And 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 unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.

1 CHRONICLES 29:22KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:22 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:22 describes a joyful celebration before God, where the people eat and drink together, and Solomon is publicly recognized and anointed as king for the second time, with Zadok appointed as priest. This verse marks a formal and festive confirmation of Solomon’s kingship and the leadership roles in Israel.

The setting is the end of King David’s reign, with the people of Israel gathered for a significant ceremony. David is handing over leadership to his son Solomon, and the community is united in gladness as they witness Solomon’s anointing and the appointment of Zadok as priest. The verse shows both the communal joy and the seriousness of this transition in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:22

  • "Before" (פְּנֵי, pənê): This word means "in the presence of" and emphasizes that the celebration and anointing are happening directly before God, not just as a human event.
  • "Great gladness" (שִׂמְחָה גְּדוֹלָה, simchah gedolah): This phrase highlights the extraordinary joy of the occasion, showing that this was not an ordinary feast but a moment of deep communal happiness.
  • "Anointed" (מָשַׁח, mashach): This word means to pour oil on someone as a sign of being set apart for a special role. Here, it underlines that Solomon’s kingship is recognized as divinely approved, not just a political decision.
  • "Chief governor" (נָגִיד, nagid): This term means a leader or ruler, often used for someone with authority given by God. It points to Solomon’s role as more than just a king—he is seen as God’s chosen leader for the people.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:22 matters

  • This verse clears up that Solomon’s kingship was not just a private or family affair, but a public, God-centered event witnessed by the whole community.
  • The mention of Solomon being made king "the second time" helps explain that there was an earlier, more urgent anointing (due to political tension), but this event is the formal, joyful confirmation.
  • The appointment of Zadok as priest alongside Solomon connects the leadership of king and priest, showing a united start for the new era in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“governor” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

“Zadok” Hebrew H6659 · used in 50 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;

“anointed” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

“gladness” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.