What can we learn from Adonijah's actions about seeking God's guidance first? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 2:15 — “You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel expected me to be king, but things changed and the kingdom has gone to my brother, for it came to him from the LORD.” Adonijah speaks these words to Bathsheba after his failed attempt to seize Israel’s throne. His confession reveals how human ambition collided with God’s clear intention for Solomon to rule. Adonijah’s Missteps • He relied on popular expectation instead of divine revelation (v. 15). • He gathered powerful allies (1 Kings 1:7) yet never sought the LORD. • He placed personal desire above God’s established promise to David about Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). • His belated admission that the kingdom “came to him from the LORD” shows recognition after the damage was done. The Cost of Neglecting Divine Counsel • Loss of position and credibility (1 Kings 2:23-25). • Unrest within the royal family. • A legacy recorded in Scripture as a cautionary tale rather than an example of faith. Principles for Today • God’s plan stands regardless of human enthusiasm or public opinion. • Ambition that outruns prayer invites discipline instead of blessing. • Delayed submission often brings harsher consequences than early obedience. 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 in the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” • James 4:13-16 — Human plans that ignore God are boasting and evil. • Jeremiah 10:23 — “A man’s way is not his own; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” Takeaway Truths • Seek God first, not last. • Align ambition with Scripture before gathering supporters. • Accept that God’s timing and choice, though sometimes contrary to personal dreams, always lead to lasting peace and blessing. |
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