Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

1 CHRONICLES 22:12KJV
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1 Chronicles 22:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 22:12 mean?

1 Chronicles 22:12 is a prayer that God would give Solomon wisdom and understanding to lead Israel and to faithfully keep God’s law. The verse highlights that true ability to rule and obey comes from the LORD, not just from human skill or effort.

In this verse, David is speaking to his son Solomon as he prepares him to become king and to build the temple. David asks God to give Solomon both insight and the responsibility (“charge”) over Israel so that Solomon will be able to follow God’s instructions. The focus is on Solomon needing God’s help to succeed in his calling as king.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 22:12

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing a direct relationship and covenant.
  • "wisdom" (שֵׂכֶל, sekel): This word often means practical insight or good sense, not just intelligence. David is asking for the kind of wisdom needed for real-life leadership.
  • "understanding" (בִּינָה, binah): This word suggests discernment or the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. It adds depth to the request, showing that Solomon needs more than knowledge—he needs good judgment.
  • "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This means to guard, observe, or watch over. The idea is not just knowing the law but actively protecting and following it.

Why 1 Chronicles 22:12 matters

  • 1 Chronicles 22:12 shows that even a king as important as Solomon is dependent on God for wisdom and guidance, not just his own abilities.
  • The verse connects Solomon’s success as a leader directly to his faithfulness in keeping God’s law, making obedience central to good leadership.
  • This verse ties into the larger story of David preparing Solomon for the temple project, showing that spiritual preparation is just as important as physical resources.

Where else these words appear

“wisdom” Hebrew H7922 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
  • Nehemiah 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
  • Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

“understanding” Hebrew H998 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
  • Job 39:26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
  • Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.