David’s instructions to Nathan and Zadok continues in this verse. They are instructed to anoint Solomon king. The anointing was, as we shall see, done by Zadok alone, since it was one of the duties of the priesthood. Both Nathan and Zadok are mentioned regarding this because they are both to be in charge of the coronation.
Anointing was a part of the inauguration of a person to official function in Israel. Prophets of God, priests, and kings were anointed with oil. It is noteworthy that in the case of Adonijah there was no mention of anointing. Some commentators, for example, Donald Wiseman, imply that this is a witness to the fact that his feast is not to be regarded as a coronation banquet and was only to prepare the way for his accession to the throne.1 I suggest, however, that it was based upon the fact that no prophet of God had sanctioned the event, so that, even though Abiathar was present, he had no divine mandate to consecrate Adonijah with the anointing oil.
David went on in his instructions and commanded that when Solomon was anointed, they were to blow the trumpet. This would show that Solomon’s receiving the kingship was a public event in Israel. One commentator suggests that this was in contrast to Adonijah whose coronation
was a private matter. If so, how did Nathan know specific details of that feast including the sacrifice of sheep and oxen and the declaration of those attending, Long live King Adonijah.
An alternate viewpoint might be stated thusly, which gathering, Adonijah’s or Solomon’s, would gain the consent of the people. Indeed, we shall see that Solomon’s is the one that gains popular support.
The last of the old king’s commands in this verse is to be the declaration, Long live King Solomon.
This declaration will become a direct challenge to the similar declaration we have seen concerning Adonijah.
Regarding this contest, we are to remember that Solomon has several things in his favour. He will be placed upon the royal mule, David’s own mount. In addition, he will have the approval of Nathan, Yahweh’s prophet, and the anointing oil supplied by Zadok, the priest. Let us understand that the outcome is not in doubt. The things we mention show that Solomon had the consent of his father, David, and ostensibly the commendation of Israel’s God.
34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’