"And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel; and blow the trumpet, and say, 'Long live King Solomon!'" — The *anointment* (*mishu*) is the constitutive act of kingship, and it is to be performed by Zadok (the legitimate priest of the Zadokite line) and Nathan (the divine representative). The double anointment by priest and prophet emphasizes that Solomon's kingship is both religiously authorized and divinely endorsed. The *trumpet* (*shofar*) is the instrument of proclamation, used in covenant ratification and coronation ceremonies throughout Israel's history. The acclamation *yechi ha-melekh Shlomoh* (long live King Solomon) is the formal utterance that constitutes him king in the eyes of all Israel. The ordering of anointing, trumpet, and acclamation suggests a sequence of ritual acts that together make Solomon king.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse