1 Kings 1:39

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּקַּח֩ took H3947
וַיִּקַּח֩ took
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 1 of 19
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
צָד֨וֹק And Zadok H6659
צָד֨וֹק And Zadok
Strong's: H6659
Word #: 2 of 19
tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites
הַכֹּהֵ֜ן the priest H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֜ן the priest
Strong's: H3548
Word #: 3 of 19
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קֶ֤רֶן an horn H7161
קֶ֤רֶן an horn
Strong's: H7161
Word #: 5 of 19
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶן֙ of oil H8081
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶן֙ of oil
Strong's: H8081
Word #: 6 of 19
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
מִן H4480
מִן
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 7 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָאֹ֔הֶל out of the tabernacle H168
הָאֹ֔הֶל out of the tabernacle
Strong's: H168
Word #: 8 of 19
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
וַיִּמְשַׁ֖ח and anointed H4886
וַיִּמְשַׁ֖ח and anointed
Strong's: H4886
Word #: 9 of 19
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃ Solomon H8010
שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃ Solomon
Strong's: H8010
Word #: 11 of 19
shelomah, david's successor
וַֽיִּתְקְעוּ֙ And they blew H8628
וַֽיִּתְקְעוּ֙ And they blew
Strong's: H8628
Word #: 12 of 19
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר the trumpet H7782
בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר the trumpet
Strong's: H7782
Word #: 13 of 19
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ said H559
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 14 of 19
to say (used with great latitude)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 15 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם and all the people H5971
הָעָ֔ם and all the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 16 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יְחִ֖י God save H2421
יְחִ֖י God save
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 17 of 19
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ king H4428
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 18 of 19
a king
שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃ Solomon H8010
שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃ Solomon
Strong's: H8010
Word #: 19 of 19
shelomah, david's successor

Analysis & Commentary

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.

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.

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.

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