What lessons on leadership can we learn from Adonijah's actions in 1 Kings 1:18? Setting the Scene • 1 Kings 1:18—“But now, behold, Adonijah has become king, and my lord the king does not know about it.” • Bathsheba alerts David that his fourth son has staged a secret coronation while the true royal appointment (Solomon, v. 13) waits unannounced. • Adonijah’s maneuver exposes several leadership pitfalls that still speak with authority today. Key Observations from the Verse • “Has become king” – a completed act carried out apart from David’s blessing or God’s decree. • “My lord the king does not know” – the deed was hidden, bypassing rightful oversight. • Context (vv. 5–10): Adonijah “exalted himself” (v. 5), gathered select allies, and deliberately excluded prophetic voices (v. 10). Leadership Lessons • Authentic authority is received, not seized – Compare John 3:27. David was anointed by the prophet (1 Samuel 16:13); Adonijah crowns himself. • Secrecy erodes trust – Proverbs 10:9: “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” • Pride precedes a fall – Proverbs 16:18; Adonijah’s self-promotion foreshadows his later downfall (1 Kings 2:23-25). • Surrounding oneself with yes-men cripples judgment – He recruits Joab and Abiathar but shuts out Nathan, Zadok, Benaiah (1 Kings 1:8). Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel…”. • Ignoring God’s revealed plan invites discipline – David had sworn Solomon would reign (1 Chron 22:9-10). Leaders who override God’s Word undermine their legitimacy. • Accountability protects both leader and people – Nathan and Bathsheba’s swift intervention restores order (vv. 23-40). Hebrews 13:17 underscores the value of godly oversight. • Timing matters – 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.”. Adonijah’s impatience contrasts Solomon’s eventual, God-ordained enthronement. Positive Applications • Wait on God’s appointment; resist shortcuts. • Cultivate transparency—invite inspection of motives and methods. • Welcome diverse, godly counsel; silence no prophetic voice. • Lead with humility that seeks the good of others above personal advancement (Philippians 2:3-4). • Honor established succession or organizational processes; they safeguard unity. • Measure leadership success by obedience to Scripture, not by immediate applause. Closing Thoughts Adonijah’s covert grab for power reminds every leader that influence gained apart from divine sanction and righteous means cannot stand. Secure leadership flourishes when it is surrendered to God’s timing, exercised in the light, and anchored in humble obedience to His Word. |
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