# David’s Charge to Solomon explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter is a hymn that draws on David's charge to Solomon, applying it to the present congregation. It acknowledges God's faithfulness through past distresses, expresses a longing for heavenly rest, and commends the next generation to God's care, praying for their conversion and covenant relationship with Him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The hymn expresses trust in Christ for peace at life's end and for the salvation of the next generation.

### Prayer and Dependence on God

The entire hymn is a prayer, pleading for God's presence, guidance, and blessing on the children and the place of worship.

## Character check-ins

### David

David is referenced as the one who, at life's end, trusts in God and commends his children to Him.

### Jesus Christ

Addressed as 'David's Son and David's Lord,' the eternal one who teaches youth to know His name.

### God

The covenant God who upholds His people, provides rest, and receives the humble prayers of the faithful.

## Key lines

> I O David’s Son and David’s Lord! From age to age thou art the same; Thy gracious presence now afford, And teach our youth to know thy name.

O Christ, who are both David's descendant and his Lord, you are unchanging through all generations. Grant us your gracious presence now, and help our young people to know you.

_The opening addresses Christ as both human and divine, emphasizing his eternal nature and the need for his teaching._

> Like David, when this life shall end, We trust in thee sure peace to find; Like him, to thee we now commend The children we must leave behind.

Just as David trusted you for peace at the end of his life, we also trust you. And like him, we entrust to you the children we will leave behind when we die.

_This stanza draws a parallel between David's final charge and the believer's own concern for the next generation._

> Show them how vile they are by sin, And wash them in thy cleansing blood; Oh, make them willing to be thine, And be to them a cov’nant God.

Reveal to them the depth of their sinfulness, cleanse them through your atoning blood, make them willing to belong to you, and be their covenant God.

_The prayer focuses on the need for conviction of sin, cleansing through Christ's sacrifice, and a willing heart to follow God._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/20-david-s-charge-to-solomon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters