King Solomon was a son of King David and Bathsheba; the woman David stole from Uriah, the Hittite and his faithful soldier whom he plotted for his death.

Solomon was the third king of Israel by God's and his own father's will. God had promised King David that He would make one of his sons a king and that his dynasty would last forever (2 Samuel 7: 12-15.

King David had also made a promise that Bathsheba's son would succeed him as king of Israel (1 Kings 1: 17). Therefore, Solomon was fortunate that he was the son favoured to succeed his father as king of Israel.

THE ANOINTING OF SOLOMON AS KING OF ISRAEL

Solomon became a king of Israel amidst chaos. There was succession dispute between him and his half brother, Adonijah.

King David was very old and was now being taken care of by a beautiful young woman named Abishag.

God had earlier on promised King David that one of his sons would succeed him as king of Israel and that his kingdom would remain strong.

Besides, King David had also promised Bathsheba that her son, Solomon would take over from him as the next king of Israel.

However, Solomon's half brother, Adonijah also had the ambition of becoming a king of Israel. He was described as a very handsome man who had never been reprimanded by his father, King David.

Adonijah was supported by Joab, the military commander who conspired with King David to have Uriah killed and priest Abiathar.

Adonijah offered sacrifices of sheep, bulls and fattened calves on the day he claimed the throne of kingship.

Adonijah invited all his brothers except Solomon, his main rival, to attend the sacrificial feast as he pushed on with his ambition of becoming a king.

Besides, Adonijah left Prophet Nathan and his own father's bodyguard out of the sacrificial feast. This was because they were not on his side.

However, Prophet Nathan alerted Bathsheba that Adonijah had made himself king. He advised her to present the issue to King David.

Bathsheba consulted King David and reminded him of the promise he had made that her son, Solomon would become king after him.

King David re-assured and promised Bathsheba and Prophet Nathan that her son, Solomon would succeed him as king.

King David instructed priest Zadok, Prophet Nathan and his bodyguard to take with them his court officials and anoint Solomon as king.

Priest Zadok anointed Solomon as king using olive oil, which he had taken from the Tent of the Lord's presence.

Revision Questions

1.          Discuss the circumstances that led to the anointing of King Solomon

2.          Account for the rise of Solomon to the throne of kingship in Israel

•              It was God's will

•              King David promise to Bathsheba

•              King David had become too old

•              King David had also lost his popularity among his own people

•              King David at his old age lost control over his family

•              King David's love for Solomon

•              Bathsheba was keen to see her son, Solomon become king.

•              Solomon was supported by some religious leaders like Prophet Nathan and priest Zadok

•              Solomon was also supported by King David's royal guard

•              Solomon's main rival, Adonijah gave up

•              Solomon himself had a humble character