King David was dying and the future of the kingdom hung in the balance. David’s son Adonijah had exalted himself as king-in-waiting. When David heard the news from loyal family and officials, he called a meeting. Frail David could still be decisive; he arranged an emergency coronation.

Solomon rode the royal mule to Gihon and there Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon and blew a trumpet (shofar). All the people said, “Long live King Solomon,” and Solomon took the throne (1 Kings 1:32-40).

Meanwhile, Adonijah was partying prematurely. The trumpets startled him. Just then, a messenger rushed in, panting. The guests scattered. Adonijah ran for sanctuary but was placed under house arrest. When David died, Solomon had Adonijah executed.

The events form a beautiful picture of the arrival of God’s kingdom. Satan exalted himself and because of human sin, became ruler of the world. Jesus won back the kingdom by His death on the cross. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” (Rev. 11:15) Now Satan is under house arrest, still shouting his deceptive appeals to potential subjects, but essentially powerless. When Jesus returns, Satan and his dominion will be eternally punished.

The trumpet declares a new king and a new kingdom—the kingdom of God.