Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. New Living Translation And may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the LORD your God as you rule over Israel. English Standard Version Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Berean Standard Bible Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God. King James Bible Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. New King James Version Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. New American Standard Bible Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God. NASB 1995 “Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. NASB 1977 “Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Legacy Standard Bible Only Yahweh give you insight and understanding, and give you command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of Yahweh your God. Amplified Bible Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Christian Standard Bible Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when he puts you in charge of Israel so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Holman Christian Standard Bible Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in charge of Israel so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. American Standard Version Only Jehovah give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of Jehovah thy God. Contemporary English Version May he give you wisdom and knowledge, so that you can rule Israel according to his Law. English Revised Version Only the LORD give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD will give you insight and understanding as he commands you to take charge of Israel and to follow the Teachings of the LORD your God. Good News Translation And may the LORD your God give you insight and wisdom so that you may govern Israel according to his Law. International Standard Version "Only may the LORD give you discretion and understanding as he places you in charge over Israel, so you can keep the Law of the LORD your God. NET Bible Only may the LORD give you insight and understanding when he places you in charge of Israel, so you may obey the law of the LORD your God. New Heart English Bible May the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel; that so you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Webster's Bible Translation Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAbove all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God. World English Bible May Yahweh give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel, so that you may keep the law of Yahweh your God. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOnly, may YHWH give wisdom and understanding to you, and charge you concerning Israel, even to keep the Law of your God YHWH; Young's Literal Translation Only, Jehovah give to thee wisdom and understanding, and charge thee concerning Israel, even to keep the law of Jehovah thy God; Smith's Literal Translation Surely Jehovah will give to thee wisdom and understanding, and he will command thee concerning Israel, and to watch the law of Jehovah thy God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe Lord also give thee wisdom and understanding, that thou mayest be able to rule Israel, and to keep the law of the Lord thy God. Catholic Public Domain Version Also, may the Lord give you prudence and understanding, so that you may be able to rule Israel and to guard the law of the Lord your God. New American Bible But may the LORD give you prudence and discernment when he gives you command over Israel, so that you keep the law of the LORD, your God. New Revised Standard Version Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, so that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOnly may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God, just as he has commanded you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he shall give to you wisdom and prophecy, and he shall command you concerning Israel, and you shall keep the laws of LORD JEHOVAH your God, just as he has commanded you, and then you shall prosper. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Only the LORD give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Brenton Septuagint Translation Only may the Lord give thee wisdom and prudence, and strengthen thee over Israel, both to keep and to do the law of the Lord thy God. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Solomon Anointed to Build the Temple…11Now, my son, may the LORD be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as He said you would. 12Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God. 13Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.… Cross References Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. 2 Timothy 3:15 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart. 1 Kings 3:9 Therefore 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?” Philippians 1:9-10 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Luke 21:15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Treasury of Scripture Only the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Only the 1 Kings 3:9-12 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? … 2 Chronicles 1:10 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? Psalm 72:1 A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. that thou mayest Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 1 Kings 11:1-10 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; … Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Jump to Previous Charge Command Discretion Gives Grant Israel Law Mayest Puts Understanding WisdomJump to Next Charge Command Discretion Gives Grant Israel Law Mayest Puts Understanding Wisdom1 Chronicles 22 1. David, foreknowing the place of the temple, prepares abundance for building it.6. He instructs Solomon in God's promises, and his duty in building the temple. 17. He charges the princes to assist his son Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding This phrase emphasizes the primacy of divine wisdom over human knowledge. In the biblical context, wisdom and understanding are gifts from God, as seen in Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. Insight and understanding are crucial for leadership, especially in governing God's people. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding," highlighting the divine source of true wisdom. when He puts you in command over Israel so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who is preparing his son Solomon to build the temple. He is speaking to Solomon in this passage. 2. Solomon The son of David, who is chosen to build the temple. David is advising him on how to lead Israel. 3. Israel The nation over which Solomon will reign. The people of God who are to follow the law of the LORD. 4. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who provides wisdom and understanding to those who seek Him. 5. The Law of the LORD The commandments and statutes given by God, which Solomon is to keep as he leads Israel. Teaching Points The Source of WisdomTrue wisdom and understanding come from God. We must seek Him earnestly to lead effectively in any capacity. The Role of Leadership Leadership is a divine responsibility that requires adherence to God's laws. Leaders should prioritize God's commandments in their decision-making. The Importance of Obedience Keeping God's law is central to successful leadership and personal life. Obedience to God brings blessings and guidance. Prayer for Insight Like Solomon, we should pray for insight and understanding, especially when faced with significant responsibilities. Legacy of Faithfulness David's charge to Solomon highlights the importance of passing on a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 22:12?2. How can we seek God's wisdom and understanding as David advised Solomon? 3. Why is obedience to God's law crucial for success, as in 1 Chronicles 22:12? 4. How does 1 Chronicles 22:12 connect with James 1:5 about seeking wisdom? 5. What steps can you take to ensure you "keep the law of the LORD"? 6. How does Solomon's charge in 1 Chronicles 22:12 apply to Christian leadership today? 7. How does 1 Chronicles 22:12 emphasize the importance of wisdom and understanding in leadership? 8. What role does divine guidance play in the success of Solomon's reign according to 1 Chronicles 22:12? 9. How does 1 Chronicles 22:12 reflect the relationship between God and human responsibility? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 22? 11. Why does 2 Kings 21 omit any mention of Manasseh's repentance, which appears in 2 Chronicles 33? 12. In 1 Chronicles 28:3, why would a God of peace forbid David from building the temple simply because he had shed blood, yet historically use wars and conquests to establish Israel? 13. In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence? 14. What is the order of the Bible's books? What Does 1 Chronicles 22:12 Mean Above allDavid opens with a phrase that sets priority: “Above all.” Everything that follows is elevated to first place in Solomon’s agenda. In Scripture, God often highlights the supremacy of certain commands—“Love the LORD your God with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5) and “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). By beginning here, David reminds Solomon—and us—that leadership, projects, and even the temple itself will succeed only when God’s will is placed at the top of the list. may the LORD give you insight and understanding Wisdom is not self-generated; it is a gift. David petitions the LORD to supply Solomon with the mental and spiritual capacity needed for the throne, echoing James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” Years earlier, God had granted Joseph “wisdom and very great insight” (1 Kings 4:29), and later He would answer Solomon’s own request in 1 Kings 3:9. Notice the dual terms: insight (perception of truth) and understanding (ability to apply it). Together they shape a ruler who judges righteously (Proverbs 2:6-9) and shepherds God’s people well (Psalm 78:72). when He puts you in command over Israel The throne is not seized; it is bestowed. David assumes God’s sovereignty in leadership transitions (Psalm 75:6-7). Solomon will sit “in command” only because the LORD “puts” him there, echoing Romans 13:1: “There is no authority except from God.” This reality protects against pride and fuels dependence. It also reassures the people that their king is God-appointed, just as Saul had been chosen (1 Samuel 10:24) and David anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God The ultimate purpose of God-given wisdom and position is obedience. Kings were required to write their own copy of the Law and read it daily “so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and to carefully observe all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). True insight always leads to faithful practice (Psalm 119:97-100; John 14:15). For Solomon, wise rule would manifest in justice, worship, and covenant loyalty. For us, whatever authority or insight God grants is meant to drive us toward living out His Word in tangible ways. summary 1 Chronicles 22:12 presses three truths: God must rank first, wisdom comes from Him, and every ounce of that wisdom is meant to fuel obedience. Leadership is stewardship under the sovereign hand of the Lord, and genuine success is measured by faithfulness to His Law. (12) Only the Lord give thee wisdom.--Better, at least may the Lord give, &c.; restricting the wish to one supremely important point. (For Solomon's wisdom, comp. 1Kings 3:9-15.)And give thee charge concerning Israel.--Rather, and appoint thee over Israel (2Samuel 7:11). Solomon had been indicated as David's successor, and David intended it so; yet his wish and prayer for the Divine ratification of this Divine appointment was by no means superfluous, unless Solomon were exempt from human liability to err. That thou mayest keep.--Rather, and mayest thou keep (the infinitive construct): a favourite continuative construction with the chronicler. Verse 12. - The father's prayer for the son, and in his hearing, will have often recurred to the memory of Solomon, and may have been the germ of the son's own prayer, which "pleased the Lord" (1 Kings 3:5-14; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Above all,אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ) Adverb Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely may the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel give יִֽתֶּן־ (yit·ten-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set you insight שֵׂ֣כֶל (śê·ḵel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7922: Intelligence, success and understanding וּבִינָ֔ה (ū·ḇî·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 998: An understanding when He puts you in command וִֽיצַוְּךָ֖ (wî·ṣaw·wə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc so that you may keep וְלִשְׁמ֕וֹר (wə·liš·mō·wr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to the law תּוֹרַ֖ת (tō·w·raṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law of the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God. אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Links 1 Chronicles 22:12 NIV1 Chronicles 22:12 NLT 1 Chronicles 22:12 ESV 1 Chronicles 22:12 NASB 1 Chronicles 22:12 KJV 1 Chronicles 22:12 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 22:12 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 22:12 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 22:12 French Bible 1 Chronicles 22:12 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 22:12 May Yahweh give you discretion and understanding (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |