Adonijah's approach vs. biblical authority?
How does Adonijah's approach in 1 Kings 2:16 compare to biblical teachings on authority?

The Context of Adonijah’s Request

• Adonijah had already tried to seize the throne (1 Kings 1:5–10) and been spared by Solomon on condition of loyal submission (1 Kings 1:52).

• When David died, the kingdom was firmly established under Solomon.

• Adonijah approached Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, saying, “Now I have one request of you; do not deny me” (1 Kings 2:16), and asked for Abishag the Shunammite as wife.

• In ancient Near Eastern custom, possession of the former king’s concubine signaled a claim to the throne (cf. 2 Samuel 16:21–22).

• Solomon recognized the political threat: “You might as well ask the kingdom for him” (1 Kings 2:22).


Adonijah’s Misalignment with Authority

• Attempted to gain power indirectly, bypassing the king’s rightful authority.

• Manipulated a family relationship to secure his request, rather than addressing Solomon openly.

• Treated God-appointed authority as negotiable, seeking loopholes for personal ambition.


Scriptural Principles on Authority

• God appoints rulers: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God” (Romans 13:1).

• Obedience and humility are required toward leaders: “Obey your leaders and submit to them” (Hebrews 13:17).

• Rebellion invites judgment: Korah’s challenge ended in destruction (Numbers 16:3, 31–35).

• Even when leadership is flawed, respect is commanded; David refused to harm Saul because he was “the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6).

• Submission is “for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13), making rebellion ultimately an affront to God.


Key Contrasts

• Direct submission vs. covert manipulation

– Biblical model: David openly honors Saul’s authority.

– Adonijah: schemes through Bathsheba to secure royal privilege.

• Trust in God’s timing vs. self-promotion

– Biblical model: Joseph waits for God to exalt him (Genesis 41:14-16).

– Adonijah: engineers circumstances to regain influence.

• Respecting boundaries vs. exploiting relationships

– Biblical model: The centurion understands chain of command (Matthew 8:9).

– Adonijah: leverages family ties to undermine Solomon’s rule.


Lessons for Today

• Authority is God-ordained; when we sidestep or undermine it, we resist God Himself.

• Ambition must be tempered by submission; the path to blessing is humble obedience, not political maneuvering.

• Seek transparency: approach leaders directly and honestly rather than through back channels.

• Evaluate motives—are we serving God’s purposes or our own advancement?

• Trust the Lord to raise up and remove leaders in His timing; “Promotion comes neither from the east nor from the west, nor from the desert, but God is Judge” (Psalm 75:6-7 paraphrase of).

What can we learn about humility from Adonijah's request in 1 Kings 2:16?
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