1 Kings 1:43

KJV

And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3129} answered {H6030} and said {H559} to Adonijah {H138}, Verily {H61} our lord {H113} king {H4428} David {H1732} hath made Solomon {H8010} king {H4427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yonatan answered Adoniyah, "The truth is, our lord King David has made Shlomo king.

Berean Standard Bible

“Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king.

American Standard Version

And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This serves as the climactic and decisive announcement that shatters the illicit power grab of Adonijah, King David's fourth son. Delivered by Jonathan, the son of Abiathar, this verse definitively proclaims to Adonijah and his co-conspirators that King David has, with full authority and divine sanction, publicly enthroned Solomon as his successor. It marks the irrefutable end of Adonijah's premature rebellion, confirming the legitimate transfer of power and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for the Davidic dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse stands at the dramatic apex of the succession narrative detailed in [1 Kings chapter 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession of Solomon"). The chapter opens by establishing King David's advanced age and physical frailty, creating a power vacuum that Adonijah, David's ambitious fourth son, attempts to exploit. Adonijah gathers influential allies, including Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar, a prominent priest, and proceeds to proclaim himself king without David's knowledge or consent. However, this audacious coup is swiftly countered by the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, who alert the ailing David to Adonijah's usurpation. Roused to action, David immediately reaffirms his sacred oath to Bathsheba that Solomon would indeed succeed him ([1 Kings 1:30](/1_kings/1-30 "David's Oath to Bathsheba")). He then issues specific commands for Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, the commander of his bodyguard, to anoint Solomon at Gihon and publicly proclaim him king throughout Jerusalem ([1 Kings 1:32-40](/1_kings/1-32-40 "Solomon's Anointing and Proclamation")). As Adonijah and his guests are feasting and celebrating their presumed victory, Jonathan, ironically the son of Abiathar (who had sided with Adonijah), arrives to deliver the devastating news of Solomon's legitimate enthronement, making [1 Kings 1:43](/1_kings/1-43 "1 Kings 1:43 - Solomon's Enthronement Announced") the definitive announcement that abruptly ends Adonijah's illicit ambitions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The succession to the throne in ancient Israel, particularly during the early monarchy, was not exclusively determined by primogeniture. While the eldest son often held a strong claim, the reigning king possessed the prerogative to designate his successor, frequently with divine guidance or prophetic endorsement. David himself was chosen by God over his elder brothers ([1 Samuel 16:6-13](/1_samuel/16-6-13 "Samuel Anoints David")). The anointing with oil, as performed for Solomon, was a sacred and public ritual signifying divine appointment and the transfer of legitimate authority, thereby making the king a "messiah" or "anointed one" ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "Saul Anointed King")). The subsequent public proclamation, accompanied by trumpet blasts and shouts of "Long live the king!", was crucial for establishing the new monarch's legitimacy and securing popular allegiance. Adonijah's actions, therefore, constituted a clear act of usurpation—a rebellion against the established king's authority and, more profoundly, against God's revealed will, as God had already indicated Solomon as David's chosen heir ([1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9-10 "God's Promise of Peace for Solomon")). The feasting and celebration by Adonijah's party were customary ways to solidify a claim to power, but in this instance, they proved to be tragically premature and ill-fated.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 1:43](/1_kings/1-43 "1 Kings 1:43 - Solomon's Enthronement Announced") powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Foremost among these is the theme of **Legitimate Succession vs. Usurpation**. Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne through human ambition and political maneuvering stands in stark contrast to David's divinely sanctioned appointment of Solomon, highlighting that true authority flows from God's will, not from human schemes. This directly connects to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that despite human plots and rebellion, God's ultimate plan for the Davidic line prevails. David's decisive action, prompted by prophetic counsel, ensures that God's promise regarding the stability of his kingdom and the anointing of his chosen heir is upheld ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Rebellion**, as Adonijah's premature celebration is abruptly shattered by the undeniable reality of Solomon's enthronement, foreshadowing the eventual downfall of those who oppose God's established order and seek to thwart His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Hebrew, _ʾăbâl'_):** This adverb (H61), translated as "truly," "certainly," or "indeed," carries significant weight in Jonathan's declaration. It conveys absolute certainty and finality, indicating that the news is not a rumor or a possibility, but an undeniable, established fact. The use of _ʾăbâl'_ underscores the authoritative and irreversible nature of David's action, leaving no room for doubt or dispute regarding Solomon's accession. It functions as a verbal hammer blow, shattering Adonijah's false sense of security and premature celebration.
* **Hath made... king (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** This verb (H4427) is a primitive root meaning "to reign" or "to be king." In this context, the form used (a Hiphil perfect) indicates a causative action: "to cause to reign" or "to make king." This highlights David's active, deliberate, and authoritative role in appointing Solomon. It emphasizes that Solomon's kingship is not a result of popular acclamation or self-proclamation, but a direct, intentional act of the reigning monarch, carrying the full weight of royal decree and, implicitly, divine endorsement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah":** This clause sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation, building immediate tension. Jonathan, ironically the son of Abiathar (a key supporter of Adonijah's coup), is the messenger of devastating news. His arrival at the feast, where Adonijah and his supporters are celebrating their presumed victory, creates a stark contrast, as the audience is aware of the true state of affairs while Adonijah remains in blissful ignorance.
* **"Verily":** This single, powerful word, as explored in the Key Word Analysis, functions as an intensifier. It signals that what follows is not mere conjecture or a report, but an irrefutable truth delivered with the full weight of its certainty. It prepares Adonijah for the devastating reality that is about to dismantle his ambitions.
* **"our lord king David hath made Solomon king":** This is the core message, delivered with stark clarity and undeniable authority. The phrase "our lord king David" acknowledges David's continuing, supreme authority, even in his old age, underscoring that the true source of power remains with him. The declaration that David "hath made Solomon king" confirms the legitimacy and finality of Solomon's enthronement. It directly refutes Adonijah's self-proclamation, establishing that the true transfer of power has occurred through the proper channels, by the legitimate authority, and with divine backing.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 1:43](/1_kings/1-43 "1 Kings 1:43 - Solomon's Enthronement Announced") employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Dramatic Irony** is paramount, as Adonijah and his guests are reveling in their perceived triumph, completely unaware that at that very moment, the legitimate king, David, has already enthroned Solomon. Jonathan's arrival and blunt declaration shatter this illusion, creating a stark **Contrast** between Adonijah's illicit ambition and David's decisive, rightful action. The single word "Verily" acts as a **Climax** of the immediate narrative tension, delivering the definitive blow to Adonijah's plot. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the ultimate triumph of God's chosen king over all opposition, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. The swiftness of the news and its devastating impact on Adonijah's party also highlight the **Power of the Spoken Word** and royal decree in ancient Near Eastern culture, where a king's pronouncement carried absolute authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 1:43](/1_kings/1-43 "1 Kings 1:43 - Solomon's Enthronement Announced") profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God's sovereign will and established order will ultimately prevail over human ambition and illicit schemes. It underscores the importance of legitimate authority, not merely as a political construct, but as a reflection of divine appointment. David's act of making Solomon king was not arbitrary; it was the fulfillment of a divine promise and a prophetic word, demonstrating that God orchestrates history to achieve His purposes. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that seeking power or position outside of God's will and established channels often leads to swift and certain downfall, while obedience and trust in His plan lead to true stability and blessing.

* [1 Chronicles 22:9](/1_chronicles/22-9 "God's Promise of Peace for Solomon")
* [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "God's Anointed King on Zion")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound lesson for believers today about trusting in God's sovereignty and respecting the authorities He establishes. In a world often characterized by power struggles, ambition, and attempts to seize control, [1 Kings 1:43](/1_kings/1-43 "1 Kings 1:43 - Solomon's Enthronement Announced") reminds us that true authority and lasting success come from God's hand, not from human manipulation or self-promotion. It calls us to examine our own hearts: Do we seek to advance our own agendas, or are we content to serve within the spheres God has appointed for us? Do we trust that God's plans, even when they seem slow or unclear, will ultimately triumph over all opposition? This passage encourages humility, patience, and a deep reliance on God's perfect timing and wisdom, assuring us that His purposes will always be fulfilled, regardless of the schemes of humanity. It challenges us to align our desires with His will, finding peace and security in His divine governance rather than striving for fleeting earthly gains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift and decisive action of King David in this passage encourage your trust in God's sovereignty over challenging situations in your own life?**
* **What are the dangers of pursuing personal ambition or power outside of God's clear will and established order, as exemplified by Adonijah?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, practically demonstrate respect for legitimate authority, both within the church and in society, recognizing that all authority ultimately derives from God?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jonathan, Abiathar's son, the one to deliver this news to Adonijah, given that his father had sided with Adonijah?**

Answer: Jonathan's role in delivering the news is highly significant and adds a layer of dramatic irony and credibility. His father, Abiathar, was one of the key figures who had openly supported Adonijah's attempted coup. Jonathan himself had a history of loyalty to David, having served as a trusted messenger during Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15:36](/2_samuel/15-36 "Jonathan and Ahimaaz as Messengers")). His presence at Adonijah's feast, and his subsequent delivery of the news, implies that he was either sent by David's loyalists to ensure the message was heard by Adonijah directly and without delay, or he chose to deliver it himself out of a sense of duty or perhaps to distance himself and his family from Adonijah's now-doomed cause. His message, therefore, carried undeniable credibility, coming from someone closely associated with Adonijah's own camp, making the news even more devastating and undeniable.

**What does the word "Verily" (KJV) or "Surely" (NIV/ESV) signify in this context?**

Answer: The word "Verily" (Hebrew: _ʾăbâl'_, H61) is a strong affirmation, meaning "truly," "certainly," or "indeed." In this context, it signifies the absolute certainty and finality of the news Jonathan is delivering. It's not a rumor, a possibility, or a negotiation point; it's an undeniable, established fact. Jonathan uses it to emphasize that David's decision to make Solomon king is irreversible and has already been executed. It serves to shatter any lingering hope Adonijah might have had, leaving no room for doubt about the legitimacy and completion of Solomon's enthronement.

**What was the immediate consequence for Adonijah and his supporters after hearing this news?**

Answer: The immediate consequence for Adonijah and his supporters was utter panic and dispersal. [1 Kings 1:49](/1_kings/1-49 "Adonijah's Guests Flee") states, "And all the guests of Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way." Their feast and celebration turned into a scene of terror as they realized their lives were now in jeopardy for having supported a failed rebellion. Adonijah himself, fearing for his life, fled to the altar of the Lord, seeking sanctuary by grasping its horns ([1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "Adonijah Seeks Sanctuary")). This act demonstrated his immediate recognition of Solomon's legitimate authority and his desperate plea for mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The enthronement of Solomon, divinely chosen and legitimately appointed by King David, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as Solomon's reign was established by David's authoritative decree, so too is Christ's eternal kingship established by God the Father's sovereign will and power. The Davidic Covenant, which promised an enduring dynasty and a perpetual throne ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")), finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment not in Solomon, but in Jesus, the true Son of David. While Solomon's kingdom was earthly and temporary, marked by both successes and failures, Jesus' kingdom is spiritual, universal, and eternal, characterized by righteousness and peace ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "The Throne of David for Jesus")). The panic and dispersal of Adonijah's rebellious party at the news of Solomon's enthronement powerfully foreshadows the ultimate defeat of all who oppose Christ's reign. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow")), and He will reign as [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") forever. The certainty of Solomon's kingship, declared with "Verily," pales in comparison to the absolute certainty of Christ's present and future reign, a truth that brings both judgment to the rebellious and eternal hope and salvation to those who submit to His gracious and righteous rule.

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.