And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

1 KINGS 1:39KJV
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1 Kings 1:39 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:39 mean?

1 Kings 1:39 describes how Zadok the priest took a horn filled with oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon as king, after which the trumpet was blown and the people proclaimed, "God save king Solomon." This verse marks the formal and public recognition of Solomon as the new king of Israel.

The setting is a tense moment in Israel's history, as King David is old and there is uncertainty about who will succeed him. Zadok, acting as priest, leads this ceremony at David's instruction to establish Solomon's kingship. The anointing with oil, the blowing of the trumpet, and the people's acclamation all signal a divinely sanctioned transfer of royal authority.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 1:39

  • חָרֵן (qeren, "horn"): The use of a horn, rather than a simple flask, often symbolized strength and authority in ancient Israel. This detail emphasizes the seriousness and legitimacy of Solomon's anointing.
  • מָשַׁח (mashach, "anointed"): This word means to pour or smear oil, marking someone as chosen for a special role. Anointing was a sacred act that set apart kings and priests for God's service.
  • אֹהֶל (ohel, "tabernacle"): Taking the oil from the tabernacle, the special tent where God was worshiped, connects Solomon's kingship to God's presence and blessing.
  • יְהִי הַמֶּלֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹה (yehi ha-melekh Shelomoh, "God save king Solomon"): The people’s shout is a public prayer and declaration of support, showing unity behind Solomon as the new king.

Why 1 Kings 1:39 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about Solomon's legitimacy as king by showing that his anointing was done by the priest, with oil from the tabernacle, and with public support.
  • The ceremony links Solomon’s kingship to both religious tradition and national unity, underlining that his rule is not just a political move but a sacred appointment.
  • The verse connects to the wider story of 1 Kings 1, where there was a rival claim to the throne, and shows how David’s chosen successor is affirmed in a way that all Israel could recognize.

Where else these words appear

“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 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.

“blew” 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.

“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.