وَوَهَبنا لِداوودَ سُلَيمانَ ۚ نِعمَ العَبدُ ۖ إِنَّهُ أَوّابٌ

And to David We gave Solomon – what an excellent servant! Indeed he was oft-returning.

EXEGESIS

Awwāb (oft-returning) was discussed in the commentary on verse 17, and it means the one who continuously turns to obediently praise God.

EXPOSITION

After the brief interlude of the previous three verses, the focus returns to Prophet David (a) by mentioning one last blessing given to him by God, namely Prophet Solomon (a). As Prophet David (a) was given the effective position of being the vicegerent of God, he was also gifted with a son to continue that position after him, And to David We gave Solomon.^{‎[1]Makārim Shīrāzī argues that this statement is also meant to deny the fabrications surrounding the birth of Prophet Solomon (a) and the wife of Ūriyā (Nemuneh, 19/271). See the commentary on verse 24 for this story.} Indeed, good offspring is one of the greatest blessings. The same piety, wisdom, and patience that existed in Prophet David (a) were to be found in Prophet Solomon (a), and that is why God describes Prophet Solomon (a) as an excellent servant.

The primary reason though that made Prophet Solomon (a) such an excellent servant was that he turned obediently to God constantly, being an oft-returning man.

REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE

Some have said that the statement what an excellent servant! Indeed he was oft-returning refers to Prophet David (a), but this is inappropriate as Prophet Solomon (a) is mentioned after him, and it would simply be a repetition of what was already mentioned about Prophet David (a) earlier.^{‎[2]Razi, 26/389.}

INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS

1. I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’^{‎[3]1 Kings 9:5.}

[1] Makārim Shīrāzī argues that this statement is also meant to deny the fabrications surrounding the birth of Prophet Solomon (a) and the wife of Ūriyā (Nemuneh, 19/271). See the commentary on verse 24 for this story.
[2] Razi, 26/389.
[3] 1 Kings 9:5.