What does 1 Kings 1:35 mean?
"Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah." - 1 Kings 1:35

1 Kings 1:35 (KJV) states, "Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah." This verse is part of the Old Testament narrative of King David's life and his son Solomon's ascension to the throne of Israel.
The context of this verse is significant in understanding its meaning. At this point in the biblical narrative, King David is old and nearing the end of his life. Adonijah, another one of David's sons, has taken it upon himself to declare himself as king, despite not receiving the endorsement from David. Adonijah's actions threaten to create a chaotic and potentially violent political situation within Israel. However, according to the verse, David asserts his intentions for Solomon to succeed him as the rightful king of Israel and Judah. In doing so, David hopes to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of power.
There are several themes present in this verse, including the concepts of earthly power, divine authority, and the providence of God. This verse touches upon the theme of the transfer of power and the importance of honoring the established authority. King David, by appointing Solomon as his successor, demonstrates the significance of following God's choice for leadership and the stability and peace that can come from a clear and orderly transition of power. Additionally, this verse highlights the theme of God's providence and sovereignty. David acknowledges that the appointment of Solomon as the ruler over Israel and Judah is not merely his decision but is ultimately God's will for the nation.
The symbolism of the throne in this verse represents the authority and responsibility of the ruling monarch. In ancient Israel, the throne was a symbol of power and leadership, and sitting upon it signified the king's rightful position as the sovereign ruler. By inviting Solomon to come and sit upon his throne, David is symbolically passing on the mantle of leadership and affirming Solomon as his chosen successor. This act establishes Solomon's legitimacy as the next king and sends a clear message to the people of Israel about the rightful line of succession.
Furthermore, the act of appointing Solomon as the ruler over Israel and Judah holds religious and spiritual significance. It reflects the divine calling and anointing of leaders in the biblical tradition. In the Old Testament, God often chose and anointed individuals to fulfill specific roles and responsibilities, such as prophets, priests, and kings. By appointing Solomon to be the ruler over Israel and Judah, David is acknowledging the divine authority behind Solomon's ascension to the throne and emphasizing the importance of God's will in the affairs of the nation.
In conclusion, 1 Kings 1:35 (KJV) encapsulates the themes of earthly power, divine authority, and the providence of God. The verse serves as a proclamation of Solomon's rightful succession to the throne and emphasizes the importance of honoring God's chosen leader. Through the symbolism of the throne and the act of appointing Solomon, this verse conveys the significance of a peaceful transition of power and the recognition of God's sovereignty in matters of leadership. Ultimately, this verse speaks to the broader theological concepts of God's will being enacted through human agency and the importance of obedience to divine authority.
Have questions about 1 Kings 1:35?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
1 Kings 1:35 Artwork
1 Kings 1:35 - "Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah."
"Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah." - 1 Kings 1:35
1 Kings 18:35 - "And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water."
1 Kings 11:35 - "But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes."
1 Kings 2:35 - "And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar."
1 Kings 6:35 - "And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work."
1 Kings 7:35 - "And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same."
1 Kings 22:35 - "And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot."
II Kings 15:35 the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places.
1 Kings 20:35 - "¶ And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him."
1 Kings 8:35 - "¶ When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:"
"And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water." - 1 Kings 18:35
1 Samuel 17:34-35
1 Chronicles 1:35 - "¶ The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah."
Luke 24:35
Genesis 31:35
Genesis 35:16-20
Genesis 29:16-35
Luke 24:13-35
Lucas 20:34-35
genesis 26:1-35
Job 35:1 - "Elihu spake moreover, and said,"
"But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes." - 1 Kings 11:35
"And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar." - 1 Kings 2:35
"And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same." - 1 Kings 7:35
"And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work." - 1 Kings 6:35
Ezekiel 35:1 - "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
1 Chronicles 8:35 - "And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz."
1 Chronicles 11:35 - "Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,"
"¶ The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah." - 1 Chronicles 1:35