1 Chronicles 29:22
And did eate and drinke before the Lord on that day with great gladnesse, and they made Solomon the sonne of Dauid King the second time, and anointed him vnto the Lord to be the chiefe gouernour, and Zadok to be Priest. 1 Chronicles 29:22 (KJV)
him unto the LORD
to be the chief governor, and Zadok
to be priest. 1 Chronicles 29:22 (KJV)
The verse 1 Chronicles 29:22 concludes the chapter that records King David’s final preparations for the building of the temple in Jerusalem. As David approached the end of his reign, he organized extensive plans for the sacred project and personally encouraged the people of Israel to contribute willingly. He set a generous example by offering from his own wealth, thereby mobilizing the nation for the work that would follow his death.
When the contributions were gathered and the preparations completed, a great feast was held. The people “ate and drank before the LORD on that day with great gladness,” and the celebration included “a great feast both of sacrifice and of feasting, and they sang praises, and gave thanks before the LORD.” The king himself poured libations in gratitude, expressing thankfulness for God’s faithfulness throughout the fundraising effort.
In the same passage the text records that Solomon, the son of David, was made king “the second time” and was anointed “unto the LORD, to be the chief governor.” The first anointing of Solomon as David’s successor is noted elsewhere (see 1 Chronicles 23:1 and later in 1 Kings 1:33‑40). This second affirmation underscores Solomon’s authority as the primary ruler over Israel and signals the orderly transfer of political leadership from David to his son.
Alongside Solomon’s coronation, Zadok is appointed “to be priest.” Though the verse itself does not detail his appointment, other passages (e.g., 1 Chronicles 24:1‑2) identify Zadok as a descendant of Eleazar, son of Aaron, and as the chief priest who would serve during Solomon’s reign. His appointment symbolizes the establishment of the priestly line that would accompany the new king.
Overall, 1 Chronicles 29:22 portrays a scene of communal gratitude, joyous celebration, and official affirmation of both political and religious leadership. The passage highlights the unity of the nation in honoring God, the importance of orderly transitions in leadership, and the continued significance of the priestly lineage represented by Zadok. It serves as a reminder to celebrate God’s faithfulness and to recognize the roles He appoints for individuals in the life of His people.
