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. Zadok the priestZadok, 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. 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 prophet and advisor to King David, Nathan was instrumental in ensuring Solomon's succession, reflecting God's will and prophetic guidance. 3. Benaiah son of JehoiadaA valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard, Benaiah's support for Solomon underscores the military backing for Solomon's kingship. 4. The Kerethites and the PelethitesThese were elite mercenary groups serving as David's personal guards, indicating the protection and authority surrounding Solomon's anointing. 5. GihonA significant location near Jerusalem, Gihon was chosen for Solomon's anointing, symbolizing a public and divinely sanctioned transition of power. Teaching Points Divine Appointment and LeadershipGod often uses specific individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the roles of Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah. We should seek to understand and embrace our roles in God's plan. The Importance of Godly CounselNathan's involvement highlights the value of prophetic and wise counsel in leadership decisions. We should seek godly advice in our own lives. Symbolism of the MuleSolomon riding on David's mule symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power and continuity. In our lives, we should strive for peace and continuity in transitions. Public Affirmation of LeadershipThe public nature of Solomon's anointing at Gihon emphasizes the importance of community recognition and support in leadership roles. Faithfulness to God's PromisesThe fulfillment of God's promise to David through Solomon's anointing reminds us of God's faithfulness. We can trust in His promises for our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the involvement of Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah in Solomon's anointing reflect the importance of godly leadership and counsel in our lives today? 2. In what ways does the anointing of Solomon at Gihon serve as a model for public affirmation and support in leadership roles within the church? 3. How can we apply the symbolism of Solomon riding on David's mule to our own experiences of transition and change? 4. What lessons can we learn from the fulfillment of God's promise to David in the context of our own faith journey and trust in God's promises? 5. How do the roles of the Kerethites and the Pelethites in this event illustrate the need for protection and support in fulfilling God's purposes? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David by Samuel parallels Solomon's anointing, highlighting the theme of divine choice and legitimacy in leadership. 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising a lasting dynasty, is fulfilled in Solomon's anointing, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises. Psalm 72A prayer for the king, traditionally attributed to Solomon, reflects the hopes and divine expectations for his reign. 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, David, David's, Escorted, Gihon, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Kerethites, Mule, Nathan, Pelethite, Pelethites, Pel'ethites, Priest, Prophet, Ride, Solomon, ZadokDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:38 5127 back
7773 prophets, role 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:28-40 5366 king 1 Kings 1:38-40 5119 Solomon, life of
5314 flute 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 1:38 NIV1 Kings 1:38 NLT1 Kings 1:38 ESV1 Kings 1:38 NASB1 Kings 1:38 KJV
1 Kings 1:38 Commentaries
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