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1 Kings 2:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 2:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “That Jehovah may establish his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

That Jehovah may establish his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
1 Kings 2:4 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
2I am going the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man;
3and keep the charge of Jehovah thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, [and] his commandments, and his ordinances, and his testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself.
4That Jehovah may establish his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
5Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did unto me, even what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
6Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to Sheol in peace.
7But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom thy brother.
← 1 Kings 2:31 Kings 2:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That the Lord may continue his word which he spake concerning me, etc.] his word of promise concerning the kingdom of David, and the succession of it, and confirm and establish it: saying, if thy children take heed to their way; they are directed to walk in, even the way of the Lord, and not turn to the right hand or the left: to walk before me in truth: in the sincerity and integrity of their hearts, according to the word of truth, and under the influence of the spirit of truth: with all their heart, and with all their soul; in the most cordial manner, with the strongest affection and zeal; with all eagerness and earnestness; with their whole hearts engaged in every duty performed by them:…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“there shall not fail thee . . . a man on the throne of Israel--a reference to the promise made to David of the sovereignty being vested perpetually in his lineage (Sa2 7:11-16), which was confirmed to Solomon afterwards (see Kg1 9:5), and repeated with reference to its spiritual meaning long after (Jer 33:17).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That the Lord may continue his word - The original promise given to David indirectly, through Nathan 2 Samuel 7:11-17, and apparently unconditional, afterward was made conditional upon continued obedience. (See the margin reference “f.”) David reminds Solomon of this, in order to impress upon him a powerful motive to continue faithful and obedient. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Confirm his word - Fulfil his promise, the condition upon which it was suspended, being performed. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 2:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“That the Lord: Gen 18:19; Deu 7:12; Ch1 28:9; Joh 15:9, Joh 15:10; Jde 1:20, Jde 1:21, Jde 1:24 his word: Sa2 7:11-16, Sa2 7:25; Ch1 17:11-15, Ch1 22:9-11, Ch1 28:5-7; Psa 89:29-37; Psa 132:11, Psa 132:12 walk: Kg1 3:3, Kg1 3:14, Kg1 8:23; Gen 17:1; Lev 26:3; Kg2 20:3, Kg2 23:3, Kg2 23:25; Ch2 17:3; Luk 1:6 with all their heart: Deu 6:5, Deu 10:12, Deu 11:13; Mat 22:37 fail: etc. Heb. be cut off from thee from the throne, Kg1 8:25; Sa2 7:12, Sa2 7:13, Sa2 7:16; Psa 37:9, Psa 37:22; Zac 14:2 3 Kings (1 Kings) 2:5”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Kings 2 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification