The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Nathan Anoints Solomon King

The prophet Nathan acted a leading part in the events connected with the succession of Solomon to the throne of his father David. For a long period it had been David’s purpose that Solomon should succeed him. But when he had grown “old and stricken in years” and was about to die, his fourth son, Adonijah, through conspiracy, had himself proclaimed king. AGP 80.5

Knowing that this was contrary to the divine purpose, Nathan came to David and said, “My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? For he is gone down this day, … and hath called all the king’s sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save King Adonijah.” 1 Kings 1:24, 25. AGP 80.6

Upon hearing this, David instructed Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest to anoint Solomon to be “king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save King Solomon.” 1 Kings 1:34. AGP 81.1

Solomon had been under the influence of the prophet Nathan from childhood until he became king. During his reign he was not left without the aid of prophetic guidance, although the history of his reign does not reveal the measure of activity by the prophets that was present during the reigns of Saul and David. The prophets Ahijah and Iddo were raised up to give messages of instruction from the Lord. 2 Chronicles 9:29. Yet how closely these messengers may have been associated with Solomon is not revealed. There is no intimation that he recognized them or sought counsel from them during the days of the great prosperity and outward splendor that came to him. AGP 81.2

But during the latter part of his reign, messages were sent to him through the prophetic gift to make known Jehovah’s purpose to allow serious developments to take place in the kingdom. His departure from the ways of the Lord had brought great harm to the nation, and lasting reproach upon the cause of God. “Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.” 1 Kings 11:11. But the Lord added: “Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David My servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.” Verses 12, 13. The execution of this sentence was followed by turmoil, apostasies, revolutions, and general ruin. AGP 81.3