King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 23:1 Mean?

1 Chronicles 23:1 in the King James Version says “So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.”

1 Chronicles 23:1 · KJV

Context

1

So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

2

And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.

3

Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.

Read 1 Chronicles 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Ordered worship according to divine pattern. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Priesthood of all believers under Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Levitical divisions and temple service organization occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Ordered worship according to divine pattern challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Priesthood of all believers under Christ teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְדָוִ֥יד1 of 10

“So when David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

זָקֵ֖ן2 of 10

“was old”

H2204

to be old

וְשָׂבַ֣ע3 of 10

“and full”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

יָמִ֑ים4 of 10

“of days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַיַּמְלֵ֛ךְ5 of 10

“king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֶת6 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה7 of 10

“he made Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְנ֖וֹ8 of 10

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַל9 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃10 of 10

“over Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 23:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 23:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 29:281 Chronicles 28:51 Kings 1:33-391 Chronicles 29:22-251 Kings 1:11 Kings 1:30

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1 Chronicles 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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