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Selected Verse: 1 Kings 3:9 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 1Ki 3:9 |
Strong Concordance |
Give [05414] therefore thy servant [05650] an understanding [08085] heart [03820] to judge [08199] thy people [05971], that I may discern [0995] between good [02896] and bad [07451]: for who is able [03201] to judge [08199] this thy so great [03515] a people [05971]? |
| |
King James |
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
One of the chief functions of the Oriental monarch is always to hear and decide causes. Hence, supreme magistrates were naturally called "judges." (See the introduction to the Book of Judges.) In the minds of the Jews the "judge" and the "prince" were always closely associated, the direct cognisance of causes being constantly taken by their chief civil governors. (See Exo 2:14; Exo 18:16, Exo 18:22; Sa1 8:20; Sa2 15:2-6.)
Good and bad - i. e. "right and wrong," "justice and injustice." |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| An understanding heart - Whereby I may both clearly discern, and faithfully perform all the parts of my duty: for both these are spoken of in scripture, as the effects of a good understanding; and he that lives in the neglect of his duties, or the practice of wickedness, is called a fool, and one void of understanding. Discern - Namely in causes and controversies among my people; that I may not through mistake, or prejudice, or passion, give wrong sentences, and call evil good, or good evil. Absalom, that was a fool, wished himself a judge: Solomon, that was a wise man, trembles at the undertaking. The more knowing and considerate men are, the more jealous they are of themselves. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
| Give - an understanding heart to judge thy people - He did not ask wisdom in general, but the true science of government. This wisdom he sought, and this wisdom he obtained. |
2 And Absalom [053] rose up early [07925], and stood [05975] beside [03027] the way [01870] of the gate [08179]: and it was so, that when any man [0376] that had a controversy [07379] came [0935] to the king [04428] for judgment [04941], then Absalom [053] called [07121] unto him, and said [0559], Of what [0335] city [05892] art thou? And he said [0559], Thy servant [05650] is of one [0259] of the tribes [07626] of Israel [03478].
3 And Absalom [053] said [0559] unto him, See [07200], thy matters [01697] are good [02896] and right [05228]; but there is no man deputed of the king [04428] to hear [08085] thee.
4 Absalom [053] said [0559] moreover, Oh that I were made [07760] judge [08199] in the land [0776], that every man [0376] which hath any suit [07379] or cause [04941] might come [0935] unto me, and I would do him justice [06663] !
5 And it was so, that when any man [0376] came nigh [07126] to him to do him obeisance [07812], he put forth [07971] his hand [03027], and took [02388] him, and kissed [05401] him.
6 And on this manner [01697] did [06213] Absalom [053] to all Israel [03478] that came [0935] to the king [04428] for judgment [04941]: so Absalom [053] stole [01589] the hearts [03820] of the men [0582] of Israel [03478].
20 That we also may be like all the nations [01471]; and that our king [04428] may judge [08199] us, and go out [03318] before [06440] us, and fight [03898] our battles [04421].
22 And let them judge [08199] the people [05971] at all seasons [06256]: and it shall be, that every great [01419] matter [01697] they shall bring [0935] unto thee, but every small [06996] matter [01697] they shall judge [08199]: so shall it be easier [07043] for thyself, and they shall bear [05375] the burden with thee.
16 When they have a matter [01697], they come [0935] unto me; and I judge [08199] between one [0376] and another [07453], and I do make them know [03045] the statutes [02706] of God [0430], and his laws [08451].
14 And he said [0559], Who made [07760] thee [0376] a prince [08269] and a judge [08199] over us? intendest [0559] thou to kill [02026] me, as thou killedst [02026] the Egyptian [04713]? And Moses [04872] feared [03372], and said [0559], Surely [0403] this thing [01697] is known [03045].