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.

1 KINGS 1:37KJV
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1 Kings 1:37 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:37 mean?

1 Kings 1:37 is a blessing spoken over Solomon, asking that the LORD be with Solomon just as He was with King David, and that Solomon’s reign would be even greater than David’s. The verse expresses a hope for God’s continued presence and for Solomon’s success as the new king.

In this verse, Benaiah, a trusted leader, is speaking to King David in support of Solomon’s appointment as king. The context is a tense moment when David is old and there is uncertainty about the next ruler. Benaiah’s words show loyalty to David and confidence that God (using the name יְהוָה, YHWH) will guide Solomon, wishing for Solomon’s throne (כִּסֵּא, kisse) to surpass even David’s in greatness.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 1:37

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship. Benaiah’s blessing calls on God’s faithfulness to continue with Solomon.
  • Make/Greater (גָּדַל, gadal): The same Hebrew root is used for both “make” and “greater,” highlighting the wish that Solomon’s rule would be enlarged or elevated beyond David’s.
  • Throne (כִּסֵּא, kisse): This word refers to royal authority and kingship, not just a physical seat. The blessing is for Solomon’s authority and kingdom to be even more established than David’s.

Why 1 Kings 1:37 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Solomon’s kingship is not just a political move but is being affirmed with spiritual blessing and hope for God’s involvement.
  • By wishing for Solomon’s throne to be greater than David’s, the verse shows respect for David but also a desire for the future to surpass the past, which is unusual in ancient royal transitions.
  • This blessing connects to the larger theme of God’s promises to David’s family and sets the stage for Solomon’s significant role in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“make” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.

“throne” Hebrew H3678 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
  • 2 Kings 4:10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
  • Psalms 122:5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.