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1 Chronicles 23:1

1 Chronicles 23:1 in Multiple Translations

When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.

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

Now David was old and full of days; and he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

Now David was old and full of days; and he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

When David was old, having lived a long life, he made his son Solomon king of Israel.

So when Dauid was olde and full of dayes, he made Salomon his sonne King ouer Israel.

And David is old, and satisfied with days, and causeth his son Solomon to reign over Israel,

Now David was old and full of days; and he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

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

And David being old and full of days, made Solomon his son king over Israel.

David was a very old man [DOU] when he appointed his son Solomon to be the next king.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 23:1

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Chronicles 23:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/דָוִ֥יד זָקֵ֖ן וְ/שָׂבַ֣ע יָמִ֑ים וַ/יַּמְלֵ֛ךְ אֶת שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה בְנ֖/וֹ עַל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/דָוִ֥יד Dâvid H1732 David Conj | N-proper
זָקֵ֖ן zâqên H2204 be old V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/שָׂבַ֣ע sâbaʻ H7646 to satisfy Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יָמִ֑ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp
וַ/יַּמְלֵ֛ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 Solomon N-proper
בְנ֖/וֹ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 23:1

וְ/דָוִ֥יד Dâvid H1732 "David" Conj | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
זָקֵ֖ן zâqên H2204 "be old" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be old or become old is what this Hebrew verb means, as seen in Genesis 18:11, where Abraham and Sarah are described as aged. It can also imply showing signs of age or becoming elderly. The concept of aging is significant in biblical narratives.
Definition: 1) to be old, become old 1a) (Qal) to be old, become old 1b) (Hiphil) to grow old, show age
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: aged man, be (wax) old (man). See also: Genesis 18:12; 1 Samuel 8:5; Psalms 37:25.
וְ/שָׂבַ֣ע sâbaʻ H7646 "to satisfy" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.
Definition: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied) 1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with 1a3a) to be weary of (fig) 1b) (Piel) to satisfy 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to satisfy 1c2) to enrich 1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. See also: Exodus 16:8; Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 17:14.
יָמִ֑ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וַ/יַּמְלֵ֛ךְ mâlak H4427 "to reign" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 "Solomon" N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
בְנ֖/וֹ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 23:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — The Divisions of the Levites

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 29:28 He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.
2 1 Chronicles 28:5 And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.
3 1 Kings 1:33–39 “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ Then you shall go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. For I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.” “Amen,” replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. “May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. Just as the LORD was with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon and make his throne even greater than that of my lord King David.” Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!”
4 1 Chronicles 29:22–25 That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest. So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon. The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.
5 1 Kings 1:1 Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm.
6 1 Kings 1:30 I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”
7 Genesis 35:29 Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
8 Genesis 25:8 And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people.
9 Job 5:26 You will come to the grave in full vigor, like a sheaf of grain gathered in season.

1 Chronicles 23:1 Summary

This verse tells us that when David was old, he made his son Solomon the new king of Israel. This was a big decision, but David knew that God had chosen Solomon for this important job, just like God had chosen David to be king many years before, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13. David's decision shows that he trusted God's plan and was willing to let go of power and control, which is an important lesson for us today, as seen in Psalm 37:5, where we are reminded to trust in God and commit our ways to Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David install Solomon as king over Israel?

David installed Solomon as king because God had chosen him to succeed David, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:1-4 and 1 Chronicles 22:9-10, where God promised David that his son Solomon would build the temple and have a lasting dynasty.

What does it mean that David was 'old and full of years'?

This phrase indicates that David had lived a long and full life, and was now nearing the end of his time on earth, similar to how Abraham was described in Genesis 25:8 as being 'old and full of years' before he died.

Was it common for kings to appoint their successors in the Old Testament?

While it was not always the case, there are examples in the Old Testament where kings appointed their successors, such as how Saul's son Jonathan was initially considered to be his successor, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:31, but ultimately God had other plans.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes how David organized the Levites and prepared them for their roles in the temple, as seen in 1 Chronicles 23:2-32, and how he transferred leadership to Solomon, as seen in 1 Chronicles 28:1-5.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'full of years' in our own lives, and how can we ensure that we are living a life that is pleasing to God?
  2. How can we, like David, prepare the next generation for leadership and service to God?
  3. What are some ways that we can, like Solomon, humbly accept the responsibilities and challenges that God has given to us?
  4. How can we balance the desire to hold on to power and control with the need to pass on leadership to others, as David did with Solomon?
  5. What does this verse teach us about the importance of planning for the future and preparing for the transition of leadership?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 23:1

So when David was old and full of days,.... Perhaps was now in the last year of his age, about seventy years old, though before he was bedridden; see 1 Chronicles 28:2, he made Solomon his son king

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 23:1

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:1

1 CHAPTER 23 David maketh Solomon king, . The number and distribution of the Levites, according to their families, . Their office, . Not that he did resign the kingdom to him, but that he declared his mind concerning his succession into the throne after his death. As David himself is called king, , because he was appointed and anointed to be king after Saul’ s death, though till then he was only a subject.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:1

1 Chronicles 23:1 So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.Ver. 1. So when David was old.] Tacitis senescimus annis. Old age stealeth upon us; let us pack up our bundles, and prepare for our long home, And full of days.] Satur dierum. He had seen enough of this world, and had a satiety of life. He could better say than old Cato did, If I might become as young as ever I was, I would not accept of it. He made Solomon his son king.] This he had done before he was bedridden.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:1

(1) So when David was old and full of days.—Literally, Now David had become old and satisfied with days. (See Genesis 35:29; Job 42:17; where both terms, which are verbs here, appear as adjectives.) Perhaps our pointing is wrong. The expression “satisfied with days” reminds us of Horace, who describes the philosopher as departing this life like a satisfied guest (ut conviva satur, etc.). He made Solomon his son king.—Heb., and he made, &c. This short statement is all that the chronicler has chosen to repeat from 1 Kings 1, a narrative intimately connected with David’s family affairs, with which he is not concerned to deal. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 20, introductory remarks.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:1

CHAPTER XXIII David makes Solomon king, 1. Numbers the Levites, and appoints them their work, 2-5. The sons of Levi, Gershom, Kohath, Merari, and their descendants, 6-12. The sons of Amram, and their descendants, 13. The sons of Moses, and their descendants, 14-24. David appoints the Levites to wait on the priests for the service of the sanctuary, 25-32. NOTES ON CHAP. XXIII Verse 1. David was old and full of days] On the phrase full of days, See Clarke on Genesis 25:8.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 23:1

See the marginal references and notes. 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 give the most complete account in Scripture of the nature of the Levitical office.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:1

1. When David was old… he made Solomon his son king — This statement serves as an introduction to the account of the arrangement of the Levites which follows.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 23:1

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith The Building of the House of the Lord by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the building of the house of the Lord as described in First Chronicles. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of God's presence a
T. Austin-Sparks Recovery - Part 2 of 4 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being committed to God's purpose. He highlights the need for a specific and personal vision of God's plan in the present ti
John Johnson A Man After God's Own Heart by John Johnson John Johnson preaches about the life of David, a man after God's own heart, focusing on his choosing, anointing, and his victory over evil. He emphasizes the importance of respondi
T. Austin-Sparks God's Eternal Thought of Sonship by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that sonship is the core of God's eternal thought, illustrated through the life of Solomon, who was chosen by God to build His house. Solomon's role as
Carter Conlon Joab, Abiathar, and Adonijah by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of wickedness and self-promotion. He begins by describing the actions of those who engage in evil deeds, using the metaphor of wet
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 33:13-17 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon on Genesis 33:13, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jacob and his brother Esau. Jacob expresses concern about the safety of his family and livestock, as t
Roger Ellsworth Gathered to His People by Roger Ellsworth In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the death of Abraham and highlights a glimmer of hope found in the phrase "gathered to his people." The sermon emphasizes the inevitability

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