Solomon Establishes His Rule

Introduction:

King David has died, and Solomon is now king.  He has some housekeeping issues to deal with in order to secure the throne.

1 Kings 2:12-25 NLT
Solomon Establishes His Rule
¹² Solomon became king and sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
¹³ One day Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, came to see Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. “Have you come with peaceful intentions?” she asked him.
“Yes,” he said, “I come in peace. ¹⁴ In fact, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“What is it?” she asked.
¹⁵ He replied, “As you know, the kingdom was rightfully mine; all Israel wanted me to be the next king. But the tables were turned, and the kingdom went to my brother instead; for that is the way the Lord wanted it. ¹⁶ So now I have just one favor to ask of you. Please don’t turn me down.”
“What is it?” she asked.
¹⁷ He replied, “Speak to King Solomon on my behalf, for I know he will do anything you request. Ask him to let me marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem.”
¹⁸ “All right,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”
¹⁹ So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak on Adonijah’s behalf. The king rose from his throne to meet her, and he bowed down before her. When he sat down on his throne again, the king ordered that a throne be brought for his mother, and she sat at his right hand.
²⁰ “I have one small request to make of you,” she said. “I hope you won’t turn me down.”
“What is it, my mother?” he asked. “You know I won’t refuse you.”
²¹ “Then let your brother Adonijah marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem,” she replied.
²² “How can you possibly ask me to give Abishag to Adonijah?” King Solomon demanded. “You might as well ask me to give him the kingdom! You know that he is my older brother, and that he has Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah on his side.”
²³ Then King Solomon made a vow before the Lord: “May God strike me and even kill me if Adonijah has not sealed his fate with this request. ²⁴ The Lord has confirmed me and placed me on the throne of my father, David; he has established my dynasty as he promised. So as surely as the Lord lives, Adonijah will die this very day!” ²⁵ So King Solomon ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada to execute him, and Adonijah was put to death.

Examine the Scriptures

1 Kings 2:12-25 NLT

Solomon Establishes His Rule 

¹² Solomon became king and sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.

Read the first half of 1 Kings 2:24 (part of today’s lesson) 

²⁴ The Lord has confirmed me and placed me on the throne of my father, David; he has established my dynasty as he promised.

1 Chronicles 22:9-10 NLT
⁹ But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. ¹⁰ He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

• Solomon’s kingdom is firmly established.

Firmly established implies:

Divine approval

Political stability

Daniel 2:21 NLT
²¹ He (God) controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.

To establish a firm foundation for his reign Solomon had to deal with his and his father’s enemies.

These actions were considered essential for stabilizing the new regime and ensuring that past injustices were settled.

• Solomon had some “political” housekeeping issues to deal with in order to secure the throne.

¹³ One day Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith,

Haggith was one of David’s wives.

Adonijah was the fourth son of David, and had previously declared himself king without David’s knowledge. 

came to see Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. “Have you come with peaceful intentions?” she asked him.

“Have you come with peaceful intentions?”

Bathsheba had good reasons to ask this question.

1 Kings 1:5 NLT
Adonijah Claims the Throne
⁵ About that time David’s son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, “I will make myself king.” So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him. 

Bathsheba would have known about this.

1 Kings 1:11 NLT
¹¹ Then Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and asked her, “Haven’t you heard that Haggith’s son, Adonijah, has made himself king, and our lord David doesn’t even know about it? 

“Yes,” he said, “I come in peace. ¹⁴ In fact, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“What is it?” she asked.

• Adonijah wants Bathsheba to do a favor for him. 

¹⁵ He replied, “As you know, the kingdom was rightfully mine;

Adonijah contradicted his supposed peaceful intentions when he declared that the kingdom was rightfully his.

As the oldest living son, some may have thought Adonijah had a legitimate claim to the throne.

all Israel wanted me to be the next king.

A gross exaggeration.

1 Kings 1:7-8 NLT
⁷ Adonijah took Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest into his confidence, and they agreed to help him become king. ⁸ But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s personal bodyguard refused to support Adonijah.

But the tables were turned, and the kingdom went to my brother instead; for that is the way the Lord wanted it.  

• Adonijah knew that it was God’s will for Solomon to become the king of Israel. 

¹⁶ So now I have just one favor to ask of you. Please don’t turn me down.”

“What is it?” she asked.
¹⁷ He replied, “Speak to King Solomon on my behalf, for I know he will do anything you request. 

• Adonijah knows Solomon might refuse him directly, so he tries to make his request through Solomon’s mother. 

Ask him to let me marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem.”

Background:

Abishag functioned as a nurse and attendant for David in his dying days.

Abishag was considered part of the royal household (like a concubine).

Even though there were no sexual relations, she was:

Assigned exclusively to the king.

Living in the king’s quarters.

Functionally part of his royal court and household.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, this gave her the legal and political status similar to a concubine, regardless of whether the relationship was consummated.

• Although Abishag was a virgin, she would have been regarded by the people as belonging to David’s harem.

• In the ancient Near East, taking a former king’s concubine or wife was a claim to the throne.

Marriage to Abishag would have greatly strengthened Adonijah’s claim to the throne.

Adonijah’s request was not romantic—it was political.

It was a subtle attempt to revive his claim to kingship. 

¹⁸ “All right,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”

Bathsheba initially expressed caution.  However, Adonijah convinced Bathsheba that his intensions were peaceful.  He persuaded Bathsheba to speak to King Solomon on his behalf.

“Speak to King Solomon on my behalf, for I know he will do anything you request. Ask him to let me marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem.”

• Adonijah persuaded Bathsheba to speak to King Solomon on his behalf. 

¹⁹ So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak on Adonijah’s behalf. The king rose from his throne to meet her, and he bowed down before her. When he sat down on his throne again, the king ordered that a throne be brought for his mother, and she sat at his right hand.

The position of honor.

Psalm 110:1 NLT
A psalm of David.
¹ The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.”

Solomon honors his mother:

He rises to meet her

Bows to her

Seats her at his right hand

This shows:

Respect for the queen mother

Her influential role in the royal court 

²⁰ “I have one small request to make of you,” she said. “I hope you won’t turn me down.”

“What is it, my mother?” he asked. “You know I won’t refuse you.”

“You know I won’t refuse you.”

Solomon would not be able to live up to his initial response to Bathsheba’s “one small request”. 

²¹ “Then let your brother Adonijah marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem,” she replied.

• It appears that Bathsheba does not understand the significance of Adonijah’s request. 

²² “How can you possibly ask me to give Abishag to Adonijah?” King Solomon demanded. “You might as well ask me to give him the kingdom! You know that he is my older brother, and that he has Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah on his side.”

Solomon understood the intentions behind Adonijah’s request.

This request had far reaching consequences that would threaten Solomon’s throne.

Adonijah’s marriage to Abishag could have launched a claim to the throne, whether or not she was officially in David’s harem.

This request reveals lingering ambition.

• Solomon sees Adonijah’s request for what it really is, treason. 

²³ Then King Solomon made a vow before the Lord: “May God strike me and even kill me if Adonijah has not sealed his fate with this request. 

Adonijah has violated his terms of submission to David.

 1 Kings 1:52 NLT
⁵² Solomon replied, “If he (Adonijah) proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die.” 

²⁴ The Lord has confirmed me and placed me on the throne of my father, David; he has established my dynasty as he promised.

1 Chronicles 22:9-10 NLT (Repeated)
⁹ But you (David) will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. ¹⁰ He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

Solomon acknowledges:

God established him

God fulfilled His promise to David

His kingship is divinely ordained

This is crucial. Solomon is not acting out of personal insecurity but in defense of God’s established order.

1 Kings 11:42 NLT
⁴² Solomon ruled in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years.

1 Kings 14:21 NLT
²¹ Meanwhile, Rehoboam son of Solomon was king in Judah. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the Lord had chosen from among all the tribes of Israel as the place to honor his name. Rehoboam’s mother was Naamah, an Ammonite woman. 

So as surely as the Lord lives, Adonijah will die this very day!” ²⁵ So King Solomon ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada to execute him, and Adonijah was put to death. 

2 Samuel 20:23 NLT
²³ Now Joab was the commander of the army of Israel. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s (David’s) bodyguard.

2 Samuel 23:20 NLT
²⁰ There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. 

• Adonijah is executed 

• God establishes His chosen king, and rebellion against His authority ultimately leads to judgment. 

 Solomon fulfilled one of David’s requests.

1 Kings 2:9 NLT
⁹ But that oath does not make him innocent. You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him.”

 

 

David’s Final Instructions to Solomon

Introduction:

David gives his final charge to Solomon.

This is the “passing of the torch” from King David to his son, Solomon.

Advice for spiritual living. (Verses 2-4)

Instructions about some people David had dealt with. (Verses 5-9)

1 Kings 2:1-11 NLT
David’s Final Instructions to Solomon
^2:1 As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon:
² “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. ³ Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. ⁴ If you do this, then the Lord will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’
⁵ “And there is something else. You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me when he murdered my two army commanders, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He pretended that it was an act of war, but it was done in a time of peace, staining his belt and sandals with innocent blood. ⁶ Do with him what you think best, but don’t let him grow old and go to his grave in peace.
⁷ “Be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Make them permanent guests at your table, for they took care of me when I fled from your brother Absalom.
⁸ “And remember Shimei son of Gera, the man from Bahurim in Benjamin. He cursed me with a terrible curse as I was fleeing to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan River, I swore by the Lord that I would not kill him. ⁹ But that oath does not make him innocent. You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him.”
¹⁰ Then David died and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. ¹¹ David had reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.

Examine the Scriptures

1 Kings 2:1-11 NLT

David’s Final Instructions to Solomon 

^2:1 As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon:
² “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. 

Hebrews 9:27 NLT
²⁷ And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment … 

Ecclesiastes 3:2 NLT
² A time to be born and a time to die. 

Genesis 3:19 NLT
¹⁹ By the sweat of your brow
will you have food to eat
until you return to the ground
from which you were made.
For you were made from dust,
and to dust you will return.” 

Psalm 89:48 NLT
⁴⁸ No one can live forever; all will die.
No one can escape the power of the grave. 

• David faces the reality of death. 

David faces death with clarity, dignity, and intentionality.

David’s focus is not on himself, but on preparing Solomon to rule well. 

Take courage and be a man.  

Words Moses spoke to Joshua when he became the leader of Israel.

Deuteronomy 31:6-7 NLT
⁶ So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
⁷ Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, “Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land.

Words God spoke to Joshua when he became the leader of Israel.

Joshua 1:6-9 NLT
⁶ “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. ⁷ Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. ⁸ Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. ⁹ This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT
¹³ Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

A psalm of David

Psalm 27:13-14 NLT
¹³ Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. 

Psalm 31:23-24 NLT
²³ Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
²⁴ So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord! 

³ Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. 

Solomon’s call was to be a strong and courageous spiritual leader.

David had already fought the major wars and subdued Israel’s enemies.

1 Kings 4:25 NLT
²⁵ During the lifetime of Solomon, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety. …

Being strong includes:

Obeying God’s Word

Walking in His ways

Keeping His statutes and commandments

• David challenges Solomon to be spiritually strong and courageous.

Be spiritually strong and courageous.

• David connects Solomon’s success to his obedience to God’s covenant.

A bit of trivia.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20

Instructions for Israel’s future kings.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 NLT
¹⁸ “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction (the Mosaic Law) on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. ¹⁹ He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. ²⁰ This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.

Obedience brings blessing; disobedience brings discipline. 

⁴ If you do this, then the Lord will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’

This conditional covenant promised:

Stability

Success

God’s favor

Enduring kingdom

The Lord’s covenant with David.

2 Samuel 7:11-16 NLT
¹¹ … “‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! ¹² For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. ¹³ He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. ¹⁴ I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. ¹⁵ But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. ¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”

“If you do this” does not appear in 2 Samuel 7:11-16 (no conditions attached to the promise in 2 Samuel.)

• The covenant promise to David was unconditional, however blessings to individuals was conditional.

Solomon and his descendants fell short of their covenant obligations.

• God’s promise lives on through Solomon—and ultimately through Christ.
  

⁵ “And there is something else.

• Solomon had some “political” housekeeping issues to deal with in order to secure the throne

These actions were considered essential for stabilizing the new regime and ensuring that past injustices were settled.

You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me when he murdered my two army commanders, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He pretended that it was an act of war, but it was done in a time of peace, staining his belt and sandals with innocent blood. 

• Joab had murdered two innocent commanders, Abner and Amasa.

Abner

Reference: 2 Samuel 3:26–30

Abner was the commander of Saul’s army.

Joab killed him at Hebron by stabbing him in the stomach.

Joab claimed revenge because Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel in battle (2 Samuel 2:23).

However, Abner had come in peace, so this act was considered murder, not justified warfare.

Amasa

Reference: 2 Samuel 20:8–10

Amasa had been appointed by David to replace Joab as commander.

Joab greeted him as a friend, took his beard as if to kiss him, and stabbed him in the stomach.

This was a deliberate act of treachery.

Joab had murdered Abner and Amasa during a time of peace.
These deaths were unlawful assassinations.

Joab murdered Abner and Amasa to eliminate threats to his position.

These murders served Joab’s own self interest.

Joab also killed Absalom.

Reference: 2 Samuel 18:14–15

Absalom was King David’s son who led a rebellion against him.

During battle, Absalom was caught hanging in a tree by his hair.

David had specifically commanded his commanders to spare Absalom (2 Samuel 18:5).

Joab ignored David’s order and thrust three spears into Absalom’s heart.

This was both disobedience to David and the killing of the king’s son.

• Joab deserved to die.

Joab deserved to die, however David let him live. Why??? 

⁶ Do with him what you think best, but don’t let him grow old and go to his grave in peace.

“Don’t let him grow old and go to his grave in peace”.

Don’t allow him to die a peaceful death. (CEB)

 

Joab had become very powerful,

2 Samuel 20:23 NLT
²³ Now Joab was the commander of the army of Israel. 

Joab’s backing of Adonijah posed a serious threat to Solomon.

Unchecked injustice corrupts a kingdom.

• Solomon was instructed to prevent Joab from growing old and going to his grave in peace. 

⁷ “Be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Make them permanent guests at your table,

• Be kind to the sons of Barzillai.

Give them a position of honor.

for they took care of me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

Barzillai had shown kindness to David when he fled from Absalom.

Barzillai had supported David …

2 Samuel 19:32 NLT
³² He (Barzillai) was very old—eighty years of age—and very wealthy. He was the one who had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim.

• Barzillai’s kindness was not forgotten. David honored his loyalty.

David wanted to provide for Barzillai and his family. 

⁸ “And remember Shimei son of Gera, the man from Bahurim in Benjamin. He cursed me with a terrible curse as I was fleeing to Mahanaim.

• Remember Shimei.

Mahanaim was David’s refuge during Absalom’s rebellion.

2 Samuel 16:5-8 NLT
Shimei Curses David
⁵ As King David came to Bahurim, a man came out of the village cursing them. It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. ⁶ He threw stones at the king and the king’s officers and all the mighty warriors who surrounded him. ⁷ “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. ⁸ “The Lord is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now the Lord has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!”

2 Samuel 16:11 NLT
¹¹ Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to do it.

• Shimei had cursed David during Absalom’s rebellion.

When he came down to meet me at the Jordan River, I swore by the Lord that I would not kill him. ⁹ But that oath does not make him innocent.

Exodus 22:28 NLT
²⁸ “You must not dishonor God or curse any of your rulers.

 You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him.”

• Solomon was instructed to arrange a bloody death for Shimei.

¹⁰ Then David died and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. ¹¹ David had reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.

David died in 970 B.C.

David, the greatest king of Israel, dies like all men.

Yet God’s kingdom continues.

• The kingdom is now fully transferred to Solomon under God’s covenant authority.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adonijah Bows before Solomon

Introduction:

We are currently at a point in Israel’s history where two groups of people are each attempting to determine Israel’s next king.

The city is buzzing, ram’s horns are blowing, and the political showdown is coming to a climax.

Reflect on the following verses:

Daniel 2:20-21 NLT
²⁰ He (Daniel) said,
“Praise the name of God forever and ever,
for he has all wisdom and power.
²¹ He controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.

Romans 13:1 NLT
¹ Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

1 Kings 1:41-53 NLT
Adonijah Bows before Solomon
⁴¹ Adonijah and his guests heard the celebrating and shouting just as they were finishing their banquet. When Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn, he asked, “What’s going on? Why is the city in such an uproar?”
⁴² And while he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” Adonijah said to him, “for you are a good man. You must have good news.”
⁴³ “Not at all!” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has just declared Solomon king! ⁴⁴ The king sent him down to Gihon Spring with Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, protected by the king’s bodyguard. They had him ride on the king’s own mule, ⁴⁵ and Zadok and Nathan have anointed him at Gihon Spring as the new king. They have just returned, and the whole city is celebrating and rejoicing. That’s what all the noise is about. ⁴⁶ What’s more, Solomon is now sitting on the royal throne as king. ⁴⁷ And all the royal officials have gone to King David and congratulated him, saying, ‘May your God make Solomon’s fame even greater than your own, and may Solomon’s reign be even greater than yours!’ Then the king bowed his head in worship as he lay in his bed, ⁴⁸ and he said, ‘Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who today has chosen a successor to sit on my throne while I am still alive to see it.’”
⁴⁹ Then all of Adonijah’s guests jumped up in panic from the banquet table and quickly scattered. ⁵⁰ Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he rushed to the sacred tent and grabbed on to the horns of the altar. ⁵¹ Word soon reached Solomon that Adonijah had seized the horns of the altar in fear, and that he was pleading, “Let King Solomon swear today that he will not kill me!”
⁵² Solomon replied, “If he proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die.” ⁵³ So King Solomon summoned Adonijah, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and bowed respectfully before King Solomon, who dismissed him, saying, “Go on home.”

Examine the Scriptures

1 Kings 1:41-53 NLT

Adonijah Bows before Solomon 

⁴¹ Adonijah and his guests

According to 1 Kings 1:7–9, those with Adonijah there included:

Joab son of Zeruiah – David’s long-time military commander.

Abiathar the priest – one of David’s priests, formerly loyal but now siding with Adonijah.

Adonijah’s brothers, the king’s sons (except Solomon).

All the royal officials of Judah whom he invited to the feast. 

heard the celebrating and shouting just as they were finishing their banquet.

• The celebration of Solomon’s anointing was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound. (v. 40)

Some commentators suggest a distance of ½ mile or less between Gihon spring and En Rogel spring.

• Those attending Adonijah’s banquet at En-rogel could not see the celebration, but it was so noisy that they could hear it.

Apparently this location was not be visible to Adonijah’s supporters at En-rogel due to the terrain. 

When Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn, he asked, “What’s going on? Why is the city in such an uproar?”

• The blowing of the ram’s horn, a signal that an official function was taking place, got Joab’s attention.

It’s fitting that Joab, the seasoned general, is the first to recognize the sound of the trumpet.

In Old Testament history, ram’s horns were blown to:

Announce God’s presence

Call people to repentance

Proclaim kingship

Signal war or victory

Mark holy days 

⁴² And while he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived.

• Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest, arrived with news for Adonijah.

Previous to this time Jonathan was serving King David.

2 Samuel 15:36 NLT
³⁶ and they will send their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan to tell me what is going on.”

2 Samuel 17:17 NLT
¹⁷ Jonathan and Ahimaaz had been staying at En-rogel so as not to be seen entering and leaving the city. Arrangements had been made for a servant girl to bring them the message they were to take to King David. 

“Come in,” Adonijah said to him, “for you are a good man. You must have good news.”

Apparently Adonijah was unaware of the event taking place at Gihon Spring.

⁴³ “Not at all!” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has just declared Solomon king! ⁴⁴ The king sent him down to Gihon Spring with Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, protected by the king’s bodyguard. They had him ride on the king’s own mule, ⁴⁵ and Zadok and Nathan have anointed him at Gihon Spring as the new king. They have just returned, and the whole city is celebrating and rejoicing. That’s what all the noise is about. ⁴⁶ What’s more, Solomon is now sitting on the royal throne as king. 

• Jonathan shares details of how Solomon ended up seated on the royal throne and, crucially, David’s blessing of the succession.

• The news that Jonathan was delivering was disastrous news for Adonijah. 

⁴⁷ And all the royal officials have gone to King David and congratulated him, saying, ‘May your God make Solomon’s fame even greater than your own, and may Solomon’s reign be even greater than yours!’

This is an expression of total loyalty to David and Solomon, it is in no way a negative statement of David’s reign. (verse 37 – previous lesson)

• Royal officials now bless David, praising God for establishing Solomon’s reign.

God’s will for Israel is now being publicly affirmed.

Notice the constant shift in loyalties. 

Then the king bowed his head in worship as he lay in his bed, ⁴⁸ and he said, ‘Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who today has chosen a successor to sit on my throne while I am still alive to see it.’”

David sees the fulfillment of a previous promise.

2 Samuel 7:12-16 NLT
¹² For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. ….  ¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”

• David worships God from his bed, acknowledging God’s faithfulness.

David explicitly credits God, not human strategy, for Solomon’s rise. 

⁴⁹ Then all of Adonijah’s guests jumped up in panic from the banquet table and quickly scattered. 

• Adonijah and his followers panicked and fled, aborting the attempted coup.

No one wanted to be identified with Adonijah’s abortive coup now that it appeared certain to fail.

Knowing that siding with Adonijah could mean being considered rebels.

More shifts in loyalty. 

⁵⁰ Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he rushed to the sacred tent and grabbed on to the horns of the altar. 

Adonijah runs to the horns of the altar, seeking asylum.

• Adonijah believes that the altar, as a holy place, would protect him from Solomon’s revenge.

By grasping the horns, Adonijah sought to place himself under the protection of God.

Many ancient Near Eastern cultures allowed people to seek asylum at shrines.

Apparently this was a common practice in Israel.

 

However, Adonijah misinterprets:

Exodus 21:13-14 NLT
¹² “Anyone who assaults and kills another person must be put to death. ¹³ But if it was simply an accident permitted by God, I will appoint a place of refuge where the slayer can run for safety. ¹⁴ However, if someone deliberately kills another person, then the slayer must be dragged even from my altar and be put to death.

The Bible does not present the temple as a general place of refuge for criminals. However, it does record instances where people sought protection by going to the altar in the sanctuary. The protection was limited and conditional.

• Protection at the altar was only for unintentional homicide, so Adonijah’s treason could only be forgiven by the king.

How does the following passage apply?

Psalm 91:2 NLT
² This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.

⁵¹ Word soon reached Solomon that Adonijah had seized the horns of the altar in fear, and that he was pleading, “Let King Solomon swear today that he will not kill me!”

Solomon could have had Adonijah removed from the tabernacle and executed.

Adonijah could have been charged with:

Treason.

Conspiracy against the established king. 

⁵² Solomon replied, “If he proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die.” 

Solomon simply asked for a promise from his half-brother that he would not rebel again, but would show himself to be a loyal subject.

• Solomon spares Adonijah conditionally: “If he proves himself to be loyal …” 

Solomon begins his reign with wisdom and restraint, not bloodshed.

Solomon shows:

Mercy

Authority, but not cruelty 

⁵³ So King Solomon summoned Adonijah, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and bowed respectfully before King Solomon, who dismissed him, saying, “Go on home.”

Solomon treated Adonijah graciously on the condition that he remain loyal.

• Adonijah’s life was spared at this point in time. Circumstances will change in the near future.            

 This passage of scripture shows that God’s chosen king does not need to grasp power—God places it in his hands.

• Human ambition crumbles quickly when confronted with divine purpose.

 

David Makes Solomon King

Introduction:

Adonijah, one of David’s sons, has declared himself king at En Rogel without David’s approval. Nathan and Bathsheba alert David about this event, and these verses record David’s decisive public response.

1 Kings 1:28-40 NLT
David Makes Solomon King<BF|R>²⁸ King David responded, “Call Bathsheba!” So she came back in and stood before the king. ²⁹ And the king repeated his vow: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has rescued me from every danger, ³⁰ your son Solomon will be the next king and will sit on my throne this very day, just as I vowed to you before the Lord, the God of Israel.”
³¹ Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground before the king and exclaimed, “May my lord King David live forever!”
³² Then King David ordered, “Call Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” When they came into the king’s presence, ³³ the king said to them, “Take Solomon and my officials down to Gihon Spring. Solomon is to ride on my own mule. ³⁴ There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. Blow the ram’s horn and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ ³⁵ Then escort him back here, and he will sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king, for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah.”
³⁶ “Amen!” Benaiah son of Jehoiada replied. “May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, decree that it happen. ³⁷ And may the Lord be with Solomon as he has been with you, my lord the king, and may he make Solomon’s reign even greater than yours!”
³⁸ So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the king’s bodyguard took Solomon down to Gihon Spring, with Solomon riding on King David’s own mule. ³⁹ There Zadok the priest took the flask of olive oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon with the oil. Then they sounded the ram’s horn and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” ⁴⁰ And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.

 Examine the Scriptures

1 Kings 1:28-40 NLT

David Makes Solomon King 

²⁸ King David responded, “Call Bathsheba!” So she came back in and stood before the king. 

In the culture of that time it would have been customary for Bathsheba to leave the room when Nathan entered.

²⁹ And the king repeated his vow: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has rescued me from every danger, ³⁰ your son Solomon will be the next king and will sit on my throne this very day, just as I vowed to you before the Lord, the God of Israel.”

King David repeats his vow to Bathsheba.

Swearing “As surely as the LORD lives” meant that David’s intended action was certain to take place.

• David reassured Bathsheba that Solomon would be the next king by repeating his earlier vow.

David planned to act “this very day”.

Remember: David knew that it was the Lord’s will for Solomon to be the next king of Israel. 

³¹ Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground before the king and exclaimed, “May my lord King David live forever!”

This is the conventional language of the day for addressing a king.

Bathsheba is reaffirming her loyalty to David.

The words Bathsheba spoke implied that she believed that the king had acted righteously (carrying out God’s plans) and was worthy of God’s blessing.

• The words Bathsheba spoke to David implied that she believed that the king had acted righteously and was worthy of God’s blessing. 

³² Then King David ordered, “Call Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.”

A priest – represents religious authority.

A prophet – represents divine will.

The captain of the king’s bodyguard – represents executive power.

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard. (2 Samuel 20:23)

• David summoned three men who represent the pillars of a stable kingdom.

These three men would be acting as representatives of the king.

These men would have been respected by the general population. 

When they came into the king’s presence,  

³³ the king said to them, “Take Solomon and my officials down to Gihon Spring.

The servants of your lord  ESV

Your lord’s servants  NIV

• The king told Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to take Solomon to Gihon Spring.

David would not be able to make this trip.

More detail about “my officials” is given in verse 38.

Likely this referred to David’s special troops.

The Kerethites and Pelethites under the leadership of Benaiah appear to be foreign mercenaries or special troops who were loyal to David. (2 Samuel 23:22-23)

Gihon Spring was Jerusalem’s major water sources.

In this common gathering place, Solomon’s anointing would be well known.

Apparently this location was not be visible to Adonijah’s supporters at En-rogel due to the terrain.

• The En Rogel spring was where Adonijah was feasting with his guests.

In verse 41 (our next lesson) we read that “Adonijah and his guests heard the celebrating and shouting” from Solomon’s anointing ceremony. 

Solomon is to ride on my own mule. 

Solomon riding on David’s mule marks him as David’s favored son.

Riding the king’s mule was a sign of prestige.

The king’s mule was a symbol of royal authority.

Normally no one else was allowed to ride the king’s mule.

Allowing Solomon to ride David’s mule publicly meant:

Solomon had David’s blessing.

“This is my chosen successor.”

• Solomon riding on the king’s mule implied his kingship. 

³⁴ There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel.

Saul and David had been anointed by Samuel, the Lord’s priest and prophet.

There does not appear to be a prophet with Adonijah as he is attempting to be the king over Israel and Judah.

• The presence of the prophet Nathan gave Solomon’s coronation evidence of the Lord’s blessing.

**Throughout the book of Kings, God identified His chosen kings through prophets. 

Blow the ram’s horn and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 

• The blowing of trumpets signaled a public assembly where the people corporately recognized Solomon’s new status as successor to David.

An expression of recognition and acclamation of a new king.

A similar acclamation had been made for Adonijah. 

³⁵ Then escort him back here, and he will sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king, for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah.”

• David appointed Solomon to be ruler over Israel and Judah.

As king, David had the authority to appoint the next king.

Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah were acting on David’s behalf. 

³⁶ “Amen!” Benaiah son of Jehoiada replied. “May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, decree that it happen. 

• Benaiah was responsible to escort Solomon back to Jerusalem.

Benaiah wanted the appointment of Solomon to be God’s will. 

³⁷ And may the Lord be with Solomon as he has been with you, my lord the king, and may he make Solomon’s reign even greater than yours!”

This is an expression of total loyalty to David and Solomon, it is in no way a negative statement of David’s reign. 

³⁸ So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the king’s bodyguard took Solomon down to Gihon Spring, with Solomon riding on King David’s own mule. 

Note the differences in the following translations:

1 Kings 1:38 ESV
³⁸ So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule and brought him to Gihon.

1 Kings 1:38 NIV
³⁸ So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon mount King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.

Most scholars believe they were non-Israelite professional soldiers.

An elite military unit that functioned much like a royal guard or special forces.

We discussed this briefly in 2 Samuel 20:23 (Lesson 281)

David’s special troops.

The Kerethites and Pelethites appear to be foreign mercenaries or special troops who were loyal to David. 

³⁹ There Zadok the priest took the flask of olive oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon with the oil.

Most scholars understand the “sacred tent” in 1 Kings 1:39 to refer to David’s tent in Jerusalem, where the ark was located, not the Gibeon tabernacle (tabernacle of Moses).

Anointing with oil signifies divine appointment and empowerment.

• Anointing an individual signifies that the person being anointed was chosen, empowered, and set apart for God’s service.

This act gave the ceremony divine sanction.

Solomon is not self-appointed; he is set apart by God. 

Then they sounded the ram’s horn and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” 

• The blowing of the trumpet and the people’s shout, “Long live King Solomon!” made Solomon’s coronation public, audible, and unmistakable.

At the same time, Adonijah’s feast was private and exclusive. 

⁴⁰ And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.

Solomon has the support of the people.

Solomon has God’s blessing.

• The celebration of Solomon’s anointing was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.

Those attending Adonijah’s banquet at En-rogel could not see the celebration, but it was so noisy that they could hear it.

 

 

 

 

 

Nathan’s Warning to Bathsheba

Introduction:

In our previous lesson, Adonijah began boasting, “I will make myself king.”

The prophet Nathan knows that this action must be addressed.

1 Kings 1:11-27 NLT
Nathan’s Warning to Bathsheba
¹¹ Then Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and asked her, “Haven’t you heard that Haggith’s son, Adonijah, has made himself king, and our lord David doesn’t even know about it? ¹² If you want to save your own life and the life of your son Solomon, follow my advice. ¹³ Go at once to King David and say to him, ‘My lord the king, didn’t you make a vow and say to me, “Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ ¹⁴ And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said.”

Bathsheba Appeals to David
¹⁵ So Bathsheba went into the king’s bedroom. (He was very old now, and Abishag was taking care of him.) ¹⁶ Bathsheba bowed down before the king.
“What can I do for you?” he asked her.
¹⁷ She replied, “My lord, you made a vow before the Lord your God when you said to me, ‘Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne.’ ¹⁸ But instead, Adonijah has made himself king, and my lord the king does not even know about it. ¹⁹ He has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king’s sons to attend the celebration. He also invited Abiathar the priest and Joab, the commander of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon. ²⁰ And now, my lord the king, all Israel is waiting for you to announce who will become king after you. ²¹ If you do not act, my son Solomon and I will be treated as criminals as soon as my lord the king has died.”

Nathan Confirms the Crisis
²² While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived. ²³ The king’s officials told him, “Nathan the prophet is here to see you.”
Nathan went in and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. ²⁴ Nathan asked, “My lord the king, have you decided that Adonijah will be the next king and that he will sit on your throne? ²⁵ Today he has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king’s sons to attend the celebration. He also invited the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. They are feasting and drinking with him and shouting, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ ²⁶ But he did not invite me or Zadok the priest or Benaiah or your servant Solomon. ²⁷ Has my lord the king really done this without letting any of his officials know who should be the next king?”

Examine the Scriptures

1 Kings 1:11-27 NLT

Nathan’s Warning to Bathsheba

¹¹ Then Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother,

Nathan is the one to initiate action.

• Nathan approaches Bathsheba.

Nathan was a prophet of the LORD and served as a close adviser to King David.

Bathsheba was one of David’s wives and was the mother of Solomon.

Remember how this relationship got off to a bad start. (2 Samuel 11-12)

• The queen mother held an important and influential position in the royal court.

An example of Bathsheba’s influence: 

1 Kings 2:19 NLT
¹⁹ So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak on Adonijah’s behalf. The king rose from his throne to meet her, and he bowed down before her. When he sat down on his throne again, the king ordered that a throne be brought for his mother, and she sat at his right hand. 

and (Nathan speaking to Bathsheba) asked her, “Haven’t you heard that Haggith’s son, Adonijah, has made himself king, and our lord David doesn’t even know about it? 

Refer to verse 5. (Previous lesson)

⁵ About that time David’s son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, “I will make myself king.” 

Refer to verse 25. (Today’s lesson)

²⁵ Today he (Adonijah) has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king’s sons to attend the celebration. He also invited the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. They are feasting and drinking with him and shouting, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 

• Nathan tells Bathsheba that Adonijah has made himself king.

• Nathan would have known that it was the Lord’s will for Solomon to be the king of Israel.

A previous conversation Nathan had with David years before:

2 Samuel 7:11-17 NLT
¹¹…. “‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you (David) —a dynasty of kings! ¹² For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. ¹³ He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. ¹⁴ I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. ¹⁵ But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. ¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”
¹⁷ So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision.

The Lord speaking to David:

1 Chronicles 22:9-10 NLT
⁹ But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. ¹⁰ He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

Nathan knew that God loved Solomon.

2 Samuel 12:24-25 NLT
²⁴ Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and David named him Solomon. The Lord loved the child ²⁵ and sent word through Nathan the prophet that they should name him Jedidiah (which means “beloved of the Lord”), as the Lord had commanded. 

¹² If you want to save your own life and the life of your son Solomon, follow my advice. 

Nathan warns Bathsheba that both she and Solomon ae in danger.

• If Solomon does not become the next king, his life as well as the life of Bathsheba would be at risk. (see verse 21)

• In the ancient near East, rival heirs were commonly executed once a new king took power. 

¹³ Go (Bathsheba) at once to King David and say to him,

Tell David what is happening.

• Nathan advises Bathsheba to tell King David what is happening. 

‘My lord the king, didn’t you make a vow and say to me, “Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne”?

Refer to verse 17

¹⁷ She replied, “My lord, you made a vow before the Lord your God when you said to me, ‘Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne.’ 

Refer also to verse 29-30

²⁹ And the king repeated his vow: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has rescued me from every danger, ³⁰ your son Solomon will be the next king and will sit on my throne this very day, just as I vowed to you before the Lord, the God of Israel.” 

• This vow to Bathsheba is not mentioned anywhere else in scripture.

This vow to Bathsheba is not mentioned anywhere else in scripture, but we do know that this was God’s will. 

Why then has Adonijah become king?’ ¹⁴ And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said.”

In this appeal to King David:

Bathsheba will speak first.  To remind David of his oath.

Nathan will confirm her words.

A Biblical principle to consider:

Deuteronomy 19:15 NLT
¹⁵ “You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

2 Corinthians 13:1 NLT
… “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses).

• In an appeal to King David, Bathsheba will speak first and then Nathan will confirm her words.

• Bathsheba Appeals to David

¹⁵ So Bathsheba went into the king’s bedroom. (He was very old now, and Abishag was taking care of him.)  

Bathsheba follows Nathan’s advice and goes to the king.

David’s silence can enable rebellion. 

¹⁶ Bathsheba bowed down before the king.

David is old and weak.

Bathsheba treated King David with the respect he deserved,

“What can I do for you?” he asked her.

David was receptive to Bathsheba’s visit. 

¹⁷ She replied, “My lord, you made a vow before the Lord your God when you said to me, ‘Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne.’ 

Bathsheba reminds David of his solemn oath that Solomon would reign.

An oath taken in the Lord’s name was inviolable. 

¹⁸ But instead, Adonijah has made himself king, and my lord the king does not even know about it. ¹⁹ He has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king’s sons to attend the celebration. He also invited Abiathar the priest and Joab, the commander of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon. 

• Bathsheba stated the facts about Adonijah’s uprising without exaggeration or embellishment.

²⁰ And now, my lord the king, all Israel is waiting for you to announce who will become king after you. 

• Bathsheba appealed to David to announce publically who his successor would be. 

²¹ If you do not act, my son Solomon and I will be treated as criminals as soon as my lord the king has died.”

If Solomon does not become the next king, his life as well as the life of Bathsheba would be at risk.

Solomon will be declared a traitor.

Bathsheba will likely be executed.

God’s covenant promise through Solomon would appear to fail.

Nathan Confirms the Crisis

²² While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived. 

• Nathan joins with Bathsheba as planned, to confirm her report.

¹⁴ And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said.”

²³ The king’s officials told him, “Nathan the prophet is here to see you.” 

Nathan went in and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. ²⁴ Nathan asked, “My lord the king, have you decided that Adonijah will be the next king and that he will sit on your throne? 

Had David, in fact, encouraged Adonijah to claim the throne, or had he been betrayed by Adonijah?

Nathan speaks with urgency and respect, not accusation.

Nathan forces David to recognize that silence has allowed rebellion. 

²⁵ Today he has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king’s sons to attend the celebration. He also invited the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. They are feasting and drinking with him and shouting, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 

Nathan confirms Bathsheba’s report with a few more details, adding “They are feasting and drinking with him and shouting, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’”

Nathan’s comments, along with Bathsheba’s comments would have encouraged David to act immediately.

This is the royal acclamation normally spoken for God’s chosen king.

Adonijah:

has offered sacrifices,

gathered military and priestly support,

proclaimed himself king — 

²⁶ But he did not invite me or Zadok the priest or Benaiah or your servant Solomon.  

²⁷ Has my lord the king really done this without letting any of his officials know who should be the next king?”

Nathan diplomatically asked David if he had planned the present circumstances.

Nathan did not accuse David of anything.

Nathan did not put David on the defensive.

This was a nice way to treat an old dying man.

David must now:

either confirm Adonijah, or

act decisively for Solomon.

Neutrality is no longer possible.

• David must now take action.

 

 

David in His Old Age

Introduction:

1& 2 Kings is a continuation of 1 & 2 Samuel.  1 Kings begins where 2 Samuel ends.

In the original Hebrew Bible, 1 & 2 Kings were originally one single book, usually called Kings.

It may have been divided simply because two scrolls were easier to manage than one large scroll.

Together, Samuel and Kings relate the whole story of the monarchy, from its rise under the ministry of Samuel to its fall at the hands of the Babylonians. (Roughly 1100-560 BC, including 37 years in exile, 2 Kings 25:27) *

Author unknown

Events recorded in 1 Kings take place between 973 BC and 853 BC.

Events recorded in 2 Kings take place between 853 and 586 (* or 561) B.C. (ESV)
971-561 B.C. (MacArthur)

Beginning with:

King David died in 970 B.C.

Ending with:

The eventual exile:

Israel to Assyria (2 Kings 17)

Judah to Babylon (2 Kings 25)

Jerusalem fell to Babylon in 586 B.C.

Chronicles retells this same period with some differences.

1 & 2 Kings was written after the fall of Jerusalem in 586, between 561-538 B.C. (MacArhur)

The sad reality that this history revealed was that all the kings of Israel and the majority of the kings of Judah “did evil in the sight of the Lord”.

 

1 Kings 1:1-10 NLT
David in His Old Age
^1:1 King David was now very old, and no matter how many blankets covered him, he could not keep warm. ² So his advisers told him, “Let us find a young virgin to wait on you and look after you, my lord. She will lie in your arms and keep you warm.”
³ So they searched throughout the land of Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag from Shunem and brought her to the king. ⁴ The girl was very beautiful, and she looked after the king and took care of him. But the king had no sexual relations with her.

Adonijah Claims the Throne
⁵ About that time David’s son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, “I will make myself king.” So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him. ⁶ Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?” Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome.
⁷ Adonijah took Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest into his confidence, and they agreed to help him become king. ⁸ But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s personal bodyguard refused to support Adonijah.
⁹ Adonijah went to the Stone of Zoheleth near the spring of En-rogel, where he sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves. He invited all his brothers—the other sons of King David—and all the royal officials of Judah. ¹⁰ But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the king’s bodyguard or his brother Solomon.

Examine the Scriptures

1 Kings 1:1-10 NLT

David in His Old Age

^1:1 King David was now very old,

2 Samuel 5:4-5 NLT
⁴ David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. ⁵ He had reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years and six months, and from Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years.

1 Kings 2:11 NLT
¹¹ David had reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.

David would now be 70 years of age.

In the ancient Near East, a king’s physical vitality was often seen as a reflection of his ability to lead and protect the nation.

• King David is old and near death, and the question of succession—who will be king next—has not yet been publicly settled.

We know from scripture that God had already chosen Solomon (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 22:9–10), but we also know that this appointment was not universally known or accepted.

• David knew Solomon had been chosen by God to be the next king, but David had delayed making this public information.

That delay created confusion, ambition, and division. 

and no matter how many blankets covered him, he could not keep warm. ² So his advisers told him, “Let us find a young virgin to wait on you and look after you, my lord. She will lie in your arms and keep you warm.”

This was in harmony with the medical customs of that time. (MacArthur)

• It was customary in ancient times to warm an elderly person not only by covering him or her with blankets, but also by putting a healthy person in bed with him or her. The body heat of the well person would keep the older person warmer.

David’s physical weakness stands in sharp contrast to his earlier strength as a warrior-king. 

³ So they searched throughout the land of Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag from Shunem and brought her to the king.  

Shunem was located near the plain of Jezreel in the tribal territory of Issachar. 

⁴ The girl was very beautiful, and she looked after the king and took care of him.

• Abishag was very beautiful, and she looked after the king and took care of him. 

But the king had no sexual relations with her.

The fact that David did not have sexual relations with this “very beautiful” young woman is significant because it indicates that his physical powers were now weak.

Abishag’s role was medical and royal, not marital.

• Although Abishag remained a virgin she apparently became a part of David’s harem.

After David’s death, Adonijah asks Bathsheba to request that Solomon give him Abishag as a wife (1 Kings 2:13–17).

In the ancient Near East, taking a former king’s concubine or royal woman was a symbolic claim to the throne.

Remember when Absalom, David’s son, slept with David’s concubines.

More about this later.

Adonijah Claims the Throne 

⁵ About that time David’s son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith,

Adonijah was David’s fourth son.  He was approximately 35 years of age.

We do not know much about David’s wife Haggith, other than the fact she was Adonijah’s mother and that she would have been married to David during David’s Hebron reign.

Adonijah’s older brothers, Ammon, Daniel, and Absalom are all apparently dead.

Absalom instructed his servants to kill Amnon when he was drunk (2 Samuel 13:28–29).

David’s son Daniel—also called Chileab—has no recorded account of his death.  Daniel (Chileab) was David’s second son, born to Abigail, the widow of Nabal.

(2 Samuel 3:3; 1 Chronicles 3:1).  After these listings, Daniel is never mentioned again in the biblical narrative, apparently dying in his youth.

David’s son Absalom died after being killed by Joab, the commander of David’s army, during Absalom’s rebellion.

• Adonijah appears to be David’s oldest surviving son at the time of 1 Kings 1. 

Adonijah began boasting, “I will make myself king.”

Adonijah assumed he would succeed his father.

Adonijah had:

The right age

The royal look

The military backing

But he was not God’s choice.

• Adonijah declared himself king.

David had the right, with God’s guidance, to appoint his own successor.

Adonijah must have known that David favored Solomon (see verse 10). 

So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him.

Remember:

2 Samuel 15:1 NLT
Absalom’s Rebellion
^15:1 After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him.

This is royal imagery—an attempt to look legitimate.

Distinct signs of kingship that appealed to the masses. 

 ⁶ Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?”

• Apparently Adonijah was used to getting his own way, for David had never held him accountable for anything.

• David’s failure to discipline his sons contributed directly to rebellion by his sons:

Absalom rebelled.

Adonijah now repeats the pattern. 

Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome.

David treated Adonijah much like he had treated Absalom.

• Attractive physical appearance was an important asset for someone who wanted to become king.

1 Samuel 9:2 NLT
² His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.

1 Samuel 16:12 NLT
¹² So Jesse sent for him. (David)  He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.
And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.”

2 Samuel 14:25 NLT
²⁵ Now Absalom was praised as the most handsome man in all Israel. He was flawless from head to foot. 

⁷ Adonijah took Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest into his confidence, and they agreed to help him become king. 

Joab: David’s nephew and the commander of Israel’s army.

Joab had repeatedly disobeyed David.

Abiathar: One of two high priests serving during David’s reign. 

 

God’s voice is missing from Adonijah’s movement 

• Joab and Abiathar were among Adonijah’s supporters. 

⁸ But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s personal bodyguard refused to support Adonijah.

Zadok: The other high priest serving during David’s reign.

Benaiah (a prominent military commander) and the mighty men: Military

David’s mighty men had followed him through years of danger and hardship.

Nathan: A prophet

Prophet and advisor to King David.

Spokesperson for God’s will, ensuring that God’s plan for the monarchy was followed.

Nathan the prophet had previously spoken God’s word to David (2 Samuel 7).

Three pillars of Israel’s leadership:

• Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan were among those who supported David’s position. 

⁹ Adonijah went to the Stone of Zoheleth near the spring of En-rogel, where he sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves. He invited all his brothers—the other sons of King David—and all the royal officials of Judah. 

This event appeared to be more of a social gathering than a religious ceremony.

• Adonijah uses a religious ceremony to legitimize rebellion. 

¹⁰ But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the king’s bodyguard or his brother Solomon.

Nathan, Benaiah, the king’s bodyguard, and Solomon were loyal to David and would have honored David’s wishes.

• Adonijah did not invite men to this “religious” ceremony who would not be supportive of his desire to become king.