Solomon’s Anointing as King
In the private rooms of the royal palace, Bathsheba went to see King David, who was very old and weak. She gently reminded him of a promise he had made earlier—that their son Solomon would become king after him. At the same time, a troubling situation was unfolding: another of David’s sons, Adonijah, was trying to take the throne for himself without David’s permission.
To support Bathsheba’s words and highlight how urgent the matter had become, Nathan the prophet also came to speak with David. He explained that Adonijah had already started acting like he was king, gathering supporters and holding a celebration. If something wasn’t done quickly, Solomon’s right to the throne—and even his life—could be in danger.
Hearing this, King David remembered his promise and acted immediately. He reaffirmed that Solomon was the rightful heir and gave clear orders to make it official. He instructed that Solomon be taken to a sacred place called Gihon and anointed as king right away.
Zadok the priest carried out the anointing ceremony. He poured oil on Solomon’s head, a symbolic act showing that God had chosen him to be king. The people who witnessed it were filled with joy. They celebrated loudly with music and shouting, making it clear that Solomon was now recognized by everyone as the true and rightful king of Israel.
(This account is found in 1 Kings 1:39–40.)