And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.

1 KINGS 1:40KJV
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1 Kings 1:40 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 1:40 mean?

1 Kings 1:40 describes a massive public celebration as the people follow Solomon, playing pipes and rejoicing so loudly that it seemed the earth itself was splitting from the noise. The verse highlights the overwhelming joy and support of the people for Solomon’s anointing as king.

This scene takes place right after Solomon is officially declared king by the priest Zadok, the prophet Nathan, and others loyal to David. The people, excited and united, express their approval with music and shouts, making the event unforgettable. The verse uses vivid language to show just how enthusiastic and widespread the celebration was.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 1:40

  • The word for "people" (עָם, ʿam, H5971) is repeated, emphasizing the unity and collective excitement of the nation as they join together behind Solomon.
  • "Piped" (חָלַל, ḥālal, H2490) and "pipes" (חָלִיל, ḥālîl, H2485) refer to playing wind instruments, which were common in festive processions, showing this was a joyful, musical event.
  • The phrase "the earth rent" uses the word בָּקַע (bāqaʿ, H1234), meaning "to split" or "to burst open," painting a picture of noise so great it felt as if the ground itself was breaking apart.

Why 1 Kings 1:40 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about the people's acceptance of Solomon as king, showing their overwhelming support through a dramatic, public display.
  • The imagery of the earth splitting from the sound emphasizes the scale and intensity of the celebration, marking Solomon’s anointing as a pivotal national event.
  • In the wider passage, this moment contrasts with the quieter, more secretive attempt by Adonijah to claim the throne, highlighting the legitimacy and public approval of Solomon’s kingship.

Where else these words appear

“pipes” Hebrew H2485 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Samuel 10:5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
  • Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
  • Isaiah 30:29 Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.

“rejoiced” Hebrew H8056 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 16:15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.
  • Esther 5:9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
  • Proverbs 2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

“rent” Hebrew H1234 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:17 And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.
  • Isaiah 48:21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

“joy” 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.