1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
קִרְאוּ
Call
H7121
קִרְאוּ
Call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
4 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
7 of 15
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
And they came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
And they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
13 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
Analysis & 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.