Compare Adonijah's request with Absalom's actions in 2 Samuel 16:21-22. Setting the Scene • Absalom: After staging a coup, Absalom is counseled by Ahithophel to “sleep with your father’s concubines” (2 Samuel 16:21). • Adonijah: Having failed in his own bid for the throne, Adonijah petitions Bathsheba: “Give me Abishag the Shunammite as a wife” (1 Kings 2:17). What Claiming a King’s Concubine Signified • In ancient Near Eastern culture, taking the former king’s concubine was a public declaration of possessing the royal authority (cf. 2 Samuel 3:7–8). • Because concubines belonged exclusively to the king, any man who took them was effectively announcing, “I sit in the king’s place.” Parallel Motives • Assertion of Kingship – Absalom openly usurped by laying with David’s concubines in the sight of all Israel (2 Samuel 16:22). – Adonijah, appearing humble, covertly sought royal legitimacy by marrying Abishag, David’s nurse and concubine in everything but name (1 Kings 1:3–4; 2:17, 22). • Appeal to Public Perception – Absalom’s rooftop tent dramatized his claim. – Adonijah’s polite request was designed to look innocent, yet Solomon instantly read it as a renewed grab for the crown (1 Kings 2:22). Key Similarities • Both centered on David’s women—symbols of the kingdom’s continuity. • Both bypassed God-ordained succession (2 Samuel 7:12–13; 1 Kings 1:29–30). • Both rested on human scheming rather than divine promise (Psalm 127:1). Notable Differences • Method – Absalom: brazen, public sin. – Adonijah: subtle, deceptively respectful. • Immediate Outcome – Absalom’s act strengthened rebels temporarily but led to swift judgment and death (2 Samuel 18:14–15). – Adonijah’s request cost him his life the very day Solomon perceived the plot (1 Kings 2:24-25). • Counsel – Absalom listened to Ahithophel, whose advice was “like one who inquires of God” yet opposed God’s plan (2 Samuel 16:23). – Adonijah likely acted on his own ambition after Joab and Abiathar lost influence (1 Kings 2:26, 34-35). Spiritual Takeaways • God defends His chosen ruler; illegitimate claims—bold or subtle—collapse (Proverbs 21:30). • Sin’s outward form varies, but the heart issue is identical: pride that exalts itself against God’s decree (Isaiah 14:13-14; James 4:6). • Respecting God-established authority protects both individuals and nations (Romans 13:1-2). New Testament Echo • Satan tempted Jesus with illegitimate authority shortcuts (Matthew 4:8-10). Jesus refused, choosing obedience to the Father’s timing—unlike Absalom and Adonijah. • Believers are called to the same trustful submission: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). |
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