1 Chronicles 29:22
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While it's tempting to focus on the grand celebration, notice that the feasting is "before the LORD" – this wasn't just a party, but a sacred act of communal worship and covenant renewal. Their great gladness and anointing of Solomon were deeply tied to their shared devotion and obedience to God's will.
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)
This incredible scene wraps up David's reign, a time marked by both immense faith and significant struggle. Just before this, David had given a passionate farewell speech, rallying the people and offering a huge personal contribution towards building the Temple. This verse describes the joyous celebration that follows, where the people affirm Solomon as king, marking a transition of leadership and a commitment to the future plans for worship.
Imagine a feast so grand it marks a new era. This wasn't just any party; it was a sacred celebration.
The people didn't just eat; they ate before the LORD. This means their feasting was an act of worship and communion with God.
A Feast of Gratitude
This gathering wasn't just about marking a political transition. It was a moment to acknowledge God's goodness and faithfulness, especially in providing David's successor and the resources for the Temple. The great gladness wasn't superficial happiness, but a deep, soul-level joy rooted in their relationship with God. Think of it like a wedding reception or a major anniversary – full of celebration, but also a profound recognition of the One who made it all possible.
Why would they anoint Solomon twice? This seemingly redundant act held immense significance for the kingdom's future.
The passage mentions Solomon being made king, and then anointed a second time. This isn't just repetitive phrasing; it highlights two crucial aspects of his inauguration:
1. The Political Ascent
"They made Solomon the son of David king the second time." This likely refers to a public acclamation and installation as king. David, perhaps near the end of his life, was affirming Solomon as his chosen successor, and the people were ratifying this decision. This event solidified the transfer of political power.
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2. The Spiritual Mandate
"And they anointed him as prince for the LORD, and Zadok as priest." The second anointing specifically positions Solomon not just as a political leader, but as a leader under God's authority – a "prince for the LORD." This consecration by Zadok, the high priest, underscores that Solomon's reign was divinely sanctioned. It also highlights the important role of the priesthood in legitimizing and supporting the king's God-given mission. This dual emphasis ensured both earthly authority and spiritual accountability.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
A holy officer responsible for mediating between God and the people through the performance of sacrifices, intercession, and teaching the Law.
This passage highlights a significant moment of succession and divine affirmation, occurring as David's long and often tumultuous reign concludes, setting the stage for Solomon's prosperous and peaceful rule.
c. 1015 BC
David Anointed King
David, son of Jesse, is anointed king over Judah in Hebron, beginning his reign.
c. 1005 BC
David Becomes King Over All Israel
After consolidating power and capturing Jerusalem, David is made king over all twelve tribes of Israel.
c. 970 BC
David's Sin with Bathsheba
David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges for her husband Uriah's death, leading to divine judgment.
c. 970 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
David's son Absalom leads a rebellion against him, forcing David to flee Jerusalem and temporarily usurping the throne.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Solomon Anointed King
As David ages and faces threats, his son Solomon is publicly proclaimed and anointed king, a decision endorsed by David.
c. 970 BC
David's Death
Following a long and eventful reign, King David dies and is succeeded by his son Solomon, who solidifies his kingship.
This passage describes the initial anointing of Solomon as king by Zadok the priest, paralleling the second anointing mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
Exodus 30:22-29This describes the anointing oil used for consecrating priests and kings, highlighting the sacred and official nature of the anointing ceremony for Solomon.
2 Samuel 5:1-3This shows David being anointed king over all Israel, illustrating the established practice of anointing a king by the tribes, which is echoed in Solomon's own anointing.
1 Kings 1:41-45This details the rejoicing and feasting that accompanied Solomon's first anointing, directly matching the celebration described in 1 Chronicles 29:22.
While it's tempting to focus on the grand celebration, notice that the feasting is "before the LORD" – this wasn't just a party, but a sacred act of communal worship and covenant renewal. Their great gladness and anointing of Solomon were deeply tied to their shared devotion and obedience to God's will.
This incredible scene wraps up David's reign, a time marked by both immense faith and significant struggle. Just before this, David had given a passionate farewell speech, rallying the people and offering a huge personal contribution towards building the Temple. This verse describes the joyous celebration that follows, where the people affirm Solomon as king, marking a transition of leadership and a commitment to the future plans for worship.
This incredible scene wraps up David's reign, a time marked by both immense faith and significant struggle. Just before this, David had given a passionate farewell speech, rallying the people and offering a huge personal contribution towards building the Temple. This verse describes the joyous celebration that follows, where the people affirm Solomon as king, marking a transition of leadership and a commitment to the future plans for worship.
"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." — While it's tempting to focus on the grand celebration, notice that the feasting is "before the LORD" – this wasn't just a party, but a sacred act of communal worship and covenant renewal. Their great…
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Last reviewed October 2026
