1 Kings 1:36
"Amen," replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. "May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it.
Amen
The word "Amen" is derived from the Hebrew root "אָמֵן" (aman), which means to confirm, support, or be faithful. In this context, Benaiah's use of "Amen" signifies his agreement and affirmation of the declaration made regarding Solomon's kingship. It is a powerful word of assent, often used in Scripture to express certainty and trust in God's will. Benaiah's response reflects a deep faith and confidence in the divine plan, acknowledging that the decision aligns with God's purpose.

replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada
Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was a prominent figure in King David's reign, known for his loyalty and valor. His father, Jehoiada, was a priest, which suggests that Benaiah was raised with a strong spiritual foundation. Benaiah's reply is significant because it comes from a man of both military prowess and spiritual insight. His support for Solomon's kingship underscores the legitimacy and divine approval of the transition of power. Historically, Benaiah's role as a commander of David's bodyguard and later as a chief officer under Solomon highlights his importance in the establishment of the new king's rule.

May the LORD
The invocation of "the LORD" (Yahweh) is central to Benaiah's statement. It emphasizes the belief that God is the ultimate authority and the one who ordains kingship. In the Hebrew tradition, invoking the name of Yahweh is a call to divine witness and intervention. Benaiah's appeal to the LORD reflects a recognition that true leadership and authority come from God alone, and it is a prayer for divine endorsement and blessing upon Solomon's reign.

the God of my lord the king
This phrase acknowledges the covenant relationship between God and the king, specifically King David in this context. By referring to God as "the God of my lord the king," Benaiah is affirming the special relationship that David had with God, which is now being extended to Solomon. It is a reminder of the promises God made to David regarding his descendants and the enduring nature of his dynasty. This acknowledgment serves to reinforce the legitimacy of Solomon's anointing as king, as it is seen as a continuation of God's covenantal faithfulness.

so declare it
The phrase "so declare it" is a request for God to affirm and establish the decision that has been made. It is a call for divine confirmation and action, ensuring that the proclamation of Solomon as king is not only a human decision but one that is ratified by God. In the biblical narrative, such declarations are often accompanied by prophetic endorsement or divine signs, underscoring the belief that God's will is being fulfilled. Benaiah's statement is both a prayer and a declaration of faith, trusting that God will bring to pass what has been spoken.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Benaiah son of Jehoiada
A loyal supporter of King David, Benaiah was a valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard. His affirmation in this verse underscores his loyalty and faith in God's will for the kingdom.

2. King David
The reigning king of Israel at the time, David was nearing the end of his life and was in the process of ensuring a smooth transition of power to his son Solomon.

3. Solomon's Anointing
The context of this verse is the anointing of Solomon as king, a significant event in Israel's history, marking the continuation of David's dynasty.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel and the center of political and religious life, where these events were unfolding.

5. The LORD, the God of my lord the king
This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and David, highlighting divine authority and blessing over the king's decisions.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Affirmation in Leadership Transitions
Benaiah's "Amen" signifies agreement and support, crucial in times of leadership change. In our lives, supporting God-ordained leadership is vital for unity and stability.

Faith in God's Sovereignty
Benaiah's response reflects trust in God's plan. We are called to trust God's sovereignty in our personal and communal lives, even when circumstances are uncertain.

The Role of Loyalty and Faithfulness
Benaiah's loyalty to David and Solomon is a model for our own faithfulness to God's appointed leaders and to God Himself.

The Power of Prayerful Declaration
Benaiah's words are not just an affirmation but a prayerful declaration. Our words should align with God's will, invoking His presence and blessing in our endeavors.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Benaiah's response in 1 Kings 1:36 demonstrate the importance of loyalty and support in leadership transitions? Reflect on a time when you supported a leader in your community or church.

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the anointing of Solomon, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plans for our lives?

3. Compare Benaiah's affirmation in 1 Kings 1:36 with other biblical examples of support for God-ordained leadership. How can these examples guide us in our interactions with leaders today?

4. Reflect on the significance of prayerful declarations in your life. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily walk with God?

5. How does the covenant relationship between God and David, as seen in this passage, encourage us in our own covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 29:22
This verse also describes the anointing of Solomon, reinforcing the legitimacy and divine approval of his kingship.

2 Samuel 7:12-16
God's promise to David about establishing his offspring and kingdom forever, which is being fulfilled in Solomon's anointing.

Psalm 72
A psalm attributed to Solomon, reflecting the hopes and prayers for his reign, connecting to the divine blessing invoked by Benaiah.
The Amen of God and of ManH. J. Foster.1 Kings 1:36
AdonijahA. Williamson.1 Kings 1:5-53
Ambition, DestructivePlutarch.1 Kings 1:5-53
UsurpationJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 1:5-53
When the Play is OutT. Adams.1 Kings 1:5-53
People
Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's Stone
Topics
Amen, Answereth, Answering, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Declare, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 1:36

     5783   agreement

1 Kings 1:5-53

     5087   David, reign of

1 Kings 1:28-40

     5366   king

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 Scripture

Gihon, 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

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