1 Kings 1:39

KJV

And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Zadok {H6659} the priest {H3548} took {H3947} an horn {H7161} of oil {H8081} out of the tabernacle {H168}, and anointed {H4886} Solomon {H8010}. And they blew {H8628} the trumpet {H7782}; and all the people {H5971} said {H559}, God save {H2421} king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tzadok the cohen took the horn of olive oil out of the tent and anointed Shlomo. They sounded the shofar, and all the people shouted, "Long live King Shlomo!"

Berean Standard Bible

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!”

American Standard Version

And Zadok the priest took the horn of oil out of the Tent, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, Long live king Solomon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:39 marks the divinely sanctioned anointing of Solomon as king, a pivotal event that solidified his claim to the throne amidst a turbulent succession crisis. This sacred ceremony, performed by Zadok the priest with oil from the tabernacle, was publicly affirmed by the blowing of trumpets and the acclamation of all the people, establishing Solomon's legitimate rule and countering the rebellious aspirations of Adonijah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a dramatic narrative concerning the succession to King David's throne. David, old and frail, had made a prior oath to Bathsheba that their son Solomon would succeed him ([1 Kings 1:30](/1-kings/1-30 "1 Kings 1:30 - David's Oath to Bathsheba")). However, David's eldest surviving son, Adonijah, presumptuously declared himself king, gathering support from influential figures like Joab and Abiathar ([1 Kings 1:5-10](/1-kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah's Rebellion Begins")). Prompted by Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, David swiftly commanded Zadok the priest, Nathan, and Benaiah to anoint Solomon publicly at the Gihon spring ([1 Kings 1:32-37](/1-kings/1-32 "1 Kings 1:32 - David's Command for Solomon's Anointing")). The anointing in 1 Kings 1:39, followed by the public rejoicing, directly counters Adonijah's self-proclaimed kingship, leading to the dispersal of his supporters and his eventual plea for mercy ([1 Kings 1:41-53](/1-kings/1-41 "1 Kings 1:41 - Adonijah Hears the News")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal succession was often a precarious affair, frequently leading to civil unrest or power struggles. Anointing with oil was a widely recognized ritual for consecrating kings, priests, and sometimes prophets, signifying divine appointment and empowerment. The use of a horn for the anointing oil, rather than a flask, was common for kings (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:13](/1-samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")), symbolizing strength, abundance, and durability, suggesting a lasting reign. The oil itself, taken from the tabernacle, underscored the sacred, divinely ordained nature of the kingship. The blowing of the trumpet (shofar) was a traditional signal for significant public events, including coronations, while the people's acclamation, "God save the king," was a customary expression of loyalty, blessing, and prayer for the monarch's long life and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Appointment and Legitimacy**, emphasizing that Solomon's kingship was not merely a political maneuver but a direct act of God's sovereign will, contrasting sharply with Adonijah's human-driven ambition. The act of anointing signifies **Sacred Consecration**, setting Solomon apart for a holy office and entrusting him with the leadership of God's people. Furthermore, the **Public Proclamation and Acclamation** by the people, signaled by the trumpet and their shouts, highlights the necessity of widespread acceptance and popular affirmation for the stability and unity of the kingdom, solidifying Solomon's authority over all Israel. This event also reinforces the **Continuity of the Davidic Covenant**, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promise to establish David's lineage on the throne.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Horn (Hebrew, _qeren_):** This refers to an animal horn, typically from an ox or ram, hollowed out and used as a vessel. Unlike a small flask, a horn could hold a substantial amount of oil, symbolizing abundance, strength, and durability. Its use for anointing kings (as seen with Saul in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1-samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing") and David in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1-samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")) underscored the robust and enduring nature of the kingship being conferred.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashach_):** This verb means "to smear," "to rub with oil," or "to consecrate." It is the root from which the Hebrew word _mashiach_ (Messiah) and the Greek word _christos_ (Christ) are derived, both meaning "Anointed One." The act of anointing was a ritual of setting apart for a sacred office—whether priest, prophet, or king—implying divine selection, empowerment, and authorization for their designated role.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _'ohel mo'ed_):** The "tent of meeting" was the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among Israel before the construction of the Temple. The oil used for Solomon's anointing was taken directly from this sacred place, signifying that the consecration was not merely a human political act but one directly sanctioned and empowered by God Himself, drawing authority from the very heart of Israel's worship and covenant relationship with Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon."**
* This clause details the agent, the instrument, the source, and the act of consecration. Zadok, as the high priest, held significant religious authority, and his involvement legitimized the anointing as a divine act. The "horn of oil" from the "tabernacle" underscores the sacred and divinely sanctioned nature of the oil, emphasizing that Solomon's kingship was not merely a human appointment but God's choice. The act of "anointing" physically set Solomon apart, imbuing him with the spiritual authority necessary for his royal office.
* **"And they blew the trumpet;"**
* This signifies the public proclamation of Solomon's enthronement. The blowing of the shofar (trumpet) was a traditional method of announcing important news, gathering the people, and marking significant events, particularly royal coronations. It served as an immediate, audible signal to all Jerusalem and beyond that a new king had been installed, demanding public recognition and allegiance.
* **"and all the people said, God save king Solomon."**
* This final clause records the popular acclamation and affirmation of Solomon's kingship. The phrase "God save king Solomon" (Hebrew: _yechi ha-melech Shlomo_) is a declaration of loyalty and a heartfelt prayer for the king's long life, prosperity, and divine protection. It indicates widespread acceptance and submission to Solomon's authority, crucial for the stability and unity of the kingdom, and a stark contrast to the limited support for Adonijah.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is prominent with the "horn of oil" representing strength, abundance, and divine anointing, and the "trumpet" symbolizing a public, authoritative proclamation. The entire scene operates as a **Contrast** to Adonijah's clandestine and self-appointed coronation, highlighting the legitimacy and divine backing of Solomon's reign versus Adonijah's illegitimate claim. The swift and public nature of Solomon's anointing, orchestrated by David, also demonstrates **Dramatic Irony**, as Adonijah's feast is interrupted by the sounds of Solomon's acclamation, revealing the futility of his rebellion. Furthermore, the anointing of a king in Israel, especially one from the Davidic line, serves as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the ultimate Anointed One, the Messiah, whose kingship would be eternal and universal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The anointing of Solomon in 1 Kings 1:39 is a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty in establishing leaders and His desire for order and legitimate authority within His people. It underscores that true kingship in Israel was not merely a political position but a sacred office, divinely ordained and consecrated. The oil from the tabernacle signifies that Solomon's authority flowed from God's presence and covenant, making his rule a stewardship under divine mandate. This event also highlights the concept of divine enablement for those called to lead, as the anointing symbolized the Spirit's empowerment for the tasks ahead. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder that all authority ultimately derives from God, and that those in leadership, whether spiritual or temporal, are accountable to Him.

* [1 Samuel 10:1](/1-samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing by Samuel")
* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1-samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")
* [Psalm 89:20](/psalms/89-20 "Psalm 89:20 - God's Anointing of David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The anointing of Solomon offers rich lessons for contemporary reflection and application. It reminds us that leadership, particularly within the community of faith, should be marked by divine appointment and consecration, not merely human ambition or political maneuvering. Just as Solomon was set apart for a specific, God-given role, believers today are called to live consecrated lives, set apart for God's purposes and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His will in their respective spheres of influence. This passage also emphasizes the importance of legitimate authority and the need for public affirmation and support for those God raises up. It challenges us to consider how we recognize and submit to godly leadership, and how our own lives reflect a commitment to divine order and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine anointing of Solomon challenge our understanding of leadership in both spiritual and secular contexts today?**
* **In what ways are believers today "anointed" or set apart for God's purposes, and how does this calling impact our daily lives?**
* **How can we, as a community, publicly affirm and support legitimate authority, both in the church and in society, in a manner that honors God?**

### FAQ
**Why was a "horn" used for the oil instead of a flask?**

Answer: The use of a horn (Hebrew: _qeren_) for anointing oil, as opposed to a smaller flask (as seen when Samuel anointed Saul in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1-samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing")), carried significant symbolic weight, particularly for kings. A horn, being durable and capable of holding a larger quantity of oil, symbolized strength, abundance, and the enduring nature of the kingship. It suggested a lasting and powerful reign, in contrast to a flask which might imply a more temporary or limited anointing. This distinction underscored the robust and permanent establishment of Solomon's rule.

**What is the significance of the oil coming "out of the tabernacle"?**

Answer: The fact that Zadok took the anointing oil "out of the tabernacle" (the tent of meeting) is profoundly significant. It signifies that the oil was sacred, not ordinary, and that Solomon's anointing was a divinely sanctioned act, not merely a human political maneuver. The tabernacle was the central place of worship and God's presence among Israel. Drawing the oil from there connected Solomon's kingship directly to God's authority, covenant, and holiness, emphasizing that his rule was legitimate and blessed by Yahweh Himself. This act underscored the theological foundation of Israelite kingship.

**What does "God save king Solomon" mean?**

Answer: The cry "God save king Solomon" (Hebrew: _yechi ha-melech Shlomo_, literally "Long live King Solomon!") was a traditional acclamation of loyalty and a fervent prayer for the king's long life, prosperity, and divine protection. It was a public declaration of allegiance and a communal blessing upon the newly installed monarch. In this context, it served as a powerful affirmation of Solomon's legitimate enthronement, demonstrating widespread popular acceptance and submission to his authority, effectively countering Adonijah's rebellion and solidifying the transfer of power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of Solomon in 1 Kings 1:39, a son of David consecrated by sacred oil and publicly acclaimed, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. While Solomon's kingship was earthly and temporary, marked by both wisdom and eventual failings, Jesus is the true and eternal King, the perfect Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, Son of David")). His anointing was not with physical oil from a tabernacle, but with the Holy Spirit for an everlasting ministry and reign ([Luke 4:18-21](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Anointing for Ministry")). The Spirit descended upon Him at His baptism, empowering Him for His messianic mission. He is the Messiah, the Christ, the one whom God has truly set apart and exalted "with the oil of gladness beyond your companions" ([Hebrews 1:9](/hebrews/1-9 "Hebrews 1:9 - Jesus Anointed with the Oil of Gladness")). Unlike Solomon, whose kingdom eventually divided, Jesus establishes an eternal kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). The acclamation "God save King Solomon" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the universal worship of Jesus, who is "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus as King of Kings")). His anointing signifies not just a transfer of power, but the inauguration of God's redemptive reign over all creation.

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.