Breakdown of 1 Chronicles 29:22

"And they ate and drank before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and they anointed him as prince for the LORD, and Zadok as priest." — Notice that the feasting and celebration weren't just a party; they were offered before the LORD, underscoring that this joyous occasion was an act of worship. This wasn't a mere political coronati…

1 Chronicles 29:22 Meaning Explained

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1 Chronicles 29:22

And they ate and drank before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and they anointed him as prince for the LORD, and Zadok as priest.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Notice that the feasting and celebration weren't just a party; they were offered before the LORD, underscoring that this joyous occasion was an act of worship. This wasn't a mere political coronation, but a divinely sanctioned appointment, with Solomon being anointed "for the LORD."

What 1 Chronicles 29:22 means

This joyous feast marks the culmination of David's life's work: gathering resources and preparing for Solomon's ascent to the throne, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. Right after this scene, David offers a profound prayer of thanksgiving and commitment to God, underscoring the solemnity and spiritual significance of the events unfolding. The anointing of Solomon a second time signifies the people's full endorsement of David's chosen successor.

Unbridled Joy in God's Presence

Imagine a feast so joyous it echoes through history. What fuels such profound gladness?

This wasn't just any meal; it was a worshipful celebration before the LORD. The people weren't just eating and drinking; they were communing with God, expressing their deep gratitude and excitement for the continuity of His covenant through David's line. This profound gladness stemmed from their shared experience of God's faithfulness and the promise of a secure future under Solomon's reign. It’s a picture of worship expressed through communal feasting, a tangible demonstration of hearts overflowing with thanks.

Confirming God's Chosen King

Why anoint a king a second time? What does this official act signify for the people?

The text mentions Solomon being made king 'the second time.' This wasn't a mistake! The first 'anointing' likely happened more privately or perhaps was incomplete. This second, public ceremony—including anointing him as prince for the LORD and Zadok as priest—serves as a formal, authoritative confirmation. It solidifies Solomon's legitimate rule in the eyes of all Israel, signifying God's approval and establishing the divinely appointed leadership necessary for the kingdom's stability and spiritual direction. It’s a powerful display of public affirmation and covenantal commitment.

Understand the original words

Original language

anointedמָשַׁח

mashach · Hebrew Verb

The act of applying oil to a person or object to set them apart as holy and specifically designated for God’s service, typically marking a prophet, priest, or king.

princeנָגִיד

nagid · Hebrew Noun

A leader or ruler appointed by God to govern His people; often used for David and his royal descendants. It implies a status of being the leader of God's covenant nation.

priestכֹּהֵן

kohen · Hebrew Noun

A holy officer responsible for mediating between God and the people through the performance of sacrifices, intercession, and teaching the Law.

Historical context

Written: Likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th century BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Ezra, though the exact human author is uncertain.
Location: Likely written from Jerusalem, reflecting events that took place there.
Genre: Historical narrative, characterized by its genealogical lists and focus on temple worship and Davidic kingship.

Historical background

This passage captures the moment the kingdom of Israel publicly affirmed Solomon as king, a dramatic event following a serious challenge to his succession, highlighting the importance of God's chosen line and the people's joyful acceptance.

c. 1015 BC
David Anointed King
David, son of Jesse, was first anointed king by Samuel, but his rule was not fully established until later.
c. 1005 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquered the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and made it his capital, establishing it as the political and religious center of Israel.
c. 970 BC
David's Plans for the Temple
David desired to build a great temple for God but was told by God that his son would build it.
c. 970 BC
Solomon First Anointed King
As David neared death, his son Solomon was secretly anointed king to thwart the claims of his older brother Adonijah.
c. 970 BC
Adonijah's Attempted Usurpation

Key themes

01Joyful worship before God
02Divine appointment of leaders
03Celebration of God's provision

Cross-references

1 Kings 1:39

This passage describes the actual anointing of Solomon as king by Zadok the priest, directly fulfilling the events described here in 1 Chronicles.

Exodus 30:22-33

This details the sacred anointing oil and its specific purpose for consecrating priests and kings, highlighting the divine significance of the act described in 1 Chronicles.

2 Samuel 5:3

This shows a similar event where David, a king chosen by God, was anointed by the elders of Israel, establishing a precedent for the legitimacy and joy of a God-ordained ruler.

Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah reminds the people that 'the joy of the LORD is your strength,' echoing the great gladness the people experienced before the LORD in 1 Chronicles as they celebrated their new king.

Frequently asked questions

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What 1 Chronicles 29:22 means

Original language

anointedמָשַׁח

mashach · Hebrew Verb

The act of applying oil to a person or object to set them apart as holy and specifically designated for God’s service, typically marking a prophet, priest, or king.

princeנָגִיד

nagid · Hebrew Noun

A leader or ruler appointed by God to govern His people; often used for David and his royal descendants. It implies a status of being the leader of God's covenant nation.

priestכֹּהֵן

kohen · Hebrew Noun

A holy officer responsible for mediating between God and the people through the performance of sacrifices, intercession, and teaching the Law.

Historical context

Written: Likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th century BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Ezra, though the exact human author is uncertain.
Location: Likely written from Jerusalem, reflecting events that took place there.
Genre: Historical narrative, characterized by its genealogical lists and focus on temple worship and Davidic kingship.

Historical background

c. 1015 BC

David Anointed King

David, son of Jesse, was first anointed king by Samuel, but his rule was not fully established until later.

c. 1005 BC

David Captures Jerusalem

David conquered the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and made it his capital, establishing it as the political and religious center of Israel.

c. 970 BC

David's Plans for the Temple

David desired to build a great temple for God but was told by God that his son would build it.

c. 970 BC

Solomon First Anointed King

As David neared death, his son Solomon was secretly anointed king to thwart the claims of his older brother Adonijah.

c. 970 BC

Adonijah's Attempted Usurpation

Frequently asked questions

What does 1 Chronicles 29:22 mean?

Explain the meaning of 1 Chronicles 29:22

What is the context of 1 Chronicles 29:22?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "anointed" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Traditionally attributed to Ezra, though the exact human author is uncertain. write 1 Chronicles 29:22?”
“How does joyful worship before god show up in 1 Chronicles 29:22?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about 1 Chronicles 29:22 is available in the Sola app.