Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 1 - Verse 20

1:20
And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Kings, Nathan the prophet is speaking to King David about the importance of his decision on who will succeed him on the throne. The phrase "the eyes of all Israel are upon thee" highlights the weight of David's decision and the anticipation of the people for the announcement of his successor. As the leader of the nation, David holds the responsibility to choose a worthy and capable individual to continue his legacy and lead Israel forward. This verse serves as a reminder of the significant role of a king in establishing the future of the kingdom and the importance of making wise and just decisions for the benefit of the people. It also underscores the idea of succession and the passing of power from one ruler to the next, illustrating the continuity of leadership and the impact of a ruler's choices on the nation as a whole.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Joshua, the concept of succession and the importance of David's lineage are highlighted. The phrase "eyes of all Israel are upon thee" emphasizes the significance of the king's role in determining the future leadership of the nation. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the idea of divine authority and the responsibility of the king to uphold God's plan for the nation. Word studies reveal that the Hebrew word for "king" used in this verse, "melech," carries connotations of power, rulership, and divine appointment. Additionally, the word for "throne," "kiseh," symbolizes authority and dominion. Together, these words emphasize the importance of the king in maintaining the stability and continuation of the kingdom. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the biblical principle of leadership succession and the inherent connection between earthly rulership and God's divine plan for His people.

American Standard Version

And thou, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.
Previous VerseNext Verse