Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is a central figure in the history of Israel, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marks a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for the nation. However, the path to his kingship was not without challenges, leading to his anointing as king on two separate occasions.Background and First Anointing Solomon's initial anointing as king is recorded in 1 Kings 1. As King David's health declined, Adonijah, another of David's sons, sought to claim the throne for himself. He gathered support from key figures, including Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest. However, Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, intervened by reminding David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king. In response, David ordered that Solomon be anointed king immediately to secure his succession. 1 Kings 1:39-40 describes this event: "Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, 'Long live King Solomon!' And all the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth split apart with their sound." The Need for a Second Anointing Despite Solomon's initial anointing, the political climate necessitated a reaffirmation of his kingship. The second anointing is detailed in 1 Chronicles 29. This event took place in the context of David's final preparations for the construction of the Temple and his public endorsement of Solomon as his successor. David gathered the leaders of Israel and the assembly to declare Solomon as king once more, ensuring the unity and support of the nation. 1 Chronicles 29:22 records this second anointing: "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, anointing him before the LORD as ruler and Zadok as priest." Significance of the Second Anointing The second anointing of Solomon served several purposes. It reinforced his legitimacy as king in the eyes of the people and the leaders of Israel, quelling any remaining dissent or claims to the throne by Adonijah or others. It also symbolized a divine endorsement of Solomon's reign, as the anointing was conducted "before the LORD," signifying God's approval and blessing. Furthermore, this event underscored the continuity of David's dynasty and the fulfillment of God's covenant with David, as expressed in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 : "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." Conclusion Solomon's second anointing as king was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, ensuring a smooth transition of power and setting the stage for a reign characterized by wisdom, prosperity, and the construction of the Temple. This event highlights the importance of divine guidance and the fulfillment of God's promises in the leadership of His people. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 29:22And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him to the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest. Nave's Topical Index Library That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ... Solomon The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of ... Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew. Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ... Samuel The First Kings. The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ... On Daniel. vi. On Susannah. Jews. Resources Who was Solomon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Solomon saved? | GotQuestions.org Why did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org Solomon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Solomon: An Ancestor of Joseph Solomon: Anointed King a Second Time Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his House, the Forest of Lebanon Solomon: Builds Idolatrous Temples Solomon: Cedes some Inferior Cities to Hiram Solomon: Covenant Renewed in a Vision After the Dedication of the Temple Solomon: Divides his Kingdom Into Subsistence Departments Solomon: Drinking Vessels of his Houses Solomon: Extent of his Dominions Solomon: Has Seven-Hundred Wives and Three-Hundred Concubines Solomon: His Prayer for Wisdom, and his Vision Solomon: Imports Apes and Peacocks Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters Solomon: Military Equipment of Solomon: Musicians and Musical Instruments of his Court Solomon: Named Jedidiah, by Nathan the Prophet Solomon: Plants Vineyards and Orchards of all Kinds of Fruit Trees; Makes Pools Solomon: Prophecies Concerning Solomon: Receives Tribute (Taxes) Solomon: Reigns for Forty Years Solomon: Renews the Courses of the Priests and Levites Solomon: Son of David by Bath-Sheba Solomon: Succeeds David to the Throne of Israel Solomon: The Splendor of his Court Solomon: Their Influence Over Him Related Terms Carriage-towns (3 Occurrences) |