Decisive Action

Reflections on 1 Kings 1:32-40

When David learned that Adonijah had proclaimed himself king, he acted promptly and decisively. After reaffirming his promise to Bathsheba, he called in three trusted men to execute his plan.

THE KING'S MULE. David commanded that Solomon be placed on his own mule and ride through the city accompanied by his own servants. Passage through the city would attract the attention of the expectant citizens, and riding on the king's mule would assure them that Solomon had David's blessing.

GIHON SPRING. Solomon's procession ended at Gihon Spring. Because Gihon Spring was nearer the city than En Rogel where Adonijah was celebrating, the news of Solomon's anointing would gain the attention of Jerusalem more quickly than Adonijah's earlier but more distant celebration.

PUBLIC ANOINTING. Zadok the priest anointed Solomon with the oil from the sacred tent showing that Solomon was God's choice rather than man's choice. Nathan the prophet and Benaiah, who was of the priestly family as well as a commander (1 Chronicles 27:5), were present to confirm God's choice. The public responded with shouts of "Long live King Solomon" and music and rejoicing that shook the ground.

DAVID'S THRONE. After the anointing, the procession returned through the city gathering larger crowds as it went, and Solomon took his seat on the throne of his father David. Although Adonijah made the first move to claim the throne, Solomon was the first to sit on the throne. In this case, possession was more than nine-tenths of the law because God had chosen Solomon. Solomon's initial humility and the peace that would predominate during his reign were symbolized by the mule he rode that day. God rejected the pride and war symbolized by Adonijah's chariots and horses.