"And all the people went up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth was rent by their noise." — The *piping* (*va-ya'alu kol-ha-'am... va-ya'allu va-khali* should be *va-yekhallelu*, celebrating) and the *great joy* (*simcha gedolah*) suggest popular enthusiasm for Solomon's coronation. The phrase *va-tivva'em ha-'aretz* (the earth was rent/split by their noise) is hyperbolic but theologically significant—the people's voice is so loud, so unified, that even the *earth itself* reverberates. The image evokes cosmic affirmation; creation itself bears witness to Solomon's kingship. This contrasts sharply with Adonijah's feast at En-rogel—which has become a small, anxious gathering of the old guard. The people's voice is decisive; it is not David's isolated will but the people's acclamation that makes Solomon king.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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