Why does Adonijah approach Bathsheba in 1 Kings 2:14? Canonical Text “Then Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, ‘Do you come in peace?’ ‘Yes, in peace,’ he replied. He added, ‘I have something to say to you.’ ‘Say it,’ she answered.” (1 Kings 2:13-14) Narrative Context: Adonijah’s Previous Revolt Before David died, Adonijah proclaimed himself king (1 Kings 1:5-10). The Lord, through Nathan and Bathsheba, intervened so that David installed Solomon instead (1 Kings 1:29-40). Adonijah’s life was spared on condition of loyal obedience (1 Kings 1:52). His approach in 2 Kings 2 therefore follows an earlier thwarted coup and a warning. The Office of the Queen Mother (Gebîrah) In the united monarchy the king’s mother held unique access, authority, and intercessory power (cf. 1 Kings 2:19, where Solomon rises, bows, and seats Bathsheba at his right hand). By appealing to Bathsheba, Adonijah targets the one person most likely to secure an audience and a favorable hearing from the throne. Royal Concubines and Succession Rights Possessing a deceased king’s concubine signified succession (cf. 2 Samuel 3:7; 12:8; 16:21-22). Abishag the Shunammite, though called a “nurse” (1 Kings 1:2-4), is later classed among David’s harem (1 Kings 2:22). Marrying her would publicly signal entitlement to David’s seat and reopen Adonijah’s claim. Immediate Purpose: Securing Abishag Adonijah tells Bathsheba, “Please ask King Solomon to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife—for he will not refuse you” (1 Kings 2:17). On the surface it seems a personal request; in royal culture it is a political maneuver. Underlying Motive: A Renewed, Subtle Bid for the Throne 1. Legal-symbolic claim: Union with Abishag would associate Adonijah with royal property, bolstering legitimacy. 2. Public perception: By involving Bathsheba, Adonijah hopes to cloak ambition under maternal goodwill, portraying Solomon’s consent as voluntary succession sharing. 3. Personal survival: If the plan succeeds, Solomon cannot easily execute a brother who is now tied to the late king’s household without risking civil unrest. Strategic Choice of Intercessor Bathsheba’s maternal bond, Solomon’s public honor toward her, and her previous role in palace intrigue make her the most effective lobbyist. Adonijah’s greeting, “Do you come in peace?” echoes ancient protocols that distinguished a harmless visit from a coup. He answers “in peace” to deflect suspicion. Why Solomon Interprets the Request as Treason Solomon immediately links the request to a threat: “Ask for him the kingdom as well!” (1 Kings 2:22). He recalls Absalom’s earlier seizure of David’s concubines to signal kingship (2 Samuel 16:21-22). Granting Abishag would violate the divine choice affirmed through David (1 Chron 28:5-7) and undermine national stability. Therefore Solomon orders Adonijah’s execution (1 Kings 2:23-25), fulfilling the earlier conditional pardon. Theological Dimension: Preserving the Davidic Covenant Yahweh had sworn “a son shall sit on your throne forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Adonijah’s covert campaign challenges the covenant line that leads ultimately to Messiah (Matthew 1:6-16; Luke 1:32-33). Solomon’s swift judgment safeguards God’s redemptive trajectory. Practical and Devotional Applications • Ambition masked as piety still invites divine scrutiny. • God’s sovereign election prevails over human plotting. • Wisdom discerns motives beneath polite requests; believers are called to similar vigilance (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 1:9-10). In summary, Adonijah approaches Bathsheba to leverage her influence and obtain Abishag, thereby reviving a dormant bid for Israel’s throne. Solomon perceives the deeper intent, acts decisively, and God’s covenant purposes stand undisturbed. |
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