King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:32 Mean?

1 Kings 1:32 in the King James Version says “And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came be...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.”

1 Kings 1:32 · KJV

Context

30

Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.

31

Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

32

And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.

33

The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: mine: Heb. which belongeth to me

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's accession and adonijah's rebellion, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
  2. What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃2 of 15

“And king”

H4428

a king

דָּוִ֗ד3 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

קִרְאוּ4 of 15

“Call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לִ֞י5 of 15
H0
לְצָד֤וֹק6 of 15

“me Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַכֹּהֵן֙7 of 15

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וּלְנָתָ֣ן8 of 15

“and Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִ֔יא9 of 15

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וְלִבְנָיָ֖הוּ10 of 15

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶּן11 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֑ע12 of 15

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ13 of 15

“And they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לִפְנֵ֥י14 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃15 of 15

“And king”

H4428

a king

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 1:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 1:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:81 Kings 1:381 Kings 1:26

Test Your Knowledge

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