*1 Kings 1:5-27
As King David nears death, Adonijah, one of his sons, maneuvers to seize the throne without David’s approval.
- Adonijah Declares Himself King
- Adonijah, King David’s son, decides to make himself king while David is old and weak.
- He gathers chariots, horses, and 50 men to run ahead of him, acting like a ruler.
- He follows the example of his older brother Absalom, who had previously rebelled.
- Adonijah Gains Support
- He gains the support of Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar, the priest.
- However, some key figures remain loyal to David, including Zadok the priest, Benaiah, Nathan the prophet, and David’s mighty men.
- Adonijah Holds a Coronation Feast
- He arranges a feast at En Rogel, inviting his supporters and royal brothers, except for Solomon and those loyal to David.
- This is an attempt to secure the throne before David can intervene.
- Nathan and Bathsheba Take Action
- Nathan, the prophet, realizes the danger and advises Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, to act quickly.
- He reminds her that David had promised Solomon would be king.
- Nathan instructs Bathsheba to speak to David and remind him of his promise.
- Bathsheba Appeals to David
- Bathsheba enters David’s chamber, where he is being cared for by Abishag, a young servant.
- She informs David of Adonijah’s actions and warns that she and Solomon will be in danger if Adonijah becomes king.
- Nathan Confirms the News
- Right after Bathsheba speaks, Nathan enters and confirms everything she said.
- He asks David if he had approved Adonijah’s kingship or if this was done without his knowledge.
1 Kings 1:5-27 shows us the importance of humility and following the right path instead of trying to take matters into our own hands. Adonijah tried to make himself king without God’s blessing, but his plan failed. This reminds us that chasing power or success without considering God’s will can lead to trouble. Instead of relying on our own strength, we should seek guidance, act with honesty, and trust that the right opportunities will come in the right time. It also teaches us to stand up for truth, as Nathan and Bathsheba did, rather than staying silent when something is wrong.
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?”