1 Kings 1:28-40
Solomon Anointed
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28Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him.
29And the king swore an oath, saying, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,
30I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”
31Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
32Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king.
33“Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon.
34There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’
35Then you shall go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. For I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.”
36“Amen,” replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. “May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it.
37Just as the LORD was with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon and make his throne even greater than that of my lord King David.”
38Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.
39Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!”
40All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
David calls Bathsheba and renews his oath before the living LORD, who has redeemed his life from distress. Solomon will reign after him, and David will carry out his promise that very day. Remembering God’s rescue accompanies the king’s decision to keep his word.
He calls Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah. Solomon is to ride David’s own mule to Gihon, where Zadok and Nathan are to anoint him. The ram’s horn must sound, and the people are to acclaim Solomon as king. Afterward, he is to sit on David’s throne and reign over Israel and Judah.
Benaiah answers with a prayer: may the LORD declare it so, be with Solomon as He was with David, and make Solomon’s throne greater. He is asking for God’s favor on the new reign, not announcing that its future faithfulness is already assured.
The group escorts Solomon to Gihon. Zadok takes the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anoints him. The people proclaim him king and follow with flutes and a tremendous sound of joy. David’s promise has moved from a private oath to public action.
An important commitment needs more than words recalled under pressure. Here the king identifies the person, gives clear instructions, and has others carry them out. The celebration rests on a decision people can recognize, while Benaiah’s prayer reminds them that the new king still needs the LORD.
Questions
1 What does David confirm about Solomon?
AnswerDavid confirms that he swore before the LORD that Solomon would succeed him as king.
2 Who is instructed to anoint Solomon?
AnswerDavid instructs Zadok and Nathan to anoint Solomon, with Benaiah and the king’s servants accompanying them. The account then describes Zadok taking the oil and performing the anointing.
3 Where is Solomon taken for the ceremony?
AnswerHe is placed on David's mule and taken to Gihon, where the priest anoints him before the people.
4 What would help us follow through on an important promise?
AnswerName the next action, who is responsible, and when it should happen. David commits to acting that day and gives instructions others can carry out. We can also ask God for the wisdom and faithfulness the responsibility will require.
What This Means for Us
Public responsibility should be established by truth and accountable action, not by whoever can gather the most impressive party. David's late decision shows the cost of leaving important matters vague, but it also shows the value of correcting them clearly.
When a household must name a leader or make a transition, do not let volume substitute for wisdom. Make commitments visible, include the right witnesses, and remember that authority is a trust rather than a trophy.
Prayer
Lord, give us clarity when responsibility is changing hands. Help us honor commitments publicly, choose leaders with wisdom, and treat authority as service under Your judgment. Amen.
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