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1 Kings 1:37

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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.

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}.

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!"

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.”

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

1 Kings 1:37 is a pivotal declaration of loyalty and prayer as the succession of the Israelite monarchy transitions from King David to his son Solomon. This verse captures the hopes and expectations surrounding the new reign, emphasizing the crucial role of God's continued favor.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is spoken by Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, one of King David's most loyal and capable commanders, during the tumultuous period of David's old age and the contentious issue of his successor. David's son Adonijah had attempted to seize the throne, prompting Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba to remind David of his oath regarding Solomon. As Solomon is anointed king at Gihon, Benaiah's words affirm his legitimacy and express a deep desire for divine blessing upon the incoming monarch. His statement reflects the sentiments of many loyalists who sought God's guidance and presence for the new reign, drawing a direct parallel to the successful and divinely blessed reign of David.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Favor: The primary plea is for the LORD's presence to be with Solomon as it was with David. This highlights the understanding that David's success and strength came directly from God's active involvement and favor. The request for Solomon mirrors this essential divine partnership.
  • Legitimacy and Continuity: Benaiah's words reinforce Solomon's rightful claim to the throne, not merely through human decree but through divine appointment, echoing the Davidic Covenant. It signifies a seamless, divinely sanctioned transfer of power.
  • Aspiration for Greater Glory: The prayer that Solomon's throne be "greater than the throne of my lord king David" expresses a profound hope for an even more prosperous, peaceful, and divinely blessed reign. This aspiration extends beyond mere political power, hinting at a reign marked by wisdom, justice, and widespread influence, much like the ideal reign described in Psalm 72, which is often associated with Solomon and ultimately points to the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "As the LORD hath been with my lord the king" uses the Hebrew term Yahweh (LORD), emphasizing the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel. The request for God to "be with" Solomon implies not just presence but active support, guidance, and blessing – the very essence of David's strength and success. The desire for a "greater" throne (Hebrew: gadol) signifies not just more power or territory, but an increase in honor, influence, wisdom, and divine favor, establishing a new peak in the monarchy's history.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless principles for believers today:

  • Dependence on God: Like Solomon, we should recognize that true success and effective leadership, in any sphere of life, come from God's presence and favor, not solely from human strength or wisdom.
  • Prayer for Leaders: Benaiah's prayer serves as a model for praying for those in authority, asking for God's wisdom, guidance, and blessing upon them.
  • Anticipation of the Greater King: The hope for a "greater" throne ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose kingdom is indeed eternal and infinitely greater than any earthly reign. This verse foreshadows the ultimate reign of God's Son.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 20:13 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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?