1 Kings 3:7
1 Kings 3:7 in Multiple Translations
And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.
And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
And now, O Jehovah my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in.
And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in the place of David my father; and I am only a young boy, with no knowledge of how to go out or come in.
Now, Lord God, you have made me king in place of my father David. But I am like an inexperienced young boy who doesn't know what to do.
And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy seruant King in steade of Dauid my father: and I am but a yong childe, and know not howe to go out and in.
And now, O Jehovah my God, Thou hast caused thy servant to reign instead of David my father; and I [am] a little child, I do not know to go out and to come in;
Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father. I am just a little child. I don’t know how to go out or come in.
And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
And now, O Lord God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a child, and know not how to go out and come in.
“Now, Yahweh my God, you have appointed me to be the king like my father was. But I am very young, like a little child [MET]. I do not know how to lead/rule my people at all [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 3:7
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 Kings 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּה֙
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהָ֔/י
אַתָּה֙
הִמְלַ֣כְתָּ
אֶֽת
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֔
תַּ֖חַת
דָּוִ֣ד
אָבִ֑/י
וְ/אָֽנֹכִי֙
נַ֣עַר
קָטֹ֔ן
לֹ֥א
אֵדַ֖ע
צֵ֥את
וָ/בֹֽא
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהָ֔/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
הִמְלַ֣כְתָּ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֔
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
דָּוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אָבִ֑/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אָֽנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Conj | Pron
נַ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
קָטֹ֔ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Adj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֵדַ֖ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
צֵ֥את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Inf-a
וָ/בֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 3:7
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהָ֔/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
הִמְלַ֣כְתָּ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
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.
אֶֽת
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.
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֔
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
דָּוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
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.
אָבִ֑/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/אָֽנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Conj | Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
נַ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
קָטֹ֔ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵדַ֖ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
צֵ֥את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
וָ/בֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 3:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:7
- Sermons on 1 Kings 3:7
Context — Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom
5One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”
6Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.
8Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. 9Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 29:1 | Then King David said to the whole assembly, “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great because this palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. |
| 2 | Numbers 27:17 | who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 1:6 | “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” |
| 4 | Matthew 18:3–4 | “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. |
| 5 | John 10:3–4 | The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. |
| 6 | John 10:9 | I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 5:2 | Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” |
| 8 | Daniel 5:18 | As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. |
| 9 | Daniel 5:21 | He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. |
| 10 | Psalms 121:8 | The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. |
1 Kings 3:7 Summary
In 1 Kings 3:7, Solomon is saying that even though God has made him king, he feels like a young and inexperienced leader who doesn't know what to do. He's being humble and honest about his limitations, which is an important quality for any leader, as seen in Proverbs 22:4. This reminds us that it's okay to admit when we don't know something and to ask for help, just like Solomon asked God for wisdom (as he will in 1 Kings 3:9). By acknowledging our own weaknesses and limitations, we can, like Solomon, demonstrate our dependence on God and seek His guidance and wisdom in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 25:4-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when Solomon says he is 'only a little child' in 1 Kings 3:7?
Solomon is expressing his humility and recognition of his inexperience as a leader, similar to Moses' sentiment in Exodus 3:11, where he says 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?'
Is Solomon's statement about not knowing how to 'go out or come in' a literal or figurative expression?
This phrase is likely a figurative expression of Solomon's feeling of inadequacy and uncertainty about how to navigate his new role as king, as seen in other biblical leaders like Jeremiah, who expressed similar feelings in Jeremiah 1:6
How does Solomon's acknowledgment of his limitations relate to his request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9?
Solomon's recognition of his own limitations and weaknesses leads him to ask God for an 'understanding heart' to govern God's people, demonstrating his dependence on God's guidance and wisdom, as emphasized in Proverbs 1:7
What can we learn from Solomon's humble attitude in 1 Kings 3:7?
We can learn the importance of humility and recognition of our own limitations, as seen in Solomon's example, and strive to cultivate a similar attitude of dependence on God, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like a 'little child', unsure of how to navigate or make decisions?
- How can I, like Solomon, acknowledge my limitations and weaknesses, and ask God for wisdom and guidance?
- In what ways can I demonstrate humility and dependence on God in my daily life, as Solomon did in this verse?
- What are some ways I can seek God's wisdom and understanding, as Solomon requested in 1 Kings 3:9, and how can I apply that wisdom to my life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 3:7
And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father,.... Removed by death, in whose stead he reigned by the appointment of God, and through his overruling providence,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 3:7
And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:7
I am but a little child; so he was in years; not as if he were now but twelve years old, as many gather from this name of child; for that name is given to Ishmael when eighteen years old, ,15, and to Rehoboam when forty-one years old, , where the word is the same in the Hebrew; and before this time David calls him a wise man, : but he was now not above twenty years old; and withal, (which he principally intends,) he was raw and unexperienced, as a child, in state affairs, and altogether unfit for so hard a task. To go out or come in, i.e. to govern my people, and manage affairs, as that phrase signifies, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:7
1 Kings 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.Ver. 7. And I am but a little child.] So he seemed to himself; though his father counted and called him a wise man, even before that wonderful increase of his wisdom after David’ s death. See the like modesty in Agur, that great wise man. I know not how to go out or come in,] i.e., To sway this massy sceptre, to rule this great people. An allusion to captains or shepherds, or, as some think, to a little child who learneth of his mother to go out and come into the house. Vatab. A Lapide.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:7
Verse 7. I know not how to go out or come in.] I am just like an infant learning to walk alone, and can neither go out nor come in without help.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 3:7
7. I am but a little child] This is a form of expression meant to indicate want of experience, but cannot be pressed literally. What Solomon’s age may have been we have very imperfect data for judging. The ordinary chronology puts the murder of Uriah about twenty years before David’s death. If this be correct Solomon might be at this time 17 or 18 years old. Bunsen (Bibelwerk) says 22. to go out or come in] This expression of going out and coming in is frequent in one form or another for the manner of leading one’s life, and engaging in one’s proper duties. So Joshua uses it (1 Kings 14:11) of his fitness for the leadership of Israel. Moses (Deuteronomy 31:2) when he is speaking of his growing age, says he can no more go out and come in.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 3:7
See 1 Kings 2:2 note, and on the hyperbole contained in the phrase “little child,” compare Genesis 43:8; Exodus 33:11. How to go out or come in - This expression is proverbial for the active conduct of affairs.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:7
7. I am but a little child — His exact age at this time is not known, but he was evidently still a youth, probably not more than twenty years of age. David, in his old age, spoke of him as “young and tender.” 1 Chronicles 29:1.
Sermons on 1 Kings 3:7
| Sermon | Description | |
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Knowing God's Will by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the certainty of God's guidance for His children. He highlights that God is revealed as a shepherd and a father in the Bible, guiding His pe |
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A Hearing Heart (Part 2) by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of having a 'hearing heart' that is both understanding and obedient to God's will, drawing from Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3. |
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Will You Miss the Coming Revival? by David Smithers | David Smithers preaches about the anticipation of a mighty move of God, emphasizing the need for the Church to be empowered and purified for Christ's sake and service in preparatio |
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David - the Father by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the discovery of a stone with a mark on it, which suddenly takes on new meaning and significance. The speaker then mentions a brilliant lawyer |
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Reason for Leaving Gig Harbor by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill shares his personal journey of faith and the divine guidance he has received throughout his life, culminating in his decision to leave his pastoral role in Gig Harb |
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Jeremiah the Man of Sorrows by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of young people preparing for the mission field and the focus on success rather than serving God. He emphasizes the need for a high s |
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The Vision of God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Isaiah chapter 6, where Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord asking who will go and be sent by Him. The speaker emphasizes the need for servant |