Solomon sat on David his father’s throne; and his kingdom was firmly established.
Parallel Translations
-
Solomon sat on David his father’s throne; and his kingdom was firmly established.
-
Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
-
And Solomon sat upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established firmly.
Cross-references (8)
Passages linked to 1 Kings 2:12 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- 2 Chronicles 1:1 Solomon the son of David was firmly established in his kingdom, and Yahweh his God was with him, and made him exceedingly great.
- 1 Chronicles 29:23-25 Then Solomon sat on the throne of Yahweh as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. All the princes, the mighty men, and also all of the sons of king David submitted themselves to Solomon the king. Yahweh magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and gave to him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13 When your days are fulfilled, and you sleep with your fathers, I will set up your offspring after you, who will proceed out of your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
- 2 Samuel 7:29 Now therefore let it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, Lord Yahweh, have spoken it. Let the house of your servant be blessed forever with your blessing.”
- 1 Kings 1:46 Also, Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom.
- Psalms 72:8-20 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth. Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yes, all kings shall fall down before him. All nations shall serve him. For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper. He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight. They shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba. Men shall pray for him continually. They shall bless him all day long. Abundance of grain shall be throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field. His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed. Praise be to Yahweh God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen. This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse.
- Psalms 89:36-37 His offspring will endure forever, his throne like the sun before me. It will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.”
- Psalms 132:12 If your children will keep my covenant, my testimony that I will teach them, their children also will sit on your throne forever more.”
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (13 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Private notes
Saved on this device only — never synced or sent anywhere.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 1Ki 2:12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of…
1Ki 2:12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
Ver. 12. And his kingdom was established greatly,] sc., After that he had cut off those three arch-rebels Joab, Adonijah, and Shimei.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Being settled upon him with universal consent and approbation,…
Being settled upon him with universal consent and approbation, and with the hearty affections of his people, which all wise men know to be a prince’s best and surest establishment.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain Here is, I. Solomon's accession to the throne, Kg1…
Here is, I. Solomon's accession to the throne, Kg1 2:12. He came to it much more easily and peaceably than David did, and much sooner saw his government established. It is happy for a kingdom when the end of one good reign is the beginning of another, as it was here.
II. His just and necessary removal of Adonijah his rival, in order to the establishment of his throne. Adonijah had made some bold pretensions to the crown, but was soon obliged to let them fail and throw himself upon Solomon's mercy, who dismissed him upon his good behaviour, and, had he been easy, he might have been safe. But here we have him betraying himself into the hands of Solomon's justice, and falling by it, the righteous God leaving him to himself, that he might be punished for his former treason and that Solomon's throne might be established. Many thus ruin themselves, because they know not when they are well off, or well done to; and sinners, by presuming on God's patience, treasure up wrath to themselves. Now observe,
Read full note →
1. Adonijah's treasonable project, which was to marry Abishag, David's concubine, not because he was in love with her, but because, by her, he hoped to renew his claim to the crown, which might stand him in stead, or because it was then looked upon as a branch of the government to have the wives of the predecessor, Sa2 12:8. Absalom thought his pretensions much supported by lying with his father's concubines. Adonijah flatters himself that if he may succeed him in his bed, especially with the best of his wives, he may by that means step up to succeed him in his throne. Restless and turbulent spirits reach high. It was but a small game to play at, as it should seem, yet he hoped to make it an after-game for the kingdom, and now to gain that by a wife which he could not gain by force.
2. The means he used to compass this. he durst not make suit to Abishag immediately (he knew she was at Solomon's disposal, and he would justly resent it if his consent were not first obtained, as even Ishbosheth did, in a like case, Sa2 3:7), nor durst he himself apply immediately to Solomon, knowing that he lay under his displeasure; but he engaged Bathsheba to be his friend in this matter, who would be forward to believe it a matter of love, and not apt to suspect it a matter of policy. Bathsheba was surprised to see Adonijah in her apartment, and asked him if he did not come with a design to do her a mischief, because she had been instrumental to crush his late attempt. "No," says he, "I come peaceably (Kg1 2:13), and to beg a favour" (Kg1 2:14), that she would use the great interest she had in her son to gain his consent, that he might marry Abishag (Kg1 2:16, Kg1 2:17), and, if he may but obtain this, he will thankfully accept it, (1.) As a compensation for his loss of the kingdom. He insinuates (Kg1 2:15), "Thou knowest the kingdom was mine, as my father's eldest son, living at the time of his death, and all Israel set their faces on me." This was false; they were but a few that he had on his side; yet thus he would represent himself as an object of compassion, that had been deprived of a crown, and therefore might well be gratified in a wife. If he may not inherit his father's throne, yet let him have something valuable that was his father's, to keep for his sake, and let it be Abishag. (2.) As his reward for his acquiescence in that loss. He owns Solomon's right to the kingdom: "It was his from the Lord. I was foolish in offering to contest it; and now that it is turned about to him I am satisfied." Thus he pretends to be well pleased with Solomon's accession to the throne, when he is doing all he can to give him disturbance. His words were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart.
3. Bathsheba's address to Solomon on his behalf. She promised to speak to the king for him (Kg1 2:18) and did so, Kg1 2:19. Solomon received her with all the respect that was due to a mother, though he himself was a king: He rose up to meet her, bowed himself to her, and caused her to sit on his right hand, according to the law of the fifth commandment. Children, not only when grown up, but when grown great, must give honour to their parents, and behave dutifully and respectfully towards them. Despise not thy mother when she is old. As a further instance of the deference he paid to his mother's wisdom and authority, when he understood she had a petition to present to him, he promised not to say her nay, a promise which both he and she understood with this necessary limitation, provided it be just and reasonable and fit to be granted; but, if it were otherwise, he was sure he should convince her that it was so, and that then she would withdraw it. She tells him her errand at last (Kg1 2:21): Let Abishag be given to Adonijah thy brother. It was strange that she did not suspect the treason, but more strange that she did not abhor the incest, that was in the proposal. But either she did not take Abishag to be David's wife, because the marriage was not consummated, or she thought it might be dispensed with to gratify Adonijah, in consideration of his tame submission to Solomon. This was her weakness and folly: it was well that she was not regent. Note, Those that have the ear of princes and great men, as it is their wisdom not to be too prodigal of their interest, so it is their duty never to use it for the assistance of sin or the furtherance of any wicked design. Let not princes be asked that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad request or appear in a bad cause.
4. Solomon's just and judicious rejection of the request. Though his mother herself was the advocate, and called it a small petition, and perhaps it was the first she had troubled him with since he was king, yet he denied it, without violation of the general promise he had made, Kg1 2:20. If Herod had not had a mind to cut off John Baptist's head, he would not have thought himself obliged to do it by a general promise, like this, made to Herodias. The best friend we have in the world must not have such an interest in us as to bring us to do a wrong thing, either unjust or unwise. (1.) Solomon convinces his mother of the unreasonableness of the request, and shows her the tendency of it, which, before, she was not aware of. His reply is somewhat sharp: "Ask for him the kingdom also, Kg1 2:22. To ask that he may succeed the king in his bed is, in effect, to ask that he may succeed him in his throne; for that is it he aims at." Probably he had information, or cause for a strong suspicion, that Adonijah was plotting with Joab and Abiathar to give him disturbance, which warranted him to put this construction upon Adonijah's request. (2.) He convicts and condemns Adonijah for his pretensions, and both with an oath. He convicts him out of his own mouth, Kg1 2:23. His own tongue shall fall upon him; and a heavier load a man needs not fall under. Bathsheba may be imposed upon, but Solomon cannot; he plainly sees what Adonijah aims at, and concludes, "He has spoken this word against his own life; he is snared in the words of his own lips; now he shows what he would be at." He condemns him to die immediately: He shall be put to death this day, Kg1 2:24. God had himself declared with an oath that he would establish David's throne (Psa 89:35), and therefore Solomon pledges the same assurance to secure that establishment, by cutting off the enemies of it. "As God liveth, that establisheth the government, Adonijah shall die, that would unsettle it." Thus the ruin of the enemies of Christ's kingdom is as sure as the stability of his kingdom, and both are as sure as the being and life of God, the founder of it. The warrant is immediately signed for his execution, and no less a man than Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, general of the army, is ordered to be the executioner, Kg1 2:25. It is strange that Adonijah may not be heard to speak for himself: but Solomon's wisdom did not see it needful to examine the matter any further; it was plain enough that Adonijah aimed at the crown, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived. Ambitious turbulent spirits commonly prepare for themselves the instruments of death. Many a head has been lost by catching at a crown.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Then sat Solomon on the throne of David his…
Then sat Solomon on the throne of David his father,.... So he did in his lifetime, with his consent, and by his order, and now by the agreement of the whole people:
and his kingdom was established greatly; all submitting to it, and none opposing it.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain 1Ki 2:12. Then sat Solomon upon the throne, &c.…
1Ki 2:12. Then sat Solomon upon the throne, &c. — The kingdom was settled upon him with universal consent and approbation. His kingdom was established — He had the hearty affections of his people, which all men know to be a prince’s best and surest establishment.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain The “establishment” of the kingdom here intended is probably…
The “establishment” of the kingdom here intended is probably its universal acceptance both by the tribe of Judah and the other Israelites.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain Sat, exercising the same authority, as he had done…
Sat, exercising the same authority, as he had done in his father’s life-time, chap. i. 53. (Calmet) (St. Augustine, de C.[City of God?] xvii. 8.) (Salien, the year before Christ 1033.) --- The public assembly of Israel, convoked by David, had already sworn fidelity to him, 1 Paralipomenon xxviii. 1. (Haydock)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain SOLOMON SUCCEEDS HIM. (Kg1 2:12-24)
SOLOMON SUCCEEDS HIM. (Kg1 2:12-24)
Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father--His ascension to the royal dignity was made under the happiest auspices. Having been born after his father became monarch of the whole kingdom, his claim, according to the notions of Oriental people, was preferable to that of all, even his elder brothers. The Hebrew kingdom enjoyed internal prosperity; it was respected and renowned abroad, and Solomon well knew how to improve these advantages.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain FALL OF ADONIJAH, 1Ki_2:12-25.
FALL OF ADONIJAH, 1Ki_2:12-25.
12. His (Solomon’s) kingdom was established greatly — By the fact that he was chosen of God, and inaugurated and anointed in his father’s lifetime, and instructed by the wise counsels of David. He was also confirmed in his kingdom, as the writer proceeds to show, by the destruction of those who had conspired against him, and were at heart his enemies. Adonijah, Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei could not be trusted; and the kingdom was not safe with them at liberty. So the sacred writer at once informs us how these dangerous persons were taken out of the way.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (12) His kingdom was established greatly.—From the notice in…
(12) His kingdom was established greatly.—From the notice in the closing verse of the chapter, that after the deaths of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and the degradation of Abiathar, “the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon,” it would seem that, under the smooth surface of apparent loyalty, there lurked some elements of disaffection and danger—perhaps aggravated by enmity from without; for we gather from 1Ki_11:14-25 that the death of David was the signal for some attempts at rebellion in the conquered nations. But these are apparently crushed without the slightest effort, though with no little fierceness and severity; and the royalty of Solomon rises at once to a colossal greatness.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain And Solomon sate on the throne of David his…
ADONIJAH"S INTRIGUE.
And Solomon sate on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom i.e., dominion, sway was established greatly. (Cf. 2Ch_1:1, 2Ch_1:2) This verse serves as a kind of heading or introduction to the rest of the chapter. It was principally by the removal of rivals and disaffected persons that his sway was established.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain 1. The Righteous judgment of Solomon
II. SOLOMON’S GLORIOUS REIGN. HIS FAILURE AND END
1. The Righteous judgment of Solomon
Read full note →
CHAPTER 2:12-46)
1. Solomon upon the throne (1Ki 2:12)
2. Adonijah’s request (1Ki 2:13-18)
3. Bath-sheba before Solomon (1Ki 2:19-21)
4. Solomon’s answer and sentence upon Adonijah (1Ki 2:22-24)
5. Adonijah executed (1Ki 2:25)
6. Abiathar thrust out (1Ki 2:26-27)
7. Joab and Shimei executed (1Ki 2:28-46)
“Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.” Solomon and his glorious reign foreshadows the reign of that greater Son of David, our Lord, in whom the covenant promise made to David will be fully accomplished. The section which begins with the statement of Solomon’s enthronement is deeply interesting and full of the richest typical and prophetic meaning. Solomon’s righteous judgments, his wisdom, his reign in peace, but especially the building of the temple foreshadow Him who will ere long receive the throne and build the temple of the LORD (Zec 6:13). Inasmuch as the critics reject the literal fulfilment of the oath-bound Davidic covenant and the prophetic foreshadowing of the recorded events, they also condemn Solomon’s righteous judgment which occupies the foreground of his reign. We quote from one of these critics: “The reign of Solomon began with a threefold deed of blood. An eastern King surrounded by the many princes of a polygamous family, and liable to endless jealousies and plots, is always in a condition of unstable equilibrium; the death of a rival is regarded as his only safe imprisonment” (Canon Farrar). In such statements God’s governmental ways in righteousness and retribution are entirely ignored.
Adonijah the wicked rebel on probation visits Bath-sheba. He acknowledges freely that the Lord had given the Kingdom to his brother. Then he desired that Bath-sheba should ask her son Solomon to give Abishag the Shunammite to him as wife (1:3). Bath-sheba was completely won by the pathetic plea of Adonijah and did not discover the wicked plot which was hidden beneath his request. Beautiful is the reverence which Solomon showed to his mother. He arose from his throne, he bowed himself unto her, (the Septuagint version reads “he kissed her”) and he made her sit on his right hand. How he honored and loved her! It may foreshadow the love of Him for the believing remnant of Israel, His beloved people, who will have a share in His coming Kingdom. When Bath-sheba states Adonijah’s request the keen discernment and wisdom of Solomon are at once apparent. “And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.” Adonijah’s request was a scheme to obtain the kingdom. Most likely it was concocted by Abiathar and Joab. To many a deceased king’s wife or concubine was, according to Oriental customs, paramount with claiming the rights of the king (2Sa 12:8; 2Sa 16:21-22). Now Abishag was not the wife of David in the sense of the word, yet she must have been considered as belonging to the departed king. Had Solomon granted the request he would have hopelessly degraded himself in the eyes of the people (2Sa 2:7). Adonijah aimed by this cunning scheme at the throne of Solomon and attempted to obtain the kingdom. Then Solomon pronounced judgment, which Adonijah fully deserved. He was put to death that day. It has been suggested by certain critics that Solomon had a more selfish, carnal reason for putting his elder brother to death. “If, as seems almost certain,” declares a higher critic, “Abishag is the fair Shulamite of the Song of Songs, there can be little doubt that Solomon himself loved her, and that she was the jewel of his seraglio.” But there is absolutely no evidence that Abishag is identical with Shulamite; nor does Jewish tradition sustain such a theory. It is a mere supposition.
Abiathar is next dealt with. His life is spared but Solomon thrusts him out of the priesthood, thus fulfilling the word of the Lord concerning the house of Eli (1Sa 2:31-36). Zadok becomes exclusively priest (verse 35). Joab and Shimei are both executed. Though Joab caught hold of the horns of the altar it did not save him; he paid now by a just retribution for the wicked deeds he had done. Shimei was commanded to remain in Jerusalem; disobedience would mean certain death. When he disobeyed, the sentence of death was executed upon him. And here we have another glimpse of the government of the kingdom in the coming age. In the present age grace reigns through righteousness; in the kingdom age, when the Lord rules over all, righteousness reigns. Disobedience will be swiftly met by judgment as it was with Shimei.
Arno C. Gaebelein, The Annotated Bible (1913–1922) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain Adonijah Forfeits his Life
Adonijah Forfeits his Life
v. 12. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David, his father, having been acknowledged by a second anointing, which took place in the presence of all the representatives of the people; and his kingdom was established greatly, confirmed in a manner which caused all his enemies to abandon hope against him.
Read full note →
v. 13. And Adonijah, the son of Haggith, who had by no means abandoned his intention of possessing the kingdom, came to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, hoping to reach his object through the influence of this woman. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? Past experience had made her cautious. And he said, Peaceably, feigning friendship and concealing his real purpose throughout.
v. 14. He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee, thus flattering her by asking her advice and making her his unwitting ally. And she said, Say on.
v. 15. And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that, all Israel set their faces on me, a rather daring assertion, that I should reign; howbeit, the kingdom is turned about and is become my brother’s; for it was his from the Lord. He proceeded from the assumption that he, as the eldest living prince, would have been the logical successor of David, but shrewdly covered his intention by the pious remark that the present state of affairs was due to Jehovah’s disposition of matters.
v. 16. And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not, literally, "Turn not away my face," namely, in an unwilling refusal. And she said unto him, Say on.
v. 17. And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay, this probability being the basis of his entire plan,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife, the plea being, of course, that he honestly loved her.
v. 18. And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king. She may have thought that the discontent of Adonijah would be removed by the granting of this request, and the kingdom thus made more secure for her son.
v. 19. Bathsheba therefore went unto King Solomon to speak unto him for Adonijah, to prefer Adonijah’s request. And the king, mindful of the reverence due to parents according to the Fourth Commandment, rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand. This was a very high distinction, and Solomon’s conduct might well be emulated by young people in our days, who have apparently forgotten what honoring of their parents requires of them.
v. 20. Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. She evidently thought only of the love-affair in the matter, the political aspect having entirely escaped her. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother; for I will not say thee nay. A small favor he was willing to grant in advance.
v. 21. And she said, let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah, thy brother, to wife. Bathsheba overlooked the fact that he who took one of the king’s wives thereby put in a claim to the throne; for Abishag was a member of David’s harem, being looked on by the entire nation as David’s last wife, even if he had not known her.
v. 22. And King Solomon, who immediately saw through the intrigue of Adonijah and was fully aware of the consequences, answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother, who might base his claim on that fact; even for him and for Abiathar, the priest, and for Joab, the son of Zeruiah, the two men who had sided with Adonijah in his rebellion.
v. 23. Then King Solomon, upon whom it now dawned that Adonijah had tried to use his mother as his tool, sware by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. The meaning of the oath is that the continual punishment of God should strike him, if he did not carry out the death-sentence upon Adonijah for this trickery on his part.
v. 24. Now, therefore, as the Lord liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David, my father, and who hath made me an house, given him a son and thus established his family, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day, having forfeited his life by this new attempt against the king.
v. 25. And King Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died, he carried out the sentence of execution. If men, after having repented and received forgiveness of sins, deliberately and maliciously fall back into their former transgressions, they must expect to be punished for all their crimes.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.