1 Kings 1:45

KJV

And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This [is] the noise that ye have heard.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Zadok {H6659} the priest {H3548} and Nathan {H5416} the prophet {H5030} have anointed {H4886} him king {H4428} in Gihon {H1521}: and they are come up {H5927} from thence rejoicing {H8056}, so that the city {H7151} rang again {H1949}. This is the noise {H6963} that ye have heard {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Tzadok the cohen and Natan the prophet anointed him king in Gichon. Then they escorted him back from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar; this is the noise you've been hearing.

Berean Standard Bible

Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there with rejoicing that rings out in the city. That is the noise you hear.

American Standard Version

and Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon; and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 1:45 captures the climactic moment of Solomon's anointing as king in Gihon, a sacred ceremony orchestrated by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet. This pivotal event, mandated by the ailing King David, publicly legitimized Solomon's succession over the attempted usurpation by Adonijah. The verse vividly portrays the immediate and overwhelming public rejoicing that followed, as the city erupted in celebration, signaling widespread acceptance and divine favor upon the new monarch and solidifying his claim to the throne of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of King David's final days, specifically within [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Final Days and Solomon's Anointing"). The preceding verses detail the immediate crisis: David is old and frail, and his son Adonijah, presuming the throne, has gathered significant support from key figures like Joab and Abiathar ([1 Kings 1:5-10](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-10 - Adonijah's Self-Proclamation")). Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, and Nathan the prophet intervene, reminding David of his oath to make Solomon king ([1 Kings 1:11-27](/1_kings/1-11 "1 Kings 1:11-27 - Bathsheba and Nathan Confront David")). David, roused to action, issues a swift decree for Solomon's immediate anointing, bypassing Adonijah's rebellion. Verse 45 describes the execution of this command, serving as the dramatic culmination of the power struggle and the definitive establishment of Solomon's reign. The subsequent verses (1 Kings 1:46-53) detail the news reaching Adonijah and his fearful reaction, confirming Solomon's secure position.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Anointing with oil was a deeply significant ritual in ancient Israel, symbolizing divine selection and empowerment for specific roles, particularly for priests, prophets, and kings. The act of anointing a king was not merely a political coronation but a sacred consecration, signifying God's choice and the transfer of divine authority. The location, Gihon, was a natural spring outside Jerusalem, providing a vital water source for the city. Its choice for the anointing was symbolic, evoking life, purity, and perhaps the anointing of David himself, who was also anointed in a public, divinely sanctioned manner ([2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King Over Israel")). The public acclamation, with the city "ringing again," was crucial for legitimizing the new king in the eyes of the populace, demonstrating popular consent alongside divine appointment. This public display effectively countered Adonijah's private, conspiratorial self-proclamation.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Final Days and Solomon's Anointing") and specifically in verse 45 revolve around **Divine Sovereignty and Succession**. God's plan for the Davidic dynasty, as promised to David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), is powerfully asserted despite human machinations. Solomon's anointing by God's representatives (Zadok and Nathan) underscores his **Legitimate Authority**, contrasting sharply with Adonijah's illegitimate ambition. The theme of **Public Acclamation and Joy** highlights the importance of popular consent and the people's recognition of God's chosen leader, which also serves as a deterrent to further rebellion. Furthermore, the narrative emphasizes **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, as the promise of a successor from David's lineage is fulfilled, paving the way for the building of the Temple and the establishment of a stable kingdom, as prophesied in [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashach'_):** The verb מָשַׁח (_mashach_) literally means "to smear," "to rub with oil," or "to anoint." In the Old Testament, this ritual was reserved for consecrating individuals or objects for sacred purposes. Kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed, symbolizing their being set apart by God, empowered by His Spirit, and invested with divine authority. This act was central to establishing legitimacy and divine sanction for their office. The term "Messiah" (Hebrew _Mashiach_) and "Christ" (Greek _Christos_) both derive from this root, referring to "the Anointed One."
* **Gihon (Hebrew, _Gichon'_):** Gihon was a significant natural spring and water source located in the Kidron Valley, just outside the walls of ancient Jerusalem. Its selection as the site for Solomon's anointing was highly symbolic. Springs are sources of life and purity, and the public nature of the anointing at Gihon, rather than within the palace, underscored the legitimacy and public acceptance of Solomon's kingship. It was a place of vital importance to the city, making the ceremony visible and impactful.
* **Rang again (Hebrew, _va'tiva'_):** This phrase, from the root בָּעָה (_ba'ah_), conveys the sense of a loud, echoing sound, a clamor, or a roaring noise. It is used here hyperbolically to describe the overwhelming volume of the people's shouts and celebrations. It emphasizes the widespread, spontaneous, and enthusiastic public acclamation of Solomon's kingship, indicating universal approval and joy that reverberated through the entire city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon:"** This clause identifies the key figures responsible for the anointing: Zadok, the high priest, representing the religious authority and divine sanction, and Nathan, the prophet, God's direct messenger, who had previously conveyed God's covenant to David and revealed David's sin. Their joint participation underscored the divine legitimacy of Solomon's kingship, making it clear that this was not merely a political maneuver but a sacred act ordained by God. The location, Gihon, emphasizes the public and symbolic nature of the event.
* **"and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again."** This describes the immediate aftermath of the anointing. The procession, including Solomon and his supporters, returned from Gihon to the city, accompanied by an overwhelming display of public jubilation. The phrase "the city rang again" is a powerful hyperbole, conveying the immense volume of the celebratory shouts, music, and general clamor from the populace. It signifies the widespread joy and popular acceptance of Solomon's ascension, demonstrating a clear mandate from the people in addition to divine appointment.
* **"This [is] the noise that ye have heard."** This concluding statement serves as a direct address, likely from the narrator or one of David's loyalists (perhaps Jonathan, Abiathar's son, who relays the news in [1 Kings 1:42-43](/1_kings/1-42 "1 Kings 1:42-43 - Jonathan's Report to Adonijah")), to Adonijah and his co-conspirators. It clarifies the source of the celebratory uproar they were hearing, which had interrupted their own feast. This statement dramatically reveals to Adonijah that his attempted coup has been decisively thwarted by David's swift action and God's clear favor on Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "the city rang again," vividly exaggerating the sound of celebration to convey the overwhelming scale of public rejoicing and acclamation. This emphasizes the undeniable popular support for Solomon. **Symbolism** is rich throughout, particularly with the act of anointing, which represents divine consecration and transfer of authority. The choice of Gihon, a life-giving spring, as the site for the anointing also carries symbolic weight, suggesting the fresh start and vitality of Solomon's reign. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Contrast** between the legitimate, divinely sanctioned, and publicly celebrated anointing of Solomon and Adonijah's clandestine, self-proclaimed, and ultimately illegitimate attempt to seize the throne. This contrast highlights the triumph of God's will over human ambition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The anointing of Solomon in 1 Kings 1:45 is a profound theological statement about divine sovereignty and the establishment of legitimate authority. It underscores that true leadership is not self-appointed or achieved through human maneuvering, but is divinely ordained and publicly affirmed. God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising an enduring dynasty, is visibly demonstrated, even amidst political intrigue and succession crises. The overwhelming joy of the people signifies their recognition of God's hand in Solomon's ascent, reflecting a communal affirmation of God's chosen king. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes will prevail, and He will establish His chosen instruments for His kingdom work.

* [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King")
* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King")
* [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon Regarding the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid account of Solomon's anointing offers enduring lessons for believers today. It powerfully illustrates that God's plans are sovereign and cannot be thwarted by human ambition or conspiracy. Just as God established Solomon's reign despite Adonijah's attempts, so too does God work out His perfect will in our lives and in the world, often in ways that defy human expectation or logic. This narrative calls us to trust in God's timing and His anointing, recognizing that true authority and lasting peace come from His divine order, not from our own striving or self-promotion. It encourages us to rejoice when God's will is clearly manifested, to align ourselves with His purposes, and to find our security not in worldly power structures but in the steadfastness of His covenant promises. The public celebration also reminds us of the joy that accompanies God's blessings and the importance of communal affirmation of His work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's anointing challenge our understanding of leadership and authority, particularly in contrast to Adonijah's approach?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "self-anoint" or seize control, rather than trusting in God's timing and divine appointment?**
* **What does the "city ringing again" teach us about the appropriate response to God's manifest work and blessings?**
* **How can we discern God's anointing and legitimate authority in our contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**Why was Solomon anointed at Gihon, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Solomon was anointed at Gihon, a natural spring outside Jerusalem, for several significant reasons. Firstly, it was a vital water source for the city, making it a prominent and easily accessible location for a public ceremony. Secondly, the choice of a spring symbolized life, purity, and renewal, fitting for the inauguration of a new reign. Historically, David himself was anointed in a public setting, and performing Solomon's anointing at Gihon, outside the palace, emphasized its public nature and legitimacy, countering Adonijah's more private, conspiratorial self-proclamation. This public display ensured that the entire city witnessed and could participate in the joyous acclamation of the new king, solidifying his authority in the eyes of the people. The location underscored that Solomon's kingship was not merely a palace intrigue but a divinely sanctioned event for all Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of Solomon in 1 Kings 1:45 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal "Anointed One." Solomon, a son of David, was anointed with oil by a priest and a prophet, establishing his earthly reign and foreshadowing a greater King. Jesus, as the Son of God and the ultimate Son of David, was not anointed with oil by human hands but by the Holy Spirit at His baptism, when the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove ([Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism")). This divine anointing marked Him as the Christ, the Messiah, set apart by God for His eternal priestly, prophetic, and kingly offices. While Solomon's anointing led to the city "ringing again" with earthly joy, Jesus's anointing ushered in a spiritual kingdom that evokes heavenly rejoicing and the promise of eternal life for all who believe ([Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy in Heaven Over a Repentant Sinner")). Unlike Solomon's temporary and flawed reign, Jesus's kingship is eternal, righteous, and brings true peace and salvation ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with David, establishing a kingdom that will never end.

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

1 Kings 1:40

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.

Ezra 3:13

So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

1 Samuel 28:14

And he said unto her, What form [is] he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he [is] covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it [was] Samuel, and he stooped with [his] face to the ground, and bowed himself.

1 Samuel 4:5

And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

1 Kings 14:6

And it was [so], when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself [to be] another? for I [am] sent to thee [with] heavy [tidings].

Daniel 5:26

This [is] the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.

Daniel 5:28

PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.