1 Kings 1:39

1Ki 1:39 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.

Ver. 39. Took an horn of oil.] Whereof there was great use in the tabernacle. It was not that holy oil which was at first provided for the anointing of the priests, {see Exo 30:32, "Upon man’s flesh shall it not be poured"} but some other, to show that magistrates should be holy and gracious: whence also the seat of judicature is called the holy place. {Ecc 8:10}

And anointed Solomon.] When he was twenty years of age, saith Lyra: some say twenty-four.

God save king Solomon,] i.e., Rex Pacificus: so the Greeks had their Irenaei, the Germans their Fredericks, (that is, rich in peace,) and the Turks their Selims and Solymans.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

1Ki 1:39-40. Zadok took a horn of oil — A vessel of oil, as the Arabic translates it; which vessel was made of an ox’s horn, as Bochart observes; out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon — It rendered his unction more solemn, and his person more sacred, that he was anointed with holy oil taken out of the tabernacle: though the Jews are generally of opinion, that it was not necessary to anoint their kings with this holy oil made by Moses. So that the earth rent — An hyperbolical expression, to signify the very loud noise which the people made with their shouts and their pipes.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

1:39 The priest . . . anointed Solomon with olive oil. This act, a widely accepted Near Eastern practice, gave the ceremony divine sanction.

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Wherewith they accustomed to anoint the Priests and the holy instruments, Exod. 30:23.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

an horn of oil out of the tabernacle--It was the sacred oil (Exo 30:25) with which the kings were anointed.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 39. Zadok - took a horn of oil] Pottery and glass were little in use in those times; and horns were frequently used to hold oil and wine. The oil used here was the holy anointing oil, which was laid up in the tabernacle, and which was used for the anointing of both priests and kings.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(39) An horn of oil out of the tabernacle.—The sacred oil, the making of which is described in Exo_30:22-30, was to be used for anointing the Tabernacle itself, and the altars and vessels as well as the priests. It was this oil, no doubt, which was used in this case. The Tabernacle proper was still at Gibeon (see 2Ch_1:3); but a tent or tabernacle had been set up in Zion over the ark (2Ch_1:4), and the haste with which all was done would necessitate the taking the oil from the nearer source, in spite of the fact that Abiathar presided in Zion, and Zadok only in Gibeon.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

39. a horn of oil] The Hebrew has the horn. The ‘holy anointing oil’ was no doubt preserved for occasions like this, and for the anointing of the priests. Zadok having the care of the tabernacle at Gibeon (1Ch_16:39) would have this under his charge. And as Gibeon was ‘the great high place’ (1Ki_3:4), all that was most sacred would be kept there.

out of the tabernacle] The word here rendered ‘tabernacle’ is not the same as that so rendered in the passage from 1 Chron. just quoted, and it is advisable to make a distinction between them. The word in this verse is that usually translated, when it does not refer to the sacred dwellingplace of God’s glory, by the English ‘tent’ (Gen_9:21 &c.) and it would be well so to render here. In no other passage in Scripture does the word occur of the Divine dwellingplace without some qualifying expression added to it. It is ‘the tabernacle of the congregation,’ ‘the tabernacle of witness,’ ‘the tabernacle of the Lord.’ In all these cases ‘Tent’ might well be substituted. This word refers to the external covering of black goats’ hair, while the other word implies the interior, the very dwellingplace of God, and for this ‘Tabernacle’ might be specially retained.

all the people said] Solomon’s anointing was made a public ceremonial, news of what was to be done would go forth during the time that a messenger went to Gibeon for the sacred oil, and thus there seems to have been present not only those whom David had commissioned but a large body of the people of Jerusalem.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle,.... Not out of the tabernacle of Moses, for that was at Gibeon; see Ch1 21:29; and if the oil had been there, it would have been too far to have fetched it, since haste was now required; but this was taken out of the tabernacle David had built for the ark, Sa2 6:17; where the ark was, and before which the pot of oil was; so Jarchi; but Kimchi indeed says, that though it was at this time at Gibeon, Zadok went thither, or sent thither to fetch it; and though it is said, the pot of oil was set before the ark, this was when the ark was in the tabernacle; but when they took it out from thence at the war with the Philistines, that and the pot of manna were left in the tabernacle; and they took nothing but the ark; but if they brought the pot afterwards, and put it before the ark in Jerusalem, then it may be understood of the tabernacle David pitched for it; but that he disapproves of. Here Zadok is only said to take the oil, and anoint with it; which he did either as the deputy of the high priest, or he was made use of because the high priest was on the side of Adonijah:

and anointed Solomon; whether it was by pouring it on his head, as Saul was anointed, Sa1 10:1; or, as the Jews say (f), by putting it round about his head in the form of a crown, and then between his eyebrows, is not very material; and they also say (g), that it is not usual to anoint the son of a king that has been anointed; and that the reason of the anointing of Solomon was, because of the sedition of his brother Adonijah, and to confirm the kingdom to him; this anointing was an emblem of the gifts, graces, and virtues, necessary to qualify a king for the discharge of his office:

and they blew the trumpet; and proclaimed him king:

and all the people said, God save King Solomon; wished him long life and happiness, and gave him a general huzza or shouting.

(f) T. Bab. Ceritot, fol. 5. 2. (g) Ibid.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

The tabernacle - Probably that which David had made for the ark of the covenant on Mount Zion 2Sa 6:17. For the holy oil, see the margin reference. That it was part of the regular furniture of the tabernacle appears from Exo 31:11; Exo 39:38.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Horn of oil. Such liquors were commonly kept in vessels of horn. (Calmet) --- Some say that oil, for the consecration of priests, was used on this occasion; and that the ceremony was performed only, when the throne was contested: as in the case of Joas, Joachaz, &c. (Haydock) --- Nathan assisted Sadoc, (ver. 34.) who was not yet the high priest. (Menochius)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

Zadok the priest; for though he was not the high priest, he might do this office, especially having the direction of the prophet Nathan, 1Ki 1:34.

Out of the tabernacle; that which David had erected for the ark, 2Sa 6:17, in which oil was kept for divers sacred uses; for Moses’s tabernacle was at Gibeon, 1Ch 16:39; 21:29, which was too remote for the present occasion, which required all possible expedition.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

39. Oil out of the tabernacle — The holy anointing oil described in Exo_30:22-33.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And Zadok the priest took a horn of oil Hebrews the oil. The "holy anointing oil," Exo_30:25, Exo_30:31, compounded as directed in vers. 23-25, was evidently part of the furniture of the tabernacle. (Exo_31:11 Exo_39:38) Eleazer was charged with its preservation, (Num_4:16) and the Rabbins say it lasted till the captivity out of the tabernacle the tabernacle on Mount Zion, containing the ark (2Sa_6:17; 1Ch_15:1) must be meant here. There was not time to have gone to the tabernacle at Gihon (Stanley), which was three hours distance from Jerusalem (Keil). Though Abiathar had charge of this sanctuary, yet Zadok would readily gain access to it, especially in the king"s name and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet cf. 2Sa_15:10; 2Ki_9:13 2Ki_11:14 and all the people said, God save king Solomon. Notice the exact fulfilment of the threefold charge of ver. 34 and its result. Solomon was confirmed in his office by the suffrages of the people.

Vers. 39-41.

The dethronement of the false by the enthronement of the true.

When Bathsheba and Nathan brought David news of Adonijah"s revolt, and told him that Joab and Abiathar were at the coronation feast at En-rogel, it is noteworthy that the king made no direct attack on the conspirators. He merely commanded that Solomon should be seated on the royal mule, that he should ride in state to Gihon, and that there Zadok should anoint him king, and proclaim by the sound of trumpet that he was appointed ruler. It was this which paralysed the traitorous assembly. The sound of the trumpet was to their scheme what the blast of the rams" horns was to the walls of Jericho, when they fell in irreparable ruin. David"s method was the wisest, the surest; for it not only removed a present evil, but provided a future good. The lesson is obvious, and is susceptible of wide application; that the false is most surely dethroned by the enthronement of the true. The strong man armed keeps his goods in peace, until a stronger than he shall come. (Luk_11:21, Luk_11:22) Suggest: applications of this principle.

I VAIN THOUGHTS ARE TO BE EXPELLED BY THE INCOMING OF WHAT IS WISE AND GOOD. The Psalmist hated "vain thoughts," because he loved God"s law. (Psa_119:113) When the heart is empty, swept, and garnished, there is room for worse evils to come. (Mat_12:44) The full mind and heart are safe. Apply to the conquest of wandering thoughts in worship, of vanity in children, etc.

II SELF WILL IS TO BE CONQUERED BY A NOBLER AND STRONGER WILL. We are early taught this. Every child carries out his own wishes without regard to others, till he recognizes that the parent"s will is authoritative. Sooner or later there is struggle, and only when it is decided in one way is there rest. Similarly we have to learn to subordinate our thoughts to God"s revelation, our wishes to His will, and this lesson is more painfully learnt as the years pass by and the habit of self rule grows stronger.

III UNWORTHY AFFECTIONS ARE TO BE OVERCOME BY A WORTHY LOVE. When love is set on the unworthy, force is useless, argument is vain. But if the love is diverted to a nobler object, it naturally disentangles its tendrils from the unworthy. In the highest sphere it may be said of love to our Lord, "that love shall all vain love expel.

IV ERROR IS TO BE SUBDUED BY TRUTH. The hatred of artisans to machinery when first introduced was not conquered by dragoons, nor by prisons, but by the discovery on their part of the mistake they had ignorantly made. So with all errors. We shall not destroy heathenism by the abuse of the idols, but by the presentation of Christ.

V CARE IS TO BE EXTIRPATED BY PRAYER. In many hearts care is enthroned. To many a one our Lord might say, "Thou art careful and troubled about many things." We cannot reason away our anxieties, nor force them from our minds, but we can have the rest our children have, who never trouble about the morrow, because they trust in us. It would be vain to say, "Be careful for nothing," unless the apostle could add the alternative, "but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God; and the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds.

VI EVILS REIGNING IN SOCIETY ARE TO BE OVERTHROWN BY WHAT IS NOBLER THAN THEY. Apply this broadly, e.g. , wholesome literature must defeat pernicious. Low amusements, intoxicating drinks, etc., will pass away when there is the establishment of nobler substitutes for these.

The whole subject is summed up in Christ the true King of humanity, the incarnation of all that is worthy of being loved and enthroned. Draw the analogy between Solomon the anointed king, as he rides on the mule into Jerusalem amid the acclamations of the people, and the entry of our Lord into Jerusalem as described Matthew 21. If worldliness, or selfishness, or ambition, or lust has been reigning in your heart, the usurped will be dethroned when you welcome Christ as King and say, "O Lord our God, other lords besides thee have had dominion over us, but now we acknowledge Thee to be our Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Descend to Thy Jerusalem, O Lord, Her faithful children cry with one accord; Come, ride in triumph on; behold, we lay Our guilty lusts and proud wills in Thy way.

Thy road is ready, Lord; Thy paths, made straight, In longing expectation seem to wait The consecration of Thy beauteous feet, And, hark, hosannas loud Thy footsteps greet. A. R.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

The horn of oil. [Tzadok took] of the anointment oil compounded by Moshe.

From the Tent. Since the Holy Ark was in the City of Dovid [Yerusholayim], and the jug of oil of anointment was before the Ark. as we have learned in [Maseches] Yoma.

Rashi on the Tanakh — English translations: “The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg” (CC BY 4.0); “Pentateuch with Rashi's commentary by M. Rosenbaum and A.M. Silbermann, 1929-1934” (public domain); “The Metsudah Tanach series, Lakewood, N.J” (CC BY 4.0); and “The Book of Joshua, Metsudah Publications, 1997” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.