Adonijah’s Ambition and a Mother’s Plea: The Struggle for Israel’s Throne (1 Kings 1:5-27)
As King David grew older and weaker, the question on everyone’s mind was: Who would be the next king of Israel? God had already chosen Solomon, David’s son through Bathsheba. But another one of David’s sons, Adonijah, had other plans. This part of the Bible shows us how quickly power can lead to pride—and how wise people stepped in to protect what was right.
Adonijah Tries to Take the Throne
Adonijah, one of David’s older sons, decided to make himself king. He didn’t ask for permission. He didn’t wait for his father’s blessing. Instead, he acted like the decision was his to make. He gathered chariots, horses, and fifty men to run ahead of him, just like a king would do. He was trying to look powerful and important.
Adonijah also gained the support of some powerful people. Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar, a priest, joined his side. These were well-known leaders, and their support made Adonijah’s claim look more serious.
But Not Everyone Was Invited
Adonijah made a big feast and invited many guests—but only the ones he trusted to support him. He didn’t invite:
- Nathan the prophet,
- Zadok the priest,
- Benaiah, one of David’s strongest warriors,
- Or Solomon, his own younger brother.
These were all people loyal to King David and God’s plan for Solomon to be king. Adonijah left them out on purpose because he knew they wouldn’t support him.
Nathan Takes Action
Nathan the prophet saw what was happening and knew something had to be done quickly. If Adonijah became king without David’s approval, everything God had planned would be in danger.
So Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and came up with a plan. He told her to go speak to King David and remind him of his promise—that Solomon would be the next king.
Bathsheba Speaks to the King
Bathsheba did just that. She went to David, who was now very old and weak. She reminded him, “You swore that my son Solomon would be king after you.” She explained what Adonijah was doing and how it could put her and Solomon in danger. If Adonijah took the throne, they could be seen as threats and possibly be killed.
Nathan Confirms the Story
Right after Bathsheba spoke, Nathan came in to back up everything she said. He asked David if he had actually made Adonijah king, or if this was all happening without his knowledge. This confirmed to David that action needed to be taken immediately.
Final Thoughts
This part of the Bible is about more than just politics—it’s about standing up for what is right, even when things seem risky or uncertain. Nathan and Bathsheba saw trouble and stepped in with wisdom and courage. They didn’t wait for someone else to act.
Adonijah’s pride and selfish ambition almost changed the course of Israel’s history. But because of two faithful people, God’s plan was protected.
When we see something wrong, do we stay quiet—or do we speak up with courage and wisdom, like Nathan and Bathsheba? Sometimes the right words at the right time can make all the difference.
1 Kings 1:5-27 (WEB)
1:5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” Then he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had not displeased him at any time in saying, “Why have you done so?” and he was also a very handsome man; and he was born after Absalom. 7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest; and they followed Adonijah and helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.9 Adonijah killed sheep, cattle, and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En Rogel; and he called all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants; 10 but he didn’t call Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother.11 Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Haven’t you heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and David our lord doesn’t know it? 12 Now therefore come, please let me give you counsel, that you may save your own life and your son Solomon’s life. 13 Go in to King David, and tell him, ‘Didn’t you, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying, “Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then does Adonijah reign?’ 14 Behold, while you are still talking there with the king, I will also come in after you and confirm your words.”15 Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king. 16 Bathsheba bowed and showed respect to the king. The king said, “What would you like?”17 She said to him, “My lord, you swore by the LORD your God to your servant, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 Now, behold, Adonijah reigns; and you, my lord the king, don’t know it. 19 He has slain cattle and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the army; but he hasn’t called Solomon your servant. 20 You, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will happen, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be considered criminals.”22 Behold, while she was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 23 They told the king, saying, “Behold, Nathan the prophet!”When he had come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 Nathan said, “My lord, King, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? 25 For he has gone down today, and has slain cattle, fatlings, and sheep in abundance, and has called all the king’s sons, the captains of the army, and Abiathar the priest. Behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But he hasn’t called me, even me your servant, Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon. 27 Was this thing done by my lord the king, and you haven’t shown to your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”