Troublesome Topic: Solomon’s Proper Inauguration

A bit later, probably as soon as it could be arranged and people from all of the tribes of Israel notified, David planned a big celebration in which the power was transferred to his son, Solomon, in a proper fashion. This occasion is described in chapters 28 and 29 of I Chronicles. There were key leaders from all the tribes present (I Chron 28:1) so they could properly acknowledge Solomon as king and pledge their allegiance to him. All the people were willing to follow Solomon this time because all opposition to his kingship had been quelled – Absalom, Sheba son of Bikri, and now Adonijah.

At this celebration David gave a speech in which he addressed the crowd and especially his son, Solomon. I Chron 28:2 specifically says that he “rose to his feet” to do so. Although he was probably weak, he could stand, he just couldn’t keep warm, thus he was probably wrapped in heavy cloaks to keep him warm. In this speech he focused a great deal on the plans for building the temple; this was a huge project that was important because it would draw people together to worship God in one place (The tabernacle was not a drawing card in the ways that make sense to most people because it was not impressive. Plus it was a 400 year-old tent, albeit a heavy-duty tent. This would be a permanent structure that would be elegant and would make them proud.)

David also took the opportunity to warn his son about the importance of being faithful to God’s laws. Nothing in that speech is addressing sexual issues or women, rather it is general.

During this inauguration event, which appears to have lasted at least two days, they sacrificed 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams and 1,000 lambs (I Chron 29:21).

I believe psalm 72 was written by David for the special occasion of Solomon’s formal inauguration as king. Its title says “of Solomon,” but that can also mean “for Solomon or about Solomon.” In this case I think that “for Solomon” fits best. It reads like a song written specifically for the inauguration of the king, but Solomon would not write such a song for his own inauguration because it sounds like it was written by someone other than the new king.

At one point (I Chron 29:1), David refers to Solomon as “young and inexperienced.” The word “inexperienced” actually means, “tender, soft, delicate, timid, frail, and weak.” This may be more than just a statement about his youthfulness. At an early age David was killing giants, leading grown men into battle and assigned to the king’s bodyguard. If Solomon displayed the right attitudes David would not have been concerned about his youthfulness. Even though Solomon had repented of his affair with Naamah and was back on track with God, there were people out there who doubted him, and this may be one reason David felt the need to make that statement. It was an acknowledgement that Solomon was starting off on a weaker footing than David had hoped would be the case.

The next lesson is: Adonijah Asks for Abishag