How does Solomon's anointing in 1 Kings 1:35 connect to Jesus' kingship? The Historical Anointing, Literally and Accurately Recorded • 1 Kings 1:35: “Then you are to go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne; he will reign in my place, for I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.” • Scripture records an actual palace scene: aged King David publicly orders Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah to seat Solomon on the royal mule, anoint him with oil at Gihon, and escort him to sit on David’s throne. • This literal moment secures the Davidic succession, preventing Adonijah’s coup and fulfilling God’s promise that David’s seed would reign (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Foreshadowing the Greater Son of David Solomon’s anointing is a living prophecy, providing patterns later completed in Jesus. Notice the parallels: • Chosen by the father – David: “I have appointed him.” – God the Father: “This is My beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). • Publicly anointed – Oil poured by Zadok points to the Spirit (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). – Jesus receives the Spirit at His baptism, His royal anointing (Acts 10:38). • Placed on the throne – Solomon sits immediately on David’s seat. – Jesus, risen, “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). • Universal acclaim – “Long live King Solomon!” (1 Kings 1:39). – “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9). • Ride on the royal mule (1 Kings 1:33) prefigures Jesus riding the colt into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9; John 12:14-15). Continuity of the Covenant Promise • God swore an everlasting throne to David’s line (Psalm 89:3-4). • Solomon’s coronation proves God’s word reliable in the short term; Christ’s exaltation secures that promise eternally (Luke 1:32-33). • The split kingdom after Solomon (1 Kings 12) shows human kings fall short, intensifying the hope for an undivided reign eventually realized in Jesus (Ezekiel 37:24). Jesus: The True and Greater Solomon • Wisdom: Solomon’s insight stunned the nations (1 Kings 4:29-34); Jesus is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). • Temple: Solomon built a house of stone; Jesus builds a living temple, His church (John 2:19-21; 1 Peter 2:5). • Peace: Solomon’s name sounds like “shalom,” peace; Christ “is our peace” who reconciles Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14-16). • Reign: Solomon ruled a prosperous earthly kingdom; Jesus reigns forever, justice and righteousness unending (Isaiah 9:6-7; Revelation 11:15). Practical Takeaways for Believers • Trust the sure word of God: what He promises, He performs—from Solomon’s seat to Jesus’ eternal throne. • Celebrate the King: as Israel shouted for Solomon, believers proclaim Christ’s kingship daily (Philippians 2:9-11). • Live under royal wisdom: heed the teachings of the Greater Solomon (Matthew 7:24-27). • Spread the peace of the Kingdom: embody the shalom inaugurated by Christ, anticipating the day every knee bows. |
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