1 Kings 2:12
ESV
So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
NIV
So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established.
NASB
Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.
CSB
Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingship was firmly established.
NLT
Solomon became king and sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
KJV
Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
NKJV
Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.
What does 1 Kings 2:12 mean?
This is both a description and a summary of the rest of the chapter. The Lord was faithful to David in leading Israel to victory over all its enemies. Solomon's reign begins during a time of great peace and prosperity for Israel. David's years of fighting and fierce faithfulness to the Lord led directly to the best possible set of circumstances for Solomon to begin a new era for the nation.And yet, Solomon still has some work to do. His brother Adonijah makes another attempt to take the crown. In response, Solomon executes him and Joab, a conspiring general, and banishes Abiathar the priest. Then he gives the opportunity for David's antagonist, Shimei, to live a peaceful life. When Shimei breaks the conditions, Solomon executes him, too (1 Kings 2:13–46). By acting fairly but firmly, Solomon establishes his kingdom (1 Kings 2:46) and shows the innate wisdom that will grow with God's gift (1 Kings 3:6–14).
The story continues. During Solomon's time on the throne, Israel would become more powerful and prosperous than at any other time in her history. This is the beginning of the golden years for God's people.
This is not the work of mere human power and wisdom, and good luck. The Lord is doing this. This is the beginning of God keeping the sweeping and unconditional promises he made to David about what would become of his kingdom after he died:
When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever. -–2 Samuel 7:12–16
