1 Kings 3:7

“And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father, etc.] Removed by death, in whose stead he reigned by the appointment of God, and through his overruling providence, notwithstanding the attempts made to prevent it, and therefore to God he ascribes it: and I [am but] a little child; not in age and stature, but in knowledge and understanding; for though his father called him a wise man, and he was judged so by others, and really was one, yet in his own opinion and thought of himself such was his modesty and humility, that he was but a child as to his intellectual powers and capacity for government: some understand this of age; and the Jews commonly say he was…”

“I am but a little child--not in age, for he had reached manhood (Kg1 2:9) and must have been at least twenty years old; but he was raw and inexperienced in matters of government.”

“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. (See the marginal reference.) return to 'Top of Page'”

“Child - So he was in years: not above twenty years old; and withal (which he principally intends) he was raw and unexperienced, as a child, in state affairs. Go out, &c. - To govern my people, and manage affairs. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 3:8”

“3:7-9 The Hebrew term translated little child was often used of someone who lacked experience in his profession (“assistant,” 19:21). Solomon humbly recognized his inexperience and his need for an understanding heart. If he desired to govern the people well and render proper decisions, he knew that he needed God’s help.”

“thou hast: Dan 2:21, Dan 4:25, Dan 4:32, Dan 5:18, Dan 5:21 a little: Ch1 29:1; Job 32:6-8; Ecc 10:16; Jer 1:6; Mat 18:3, Mat 18:4 to go: Num 27:17; Deu 31:2; Sa1 18:16; Sa2 5:2; Psa 121:8; Joh 10:3, Joh 10:4, Joh 10:9 3 Kings (1 Kings) 3:8”