The commissioning of Solomon by his father, King David, is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marking the transition of leadership in Israel and the continuation of God's covenantal promises. This event is primarily recorded in the books of 1 Chronicles and 1 Kings, where David, nearing the end of his reign, prepares Solomon to succeed him as king and to undertake the monumental task of building the Temple in Jerusalem.

Context and Background

David, the second king of Israel, had established a united kingdom and brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, making it the religious and political center of Israel. Despite his desire to build a temple for the Lord, God revealed through the prophet Nathan that David would not be the one to construct the Temple due to his history as a warrior and man of bloodshed (1 Chronicles 22:8). Instead, this task would fall to his son Solomon, whose reign would be characterized by peace and prosperity.

David's Charge to Solomon

In 1 Chronicles 22, David gathers the leaders of Israel and charges Solomon with the responsibility of building the Temple. David provides Solomon with detailed plans and abundant resources, including gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, to ensure the successful completion of the Temple. He emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments as a foundation for Solomon's reign and the success of the Temple project.

David's charge to Solomon is both practical and spiritual. He instructs Solomon to "be strong and courageous" and to "do the work" (1 Chronicles 28:20). David assures Solomon of God's presence, saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished" (1 Chronicles 28:20).

Solomon's Anointing and Ascension

The transition of power is further solidified in 1 Kings 1, where David publicly declares Solomon as his successor. Amidst political intrigue and the ambitions of Adonijah, another of David's sons, David acts decisively to ensure Solomon's anointing as king. With the support of key figures such as Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Solomon is anointed at Gihon and ascends to the throne, securing his position as the rightful king of Israel.

David's Final Instructions

In 1 Kings 2, David gives Solomon his final instructions, emphasizing the importance of walking in obedience to God. David advises Solomon to "keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees" (1 Kings 2:3). This adherence to God's law is presented as the key to prosperity and the fulfillment of God's promises to David's lineage.

David also provides Solomon with specific guidance on dealing with certain individuals, ensuring the stability and security of the kingdom. These instructions reflect David's wisdom and concern for justice, as well as the need for Solomon to establish his authority as the new king.

Significance

The commissioning of Solomon by David is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. It underscores the continuity of God's covenant with David and the establishment of a dynasty that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah. Solomon's reign, marked by the construction of the Temple, represents the zenith of Israel's united monarchy and serves as a foreshadowing of the eternal kingdom promised through David's line.