Before the scene changes back to Adonijah and his followers, we are given a glimpse of the popular reaction to Solomon’s ascension to the rule of the kingdom. There is no doubt that it is positive in the extreme. They celebrated in such a tumultuous manner that the writer informs us that the earth was split by their noise.
The matters recorded in 1 Kings 1:38–39 are those things that were necessary to give Solomon the official title as king, but 1 Kings 1:40 presents us with the practical situation that contains the assurance that the official’s acts would not be overturned by popular rejection.
Nonetheless, as we look ahead into the future there is something sad to see. The joy of the people at the outset of Solomon’s reign was not continued to the very end. Therefore, later in the book we are shown the people of Israel who approached Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, asked that he lighten the burden that Solomon had placed upon them. This is another reminder that perfection is not to be found in any mere man.
40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise.