1 kings 1:39 - Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the Tent, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet; and all the people said, “Long live king Solomon!”

Generated Verse: 1 kings 1:39

What does "1 kings 1:39" mean?


This verse, 1 Kings 1:39, describes a crucial moment in the succession of King David. It signifies the official and divinely sanctioned appointment of Solomon as the new King of Israel. Let's break down the elements:

"Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the Tent..." Zadok was a prominent priest who was loyal to David. The "horn of oil" held sacred oil, likely olive oil, kept within the "Tent" (more specifically, the Tabernacle). This tent, sometimes called the Tent of Meeting, housed the Ark of the Covenant (at least, until it was moved to the Temple) and was considered a holy place representing God's presence. The oil was a symbol of God's blessing and empowerment.

"...and anointed Solomon." Anointing was the act of pouring oil on someone's head as a symbol of consecration and divine appointment. By anointing Solomon, Zadok was publicly declaring that Solomon was chosen and empowered by God to be king. This was a formal ritual of investiture, similar to a coronation.

"They blew the trumpet..." The trumpet blast was a signal to the people, a public announcement of a significant event. In this case, it signaled the crowning of a new king.

"...and all the people said, 'Long live King Solomon!'" This exclamation was a declaration of allegiance and loyalty to the new king. It was a public endorsement and a celebration of Solomon's ascension to the throne. "Long live the King" is a traditional expression of well-wishing and a hope for a prosperous reign.

In Summary:

The verse depicts the formal and public installation of Solomon as king. It demonstrates:

Divine Authority: The act was performed by a priest in a holy place using sacred oil, indicating God's approval and blessing.
Legitimacy: Anointing was a recognized and accepted ritual for confirming a new king's right to rule.
Public Acceptance: The trumpet blast and the people's declaration of loyalty signified the nation's acknowledgment of Solomon as their new leader.

This verse is important because it solidifies Solomon's claim to the throne amidst a power struggle. David was old and frail, and there was a rival claimant, Adonijah. This public anointing ensured a relatively peaceful transition of power and avoided a potential civil war. It represents the fulfillment of David's promise to Bathsheba that Solomon would succeed him.