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 KINGS 1:34KJV
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1 Kings 1:34 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:34 mean?

1 Kings 1:34 describes how Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint Solomon as king over Israel, then announce his kingship by blowing a trumpet and declaring, “God save king Solomon.” This verse shows the formal and public way Solomon is chosen and presented as the new king.

In this scene, David’s supporters are following his instructions to make Solomon king instead of Adonijah, who was trying to take the throne. Zadok and Nathan, respected religious leaders, are given the authority to anoint Solomon, making his kingship official in the eyes of the people. The blowing of the trumpet and the public proclamation signal to everyone that Solomon is now the rightful king.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 1:34

  • מָשַׁח (mashach, “anoint”): This word means to pour oil on someone as a sign of being set apart for a special role, especially as king. The act marks Solomon as God’s chosen ruler, not just a political choice.
  • מֶלֶךְ (melek, “king”): This word for “king” is used twice in the verse, emphasizing Solomon’s new status and the transfer of royal authority.
  • תָּקַע (taqa, “blow”): This verb means to sound or blow, here referring to the trumpet. The trumpet blast is a public signal, making the announcement unmistakable.
  • יִחְיֶה (yichyeh, “save” or “long live”): This word, often translated “God save” or “long live,” is a wish or prayer for the king’s well-being and success, showing the people’s hope for Solomon’s reign.

Why 1 Kings 1:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s kingship is not a secret or private affair but a public, divinely approved event, countering Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne in secret.
  • The involvement of both a priest and a prophet highlights that Solomon’s rule is supported by both religious and prophetic authority, not just political power.
  • The ceremony described here sets a pattern for later royal anointings in Israel’s history, showing how a king was publicly recognized and supported by the nation.

Where else these words appear

“Nathan” Hebrew H5416 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
  • 1 Kings 1:8 But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,

“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 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:3 And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.

“blow” Hebrew H8628 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
  • Judges 7:19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.
  • Proverbs 6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

“trumpet” Hebrew H7782 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • 1 Samuel 13:3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
  • Isaiah 27:13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.