How does Solomon's anointing connect to Jesus' kingship in the New Testament? Setting the Scene • 1 Chronicles 29:22 captures a high-point in Israel’s story: “They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD that day. Then they made Solomon son of David king a second time; they anointed him before the LORD to be ruler and Zadok to be priest.” • David’s reign is ending; the covenant promise of an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16) now passes visibly to his son. • This public, joyful anointing underscores that Solomon’s authority comes from God, not mere politics. Solomon’s Anointing Explained • “A second time”—Solomon was first privately designated (1 Kings 1:32-35). The second anointing is public, confirming the earlier act. • “Before the LORD”—the ceremony took place at the sanctuary, marking divine endorsement. • “Zadok to be priest”—the king and priest offices are distinct yet complementary, foreshadowing the perfect union of the two in Jesus (Hebrews 5:5-10). A Picture of the Ultimate Son of David • God had already promised David a “Son” whose kingdom would never end (2 Samuel 7:13; Psalm 89:3-4). Solomon’s coronation previews that fulfillment. • Solomon’s name means “Peace” (shalom). Jesus is called “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), bringing the true, lasting shalom Solomon could only taste. The Anointing Theme Across Scripture • Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil—symbolic of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment (1 Samuel 16:13). • The Hebrew term “Messiah” and the Greek “Christ” both mean “Anointed One.” • Jesus’ baptism parallels royal anointing: “heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him” (Luke 3:21-22). God’s voice publicly affirms Him, just as Israel affirmed Solomon. Signs Pointing to Jesus’ Kingship • Triumphal Entry: crowds greet Jesus with words from Psalm 118, the same psalm sung at royal enthronements (Matthew 21:8-9). • Angel to Mary: “the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign… forever; His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:32-33) • Peter at Pentecost: David “looked ahead and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ” so He could sit on David’s throne (Acts 2:30-36). • Revelation 19:16: Jesus returns as “King of kings and Lord of lords,” the final, universal fulfillment of the Davidic promise. Key Parallels • Public affirmation—1 Chronicles 29:22 ⇨ Matthew 3:17; Acts 2:36 • Divine sonship—2 Samuel 7:14 ⇨ Luke 1:32; Hebrews 1:5 • Everlasting throne—1 Kings 2:45 ⇨ Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:33 • Peaceful reign—1 Kings 4:24-25 ⇨ John 14:27; Romans 14:17 Living in the Light of the King • Worship with joy—Israel “ate and drank with great joy” (1 Chronicles 29:22). Believers rejoice in the finished work of the greater King (Philippians 4:4). • Submit to His authority—just as Israel acknowledged Solomon, every knee will bow to Jesus (Philippians 2:10-11). • Depend on His wisdom—Solomon asked for wisdom to govern (1 Kings 3:9). Jesus is “wisdom from God” for us (1 Corinthians 1:30). • Anticipate perfect peace—the partial rest under Solomon points ahead to Christ’s coming kingdom where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). |
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