1 Kings 1:40

KJV

And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the people {H5971} came up {H5927} after {H310} him, and the people {H5971} piped {H2490} with pipes {H2485}, and rejoiced {H8056} with great {H1419} joy {H8057}, so that the earth {H776} rent {H1234} with the sound {H6963} of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people escorted him back, playing flutes and rejoicing greatly, so that the earth shook with the sound.

Berean Standard Bible

All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound.

American Standard Version

And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:40 vividly portrays the overwhelming public jubilation surrounding the anointing and procession of Solomon as King David's chosen successor. Following a period of uncertainty and attempted usurpation, the people's exuberant celebration, marked by instrumental music and shouts of joy so profound they metaphorically shook the very ground, underscored the legitimacy of Solomon's divinely sanctioned reign and the kingdom's unified acceptance of the new era of leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant climax of Solomon's anointing narrative within [1 Kings chapter 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Solomon's Anointing"). Immediately preceding it, [verses 38-39](/1_kings/1-38 "1 Kings 1:38-39 - Solomon Anointed at Gihon") describe Solomon being placed on King David's own mule and led by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet to Gihon, where he was anointed with oil. This public procession from Gihon to Jerusalem, culminating in the joyous acclamation of verse 40, directly contrasts with the clandestine and rebellious feast of Adonijah, David's elder son, who had attempted to usurp the throne (as detailed in [1 Kings 1:5-10](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-10 - Adonijah's Usurpation Attempt")). The widespread, earth-shaking joy of the people thus signifies a clear, divinely endorsed, and publicly affirmed transfer of power, solidifying Solomon's position against any rival claims.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Royal succession in the ancient Near East was often fraught with intrigue and violence, making a peaceful and publicly accepted transition highly significant. The anointing with oil, performed by a priest (Zadok) and prophet (Nathan), was a sacred act, signifying divine appointment and legitimacy, reminiscent of Samuel's anointing of David in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing"). The procession on the king's mule symbolized the transfer of royal authority, and the public acclamation, accompanied by music and shouts, was a common practice to validate a new monarch's reign, ensuring popular support and deterring opposition. Gihon, a natural spring outside Jerusalem, held ritual significance, and the return to the city underscored the establishment of the new king in the capital.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 1:40](/1_kings/1-40 "1 Kings 1:40 - The People's Joy at Solomon's Coronation") powerfully contributes to several key themes in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"): **Divine Sovereignty and Legitimate Succession** is paramount, as the people's joy confirms God's choice of Solomon over Adonijah's self-proclaimed kingship. The verse highlights the theme of **Unity and Stability** within the kingdom, demonstrating a collective embrace of the new leadership after a period of potential division. Furthermore, the description of overwhelming joy underscores the theme of **Public Affirmation and Celebration**, portraying a kingdom that is not merely accepting but enthusiastically endorsing its divinely appointed ruler, setting a hopeful tone for Solomon's reign, which is a significant part of the broader narrative of [Israel's monarchy](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pipes (Hebrew, חָלִיל, _chalil'_):** This term refers to a wind instrument, specifically a flute or pipe, commonly used in ancient Israel for festive occasions, celebrations, and processions. Its mention here indicates the organized and joyous nature of the public demonstration, adding a musical dimension to the exuberant atmosphere. The sound of pipes would have been distinct and pervasive, contributing significantly to the overall auditory impact of the celebration.
* **Rejoiced (Hebrew, שָׂמַח, _samach'_):** This verb signifies a deep and genuine gladness, joy, or exultation. It is not merely a superficial happiness but an intense emotional response. The repetition of the root in "rejoiced with great joy" (שִׂמְחָה גְּדֹלָה, _simchah gedolah_) emphasizes the overwhelming and profound nature of the people's happiness, suggesting a collective outpouring of relief and delight at the legitimate establishment of the new king.
* **Rent (Hebrew, בָּקַע, _baqa'_):** This powerful verb literally means "to cleave," "to split," "to burst open," or "to tear apart." While it is used in contexts such as the splitting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:16](/exodus/14-16 "Exodus 14:16 - Moses Parts the Red Sea")) or the bursting forth of water from a rock ([Numbers 20:11](/numbers/20-11 "Numbers 20:11 - Moses Strikes the Rock")), its application here to the earth "renting" with sound is a vivid **hyperbole**. It serves to convey the extraordinary, almost physical, impact of the sound of the people's celebration, implying that the noise was so immense and pervasive that it seemed to vibrate through and shake the very ground beneath them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people came up after him":** This phrase describes the large multitude of people following Solomon as he rode from Gihon, the site of his anointing, back into Jerusalem. "Came up after him" signifies their allegiance, support, and participation in the royal procession, confirming the widespread acceptance of his kingship.
* **"and the people piped with pipes":** This clause details the musical accompaniment of the procession. The use of "pipes" (flutes) indicates a festive and celebratory atmosphere, typical of significant public events. It underscores the joyous and intentional nature of the acclamation.
* **"and rejoiced with great joy":** This emphasizes the intensity and depth of the people's emotional response. The doubling of the concept of joy ("rejoiced" and "great joy") highlights the profound and widespread happiness felt by the populace, reflecting their relief and approval of Solomon's legitimate ascension.
* **"so that the earth rent with the sound of them":** This is the climactic descriptive clause, employing powerful **hyperbole**. It conveys the overwhelming volume and pervasive nature of the celebration. The sound was so immense, so resonant, and so widespread that it metaphorically seemed to cause the very ground to tremble and split, illustrating the profound impact of the people's unified acclamation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Kings 1:40](/1_kings/1-40 "1 Kings 1:40 - The Sound of Joy") is **Hyperbole**. The statement "the earth rent with the sound of them" is a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize the extraordinary, overwhelming volume and pervasive nature of the people's joyous celebration. It is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to convey the sheer magnitude and impact of the noise, suggesting it was so loud it seemed to physically shake the ground. This vivid imagery also contributes to **Auditory Imagery**, allowing the reader to almost hear the cacophony of pipes and shouts. Furthermore, the repetition of "the people" and the emphasis on "great joy" contribute to **Emphasis**, underscoring the widespread and intense nature of the public's affirmation of Solomon's kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound jubilation described in [1 Kings 1:40](/1_kings/1-40 "1 Kings 1:40 - The Coronation Celebration") serves as a powerful theological statement. It underscores the principle that legitimate leadership, especially divinely appointed leadership, brings order, stability, and cause for widespread rejoicing. In contrast to the chaos and division threatened by Adonijah's rebellion, Solomon's anointing and the people's enthusiastic response demonstrate God's providence in establishing His chosen king and bringing unity to the nation. This collective joy is not merely political acclamation but a spiritual affirmation of God's hand in the succession, reflecting the peace and prosperity that come when God's will is honored.

* [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's Anointed King")
* [Deuteronomy 17:15](/deuteronomy/17-15 "Deuteronomy 17:15 - God's Choice in Kingship")
* [Psalm 98:4](/psalms/98-4 "Psalm 98:4 - Call to Joyful Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of overwhelming joy in [1 Kings 1:40](/1_kings/1-40 "1 Kings 1:40 - A Model of Corporate Joy") offers significant lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It reminds us of the profound blessing of unity and the importance of celebrating God's providential hand in leadership transitions, whether in the church, family, or society. When God's order is established and His chosen leaders are recognized, there is a legitimate cause for collective rejoicing and affirmation. This passage challenges us to consider how we respond to divine appointments and how we express corporate thanksgiving for God's faithfulness in bringing stability and hope, even after periods of contention or uncertainty. The "great joy" of the people can serve as a model for how communities might respond to God's continued work in their midst, echoing the biblical call to make a joyful noise unto the Lord and celebrate His goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our community or church respond to transitions in leadership, and what role does unity play in those moments?**
* **In what ways can believers genuinely express "great joy" and thanksgiving for God's providential hand in their lives and in the life of their community?**
* **What does the "earth-shaking" joy of the people imply about the impact of a divinely sanctioned and popularly affirmed leadership?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "the earth rent with the sound of them" used if it wasn't a literal earthquake?**

Answer: The phrase "the earth rent with the sound of them" employs **hyperbole**, a literary device involving exaggeration for emphasis. It is not meant to be taken literally as a geological event. Instead, it powerfully conveys the immense, overwhelming volume and pervasive nature of the people's celebration. The sound of their pipes, shouts, and rejoicing was so loud and widespread that it metaphorically seemed to vibrate through the very ground, indicating an extraordinary and unforgettable public acclamation. This vivid imagery emphasizes the profound impact and intensity of the joy felt by the entire populace at Solomon's coronation, making it clear that this was no quiet affair but an event of immense significance and audible triumph, as described in [1 Kings 1:40](/1_kings/1-40 "1 Kings 1:40 - The Sound of Celebration").

**What does this verse tell us about the beginning of Solomon's reign?**

Answer: [1 Kings 1:40](/1_kings/1-40 "1 Kings 1:40 - Solomon's Reign Begins with Joy") indicates that Solomon's reign began with overwhelming popular support and divine backing. The widespread and intense joy of the people, expressed through music and shouts so loud they metaphorically "rent the earth," signifies a clear public endorsement of his legitimacy. This scene contrasts sharply with the attempted usurpation by Adonijah earlier in [1 Kings chapter 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession Crisis"), highlighting that Solomon's ascension was not a quiet, contested affair but a divinely orchestrated and publicly celebrated event. It set a tone of stability, unity, and hope for the kingdom under its new, God-chosen king, laying a strong foundation for his rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The coronation of Solomon, marked by such earth-shaking joy and popular acclaim, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. While Solomon's reign brought a period of peace and prosperity, his kingship was imperfect and temporary. Jesus, the true Son of David, fulfills the promise of an eternal, righteous, and universal reign. The "great joy" of the people at Solomon's enthronement foreshadows the ultimate, cosmic joy that will accompany the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom. Just as Solomon rode into Jerusalem as king, Jesus made His [triumphal entry into Jerusalem](/matthew/21-1 "Matthew 21:1 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"), albeit to a different kind of acclamation, as the humble King riding on a donkey. Yet, the New Testament speaks of a future day when "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The "earth rent with the sound of them" in [1 Kings 1:40](/1_kings/1-40 "1 Kings 1:40 - Foreshadowing Christ's Reign") anticipates the cosmic reverberation of praise and worship that will greet the return of the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose reign will bring not just earthly peace but eternal salvation and unceasing joy to all who believe. His kingdom is the one that truly "shakes" the foundations of the world, not with mere sound, but with the power of redemption and the promise of new creation ([Hebrews 12:26-28](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26-28 - The Unshakeable Kingdom")).

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

Daniel 3:5

[That] at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

1 Chronicles 12:38

All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel [were] of one heart to make David king.

1 Chronicles 12:40

Moreover they that were nigh them, [even] unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, [and] meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for [there was] joy in Israel.

Luke 19:37

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

2 Kings 11:20

And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword [beside] the king's house.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 11:18

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.