"Take my servants with you," said the king. "Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. “Take my servants with you,” said the king.This command is given by King David, who is nearing the end of his reign. The use of "servants" indicates trusted individuals who are loyal to David and his house. In the context of ancient Israel, servants often played crucial roles in carrying out royal decrees. This phrase underscores the importance of having reliable witnesses to the anointing of Solomon, ensuring the legitimacy of his claim to the throne. The presence of these servants would also serve as a public endorsement of Solomon's kingship, reflecting the communal and hierarchical nature of ancient Near Eastern societies. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule”
The mule, a symbol of royal authority, was a significant choice for Solomon's procession. In ancient Israel, the king's mule was a prestigious animal, often associated with royalty and leadership. By instructing that Solomon be placed on his own mule, David is publicly declaring Solomon as his chosen successor. This act is reminiscent of other biblical instances where animals are used to signify divine or royal favor, such as Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11), which parallels Solomon's anointing as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the peaceful and wise reign of Jesus. “and take him down to Gihon.”
Gihon, a significant water source located near Jerusalem, was a strategic location for Solomon's anointing. It was not only a practical site due to its proximity to the city but also held symbolic importance. Water sources in the Bible often represent life and blessing, and Gihon is one of the four rivers mentioned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:13). The choice of Gihon for Solomon's anointing could symbolize the life-giving and sustaining nature of his future reign. Additionally, the public nature of this location would ensure that the anointing was witnessed by many, reinforcing Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne and fulfilling David's promise to Bathsheba regarding Solomon's succession (1 Kings 1:13). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe aging king of Israel who is orchestrating the succession of his son Solomon to the throne. 2. SolomonThe son of David, chosen to be the next king of Israel, representing wisdom and God's chosen leader. 3. Servants of DavidLoyal followers of King David, tasked with ensuring Solomon's anointing and succession. 4. MuleA symbol of royal authority and humility, as it was the king's own mule that Solomon was to ride. 5. GihonA significant location near Jerusalem, chosen for Solomon's anointing, symbolizing a place of life and blessing. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentGod's plans are sovereign, and He appoints leaders according to His will. Solomon's anointing was not just a political move but a divine appointment. Symbolism of HumilityRiding on a mule, rather than a horse, symbolizes humility and peace. As Christians, we are called to lead with humility, following the example of Christ. Obedience to AuthorityThe servants' obedience to David's command reflects the importance of respecting and following God-ordained authority in our lives. Significance of LocationGihon, a place of life-giving water, symbolizes the life and blessing that come from following God's chosen path. We should seek to position ourselves in places where God's blessings flow. Fulfillment of ProphecySolomon's anointing is a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives as well. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the anointing of Solomon reflect God's sovereignty in leadership transitions, and how can we apply this understanding in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the symbolism of Solomon riding on David's mule challenge our understanding of leadership and humility? 3. How can we ensure that we are obedient to God-ordained authority in our lives, as the servants were to David? 4. What significance does the location of Gihon hold in the context of Solomon's anointing, and how can we seek out "Gihon" moments in our spiritual journey? 5. How does the fulfillment of God's promises in Solomon's anointing encourage us to trust in His promises today, and what specific promises are you holding onto? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:10The prophecy of the scepter not departing from Judah connects to Solomon's anointing as a fulfillment of God's promise to David's lineage. 2 Samuel 7:12-16God's covenant with David about his offspring establishing a kingdom is directly related to Solomon's anointing. Zechariah 9:9The prophecy of a king riding on a donkey, which parallels Solomon's ride on David's mule, foreshadows the humility of Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's StoneTopics Beast, Bring, Cause, Caused, Gihon, Mule, Ride, Servants, Solomon, YesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:33 5127 back 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:17-35 5581 throne 1 Kings 1:28-40 5366 king 1 Kings 1:32-35 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 1:32-36 8634 amen 1 Kings 1:32-37 1461 truth, nature of Library David Appointing Solomon
'Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29. And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30. Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31. Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Adonijah
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. It is notorious that the sons of devout men sometimes prove a curse to their parents, and bring dishonour on the cause of God. When Eve rejoiced over her first-born, she little suspected that passions were sleeping within him which would impel him to slay his own brother; and the experience of the first mother has been repeated, though in different forms, in all lands and in all ages. Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau. …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether Prayer Should be Vocal?
Objection 1: It would seem that prayer ought not to be vocal. As stated above [3025](A[4]), prayer is addressed chiefly to God. Now God knows the language of the heart. Therefore it is useless to employ vocal prayer. Objection 2: Further, prayer should lift man's mind to God, as stated above (A[1], ad 2). But words, like other sensible objects, prevent man from ascending to God by contemplation. Therefore we should not use words in our prayers. Objection 3: Further, prayer should be offered to God …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Reign of David.
2 Sam.; 1 Chron. Chs. 11-29; 1 K 1:1-2:11. His Reign over Judah. The reign of David is divided into two parts. The first part was over Judah, with the capitol at Hebron, and lasted seven and one-half years. During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the North. It is probable that both of these kings were regarded as vassals of the Philistines and paid tribute. On account of rival leaders, there was constant warfare between these two rival kings. The kingdom of Judah, however, …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
Sections. 1. Connection between the doctrine of Justification and that of Regeneration. The knowledge of this doctrine very necessary for two reasons. 2. For the purpose of facilitating the exposition of it, the terms are explained. 1. What it is to be justified in the sight of God. 2. To be justified by works. 3. To be justified by faith. Definition. 3. Various meanings of the term Justification. 1. To give praise to God and truth. 2. To make a vain display of righteousness. 3. To impute righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 1:33 NIV1 Kings 1:33 NLT1 Kings 1:33 ESV1 Kings 1:33 NASB1 Kings 1:33 KJV
1 Kings 1:33 Commentaries
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