Solomon is Confirmed King
July 12, 2019
Commentary
When Nathan had entered the room, Bathsheba had evidently left the room as was customary in that oriental culture. David called for her to return and repeated the promise that Solomon, Bathsheba’s son, would succeed him as king and sit on the throne that God had promised to bless. With gratitude for his granting her request Bathsheba bowed before her King.
The quick and firm response of David shows that even though he was weak in body he was very strong in mind and will. He issued a series of commands (vs. 28, 32-35) and soon had a serious situation under control. Solomon was to ride on David’s mule (v. 33) to Gihan which was a spring west of Jerusalem. At Gihan both Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest were to anoint Solomon and the official trumpet was to be blown (v. 34). This ceremony symbolized the coming of the Spirit of God on His chosen leader through the pouring of oil on his head.
Following this, the leaders had been instructed to return up Mount Zion to Jerusalem and place Solomon on David’s throne (v. 35). This was the ultimate proof of his election and Solomon was to commence his rule at that moment. The speed with which David acted saved the day for Israel. This was a glorious day and the people celebrated so enthusiastically that the ground shook.
Application
When I see something taking place that I know is contrary to God’s will do I step in and get involved or do I just keep quiet? Think of what might have happened if Nathan had not gotten involved.
1 Kings 1:28– 40 (NET)
28 King David responded, “Summon Bathsheba!” She came and stood before the king. 29 The king swore an oath: “As certainly as the Lord lives (he who has rescued me from every danger), 30 I will keep today the oath I swore to you by the Lord God of Israel: ‘Surely Solomon your son will be king after me; he will sit in my place on my throne.’” 31 Bathsheba bowed down to the king with her face to the floor and said, “May my master, King David, live forever!”
32 King David said, “Summon Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” They came before the king, 33 and he told them, “Take your master’s servants with you, put my son Solomon on my mule, and lead him down to Gihon. 34 There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet will anoint him king over Israel; then blow the trumpet and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 Then follow him up as he comes and sits on my throne. He will be king in my place; I have decreed that he will be ruler over Israel and Judah.” 36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada responded to the king: “So be it! May the Lord God of my master the king confirm it! 37 As the Lord is with my master the king, so may he be with Solomon, and may he make him an even greater king than my master King David!”
38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites, and the Pelethites went down, put Solomon on King David’s mule, and led him to Gihon. 39 Zadok the priest took a horn filled with olive oil from the tent and poured it on Solomon; the trumpet was blown and all the people declared, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 All the people followed him up, playing flutes and celebrating so loudly they made the ground shake.