1 Kings 1:32 - Meaning and Application

Here we see the wise care David took to secure Solomon’s rights and keep the nation at peace by stopping Adonijah’s scheme at once. Notice, David gave clear orders for Solomon to be publicly announced as king.

He chose Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah for this task, men of influence whom he trusted and who had proven faithful to him. Adonijah had left them out of his own invitation (1 Kings 1:10). David told them to act at once and with full ceremony. They were to bring the king’s servants, including the royal guard, and set Solomon on the king’s own mule, since David did not keep large horse stables like his son later did.

David also told them where to go and what to do (1 Kings 1:33, 1 Kings 1:34, 1 Kings 1:35). Zadok and Nathan, the two religious leaders, were to anoint Solomon as king in God’s name. Solomon was not the firstborn like Saul and David had been, but he was chosen by God, and his claim was being challenged. That made this public anointing important, because it firmly confirmed his right to the throne.

This anointing also pointed ahead to the Messiah, the anointed one, that is, the Christ. On him the Spirit, called the oil of joy, was poured out without limit (Hebrews 1:9, Psalm 89:20). All Christians, as heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5), receive from him this anointing too (1 John 2:27).

The civil and military leaders were also told to make the announcement loudly and to show public joy with trumpet blasts, as Moses had directed for great occasions. The people were to cry out, “Let king Solomon live, let him prosper, let his kingdom be established and last long.” That matched what had been promised about him, “He shall live” (Psalm 72:15). Then they were to bring him in royal style to the city of David and seat him on his father’s throne.

In that way, Solomon would serve as David’s deputy while David was weak, and then succeed him after his death: “He shall be king in my place.” David and everyone involved would find great relief in having this settled right away. Then, when the king died, there would be no public dispute or trouble. David was not jealous of seeing his successor honored during his own lifetime, and he likely needed others to remind him of this duty while he was confined to his sickbed.

Benaiah, speaking for the others, gave full approval to David’s order. When David said, “Solomon shall reign for me and after me,” Benaiah gladly answered, “Amen, so be it.” In effect, he said they were fully satisfied with Solomon’s appointment and agreed with the choice all together. Since nothing can succeed without God’s favor, he added, “May the Lord God of my lord the king say so too” (1 Kings 1:36).

This was a statement of faith in God’s promise, on which Solomon’s rule rested. If we speak in agreement with what God says in his Word, we may hope that he will work in line with our words by his providence. Benaiah also prayed for Solomon that God would be with him as he had been with David and make his throne even greater (1 Kings 1:37). He knew David would not envy his son’s success. The wisest and best people want their children to become wiser and better than they are, because they themselves are still growing in wisdom and goodness. That is the true kind of greatness.

The orders were carried out at once, with no delay (1 Kings 1:38-40). Solomon was brought in royal procession to the appointed place, and there Zadok, under Nathan’s direction and David’s authority, anointed him (1 Kings 1:39). In the tabernacle, where the ark was kept, the holy oil used for sacred purposes was stored. Zadok took a horn of oil, a sign of both power and plenty, and used it to anoint Solomon.

We do not read that Abiathar tried to anoint Adonijah. He was made king by a feast, not by anointing. Those whom God calls, he also equips for their place, and the anointing showed that. Usurpers, those who seize authority without right, do not have that divine marking. Christ means “anointed,” and he is the King God has set on his holy hill in Zion by his decree (Psalm 2:6, Psalm 2:7). Christians also are made kings to our God, through him, and they have an anointing from the Holy One (1 John 2:20).

After that, the people showed their joy and approval at Solomon’s elevation. They welcomed him with cries for God to save the king and with music and shouts of joy (1 Kings 1:40). By doing this, they showed that they agreed with the choice and that Solomon was not forced on them, but gladly received. A prince’s power gives him little comfort unless he knows his people are glad to have him. Every true Israelite rejoices in the exaltation of the Son of David.