Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne of Israel in a period marked by political intrigue and divine providence. His rise to kingship is a significant event in biblical history, illustrating the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of a reign characterized by wisdom and prosperity.

Background and Context

Solomon's path to the throne was not without challenges. As David's reign neared its end, the question of succession became a pressing issue. Although Solomon was not David's eldest son, he was chosen by God to succeed his father. This divine selection is rooted in God's covenant with David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 : "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

Adonijah's Attempted Usurpation

Before Solomon's official anointing, his half-brother Adonijah, the son of Haggith, attempted to seize the throne. Adonijah, supported by key figures such as Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest, declared himself king. This move is detailed in 1 Kings 1:5 : "At that time Adonijah, the son of Haggith, exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king.' So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him."

However, Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, intervened by informing King David of Adonijah's actions. David, reaffirming his oath to Bathsheba, declared Solomon as his rightful successor. In 1 Kings 1:30 , David states, "Surely as I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel, saying, 'Your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place,' I will indeed fulfill it this very day."

Anointing and Coronation

To solidify Solomon's claim to the throne, David instructed Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada to anoint Solomon as king. This event took place at Gihon, a significant location for royal anointings. 1 Kings 1:39-40 describes the ceremony: "Zadok 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!' And all the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth split apart from the sound."

Solomon's Establishment as King

Following his anointing, Solomon's position as king was further solidified by his decisive actions against those who threatened his reign. Adonijah, fearing for his life, sought refuge at the altar, but Solomon initially spared him, contingent on his future conduct. However, when Adonijah later sought to marry Abishag, David's former concubine, Solomon perceived this as another attempt to claim the throne and ordered his execution (1 Kings 2:23-25).

Solomon also dealt with other potential threats, including Joab and Shimei, ensuring that his kingdom was firmly established. 1 Kings 2:46 concludes this period of consolidation: "So the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck down Shimei, and he died. Thus the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon."

Divine Wisdom and Prosperity

Solomon's reign is most noted for his request for wisdom, which he made at Gibeon. In a dream, God appeared to Solomon, offering him anything he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people effectively, a request that pleased God. As a result, God granted him unparalleled wisdom, as well as wealth and honor (1 Kings 3:5-13).

Solomon's wisdom became renowned, attracting visitors from distant lands, including the Queen of Sheba. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, and he undertook significant building projects, most notably the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling the divine promise to David.

Solomon's ascension to the throne, therefore, represents a pivotal moment in Israel's history, characterized by divine intervention, the fulfillment of covenantal promises, and the establishment of a kingdom that would become legendary for its wisdom and splendor.