FocusWisdom, worship, and wealth
1 Kings 9:5
KJVThen I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's wisdom, building projects, prayer, and wealth develop the kingdom's strength and the temple's place in Israel's life.
- 9:1 And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,
- 9:2 That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.
- 9:3 And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
- 9:4 And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:
- 9:5 Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.
- 9:6 But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:
- 9:7 Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:
- 9:8 And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?
- 9:9 And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 9:1–9:28): The LORD addresses Solomon concerning the temple and covenant faithfulness. The later notices concern Solomon, Hiram, and the royal labor and building arrangements. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The LORD’s Response to Solomon. Read 1 Kings 9:1 through 1 Kings 9:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's wisdom, building projects, prayer, and wealth develop the kingdom's strength and the temple's place in Israel's life. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins in David's last days, follows Solomon's reign, and continues into the divided kingdoms and the ministries associated with Elijah. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and the temple are central early; later events move through Judah, the northern kingdom, and neighboring regions. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The LORD’s Response to Solomon (1 Kings 9:1 to 1 Kings 9:9). Start reading at 1 Kings 9:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus refers to Solomon's wisdom while declaring that a greater than Solomon is present. The comparison directs attention to Jesus without endorsing Solomon's later unfaithfulness. See 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Distinguish outward prosperity and impressive religious buildings from covenant faithfulness. Attend to the reasons the narrative gives for its evaluations of kings and prophets. interpretation
Cited: 1 Kings 9:1, 1 Kings 9:9, 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42
Who wrote it, and how we know
Other accounts of this event
The LORD's response to Solomon
Parallel accounts
Related passages
- I will establish 1 Kgs 2:4 1 Kgs 6:12 1 Kgs 8:15,20 2 Sam 7:12,16 1 Chr 22:9-10 Ps 89:28-39 Ps 132:11-12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 9
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
Solomon’s Additional Achievements
1 Kings 9:10–28FocusWisdom, worship, and wealth
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
Succession to David
1 Kings 1:1–2:46FocusSolomon's throne secured
FocusWisdom, worship, and wealth
The kingdom divided
1 Kings 11:1–16:34FocusUnfaithfulness and rival kingdoms
Prophetic confrontation and royal choices
1 Kings 17:1–22:53FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.