Topical Bible: Kings: Sometimes Nominated Their Successors

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In the biblical narrative, the practice of kings nominating their successors is a significant aspect of the monarchical system in ancient Israel and Judah. This practice ensured a smooth transition of power and continuity of leadership, which was crucial for maintaining stability and order in the kingdom. The nomination of successors by reigning kings is documented in several instances throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both divine guidance and human decision-making.

David and Solomon

One of the most notable examples of a king nominating his successor is King David's appointment of Solomon. As David's reign was drawing to a close, he faced the challenge of ensuring a peaceful succession. Despite the ambitions of his other sons, particularly Adonijah, David, under divine instruction, chose Solomon to succeed him. In 1 Kings 1:30 , David declares, "I will surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place." This decision was affirmed by the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, and was crucial in establishing Solomon's legitimacy as king.

Jehoshaphat and Jehoram

Another example is King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who nominated his son Jehoram as his successor. In 2 Chronicles 21:3 , it is recorded that Jehoshaphat gave his sons many gifts of silver, gold, and valuable articles, along with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn. This act of nomination was in line with the tradition of primogeniture, where the firstborn son typically inherited the throne.

Rehoboam and Abijah

King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, also followed this practice by nominating his son Abijah as his successor. In 2 Chronicles 11:22 , it is stated, "Rehoboam appointed Abijah son of Maacah as chief prince among his brothers, intending to make him king." This decision was part of Rehoboam's efforts to consolidate his rule and ensure the continuation of his dynasty.

Hezekiah and Manasseh

King Hezekiah of Judah nominated his son Manasseh as his successor, although the transition was marked by a significant shift in the kingdom's spiritual direction. Manasseh's reign is noted for its departure from his father's reforms and a return to idolatrous practices. Despite this, the nomination by Hezekiah ensured the Davidic line continued, as recorded in 2 Kings 20:21 : "Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh became king in his place."

Significance and Implications

The practice of nominating successors was not merely a political maneuver but often involved seeking divine guidance and prophetic endorsement. The continuity of the Davidic line, as promised by God, was a central theme in the history of Israel and Judah, and the nomination of successors played a critical role in fulfilling this divine promise. The process also highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership, as the choices made by these kings had lasting impacts on the spiritual and political landscape of the nation.

In summary, the nomination of successors by kings in the biblical narrative underscores the interplay between divine providence and human agency in the governance of God's chosen people. This practice was instrumental in maintaining the stability and continuity of the monarchy, ensuring that the promises made to David and his descendants were upheld throughout the generations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 1:33,34
The king also said to them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 11:22,23
And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brothers: for he thought to make him king.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... of these gigantic compositions may sometimes appear childish ... that they were deprived
of their functions, cited ... immemorial, and the most active kings alone were ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Introduction
... Sometimes a group of bishops"often seven in number"dwelt ... The two kings who were thus
charged with a ... So in 1137 he nominated and consecrated Gelasius as his ...
/.../lawlor/st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/introduction.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... vacant, so that when he was nominated in the ... great societies, in one another's houses,
and sometimes they may ... champions of the divine right of kings were at ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... three centuries later, told how their kings had counselled ... sometimes in one direction,
sometimes in another ... Esarhaddon, bad already been nominated his successor ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... to follow: proceeding with his troops, sometimes on horseback ... Sicharbal had been
nominated by Mutton as regent ... rebellions of the petty Syrian kings against Samsi ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

[Endnotes]
... [19:4] 1 Kings 8:10 ... a kind of robbers who concealed short swords beneath their garments,
and ... of the third century the Christians were sometimes called Chrestiani ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... cousins, nephews, sons and grandsons of kings who crowded ... of birth had destined to
be their ruler ... Sometimes, indeed, he took precautions to prevent an outbreak ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... into a bell-like curve, and sometimes ornamented with ... The dimensions of these columns,
their gracefulness, and ... had been built under the two preceding kings. ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm