1 Chronicles 23:1
New International Version
When David was old and full of years, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

New Living Translation
When David was an old man, he appointed his son Solomon to be king over Israel.

English Standard Version
When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

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

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

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

New American Standard Bible
Now when David reached old age, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

NASB 1995
Now when David reached old age, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

NASB 1977
Now when David reached old age, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now David became old and full of days, and he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

Amplified Bible
When David reached old age, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
When David was old and full of days, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When David was old and full of days, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.

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

Contemporary English Version
David was old when he chose his son Solomon to be king of Israel.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When David had grown old and had lived out his years, he made his son Solomon king of Israel.

Good News Translation
When David was very old, he made his son Solomon king of Israel.

International Standard Version
After David had reached old age, and had completed his reign, he set his son Solomon as king over Israel.

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

NET Bible
When David was old and approaching the end of his life, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

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

Webster's Bible Translation
So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

World English Bible
Now David was old and full of days; and he made Solomon his son king over Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David was old and satisfied with days, and he causes his son Solomon to reign over Israel,

Young's Literal Translation
And David is old, and satisfied with days, and causeth his son Solomon to reign over Israel,

Smith's Literal Translation
And David was old and full of days, and he will make Solomon his son king over Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David being old and full of days, made Solomon his son king over Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then David, being old and full of days, appointed his son Solomon as king over Israel.

New American Bible
When David had grown old and was near the end of his days, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
When David was old and full of days, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
WHEN David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David was old and his days full, and he established Solomon his son in the kingdom over Israel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now David was old and full of days; and he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David was old and full of days; and he made Solomon his son king over Israel in his stead.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Divisions of the Levites
1When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel. 2Then he gathered all the leaders of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites.…

Cross References
1 Kings 1:28-40
Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him. / And the king swore an oath, saying, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, / 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.” ...

1 Kings 2:1-12
As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, / “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. / And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn, ...

1 Kings 1:11-27
Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? / Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. / Go at once to King David and say, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant, “Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ ...

1 Kings 1:5-10
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. ...

1 Kings 1:41-53
Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn. “Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab. / As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.” / “Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king. ...

1 Kings 1:1-4
Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. / So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.” / Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. ...

1 Kings 1:32-37
Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. / “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!’ ...

1 Kings 1:38-40
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!” / All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound.

1 Kings 1:50-53
But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” ...

1 Kings 2:10-12
Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. / The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. / So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.

1 Kings 2:15
“You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD.

1 Kings 2:22
King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”

1 Kings 2:24
And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!”

1 Kings 2:33
Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”

1 Kings 2:46
Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.


Treasury of Scripture

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

A.

1 Chronicles 29:28
And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.

Genesis 25:8
Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

Genesis 35:29
And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

he made

1 Chronicles 28:5
And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

1 Chronicles 29:22-25
And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest…

1 Kings 1:33-39
The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: …

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1 Chronicles 23
1. David in his old age makes Solomon king
2. The number and distribution of the Levites
7. The families of the Gershonites
12. The sons of Kohath
21. The sons of Merari
24. The office of the Levites














When David was old and full of years
This phrase indicates the advanced age of King David, suggesting a time of transition in leadership. David's reign was marked by significant military and political achievements, and his age signifies the end of an era. The phrase "full of years" implies a life lived with purpose and fulfillment, echoing the biblical theme of a life well-lived in service to God. This mirrors the patriarchs like Abraham and Isaac, who also were described as "full of years" at the end of their lives (Genesis 25:8, 35:29).

he installed his son Solomon as king
David's decision to install Solomon as king was a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would succeed him and build the temple (2 Samuel 7:12-13). This act of installing Solomon is significant as it demonstrates David's obedience to God's will, despite other potential heirs like Adonijah. The installation of Solomon prefigures the peaceful and wise reign that would follow, contrasting with David's war-filled reign. Solomon's kingship is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate King of Peace and Wisdom.

over Israel
The phrase "over Israel" emphasizes the united kingdom under David and Solomon, a period of relative peace and prosperity. This unity is significant in biblical history, as it represents the ideal state of God's people under a divinely appointed king. The united monarchy under David and Solomon is often seen as a foreshadowing of the Messianic kingdom, where Christ will reign over a united people of God. Solomon's reign over Israel also sets the stage for the building of the temple, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his leadership. At this point, he is described as "old and full of years," indicating the end of his reign and life.

2. Solomon
The son of David and Bathsheba, chosen by David to succeed him as king. Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem.

3. Israel
The united kingdom of the twelve tribes, over which David reigned and Solomon would succeed him as king.

4. Transition of Kingship
This event marks the transition of leadership from David to Solomon, a significant moment in Israel's history as it sets the stage for Solomon's reign and the building of the Temple.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Succession
David's decision to appoint Solomon as king reflects the importance of preparing the next generation for leadership. In our lives, we should consider how we are equipping others to carry on God's work.

Recognizing God's Timing
David's action when he was "old and full of years" shows an understanding of God's timing. We should seek to discern and act according to God's timing in our own lives.

Legacy of Faithfulness
David's life, despite its imperfections, left a legacy that paved the way for Solomon's reign. Our lives should aim to leave a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God.

Wisdom in Leadership
Solomon's reign is marked by wisdom, a trait that David likely encouraged. In our roles, whether in family, work, or community, we should seek God's wisdom to lead effectively.(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.)

Verse 1. - David... made Solomon his son king over Israel. These words give the key note of what remains in this book. David made his son king, as he himself acknowledges (1 Chronicles 28:5), under the superintending direction of God. The manner in which the formal event was precipitated by the conduct of Adonijah is found at length in 1 Kings 1:11-53. The original occasion alluded to there more than once, on which David promised, "and sware" to Bathsheba, that her son should be his chief heir and successor to the throne, is not distinctly recorded. We can easily assign one convenient place in the history for it to have found monition, viz. in 2 Samuel 12:25. The brevity of the statement which composes this verse, when compared with all the deeply interesting matter recorded in 1 Kings 1:11-53, is one among many other very clear illustrations of the purposed silence of our present history in certain directions.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When David
וְדָוִ֥יד (wə·ḏā·wîḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

was old
זָקֵ֖ן (zā·qên)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2204: To be or become old

and full of
וְשָׂבַ֣ע (wə·śā·ḇa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7646: To be sated, satisfied or surfeited

years,
יָמִ֑ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

he installed his son
בְנ֖וֹ (ḇə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

as king
וַיַּמְלֵ֛ךְ (way·yam·lêḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 23:1 Now David was old and full (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 22:19
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