Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Compare the marginal references. Solomon regards the promises as fulfilled in the existing greatness and glory of the Jewish nation.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen,.... To be his special and peculiar people above all people on the earth; this is not to be understood locally, though Jerusalem, where his palace was, was in the middle of the land; but of the exercise of his office, he being placed over the people, and among them, and having the care and inspection of them:

a great people, that cannot be numbered and counted for multitude; being for number as the stars in the sky, and as the sand upon the seashore, as had been promised.

Wesley's Explanatory Notes

And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

In the midst — Is set over them to rule and guide them. A metaphor from the overseer of divers workmen, who usually is in the midst of them, that he may the better observe how each of them discharges his office.

Chosen — Thy peculiar people, whom thou takest special care of, and therefore wilt expect a more punctual account of my government of them.

John Trapp Complete Commentary

1 Kings 3:8 And thy servant [is] in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

Ver. 8. Is in the midst of thy people.] As lordkeeper of both tables of the law; as an antesignanus, a supreme governor. Royalty without wisdom is but eminent dishonour.

A great people.] The greater is my charge, and must be my care, who am yet unexperienced, unqualified.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Is in the midst of thy people, i.e. is set over them to rule and guide them; a metaphor from the overseer of divers workmen, who usually is in the midst of them, that he may the better observe how each of them dischargeth his office.

Which thou hast chosen; thy peculiar people, whom thou takest special care of, and therefore wilt expect a more punctual account of my government of them.

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

“And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, who cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.”

Furthermore Solomon felt the burden of having responsibility for so many people, a people who were so numerous that they were beyond counting, and who were all the chosen of YHWH. This was especially so as he was aware that for this huge mass of people he himself was accountable to God. It was a huge responsibility indeed.

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

8.That cannot be numbered — An acknowledged fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham. Genesis 13:16. Solomon feels that he has been made king of the covenant people.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

thy people

Exodus 19:5,6; Deuteronomy 7:6-8; 1 Samuel 12:22; Psalms 78:71

cannot

Genesis 13:16; 15:5; 22:17; 1 Chronicles 21:2,5,6; 27:23,24