1 Kings 1:26: Seek God's guidance?
How does 1 Kings 1:26 highlight the importance of seeking God's guidance?

Key Verse

“However, me—your servant—and Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he did not invite.” (1 Kings 1:26)


Setting the Scene

• David is old and bedridden.

• Adonijah, David’s son, proclaims himself king without David’s consent or God’s direction (1 Kings 1:5).

• Nathan informs Bathsheba, then confronts David, pointing out who has been excluded from Adonijah’s gathering (v. 26).

• Those left off the guest list—Nathan, Zadok, Benaiah, and Solomon—represent prophetic insight, priestly authority, military strength, and God-ordained succession.


What the Omission Reveals

• Adonijah valued political allies over spiritual counsel.

• By excluding Nathan the prophet, he shut out the clearest human channel of God’s voice (cf. 2 Samuel 7:4–17).

• Ignoring Zadok signaled disregard for priestly intercession and God’s covenantal worship structure (Numbers 18:1–7).

• Snubbing Solomon meant rejecting the heir God had already revealed (1 Chronicles 22:9–10).

• In short, Adonijah assembled everyone he wanted—and ignored everyone God had placed.


Lessons on Seeking God’s Guidance

• Godly counsel is indispensable. Nathan’s absence exposes Adonijah’s self-reliance (Proverbs 15:22).

• Disregarding God’s appointed leaders invites disaster (Hebrews 13:17).

• God’s plans stand no matter who tries to bypass them (Proverbs 19:21).

• The Holy Spirit still uses Scripture, spiritual leaders, and prayer to guide believers today (John 16:13; Acts 13:2).


Supporting Scriptures

Proverbs 3:5–6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.”

Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go.”

James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously…”

1 Samuel 23:2 — David “inquired of the LORD,” modeling dependence on divine direction.

Joshua 9:14 — Israel “did not seek the LORD’s counsel” and suffered deception; a mirror image of Adonijah’s blunder.


Practical Takeaways for Today

• Evaluate decisions: Am I inviting God’s voice or merely echoing my own desires?

• Seek Scripture first; then confirm through wise, spiritually mature counsel.

• Beware of alliances or plans that sideline biblical truth or spiritual accountability.

• Remember: Good opportunities that exclude God’s guidance are counterfeit promotions.

What is the meaning of 1 Kings 1:26?
Top of Page
Top of Page