A Day of Joyful Surrender and Divine Appointment

By Romina Chevren

"The next day they made sacrifices to the Lord and presented burnt offerings to him: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams and a thousand male lambs, together with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day. Then they acknowledged Solomon son of David as king a second time, anointing him before the Lord to be ruler and Zadok to be priest. So Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king in place of his father David. He prospered and all Israel obeyed him. All the officers and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their submission to King Solomon. The Lord highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before."—1 Chronicles 29:21–25 (NIV)

The moment described in today’s passage is far more than a royal succession. It’s a sacred act of worship, surrender, and national alignment with the will of God. As King David prepares to pass the baton to his son Solomon, the people of Israel gather not just to celebrate a new king, but to honor the One who appoints kings—God Himself.

David had spent much of his life in battle, in leadership, and in intimate communion with the Lord. As his life neared its end, he turned his attention to building a house for the Lord, something God had told him Solomon would complete. With wisdom and humility, David prepared everything his son would need. But he didn't stop there—he also prepared the hearts of the people.

Verse 21 sets the tone: “The next day they made sacrifices to the Lord and presented burnt offerings to him: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams and a thousand male lambs, together with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel.” The numbers alone are staggering, but what’s even more moving is the heart behind them. These sacrifices weren't out of religious obligation or tradition—they were acts of joyful, voluntary worship. The people were declaring, with their offerings, that they were all in. They were giving their best to God, knowing this was His work, His temple, and His plan.

But perhaps the most powerful verse in this passage is verse 23: “So Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king in place of his father David.” This wasn't just Solomon’s throne—it was the Lord’s. This detail reshapes how we understand leadership. Authority, when rightly viewed, is never about ownership; it’s about stewardship. Solomon wasn’t taking control; he was stepping into an assignment from God.

In a time when transitions often create division or instability, Israel experienced unity. Verse 24 tells us, “All the officers and mighty warriors, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their submission to King Solomon.” There was no rebellion, no resistance, no rivalry. There was honor, and there was trust—not just in Solomon, but in the God who had chosen him.

We live in a world that constantly tempts us to grasp for influence, position, and recognition. But this passage gently invites us to consider a better way. Are we willing to surrender the "thrones" we sit on—our plans, our platforms, our ambitions—and acknowledge they ultimately belong to God? Are we joyfully offering our best to Him, even when it’s costly? Are we willing to support and celebrate those whom God appoints, even when it means stepping back ourselves?

Solomon didn’t demand allegiance. God exalted him. And the people responded, not out of fear or pressure, but from a place of worship. Their unity, their generosity, and their joyful obedience created a sacred atmosphere where God’s purposes could unfold without hindrance.

Let us learn from their example. True leadership is rooted in submission to God, true worship is expressed through willing sacrifice, and true unity flows from hearts that trust the Lord’s hand, even in moments of great change.

Pause: Take a quiet moment and reflect on this question: Where in your life are you being asked to surrender the throne to God?

Practice: Today, make a conscious act of surrender. Maybe write a note, pray aloud, or symbolically release something (like deleting an old plan or giving generously). Remind yourself that the throne belongs to Him.

Pray: Lord, You are the King of all. Teach me to surrender control and to trust in Your appointment and timing. May my worship be joyful, my obedience be willing, and my heart be fully Yours. Reign over every area of my life, and be glorified in all I do. Amen.