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

  • Psalms 89:35

    Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

  • Psalms 89:37

    It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

  • Psalms 132:11

    ¶ The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
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