1 Kings 1:38 Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David's mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.

◄ 1 Kings 1:38 ►

New International Version
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon mount King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.

New Living Translation
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the king’s bodyguard took Solomon down to Gihon Spring, with Solomon riding on King David’s own mule.

English Standard Version
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule and brought him to Gihon.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.

King James Bible
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

New King James Version
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and took him to Gihon.

New American Standard Bible
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.

NASB 1995
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.

NASB 1977
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Amplified Bible
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites [the king’s bodyguards] went down [from Jerusalem] and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to [the spring at] Gihon.

Christian Standard Bible
Then the priest Zadok, the prophet Nathan, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down, had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and took him to Gihon.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down, had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and took him to Gihon.

American Standard Version
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Contemporary English Version
Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah left and took along the two groups of David's special bodyguards. Solomon rode on David's mule as they led him to Gihon Spring.

English Revised Version
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the priest Zadok, the prophet Nathan, Benaiah (son of Jehoiada), the Cherethites, and the Pelethites put Solomon on King David's mule and brought him to Gihon.

Good News Translation
So Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal bodyguards put Solomon on King David's mule and escorted him to Gihon Spring.

International Standard Version
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Jehoiada's son Benaiah, the special forces and mercenaries went out and had Solomon ride the king's mule all the way to Gihon.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.

NET Bible
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites, and the Pelethites went down, put Solomon on King David's mule, and led him to Gihon.

New Heart English Bible
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride on king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Webster's Bible Translation
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

World English Bible
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Zadok the priest goes down, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethite, and the Pelethite, and they cause Solomon to ride on the mule of King David, and cause him to go to Gihon,

Young's Literal Translation
And Zadok the priest goeth down, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethite, and the Pelethite, and they cause Solomon to ride on the mule of king David, and cause him to go unto Gihon,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Zadok the priest will go down, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoida, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and they will cause Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and they will cause him to go to Gihon.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
So Sadoc the priest, and Nathan the prophet went down, and Banaias the son of Joiada, and the Cerethi, and Phelethi: and they set Solomon upon the mule of king David, and brought him to Gihon.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Zadok, the priest, and Nathan, the prophet, descended, with Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and Pelethites. And they placed Solomon on the mule of king David, and they led him to Gihon.

New American Bible
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and Pelethites went down, and mounting Solomon on King David’s mule, escorted him to Gihon.

New Revised Standard Version
So the priest Zadok, the prophet Nathan, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and led him to Gihon.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada and the archers and the slingers went down and caused Solomon to ride upon King David's mule, and took him to Shilokha.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Tsadoq the Priest and Nathan the Prophet and Beniah, son of Yawida, came down, and the Archers and shooters with slings, and they set Solomon on the mule of King David and brought him to Shilukha.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Sadoc the priest went down, and Nathan the prophet, and Banaeas son of Jodae, and the Cherethite, and the Phelethite, and they mounted Solomon upon the mule of king David, and led him away to Gion.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Solomon Anointed King
…37Just as the LORD was with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon and make his throne even greater than that of my lord King David.” 38Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. 39Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

2 Samuel 5:3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

1 Kings 2:12
So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.

1 Chronicles 29:22
That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest.

2 Samuel 15:18
and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath.

1 Kings 1:33
“Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon.

1 Kings 1:39
Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!”

2 Kings 11:12
Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

1 Samuel 11:15
So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.

2 Samuel 2:4
Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

2 Samuel 12:24-25
Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. So she gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child / and sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah because the LORD loved him.

1 Chronicles 23:1
When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.

1 Chronicles 28:5
And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

Matthew 21:5
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Treasury of Scripture

So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride on king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Zadok

1 Kings 1:8,26
But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah…

the Cherethites

1 Samuel 30:14
We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.

2 Samuel 8:18
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

2 Samuel 15:18
And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

king David's

1 Kings 1:33
The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:

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1 Kings 1

1. Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age
5. Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom
11. By the council of Nathan
15. Bathsheba moves the king
22. And Nathan seconds her
28. David renews his oath to Bathsheba
32. Solomon, by David's appointment,
38. being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph
41. Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly
50. Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon

Berean Study Bible

Zadok the priest
Zadok, a descendant of Aaron, represents the legitimate priestly line, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. His presence signifies divine approval and the religious sanctity of Solomon's anointing. Historically, Zadok's role underscores the importance of priestly authority in Israel's governance, as priests were intermediaries between God and the people.

Nathan the prophet
Nathan, a trusted advisor and prophet, had previously confronted David regarding his sin with Bathsheba. His involvement here highlights the prophetic endorsement of Solomon's kingship, ensuring that the transition aligns with God's will. Prophets in Israel were seen as God's mouthpieces, and Nathan's support would have lent significant spiritual weight to Solomon's ascension.

Benaiah son of Jehoiada
Benaiah, a valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard, symbolizes military strength and loyalty. His support for Solomon indicates the backing of the armed forces, crucial for a stable transfer of power. Benaiah's lineage and reputation as a mighty man of valor would have reassured the people of Solomon's capability to lead and protect the nation.

the Cherethites, and the Pelethites
These groups were elite mercenaries serving as David's personal guards. Their inclusion in this procession underscores the importance of security and protection during the transition of power. Historically, the Cherethites and Pelethites were likely of Philistine origin, illustrating the diverse composition of David's forces and the pragmatic alliances he formed.

went down
This phrase indicates a deliberate and public movement, suggesting a formal and recognized procession. The act of going down, likely from Jerusalem to Gihon, symbolizes a humble yet authoritative transition, as descending often implies submission to God's will in biblical narratives.

had Solomon ride on King David’s mule
Riding on the king's mule was a significant act, symbolizing the transfer of royal authority. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the mule was a royal animal, and this act would have been a clear signal to the people of Solomon's legitimate succession. It reflects the continuity of David's dynasty and God's promise to establish his throne.

and they took him to Gihon
Gihon, a vital water source near Jerusalem, was a strategic location for Solomon's anointing. Water sources were often associated with life and blessing in the Bible, and Gihon's choice as the site for this event underscores the life-giving and sustaining nature of Solomon's reign. Historically, Gihon was also a place of public gathering, ensuring that Solomon's anointing was witnessed by many, thus legitimizing his claim to the throne.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(38) The Cherethites, and the Pelethites.--See 2Samuel 8:18; 2Samuel 15:28; 2Samuel 20:7; 2Samuel 20:23. The body-guard-perhaps of foreign troops--"the executioners and runners" (as some render them) to carry out the King's commands.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 38. - So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites [these were the royal bodyguard - Σωματοφύλακες Josephus calls them - who were commanded by Benaiah (2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 15:18; 2 Samuel 20:23; 2 Samuel 23:28). But while their functions are pretty well understood, great difference of opinion exists as to the origin or meaning of the words. By some they are supposed to be Gentile names. A tribe of Cherethites is mentioned 1 Samuel 30:14. (Cf. Ezekiel 25:16; Zephaniah 2:5), and in close connexion with the Philistines (ver. 16). Hence Cherethite has been thought to be another name for Philistine; and as the LXX. and Syr. render the word "Cretans," it has been conjectured that the Philistines had their origin from Crete. They did come from Caphtor, and that is probably Crete (see Genesis 10:14; Jeremiah 47:4; Amos 9:7; Deuteronomy 2:23). פְּלֵתִי again, is not unlike פְּלִשְּׁתִי In favor of this view is the fact that David certainly had a bodyguard of foreign mercenaries (2 Samuel 15:18, where the "Gittites" are connected with the Cherethites). Nor does it make against it that "two designations" would thus "be employed side by side for one and the same people" - as if we should speak of Britons and Englishmen (Bahr). For the names look like a paronomasia - of which the Jews were very fond - and a trick of this kind would at once account for the tautology. [Since writing this, I find the same idea has already occurred to Ewald.] But the other view, adopted by Gesenius, is that the names are names of office and function. Cherethite he would derive from תָרַכ, cut, slay; and by Cherethites he would understand "executioners," which the royal bodyguard were in ancient despotisms (Genesis 39:1, Hebrews; Daniel 2:14, etc. See on 1 Kings 2:25). In the Pelethites (פֶּלֶת, swiftness) he would see the public couriers (ἄγγαροι) of Eastern men. archies (see Herod. 8:98 and 2 Chronicles 30:6). We see the guard discharging the function first named in 2 Kings 10:25; 2 Kings 11:4, 8; and the latter in 1 Kings 14:27 (marg.)] went down [i.e., from the palace on Mount Zion] and caused Solomon to ride upon King David's mule, and brought him to [עַל: cf. 2:26] Gihon [Chald., Syr., Arab., Shiloha].

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then Zadok
צָד֣וֹק (ṣā·ḏō·wq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites

the priest,
הַ֠כֹּהֵן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

Nathan
וְנָתָ֨ן (wə·nā·ṯān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5416: Nathan -- the name of a number of Israelites

the prophet,
הַנָּבִ֜יא (han·nā·ḇî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

and Benaiah
וּבְנָיָ֣הוּ (ū·ḇə·nā·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1141: Benaiah -- 'Yah has built up', the name of several Israelites

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Jehoiada,
יְהוֹיָדָ֗ע (yə·hō·w·yā·ḏā‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3077: Jehoiada -- 'the LORD knows', the name of several Israelites

along with the Cherethites
וְהַכְּרֵתִי֙ (wə·hak·kə·rê·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3746: Bodyguard of Jehoash

and Pelethites,
וְהַפְּלֵתִ֔י (wə·hap·pə·lê·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6432: A courier, official messenger

went down
וַיֵּ֣רֶד (way·yê·reḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

and set
וַיַּרְכִּ֙בוּ֙ (way·yar·ki·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7392: To ride, to place upon, to despatch

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

David’s
דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

mule,
פִּרְדַּ֖ת (pir·daṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6506: A female mule

and they escorted
וַיֹּלִ֥כוּ (way·yō·li·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

him
אֹת֖וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Gihon.
גִּחֽוֹן׃ (gi·ḥō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1521: Gihon -- 'a bursting forth', one of the rivers of Eden, also a spring near Jerusalem

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OT History: 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest and Nathan (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)