So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule and brought him to Gihon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice that Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, two spiritual leaders, are explicitly mentioned before the king's mighty men. This subtly highlights that God's plan and the spiritual anointing often pave the way for earthly power and succession, not the other way around. It's a divine endorsement setting the stage for the new king.
So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule and brought him to Gihon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King David is old and weak, and his son Adonijah is trying to seize the throne by force, making himself king without David's approval. In response, Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah act swiftly to carry out David's true wishes for Solomon to be the next king, publicly anointing him at Gihon. This moment is a decisive turning point in the succession crisis, confirming Solomon's legitimacy and thwarting Adonijah's rebellion.
Imagine the scene: the old king is frail, and a successor must be publicly declared. Who steps up to make it happen? This verse gives us the lineup.
An Unlikely Alliance
When David's reign was drawing to a close and a peaceful transition was crucial, a specific group was commissioned to make Solomon king. It wasn't just military might or priestly authority alone. Look at who was involved:
This was a strategic coalition, bringing together religious, prophetic, and military power. It shows that establishing legitimate, God-ordained leadership requires the involvement of different facets of the community, working in harmony.
Why a mule? It might seem a bit ordinary for a royal procession. But in ancient Israel, this animal carried profound symbolic weight, especially in this context.
Riding in Royal Authority
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The text specifically mentions Solomon riding on King David’s mule. This wasn't just any mode of transport; it was a powerful statement of continuity and inherited authority.
Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
A minister of God who offers sacrifices, mediates between God and man, and performs sacred rites at the sanctuary or temple.
nabi · Hebrew Noun
A spokesperson for God, called to declare His word, reveal His will, call the people to repentance, and foretell future events under divine inspiration.
This event shows the critical importance of David's direct command and the swift, decisive action of loyal officials in countering a potential usurpation, highlighting the fragility of royal succession in ancient Israel.
c. 979 BC
David Falls Ill
King David, now elderly, falls gravely ill, prompting a succession crisis.
c. 979 BC
Adonijah Claims Kingship
David's older son, Adonijah, with the support of Joab and Abiathar, proclaims himself king without David's consent.
c. 979 BC
Nathan and Bathsheba Intervene
The prophet Nathan and David's wife Bathsheba remind the ailing David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him.
c. 979 BC— this verse
David Appoints Solomon King
David gives explicit instructions for Solomon to be anointed king immediately, bypassing Adonijah's claim.
c. 979 BC
Solomon Anointed King at Gihon
Zadok, Nathan, and others escort Solomon to the Gihon Spring, where he is publicly anointed as king.
c. 979 BC
Adonijah's Coup Collapses
Upon hearing the celebratory sounds from Gihon, Adonijah and his followers realize their bid for power has failed.
c. 979 BC
Solomon Ascends the Throne
Solomon is affirmed as king, and Adonijah's rebellion is swiftly quelled, securing Solomon's reign.
This passage describes a similar event where David is forced to flee Jerusalem, showing the contrast of a king being enthroned versus a king in exile and the loyalty of his supporters.
1 Kings 1:41-43This passage immediately follows the given verse and details the proclamation of Solomon as king, demonstrating the immediate impact and continuation of the actions described.
Exodus 30:22-33This passage describes the anointing oil for priests and kings, providing the theological background for the significance of anointing as a sign of divine appointment and royal authority, which is implied in Solomon's enthronement.
1 Chronicles 29:20-25This passage recounts David appointing Solomon as his successor, highlighting the transfer of authority and the people's affirmation, which is the culmination of the events leading up to Solomon's ride to Gihon.
Notice that Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, two spiritual leaders, are explicitly mentioned before the king's mighty men. This subtly highlights that God's plan and the spiritual anointing often pave the way for earthly power and succession, not the other way around. It's a divine endorsement setting the stage for the new king.
King David is old and weak, and his son Adonijah is trying to seize the throne by force, making himself king without David's approval. In response, Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah act swiftly to carry out David's true wishes for Solomon to be the next king, publicly anointing him at Gihon. This moment is a decisive turning point in the succession crisis, confirming Solomon's legitimacy and thwarting Adonijah's rebellion.
King David is old and weak, and his son Adonijah is trying to seize the throne by force, making himself king without David's approval. In response, Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah act swiftly to carry out David's true wishes for Solomon to be the next king, publicly anointing him at Gihon. This moment is a decisive turning point in the succession crisis, confirming Solomon's legitimacy and thwarting Adonijah's rebellion.
"So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule and brought him to Gihon." — Notice that Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, two spiritual leaders, are explicitly mentioned before the king's mighty men. This subtly highlights that God's plan and the spiritual anointing…
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Last reviewed October 2026