King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:44 Mean?

1 Kings 1:44 in the King James Version says “And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Chere... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:

1 Kings 1:44 · KJV


Context

42

And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man , and bringest good tidings.

43

And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.

44

And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:

45

And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard.

46

And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:

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.

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.

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 · 19 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח1 of 19

hath sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אִתּֽוֹ2 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃3 of 19

And the king

H4428

a king

אֶת4 of 19
H853

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

צָד֨וֹק5 of 19

with him Zadok

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן6 of 19

the priest

H3548

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

וְאֶת7 of 19
H853

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

נָתָ֣ן8 of 19

and Nathan

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִ֗יא9 of 19

the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וּבְנָיָ֙הוּ֙10 of 19

and Benaiah

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶּן11 of 19

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

יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע12 of 19

of Jehoiada

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וְהַכְּרֵתִ֖י13 of 19

and the Cherethites

H3774

a kerethite or life-guardsman

וְהַפְּלֵתִ֑י14 of 19

and the Pelethites

H6432

a courier (collectively) or official messenger

וַיַּרְכִּ֣בוּ15 of 19

and they have caused him to ride

H7392

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

אֹת֔וֹ16 of 19
H853

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

עַ֖ל17 of 19
H5921

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

פִּרְדַּ֥ת18 of 19

mule

H6506

a she-mule

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃19 of 19

And the 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 1:44 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study