Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 4:3

3. For I was my fathers son , tender and onely beloved in the sight of my mother.

In a special manner, his best-beloved Son and designed to be his Successor in the Throne.

Young and tender in years and capable of any impressions and tenderly educated.

Heb. onely, or the onely Son: Or rather, because Bathsheba seems to have had other Sons, 1 Chro. 5. 1. as an onely Son, as dearly beloved as an onely Son: in which sense this Title is given to Isaac, Gen. 22. 2. 12, 16. though he had another Son, and to others. And all these circumstances are mentioned to shew the necessity and great benefit of wholesome instruction, which his Royal Parents would not neglect, no not in his tender years, and thereby to prepare and excite them by his example to receive instruction.

Marginal references: Heb. a Son to my Father.; 1 Chr. 29. 1.