1 Kings 1:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Zadok {H6659} the priest {H3548}, and Nathan {H5416} the prophet {H5030}, and Benaiah {H1141} the son {H1121} of Jehoiada {H3077}, and the Cherethites {H3774}, and the Pelethites {H6432}, went down {H3381}, and caused Solomon {H8010} to ride {H7392} upon king {H4428} David's {H1732} mule {H6506}, and brought {H3212} him to Gihon {H1521}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Tzadok the cohen, Natan the prophet, B'nayah the son of Y'hoyada and the K'reti and P'leti went down, had Shlomo ride on King David's mule and brought him to Gichon.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:38 meticulously records the pivotal moment of Solomon's legitimate and divinely affirmed accession to the throne of Israel. This verse details the swift and decisive actions of key figures—Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, along with the loyal Cherethites and Pelethites—who, under King David's direct command, orchestrate a public procession for Solomon, seating him upon David's royal mule and leading him to the sacred Gihon spring for his anointing, thereby solidifying his rightful kingship and countering any challenge to his authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate and climactic fulfillment of King David's solemn decree concerning Solomon's succession, directly resolving a period of intense political intrigue and a challenge to the throne. The preceding narrative meticulously sets the stage, beginning with the unauthorized and premature self-proclamation of Adonijah, David's older son, who gathered support from influential figures like Joab and Abiathar, as detailed in [1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "Adonijah's Self-Proclamation"). The urgency of the situation is heightened by Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, who alert the aging King David to Adonijah's illicit plot, as recounted in [1 Kings 1:11-12](/1_kings/1-11 "Nathan's Counsel to Bathsheba"). Remembering his sacred oath to Bathsheba concerning Solomon's future kingship ([1 Kings 1:17](/1_kings/1-17 "Bathsheba Reminds David of His Oath")), David acts with surprising vigor and clarity, issuing explicit commands for Solomon's anointing and public procession in [1 Kings 1:32-35](/1_kings/1-32 "David's Command for Solomon's Anointing"). Thus, [1 Kings 1:38](/1_kings/1-38 "Solomon's Royal Procession to Gihon") marks the immediate, public, and decisive execution of David's will, standing in stark contrast to Adonijah's clandestine and self-serving usurpation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the volatile world of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the transfer of power was frequently fraught with peril, often leading to civil strife or bloody coups. Legitimacy was paramount, typically established through a combination of divine sanction, ancestral right, and public acclamation. The symbolic act of riding the reigning king's personal mule was a profoundly significant gesture, universally understood as the direct transfer of royal authority, prestige, and even the king's very essence to his chosen successor. Gihon, a vital natural spring located just outside the walls of Jerusalem in the Kidron Valley, was not merely the city's primary water source but also a site of deep historical and sacred significance, likely associated with ancient anointing ceremonies or covenant renewals. Performing the anointing at such a public and vital location, rather than within the private confines of the palace, ensured maximum visibility and public recognition, which was absolutely crucial for countering any claims of usurpation and solidifying the new king's authority in the eyes of the populace. The presence of key religious (Zadok), prophetic (Nathan), and military (Benaiah, Cherethites, Pelethites) figures underscored the comprehensive and unassailable backing for Solomon's claim.
* **Key Themes:** The intricate events surrounding Solomon's succession, culminating in the decisive action of [1 Kings 1:38](/1_kings/1-38 "Solomon's Royal Procession to Gihon"), illuminate several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Legitimacy** are central, emphasizing that Solomon's kingship was not merely the outcome of political maneuvering but a divinely ordained choice, fulfilling God's enduring covenant promises to David concerning his lineage and the establishment of an eternal throne ([2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "Nathan's Prophecy to David")). Secondly, the passage powerfully underscores the critical importance of **Orderly Succession and Stability**, demonstrating how a clear, decisive, and publicly affirmed transfer of leadership is absolutely essential to prevent civil unrest, maintain the integrity of the kingdom, and ensure peace. The stark contrast between Adonijah's chaotic and self-initiated self-proclamation ([1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "Adonijah's Self-Proclamation")) and Solomon's divinely sanctioned and publicly witnessed procession strongly reinforces this theme. Finally, the theme of **Public Affirmation and Witness** is paramount, as the elaborate ceremony at Gihon was meticulously designed to leave no doubt about the rightful king, thereby solidifying Solomon's position in the collective consciousness and loyalty of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went down (Hebrew, _yârad_):** This verb, stemming from H3381, literally signifies "to descend" or "to go downwards." In the context of 1 Kings 1:38, it denotes the physical movement from the elevated palace complex in Jerusalem to the Gihon spring, which was situated in the lower Kidron Valley. The specific choice of "went down" emphasizes the deliberate and public nature of the procession, moving from the private royal residence to a public, accessible, and highly significant location for the anointing ceremony. This descent underscores the intentionality of David's command and the public display of Solomon's investiture.
* **Mule (Hebrew, _pirdâh_):** Derived from H6506, this term specifically refers to a female mule. In ancient Israel, mules were highly prized animals, often associated with royalty and nobility due to their strength, sure-footedness, and rarity. More profoundly, riding the king's personal mule was a direct and unmistakable symbol of succession and the transfer of royal authority. It served as a visual declaration that Solomon was now vested with David's prestige and power, clearly distinguishing him from Adonijah, who had used chariots and horses to project his own, illegitimate, power. This act was a public endorsement of Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne.
* **Gihon (Hebrew, _Gîychôwn_):** As per H1521, this refers to the Gihon Spring, Jerusalem's primary water source, located in the Kidron Valley. Its significance extends far beyond mere utility; it was a sacred site, possibly associated with ancient cultic practices or covenant ceremonies. As a public and vital location, it provided the ideal setting for a highly visible and authoritative anointing ceremony, allowing the populace to witness and affirm the new king. The flowing water of the spring itself may also have symbolized life, blessing, purity, and the continuity of the new reign, connecting Solomon's rule to the very lifeblood of the city and divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down":** This opening clause meticulously lists the key individuals and groups entrusted with executing King David's solemn command. Zadok, as the high priest, represents the indispensable religious authority and divine sanction, ensuring the spiritual legitimacy of the anointing. Nathan, the prophet, signifies the prophetic endorsement, confirming that Solomon's kingship fulfills God's word concerning David's lineage. Benaiah, the commander of David's loyal personal guard, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites (David's elite, foreign mercenaries renowned for their unwavering loyalty and effectiveness), represent the military and executive power necessary to enforce the king's decree, ensure the security of the procession, and suppress any opposition. Their collective presence demonstrates the unified, comprehensive, and unassailable backing for Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne from all sectors of royal authority.
* **"and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule":** This action is profoundly symbolic and politically charged. By placing Solomon on David's personal royal mount—an animal reserved for the monarch—the participants publicly declared Solomon as David's chosen and rightful successor. This act communicated the immediate and undeniable transfer of royal authority, prestige, and legitimacy from the reigning king to his designated heir. It was a visual and unmistakable sign of Solomon's true claim, directly countering Adonijah's self-proclaimed kingship and his own ostentatious, yet illegitimate, display of power. This public display ensured there could be no doubt about who held the king's favor and authority.
* **"and brought him to Gihon":** The chosen destination for this momentous procession was strategically vital. Gihon, a life-giving spring and a historically significant location, served as the traditional or most appropriate site for royal anointing ceremonies. Bringing Solomon to this public and sacred place ensured that the anointing would be witnessed by the people, solidifying his position as king not only through divine blessing but also through public acclamation. This highly visible act was essential for establishing Solomon's reign as divinely ordained and universally recognized, leaving no room for lingering doubt or further challenge to his authority. It was a declaration to all Jerusalem that a new era had begun under God's chosen king.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to amplify its significance and convey its message with clarity and force. **Symbolism** is paramount, particularly evident in the choice of "king David's mule" and the destination "Gihon." The mule profoundly symbolizes the direct, personal transfer of royal authority and legitimacy, serving as a visual shorthand for the seamless succession. Gihon, as a life-giving spring and traditional anointing site, symbolizes divine blessing, purity, and the continuity of the Davidic line, connecting Solomon's reign to God's enduring covenant. The entire sequence of events functions as a meticulously orchestrated **public ritual**, a performative act designed not only to install Solomon but also to communicate an undeniable message of legitimate authority to all observers, sharply contrasting with Adonijah's more private, conspiratorial gathering. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **contrast** woven throughout the narrative, juxtaposing Solomon's legitimate, divinely sanctioned, and publicly affirmed procession with Adonijah's illegitimate, self-proclaimed, and ultimately futile attempt to seize the throne. This contrast powerfully highlights the themes of divine order versus human ambition and the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The anointing of Solomon in [1 Kings 1:38](/1_kings/1-38 "Solomon's Royal Procession to Gihon") stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering sovereignty over human affairs and the critical importance of legitimate, divinely appointed authority. It unequivocally demonstrates that true leadership, particularly within God's covenantal framework, is not seized through human ambition, political maneuvering, or popular uprising, but is graciously bestowed by divine will and affirmed through established, often public, processes. This pivotal event directly fulfills the foundational Davidic covenant, wherein God solemnly promised David an enduring dynasty and a son who would build His temple ([2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "Nathan's Prophecy to David - God's Covenant with David")). The public nature of the ceremony at Gihon further underscores the necessity of transparent and undeniable transitions of power, ensuring stability, preventing chaos, and reflecting God's inherent character as a God of perfect order, not confusion. The passage implicitly teaches that submission to such divinely established authority is a reflection of submission to God Himself.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "Nathan's Prophecy to David - God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "God's Anointed King on Zion")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The orderly and divinely sanctioned anointing of Solomon in [1 Kings 1:38](/1_kings/1-38 "Solomon's Royal Procession to Gihon") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and leaders alike. It serves as a powerful reminder that all true authority, whether exercised in spiritual, familial, or secular realms, ultimately derives its legitimacy from God. We are therefore called to recognize, honor, and, where appropriate, submit to legitimate authority, understanding that God often works through established channels and processes, even amidst human imperfections and challenges. This passage profoundly encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances appear chaotic or uncertain, as He faithfully ensures His purposes are fulfilled. Furthermore, King David's decisive action, meticulously executed by loyal and faithful servants, teaches us the vital importance of acting with integrity, clarity, and courage to uphold truth, order, and justice, especially when faced with challenges to legitimate leadership or attempts at usurpation. For individuals, this narrative prompts a crucial self-reflection on our own ambitions: do we seek to promote ourselves through self-serving means, or do we humbly submit to God's calling and faithfully serve within the authority and roles He establishes?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "divine appointment" as illustrated in 1 Kings 1:38 inform our understanding and approach to leadership today, both within the church and in broader society?**
* **What practical lessons can we glean from King David's decisive and public action in ensuring a legitimate transfer of power, especially when confronting illegitimate claims or challenges?**
* **In what specific ways might we, like Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, be called to faithfully support, affirm, and participate in God-ordained leadership or established processes within our own contexts?**
* **How does the stark contrast between Solomon's legitimate, divinely sanctioned procession and Adonijah's self-proclamation challenge our own tendencies toward self-promotion versus humble, God-honoring service?**

### FAQ

**Why was Gihon chosen as the location for Solomon's anointing?**

Answer: Gihon was chosen for several compelling and strategic reasons. Firstly, as Jerusalem's primary natural spring, it was a vital and widely known public location, ensuring that the anointing ceremony would be witnessed by a large number of people. This public visibility was absolutely crucial for establishing Solomon's legitimacy and directly countering Adonijah's more clandestine and illegitimate self-proclamation ([1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "Adonijah's Self-Proclamation")). Secondly, Gihon likely held deep historical and sacred significance, potentially serving as a traditional site for royal ceremonies or covenant renewals, thereby lending an aura of divine sanction, continuity, and ancient legitimacy to Solomon's kingship. The flowing water of the spring itself could also powerfully symbolize life, blessing, purity, and the continuity of the new reign, connecting Solomon's rule to the very lifeblood of the city and divine favor.

**What was the symbolic significance of Solomon riding King David's personal mule?**

Answer: Solomon riding King David's personal mule was an extraordinarily powerful and unmistakable symbol of the direct, undisputed transfer of royal authority, prestige, and legitimacy. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of riding the reigning king's personal mount was a clear and public declaration of succession, signifying that the heir was now fully vested with the king's power, status, and favor. This deliberate act visually distinguished Solomon's divinely sanctioned appointment from Adonijah's unauthorized and self-initiated attempt to seize the throne, as Adonijah had used chariots and horses to project his own, illegitimate, power ([1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "Adonijah's Usurpation")). It left no room for doubt in the minds of the people that Solomon was King David's chosen, rightful, and divinely appointed successor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of Solomon as king, a divinely chosen son of David, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon's legitimate succession, marked by a public procession and anointing at Gihon, powerfully foreshadows the eternal and universal kingship of the true Son of David, Jesus, whose kingdom is not merely earthly but heavenly and everlasting ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Just as Solomon was publicly affirmed by David's command, Jesus was publicly declared God's beloved Son at His baptism ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Jesus' Baptism and God's Affirmation")) and transfiguration ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "The Transfiguration and God's Voice")), unequivocally confirming His divine appointment and unique relationship with the Father. While Solomon was anointed with physical oil, Jesus was supremely anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, enabling His ministry and demonstrating His divine authority ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Peter's Sermon: God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit")). Unlike the earthly kings who eventually died and whose reigns ended, Jesus's reign is everlasting, and His kingdom will have no end ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel's Vision of the Son of Man")). The orderly and divinely sanctioned transfer of power to Solomon thus points forward to the peaceful, righteous, and eternal reign of Christ, who came not by human ambition or political maneuvering but by divine will to establish His kingdom, ultimately conquering sin and death and sitting at the right hand of God with all authority in heaven and on earth ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Christ's Exaltation and Authority")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

1 Kings 1:8

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.

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:

2 Samuel 20:20

And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

2 Samuel 20:23

¶ Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

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.

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.