"Not at all," Jonathan replied. "Our lord King David has made Solomon king. “Not at all,” Jonathan replied.This phrase indicates a strong negation, suggesting that the previous assumption or expectation was incorrect. In the context of 1 Kings 1, Adonijah, David's son, had declared himself king without David's approval. Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest, brings news that contradicts Adonijah's claim. This reflects the tension and uncertainty surrounding the royal succession, a common theme in monarchies of the ancient Near East. The phrase also highlights the role of messengers in conveying critical information, a vital function in a time without modern communication. “Our lord King David”
This phrase acknowledges David's continued authority and legitimacy as king, despite his old age and frailty. David is a central figure in biblical history, known for his heart for God and his establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The use of "our lord" signifies respect and loyalty, emphasizing the covenantal relationship between the king and his subjects. David's kingship is foundational for the Davidic Covenant, which promises an everlasting dynasty, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the "Son of David." “has made Solomon king.”
This declaration marks the official and divinely sanctioned transition of power to Solomon, David's chosen successor. Solomon's anointing as king is significant because it fulfills God's promise to David that his son would build the temple (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Solomon's reign is characterized by peace and prosperity, and he is renowned for his wisdom. This moment also foreshadows the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, who establishes an eternal kingdom. Solomon's kingship is a type of Christ's rule, symbolizing wisdom, peace, and divine favor. Persons / Places / Events 1. JonathanThe son of Abiathar the priest, Jonathan is a messenger who brings news to Adonijah about Solomon's anointing as king. His role is crucial in conveying the shift of power. 2. King DavidThe aging king of Israel who, despite his frailty, takes decisive action to ensure Solomon, his chosen successor, is anointed as king, thus securing the Davidic line. 3. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is anointed as king, marking the beginning of his reign and the continuation of God's promise to David. 4. AdonijahThe son of David who attempts to usurp the throne. His plans are thwarted by David's quick action to anoint Solomon. 5. Anointing of SolomonA significant event where Solomon is anointed as king, signifying God's choice and the legitimate continuation of David's lineage. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod orchestrates leadership according to His divine plan, as seen in the anointing of Solomon. Believers can trust in God's ultimate control over earthly authorities. The Importance of Obedience and FaithfulnessDavid's obedience to God's will in appointing Solomon demonstrates the importance of aligning our actions with God's directives. The Role of Messengers in God's PlanJonathan's role as a messenger highlights how God uses individuals to communicate His will and bring about His purposes. The Consequences of Self-ExaltationAdonijah's attempt to seize the throne serves as a warning against self-exaltation and the importance of humility before God. The Fulfillment of God's PromisesSolomon's anointing is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His word. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jonathan's message to Adonijah reflect the theme of divine intervention in leadership transitions? 2. In what ways does the anointing of Solomon fulfill God's covenant with David, and how can this encourage us in trusting God's promises? 3. What lessons can we learn from David's decisive action in ensuring Solomon's anointing, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes? 4. How does Adonijah's failed attempt to seize the throne serve as a cautionary tale about ambition and humility? 5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced God's sovereignty in leadership or decision-making. How did it impact your faith and trust in Him? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16:13The anointing of David by Samuel, which parallels Solomon's anointing, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in leadership. 2 Samuel 7:12-16God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage would continue, which is fulfilled in Solomon's anointing. Proverbs 21:1Reflects on God's sovereignty over kings and rulers, relevant to the divine orchestration seen in Solomon's anointing. People Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's StoneTopics Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Answereth, Answering, Caused, Certainly, David, Indeed, Jonathan, Reign, Replied, Solomon, VerilyDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:41-43 5595 trumpet Library David Appointing Solomon
'Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29. And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30. Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31. Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Adonijah
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. It is notorious that the sons of devout men sometimes prove a curse to their parents, and bring dishonour on the cause of God. When Eve rejoiced over her first-born, she little suspected that passions were sleeping within him which would impel him to slay his own brother; and the experience of the first mother has been repeated, though in different forms, in all lands and in all ages. Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau. …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether Prayer Should be Vocal?
Objection 1: It would seem that prayer ought not to be vocal. As stated above [3025](A[4]), prayer is addressed chiefly to God. Now God knows the language of the heart. Therefore it is useless to employ vocal prayer. Objection 2: Further, prayer should lift man's mind to God, as stated above (A[1], ad 2). But words, like other sensible objects, prevent man from ascending to God by contemplation. Therefore we should not use words in our prayers. Objection 3: Further, prayer should be offered to God …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Reign of David.
2 Sam.; 1 Chron. Chs. 11-29; 1 K 1:1-2:11. His Reign over Judah. The reign of David is divided into two parts. The first part was over Judah, with the capitol at Hebron, and lasted seven and one-half years. During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the North. It is probable that both of these kings were regarded as vassals of the Philistines and paid tribute. On account of rival leaders, there was constant warfare between these two rival kings. The kingdom of Judah, however, …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
Sections. 1. Connection between the doctrine of Justification and that of Regeneration. The knowledge of this doctrine very necessary for two reasons. 2. For the purpose of facilitating the exposition of it, the terms are explained. 1. What it is to be justified in the sight of God. 2. To be justified by works. 3. To be justified by faith. Definition. 3. Various meanings of the term Justification. 1. To give praise to God and truth. 2. To make a vain display of righteousness. 3. To impute righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 1:43 NIV1 Kings 1:43 NLT1 Kings 1:43 ESV1 Kings 1:43 NASB1 Kings 1:43 KJV
1 Kings 1:43 Commentaries
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