Solomon Becomes King

King David was old, and even when people covered him with clothes, he could not keep warm. At that time Adonijah, one of David’s sons, declared, “I will be king.” He prepared chariots and horsemen, with fifty men running before him. Joab and Abiathar supported him. He held a sacrifice feast and invited the king’s sons and many of Judah’s leaders, but not Solomon, Nathan, Benaiah, or David’s mighty men.

Nathan spoke to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and warned her that Adonijah was acting while David did not know. He told her to remind the king of his oath that Solomon would reign after him. Bathsheba went in to David and spoke, and then Nathan came in after her and confirmed the matter before the king.

Then David acted at once. He swore again that Solomon would sit on his throne that very day. He commanded Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada to take Solomon on the king’s own mule to Gihon. There Zadok and Nathan were to anoint Solomon, sound the trumpet, and announce him as king.

They did exactly as David commanded. Solomon rode on David’s mule, and at Gihon Zadok took oil from the Tent and anointed him. The trumpet sounded, and the people shouted for King Solomon. They rejoiced so loudly that Adonijah and his guests heard the uproar. When the news reached them, their celebration collapsed, and the guests left in fear.

Adonijah was afraid, so he went to the altar and held on to its horns. Solomon replied that if Adonijah showed himself worthy, he would live, but if wickedness was found in him, he would die. Adonijah was brought before Solomon, bowed down, and was sent home.

Chronicles tells of a later public ceremony. Israel offered many sacrifices and ate and drank before Yahweh with great gladness. Solomon, the son of David, was made king a second time, and Zadok was anointed as priest. Solomon sat on the throne, all Israel obeyed him, and the leaders and David’s sons submitted to him. Yahweh gave him great royal majesty.