Why Solomon’s Crowning Matters
Before Solomon ever wore a crown, Israel already had a long and complicated history with kings.
Saul was Israel’s first king.
David, chosen by God, became the greatest king Israel ever knew.
Now David is old, weak, and close to death (1 Kings 1).
The big question is simple but dangerous:
Who will rule after David?
This question matters because kingship in Israel was not just political.
It was spiritual.
The king was expected to:
Obey God’s law
Protect justice
Lead the people toward God, not away from Him
The Problem: A Struggle for the Throne
David had many sons. One of them, Adonijah, decides to crown himself king without God’s approval and without David’s command (1 Kings 1:5).
He throws a feast, gathers supporters, and acts as if the throne is already his.
In Jewish tradition, Adonijah represents:
Human ambition
Power taken too early
Leadership without divine permission
Kingship is not something you grab.
It is something God grants.
Christians often see Adonijah as a warning:
You can look successful on the outside
But still be completely outside God’s will
Power without God leads to instability and fear.
God’s Chosen King: Solomon
God had already promised David that Solomon would be the next king (1 Chronicles 22:9–10).
Solomon’s name comes from shalom — peace.
David was a man of war
Solomon would be a man of peace
This difference is very important.
In Judaism, Solomon represents:
A king chosen by God
A ruler meant to build, not destroy
The builder of the Temple in Jerusalem
The Temple would become the heart of Jewish worship.
Christians also see Solomon as:
A foreshadowing of a greater “son of David”
A peaceful king pointing toward Jesus, the Prince of Peace
Solomon is not the final answer — he points forward.
The Coronation: God’s Way, Not Man’s Way
When Adonijah’s rebellion is discovered, David acts quickly.
He commands that:
Solomon be placed on the royal mule
Anointed with oil by Zadok the priest
Publicly proclaimed king (1 Kings 1:32–40)
Oil matters here.
Meaning of anointing (both traditions)
Oil represents God’s Spirit
The king is not just chosen by people
He is set apart by God
In Hebrew, the word for “anointed one” is Mashiach (Messiah).
This does not mean Solomon is the Messiah, but that he is God-appointed.
Solomon’s Humble Beginning: Asking for Wisdom
After Solomon becomes king, God appears to him in a dream and says:
“Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5)
Solomon does not ask for:
Long life
Wealth
Victory over enemies
Instead, he asks for:
“A listening heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 3:9)
Judaism deeply values this moment.
Solomon becomes the model of:
A wise judge
A humble servant
A king who understands responsibility
Wisdom (chochmah) is seen as a divine gift, not human intelligence.
Christians admire Solomon’s request but also compare it to Jesus:
Solomon asked for wisdom
Jesus is wisdom in flesh (1 Corinthians 1:24)
Solomon receives wisdom.
Jesus embodies it.
The Height of Solomon’s Reign
Solomon’s reign becomes a golden age:
Peace on all sides
Economic prosperity
International respect
The building of the Temple
People from many nations come to hear his wisdom (1 Kings 10).
This period represents:
What Israel could be when obedient
A glimpse of harmony between God, king, and people
The Temple becomes central — a place where heaven and earth meet.
Christians see this glory as temporary.
It shows:
Even the wisest human king is still limited
Human kingdoms rise and fall
God’s ultimate kingdom is still coming
A Serious Warning: Solomon’s Failure
Despite his wisdom, Solomon later:
Marries many foreign wives
Allows idol worship
Turns his heart away from God (1 Kings 11)
This leads to the eventual division of the kingdom.
Judaism emphasizes:
Wisdom does not replace obedience
Even chosen leaders must follow Torah
No human king is perfect
Christians see this as proof that:
Salvation cannot come through human kings
Even the wisest man needs redemption
This prepares the way for Jesus in Christian theology.
Lessons for Beginners Today
Whether Jewish or Christian, this story teaches powerful lessons:
Leadership comes from God, not ambition
Wisdom is more valuable than power
A good beginning does not guarantee a faithful ending
God desires humble hearts, not impressive titles
Final Reflection
Solomon’s crowning reminds us:
God keeps His promises
God chooses unlikely people
God values wisdom, humility, and obedience
For Jews, Solomon is:
A historic king
A teacher of wisdom
A builder of sacred space
For Christians, Solomon is:
A signpost
A shadow pointing toward Christ
A reminder that only God’s eternal kingdom lasts
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