1 Kings 1:45

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Kings 1:45 (KJV) vividly describes the momentous event of Solomon's anointing as king, a public ceremony that confirmed his legitimate succession to the throne of Israel and was met with overwhelming civic joy.

Context

This verse is set during a critical period in the life of King David, who is now old and frail. His son Adonijah, taking advantage of David's weakness, had prematurely declared himself king, gathering support from Joab and Abiathar the priest (1 Kings 1:5). In response to the urgent intervention of Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, and Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:17), King David acted decisively. He commanded Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah to anoint Solomon immediately, ensuring a clear and divinely sanctioned transition of power, thereby quashing Adonijah's rebellion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Legitimacy: The involvement of both Zadok, the high priest, and Nathan, a respected prophet, underscored that Solomon's anointing was not merely a political maneuver but a sacred act ordained by God. This divine backing provided undeniable legitimacy to his rule, contrasting with Adonijah's self-proclaimed kingship.
  • Public Acclamation and Joy: The phrase "the city rang again" powerfully conveys the widespread jubilation and popular acceptance of Solomon's ascension. This public rejoicing served as a clear signal of the people's allegiance to the new king, further solidifying his authority and demonstrating God's favor upon the new reign.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Solomon's anointing fulfilled God's promise to David that his son would succeed him and build the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:9). This moment marked a significant step in the continuation of the Davidic covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The word "anointed" comes from the Hebrew verb mashach (מָשַׁח), which literally means "to smear" or "to rub with oil." In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was a sacred ritual used to consecrate individuals for special offices, such as priests, prophets, and kings. It symbolized being set apart by God, empowered by His Spirit, and invested with divine authority. The concept of the "Anointed One," or Messiah (from the Hebrew) and Christ (from the Greek), is rooted in this practice, pointing ultimately to Jesus as the divinely chosen King.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights into God's sovereignty. It demonstrates that God's plans prevail, even when human ambition seeks to thwart them. Solomon's anointing, orchestrated by spiritual leaders and met with public rejoicing, reminds us that true authority and lasting peace come from God's appointed order, not from human schemes or self-promotion. For believers today, it encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to establish His purposes, often through unexpected means, and to rejoice when His will is clearly manifested.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 1:40 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Daniel 5:28 (2 votes)

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