King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 1:35 Mean?
“Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.”
1 Kings 1:35 · KJV
Context
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.
35
Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.
36
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too.
37
As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.
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 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.
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 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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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.
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
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 17 wordsוַֽעֲלִיתֶ֣ם1 of 17
“Then ye shall come up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אַֽחֲרָ֗יו2 of 17
“after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְיָשַׁ֣ב4 of 17
“and sit”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל5 of 17
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְה֥וּא7 of 17
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
תַּחְתָּ֑י9 of 17
H8478the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
וְאֹת֤וֹ10 of 17
H854properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לִֽהְי֣וֹת12 of 17
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נָגִ֔יד13 of 17
“him to be ruler”
H5057a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes
עַל14 of 17
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל15 of 17
“over Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְעַל16 of 17
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוּדָֽה׃17 of 17
“and over Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
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 1:35 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 1:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge