King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:38 Mean?

1 Kings 1:38 in the King James Version says “So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, w...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.”

1 Kings 1:38 · KJV

Context

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.

38

So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

39

And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

40

And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them. pipes: or, flutes

Read 1 Kings 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

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 · 21 words
וַיֵּ֣רֶד1 of 21

“went down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

צָד֣וֹק2 of 21

“So Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַ֠כֹּהֵן3 of 21

“the priest”

H3548

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

וְנָתָ֨ן4 of 21

“and Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִ֜יא5 of 21

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וּבְנָיָ֣הוּ6 of 21

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶן7 of 21

“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

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֗ע8 of 21

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וְהַכְּרֵתִי֙9 of 21

“and the Cherethites”

H3774

a kerethite or life-guardsman

וְהַפְּלֵתִ֔י10 of 21

“and the Pelethites”

H6432

a courier (collectively) or official messenger

וַיַּרְכִּ֙בוּ֙11 of 21

“to ride”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

אֶת12 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה13 of 21

“and caused Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

עַל14 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּרְדַּ֖ת15 of 21

“mule”

H6506

a she-mule

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ16 of 21

“upon king”

H4428

a king

דָּוִ֑ד17 of 21

“David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּלִ֥כוּ18 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֹת֖וֹ19 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַל20 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גִּחֽוֹן׃21 of 21

“him to Gihon”

H1521

gichon, a river of paradise; also a valley (or pool) near jerusalem

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 1:38 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 1:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 8:181 Kings 1:81 Chronicles 18:171 Samuel 30:14Zephaniah 2:52 Samuel 15:18

Places in This Verse

Gihon 2Spring · Modern: Gihon Spring · 31.77°N, 35.24°E6 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Kings 1 →

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