John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And of all my sons, for the Lord hath given me many sons , etc.] Whose names, and the order of their birth, may be read in ( 1 Chronicles 3:1-9) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel ; to be his successor in it: this he says to observe to them, that this was not merely his own will and choice, nor the fruit and effect of a fond affection to Solomon; nor was it barely in pursuance of a promise made to Bathsheba, she had obtained of him; but it was according to the will and appointment of God, and therefore to be the more regarded.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-10 - During David's last sickness, many chief priests and Levites were a Jerusalem. Finding himself able, David spoke of his purpose to build temple for God, and of God's disallowing that purpose. He opened to them God's gracious purposes concerning Solomon. David charged them to cleave stedfastly to God and their duty. We cannot do our work as we should, unless we put on resolution, and fetch in strength from Divin grace. Religion or piety has two distinct parts. The first is knowledg of God, the second is worship of God. David says, Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind. God is made known by his works and word. Revelation alone shows the whol character of God, in his providence, his holy law, his condemnation of sinners, his blessed gospel, and the ministration of the Spirit to all true believers. The natural man cannot receive this knowledge of God But thus we learn the value of the Saviour's atonement, and of the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, and are influenced to walk in all his commandments. It brings a sinner to his proper place at the foot of the cross, as a poor, guilty, helpless worm, deserving wrath, ye expecting every thing needful from the free mercy and grace of God ou Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Having been forgiven much, the pardoned sinner learns to love much.
Original Hebrew ומכל3605 בני1121 כי3588 רבים7227 בנים1121 נתן5414 לי יהוה3068 ויבחר977 בשׁלמה8010 בני1121 לשׁבת3427 על5921 כסא3678 מלכות4438 יהוה3068 על5921 ישׂראל׃3478
