And with Solomon, the king has sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, and they have set him on the king's mule. And with himThis phrase indicates a coalition of support surrounding Solomon, emphasizing the unity and divine approval of his kingship. In the Hebrew context, the word "with" (עִמּוֹ, 'immo) suggests companionship and alliance, highlighting the importance of having godly and wise counsel in leadership. This unity is crucial for the stability of Solomon's reign, reflecting the biblical principle that "a cord of three strands is not quickly broken" ( Ecclesiastes 4:12). Zadok the priest
Zadok represents the legitimate priestly authority, as he is a descendant of Aaron. His presence signifies divine approval and continuity of the priestly line. Historically, Zadok's loyalty to David and now to Solomon underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's chosen leaders. The priestly role is vital in anointing and legitimizing kingship, as seen throughout Israel's history. Nathan the prophet
Nathan's involvement is significant as he is a trusted prophet who previously confronted David regarding his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). His support for Solomon indicates divine endorsement, as prophets were God's mouthpieces. Nathan's presence assures the people that Solomon's kingship aligns with God's will, reinforcing the prophetic role in guiding and correcting the monarchy. Benaiah son of Jehoiada
Benaiah is a valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard, known for his loyalty and military prowess. His support for Solomon is crucial, as it provides the necessary military backing to secure the throne. Benaiah's lineage, being the son of Jehoiada, a respected priest, also adds a layer of spiritual legitimacy to his endorsement. the Kerethites, and the Pelethites
These groups were elite mercenaries and personal guards of King David. Their inclusion signifies the transfer of military loyalty from David to Solomon, ensuring the new king's protection and the stability of his reign. Historically, these groups were known for their loyalty and effectiveness, symbolizing the strength and security of Solomon's kingship. and they have mounted Solomon on the king’s mule
The act of mounting Solomon on the king's mule is a powerful symbol of royal succession. In ancient Near Eastern culture, riding the king's mule was a public declaration of the chosen heir. This act, orchestrated by key religious and military leaders, publicly affirms Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne, fulfilling David's promise and God's plan for Israel's leadership. The mule, a symbol of peace and humility, contrasts with the war horses of other nations, reflecting the unique nature of Israel's monarchy under God's covenant. Persons / Places / Events 1. Zadok the PriestA faithful priest during King David's reign, Zadok played a crucial role in anointing Solomon as king, signifying divine approval and continuity of David's line. 2. Nathan the ProphetA trusted advisor and prophet to King David, Nathan was instrumental in communicating God's will, including the anointing of Solomon, which fulfilled God's promise to David. 3. Benaiah son of JehoiadaA valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard, Benaiah's support for Solomon's anointing demonstrated military backing for Solomon's kingship. 4. The Kerethites and PelethitesThese were elite mercenary groups serving as David's personal guards, ensuring the security and legitimacy of Solomon's anointing. 5. The King's MuleRiding on the king's mule was a symbolic act of royal succession, indicating Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne as ordained by David. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentGod's choice of leaders is sovereign and often confirmed through prophetic and priestly authority, as seen in Solomon's anointing. Symbolism of AuthorityThe use of the king's mule signifies legitimate succession and the peaceful transfer of power, reminding us of the importance of rightful authority in leadership. Unity of SupportThe collaboration of religious, military, and royal guards in Solomon's anointing highlights the importance of unity among different societal sectors in supporting God-ordained leadership. Fulfillment of PromisesGod's promises, such as those made to David, are fulfilled in His timing and through His chosen instruments, encouraging believers to trust in God's faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the involvement of Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah in Solomon's anointing reflect the importance of spiritual and military support in leadership transitions? 2. In what ways does the symbolism of riding on the king's mule apply to our understanding of legitimate authority today? 3. How can we discern God's choice in leadership within our own communities and churches, and what role should we play in supporting it? 4. Reflect on a time when you saw God's promises fulfilled in your life. How does this encourage you to trust in His faithfulness for future promises? 5. How does the unity of different groups in supporting Solomon's anointing challenge us to work together in our own communities for the common good? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David by Samuel parallels Solomon's anointing, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in leadership. 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage would endure, is fulfilled in Solomon's anointing. Matthew 21Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey echoes the symbolism of royal authority and peace, similar to Solomon's ride on the king's mule. 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, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Cause, Caused, Cherethite, Cherethites, Cher'ethites, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Kerethites, King's, Mule, Nathan, Pelethite, Pelethites, Pel'ethites, Priest, Prophet, Ride, ZadokDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:44 5127 back 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign 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 1:44 NIV1 Kings 1:44 NLT1 Kings 1:44 ESV1 Kings 1:44 NASB1 Kings 1:44 KJV
1 Kings 1:44 Commentaries
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