King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:8 Mean?

“And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.”

Context

And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

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. like: Heb. much as the dust of the earth

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David.**—Literally, *Thou, thou hast done great kindness with David.* (The regular phrase; comp. Luke 1:72.) From this point the relation here is briefer on the whole than that of Kings. The greater part of the long verse (1Kings 3:6) is omitted, and the variations between the two texts become numerous, though the general sense is the same in each. **And hast made me to reign in his stead.**—Comp. 1Kings 3:7; and the similar language of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (B.C. 681-668): “Ever since Asshur, Samas, Bel, Nebo . . . made me, Esarhaddon, sit securely on the throne of my father” (*Cuneiform Inscriptions of Western Asia,* 3:15, Colossians 2).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 1:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.