2 Chronicles 1:8

And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

And Solomon {H8010} said {H559} unto God {H430}, Thou hast shewed {H6213} great {H1419} mercy {H2617} unto David {H1732} my father {H1}, and hast made me to reign {H4427} in his stead.

Shlomo said to God, "You showed much grace to your servant David my father and have made me king in his place.

Solomon replied to God: โ€œYou have shown much loving devotion to my father David, and You have made me king in his place.

And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great lovingkindness unto David my father, and hast made me king in his stead.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:8 (KJV) captures a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Solomon, as he addresses God with profound humility and gratitude. This verse is part of Solomon's grand offering at Gibeon, where the tabernacle of meeting and the bronze altar were located, setting the stage for his divine encounter.

Context

This verse precedes God's offer to Solomon to ask for whatever he desires, a significant event detailed in 2 Chronicles 1:7 and 1 Kings 3:5. Solomon, having just assumed the throne after his father David, travels to Gibeon to offer a thousand burnt offerings. His words here are not a direct request, but rather an opening statement of acknowledgment and praise, recognizing God's hand in his ascension. It highlights the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, established by God's covenant with David.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment and Sovereignty: Solomon clearly understands that his kingship is not merely by human succession but by divine decree. He acknowledges, "Thou hast made me to reign in his stead," emphasizing God's ultimate authority over earthly rulers and kingdoms.
  • Gratitude and Humility: Before making any request, Solomon expresses deep gratitude for God's past actions. This posture of humility is crucial for effective leadership and receiving divine favor.
  • God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed): Solomon references "great mercy unto David my father." The Hebrew word often translated "mercy" here is chesed (ื—ึถืกึถื“), which denotes steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing kindness. It speaks to God's faithfulness in upholding His promises to David and his lineage, even extending it to Solomon. This divine attribute is a foundational theme throughout the Old Testament, showcasing God's unchanging character.
  • Continuity of God's Plan: The verse affirms the seamless transition of God's plan from David to Solomon, ensuring the stability and future of Israel's monarchy under divine guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The term "mercy" in this context translates the Hebrew word chesed (ื—ึถืกึถื“). Unlike a simple act of pity, chesed implies a deep commitment and loyalty, particularly within a covenant relationship. When applied to God, it signifies His faithful, benevolent love that endures and keeps His promises, reflecting His character as a covenant-keeping God. Solomon's use of "great mercy" underscores the magnitude of God's faithfulness to David and, by extension, to his son.

Practical Application

Solomon's opening words offer a powerful model for believers today. They remind us to:

  • Acknowledge God's Hand: Recognize that all positions of influence, blessings, and opportunities come from God's sovereign hand.
  • Lead with Gratitude: A spirit of thankfulness for past blessings is a healthy foundation for any endeavor, especially leadership or service.
  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: Just as God was faithful to David and Solomon, we can trust in His unwavering chesed in our lives, knowing He will fulfill His promises.

This verse sets the stage for Solomon's famous request for wisdom in 2 Chronicles 1:10, demonstrating that a heart rooted in gratitude and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty is prepared to seek and receive divine guidance.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 28:5 (6 votes)

    And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

  • Isaiah 55:3 (3 votes)

    Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

  • 2 Samuel 22:51 (2 votes)

    [He is] the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

  • 2 Samuel 23:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Now these [be] the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man [who was] raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

  • 2 Samuel 7:8 (2 votes)

    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 7:9 (2 votes)

    And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth.

  • 2 Samuel 12:7 (2 votes)

    And Nathan said to David, Thou [art] the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;