This verse is similar to 1 Chr 29.23.

Sat upon the throne is a fairly common way of saying that the person is or becomes a ruler. In this case it may be translated “became king” (Contemporary English Version, New Century Version). See the comments on the similar expression in 1 Kgs 1.20, 27.

His kingdom was firmly established: The Hebrew verb translated established means “to make firm [or, stable].” The passive form of the verb may not exist in some languages, which will require an active form of the verb. It is possible that Solomon himself should be understood as the agent. Compare Contemporary English Version, which renders the whole verse as follows: “His son Solomon became king and took control of David’s kingdom.” However, in light of the statement in verse 24 that God has established him on the throne, the writer may have intended the reader to understand that God is the implicit agent here. The whole verse might therefore be better translated:

• So Solomon took over as king in place of his father David and God made his kingdom very strong.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .