The Anointing of Solomon: A Shadow of the Ultimate ANOINTED ONE

A Sacred Moment in Israel’s History

In the grand courts of ancient Israel, a defining moment took place—one that would not only determine the nation’s immediate future but also foreshadow an eternal reality.

As the aged King David lay on his deathbed, a crisis was unfolding. His son Adonijah had prematurely declared himself king, attempting to seize the throne. But God had already chosen another—Solomon. In a divinely orchestrated act, Zadok, the priest, took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon, signifying that his kingship was not merely a human appointment but a divine commission.

This anointing was far more than a political or ceremonial act. It pointed forward to the ultimate Anointed One—Jesus Christ, the true King of Kings, who would establish an everlasting kingdom. But how does Solomon’s anointing connect to Jesus? And what significance does this hold for us today? Let’s explore the rich layers of meaning behind this event and its fulfillment in Christ.

The Sacred Oil from the Tabernacle: Its Meaning and Purpose

When Zadok anointed Solomon, the oil was taken specifically from the tabernacle—the dwelling place of God among His people. This was not ordinary oil; it was sacred anointing oil, consecrated for divine purposes.

What Was This Anointing Oil?

The oil used was likely the holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30:22-25. This oil was made from:

• Pure olive oil (the base ingredient)
• Myrrh (a costly and fragrant resin)
• Cinnamon
• Calamus (a fragrant reed)
• Cassia (a spice similar to cinnamon)

This mixture was holy and was used exclusively for consecrating priests, kings, and the tabernacle’s furnishings. It was never to be used for personal or common purposes (Exodus 30:32-33).

By anointing Solomon with this oil, Israel was declaring that his kingship was not just a political inheritance but a divine calling, affirmed by God’s presence.

The Anointing of Solomon as a Foreshadowing of Christ

1. Jesus Is the Ultimate Anointed King

Solomon’s anointing was a powerful declaration that he was God’s chosen king. Similarly, Jesus is the ultimate King, divinely anointed by God. In fact, the very title “Messiah” (Hebrew: Mashiach) and “Christ” (Greek: Christos) both mean “Anointed One.”

• Unlike Solomon, who was anointed with physical oil, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17, John 1:32-34).
• Jesus’ kingdom is not earthly and temporary, but eternal and unshakable (Luke 1:32-33, Revelation 11:15).

2. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, Not Just Oil

Solomon’s anointing was symbolic of divine favor, but Jesus’ anointing was spiritual and direct. This was prophesied in Isaiah 61:1:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me…”

Jesus Himself quoted this passage in Luke 4:18-19, declaring that He was the fulfillment of this prophecy. He was not just anointed to rule, but to bring salvation, healing, and freedom to humanity.

3. Jesus is the Son of David, the Greater Solomon

Solomon was the son of David, fulfilling God’s promise that a descendant of David would rule Israel (2 Samuel 7:12-16). However, Solomon’s reign was temporary, and his wisdom, though great, was flawed and finite.

Jesus, however, is the true and greater Son of David (THE GREATER SOLOMON):

• He rules with perfect wisdom and justice (Isaiah 11:1-5).
• He is the Prince of Peace, establishing true and lasting peace (Isaiah 9:6).
• Unlike Solomon, whose reign ended in failure and idolatry, Jesus’ reign is eternal and perfect (Hebrews 1:8).

Even Jesus acknowledged this in Matthew 12:42, saying:

“Indeed, one greater than Solomon is here.”

4. Jesus’ Anointing Establishes His Kingdom

Solomon’s anointing publicly marked the beginning of his reign. Similarly, at Jesus’ baptism, the anointing by the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 3:16-17).

However, His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Instead of ruling through earthly power, He reigns through:

• His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
• The spread of the Gospel and transformation of hearts (Matthew 28:18-20).
• His eventual return, when He will establish His visible kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16).

5. Jesus Is Both King and High Priest

The anointing oil used for Solomon was stored in the tabernacle, a place of priestly service. This hints at another aspect of Christ’s identity—He is not only a King but also our Great High Priest.

• Solomon, though a king, still relied on priests for mediation.
• Jesus is both King and High Priest, interceding for us before God (Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 110:4).
• His sacrifice was not that of animals but His own life, making atonement for sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:12-14).

6. Jesus’ Anointing Extends to Believers

Just as Solomon was anointed with holy oil, believers in Christ are anointed with the Holy Spirit:

• 1 John 2:20: “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know the truth.”
• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: “Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”

We are called to live as citizens of Christ’s kingdom, empowered by the same Spirit that anointed Jesus.

A King Like No Other

The anointing of Solomon was a defining moment in Israel’s history, establishing him as the rightful king. Yet, it was merely a shadow of something far greater—the anointing of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. While Solomon ruled for a time, Jesus reigns forever. His anointing was not with oil from the tabernacle but with the Holy Spirit, and through Him, we too receive an anointing that empowers us to walk in His truth.

As we reflect on Solomon’s anointing, let us remember that we serve a King whose reign will never end. His wisdom surpasses Solomon’s, His power is unmatched, and His love is everlasting.

Forever reign the true King—Jesus Christ!

What are your thoughts on the connection between Solomon’s anointing and Jesus as the ultimate Anointed One? Have you seen other biblical patterns that point to Christ in a similar way? I’d love to hear your insights! Feel free to share your thoughts, ask questions, or continue the discussion in the comments. Let’s grow together in understanding the richness of God’s Word!