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.

2 CHRONICLES 1:9KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 1:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 1:9 mean?

2 Chronicles 1:9 is Solomon’s prayer asking God to fulfill the promise made to his father David by establishing Solomon’s reign, recognizing that he now rules over a vast number of people. Solomon humbly acknowledges the responsibility given to him as king and appeals to God’s faithfulness in keeping His word.

Solomon is speaking directly to God after becoming king of Israel. He refers to God’s promise to David, his father, that David’s descendants would continue to rule. Solomon describes the people he now leads as being as numerous as "the dust of the earth," highlighting both the size of the nation and the weight of his task as their ruler.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 1:9

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God’s covenant relationship with Israel. Solomon is appealing to God’s faithfulness to His promises.
  • promise (דָּבָר, davar): This word often means "word" or "matter," but here it refers to God’s spoken promise or commitment to David. Solomon is asking for God’s word to be made firm.
  • established (אָמַן, aman): This verb means to make something firm or reliable. Solomon is not just asking for the promise to be remembered, but for it to be actively fulfilled and made secure.
  • dust (עָפָר, afar): By comparing the people to "dust," Solomon uses a common biblical image for something countless or immeasurable, stressing the vastness of the nation.

Why 2 Chronicles 1:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s authority as king is not based on his own merit but on God’s promise to David, emphasizing the importance of God’s faithfulness in Israel’s history.
  • The description of the people as "like the dust of the earth" connects Solomon’s reign to earlier promises made to Abraham, showing continuity in God’s plan for Israel.
  • The verse sets the stage for Solomon’s famous request for wisdom in the following verses, highlighting his humility and awareness of the enormous responsibility he faces.

Where else these words appear

“established” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:

“dust” Hebrew H6083 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • Job 4:19 How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?
  • Psalms 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.