1 Chronicles 29:22

And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed [him] unto the LORD [to be] the chief governor, and Zadok [to be] priest.

And did eat {H398} and drink {H8354} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} on that day {H3117} with great {H1419} gladness {H8057}. And they made Solomon {H8010} the son {H1121} of David {H1732} king {H4427} the second time {H8145}, and anointed {H4886} him unto the LORD {H3068} to be the chief governor {H5057}, and Zadok {H6659} to be priest {H3548}.

They ate and drank before ADONAI that day with great joy. Then, for the second time, they made Shlomo the son of David king, anointing him before ADONAI to be king, and Tzadok to be cohen.

That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest.

and did eat and drink before Jehovah on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto Jehovah to be prince, and Zadok to be priest.

Commentary

Context

First Chronicles 29:22 concludes a pivotal chapter in Israel's history, marking the end of King David's reign and the formal transition of power to his son, Solomon. The preceding verses describe David's final instructions, his heartfelt prayer, and the people's generous contributions for the building of the Temple. This verse captures the joyous celebration and the solemn confirmation of Solomon's kingship, solidifying the succession in the presence of God and all Israel.

Key Themes

  • Unified Celebration and Worship: The verse highlights the "great gladness" and communal eating and drinking "before the LORD," signifying a national feast of thanksgiving and fellowship. This public demonstration of joy underscored the unity and acceptance of God's chosen leader.
  • Solomon's Confirmed Kingship: This was the "second time" Solomon was made king. The first anointing was a swift, necessary response to Adonijah's attempted usurpation (1 Kings 1:39). This second coronation was a formal, public affirmation by the entire assembly, establishing his reign with divine and popular consent as "chief governor" under God.
  • Established Priesthood: The anointing of Zadok as priest alongside Solomon's kingship signifies the divine order for both spiritual and governmental leadership. Zadok's ascendance to the primary priestly role secured the legitimate priestly line, particularly after Abiathar's eventual removal from the high priesthood (1 Kings 2:35).
  • Divine Order and Succession: The careful and public transition of power, guided by David's wisdom and God's plan, ensured stability and continuity for the nation, setting the stage for the building of the Temple.

Linguistic Insights

The term "anointed" here is from the Hebrew word mashach (מָשַׁח), which means to smear or consecrate. This act symbolized divine appointment and endowment with authority and the Holy Spirit for a specific office, whether king or priest. Solomon was anointed "unto the LORD," emphasizing that his authority was ultimately derived from God. The phrase "chief governor" translates the Hebrew nagid (נָגִיד), often rendered as "prince" or "leader," signifying a divinely appointed leader, distinguished from a regular king in some contexts as one who leads under God's ultimate sovereignty.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless principles:

  • The Importance of Righteous Leadership: The careful establishment of Solomon's and Zadok's roles underscores God's concern for legitimate and God-fearing leadership in both civil and spiritual spheres.
  • Joy in Corporate Worship: The "great gladness" reminds believers of the joy found in corporate worship and celebrating God's provision and plans together. Like ancient Israel, believers today are called to serve the LORD with gladness.
  • Orderly Transition: The smooth, divinely guided transition of power from David to Solomon serves as a model for healthy succession and leadership within any organization, emphasizing preparation, prayer, and public affirmation.
  • God's Faithfulness in Provision: Just as God provided for Israel's future through Solomon and Zadok, He continues to provide leaders and establish order for His people today.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 23:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

  • 1 Kings 2:35 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

  • 1 Kings 1:34 (3 votes)

    And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

  • 1 Kings 1:39 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 24:11 (3 votes)

    And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:15 (2 votes)

    Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

  • 1 Kings 1:31 (2 votes)

    Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.