Topical Encyclopedia
The inauguration of kings in ancient Israel was a significant event marked by ceremonies that underscored the covenantal relationship between the king, the people, and God. These ceremonies were not merely political but deeply spiritual, emphasizing the king's duty to govern according to God's law.
Anointing and CoronationThe anointing of a king was a central element of the inauguration ceremony, symbolizing the king's consecration to God and his divine appointment. The prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel, as recorded in
1 Samuel 10:1: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" Similarly, David was anointed by Samuel in
1 Samuel 16:13, signifying God's choice and blessing.
The coronation often included the public acclamation of the king, as seen in the case of Solomon. In
1 Kings 1:39-40, we read, "Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people shouted, 'Long live King Solomon!' And all the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing with great joy, so that the ground shook with the sound."
Covenantal CommitmentThe king's covenantal commitment to govern lawfully was a solemn promise to uphold God's statutes and lead the nation in righteousness. This is exemplified in the covenant renewal under King Josiah, who, upon discovering the Book of the Law, made a public commitment to follow the LORD wholeheartedly.
2 Kings 23:3 states, "The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep His commandments, His testimonies, and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant."
Public Reading of the LawThe public reading of the Law was an integral part of the inauguration ceremonies, serving as a reminder of the king's duty to govern according to God's commandments.
Deuteronomy 17:18-19 instructs that the king must write for himself a copy of the law and read it all the days of his life, "so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes."
Sacrifices and OfferingsSacrifices and offerings were often part of the inaugural ceremonies, symbolizing the king's dedication to God and seeking His favor. When Solomon was anointed king, he offered sacrifices at Gibeon, as recorded in
1 Kings 3:4: "The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar."
Divine Approval and BlessingThe ceremonies often concluded with a demonstration of divine approval and blessing, affirming the king's legitimacy and God's favor. For instance, after Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple, the LORD appeared to him, saying, "I have heard your prayer and your plea before Me; I have consecrated this temple you have built by putting My Name there forever. My eyes and My heart will be there for all time" (
1 Kings 9:3).
These ceremonies at the inauguration of kings in Israel were profound expressions of the theocratic nature of the monarchy, where the king was expected to rule not by his own wisdom but in accordance with the divine law, ensuring justice and righteousness in the land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Samuel 5:3So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
Summary of the Book of 2 Kings - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the divine right of kings? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 1 Kings - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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