Solomon Is Crowned King: A Peaceful Victory and a Humble Plea (1 Kings 1:28-53)
When King David was old and nearing the end of his life, a serious problem came up—who would be the next king? One of David’s sons, Adonijah, tried to take the throne for himself without David’s blessing. But thanks to the wisdom of the prophet Nathan and Solomon’s mother Bathsheba, the truth was brought to David’s attention. Now, in this part of the story, David takes action to make things right.
David Keeps His Promise
After hearing about Adonijah’s actions, King David calls Bathsheba and reassures her. He tells her that Solomon will be king, just as he had promised before. Then David gives clear instructions to his trusted leaders:
- Zadok the priest,
- Nathan the prophet,
- And Benaiah, a strong and loyal commander.
They are told to take Solomon and place him on David’s own mule—a sign that Solomon is the chosen king. Then, they are to anoint him with oil and make it official.
Solomon Becomes King
The group takes Solomon to a place called Gihon. There, they anoint him with oil, blow the trumpet, and shout, “Long live King Solomon!” The people are filled with joy. They cheer, play music, and celebrate loudly. It’s a big, happy moment, and word spreads fast.
Adonijah Hears the News
Meanwhile, Adonijah is still holding a feast with his supporters. But their celebration quickly ends when Jonathan, the son of a priest, arrives with surprising news: Solomon has just been made king by David himself. The guests at Adonijah’s party are shocked—and afraid. They know Adonijah’s plan has failed. One by one, they quietly leave.
Adonijah is terrified. He fears that Solomon might now see him as a threat and try to punish him.
Adonijah Runs for Safety
In his fear, Adonijah runs to the altar and grabs onto its horns. This was a way of begging for mercy, hoping Solomon would spare his life. When Solomon hears about it, he responds calmly. He says that if Adonijah proves to be a good and honest man, he will not be harmed.
Adonijah is brought before Solomon, who lets him go home in peace.
What We Can Learn
This story shows us how God’s plan won out in the end. Even though Adonijah tried to take the throne by force, Solomon became king just as God intended. And instead of starting with revenge, Solomon began his reign with mercy and wisdom.
Here are a few simple lessons from this part of the story:
- Keep your promises, like David did.
- God’s plans may be challenged, but they will not fail.
- Acting with kindness and mercy—even toward those who oppose us—can bring peace.
Solomon’s peaceful rise to the throne reminds us that leadership done God’s way starts with both strength and grace.
1 Kings 1:28-53 (WEB)
1:28 Then King David answered, “Call Bathsheba in to me.” She came into the king’s presence and stood before the king. 29 The king vowed and said, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 30 most certainly as I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place;’ I will most certainly do this today.”31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth and showed respect to the king, and said, “Let my lord King David live forever!”32 King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” They came before the king. 33 The king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. 34 Let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel. Blow the trumpet, and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 Then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne; for he shall be king in my place. I have appointed him to be prince over Israel and over Judah.”36 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, “Amen. May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, say so. 37 As the LORD has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon. 39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the Tent, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet; and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!”40 All the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth shook with their sound. 41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they had finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “Why is this noise of the city being in an uproar?”42 While he yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said, “Come in; for you are a worthy man, and bring good news.”43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, “Most certainly our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and they have caused him to ride on the king’s mule. 45 Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon. They have come up from there rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 Also, Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom. 47 Moreover the king’s servants came to bless our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon better than your name, and make his throne greater than your throne;’ and the king bowed himself on the bed. 48 Also thus said the king, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne today, my eyes even seeing it.’ ”49 All the guests of Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and each man went his way. 50 Adonijah was afraid because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and hung onto the horns of the altar. 51 Solomon was told, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon; for, behold, he is hanging onto the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not kill his servant with the sword.’ ”52 Solomon said, “If he shows himself a worthy man, not a hair of his shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and bowed down to King Solomon; and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”