Why does Solomon view Adonijah's request as a threat to his kingship? Scene Review: What Just Happened? “King Solomon answered his mother, ‘Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? You might as well request the kingdom for him—after all, he is my older brother—yes, and for Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah!’ ” (1 Kings 2:22) Why One Woman Equals the Whole Throne • In the Ancient Near East, the royal harem was part of the royal estate; whoever possessed the former king’s concubines laid claim to his crown. • Scripture illustrates this repeatedly: – 2 Samuel 3:7 – Abner’s alleged union with Saul’s concubine is read as “making himself strong” for Saul’s throne. – 2 Samuel 16:21-22 – Absalom publicly sleeps with David’s concubines and thereby stakes a visible claim to kingship. • Abishag was not just any woman. Though called a “young woman” (1 Kings 1:3-4), she served David intimately and was counted among the royal concubines (1 Kings 2:22). Handing her to Adonijah would symbolically transfer David’s royal rights. Adonijah’s Track Record of Grasping for Power • 1 Kings 1:5-7 – He had already exalted himself, gathered chariots, and secured Joab and Abiathar’s support. • 1 Kings 1:9-10 – He hosted a coronation feast without David’s blessing, deliberately excluding Solomon and Nathan. • 1 Kings 2:15 – He admits: “The kingdom was mine… but it has become my brother’s.” He still sees himself as the rightful heir. • By using Bathsheba as intercessor, Adonijah masks old ambition with politeness, hoping Solomon will ignore the symbolism. Solomon’s God-Given Mandate • 1 Chronicles 22:9-10 – The LORD promised David, “I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days… He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.” • 1 Kings 1:30 – David swore an oath before the LORD that Solomon would reign. • To protect God’s appointment, Solomon must eliminate rival claims (compare Deuteronomy 17:14-20 on protecting the God-chosen king). The Broader Conspiracy Solomon Discerns • “Yes, and for Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah!” (1 Kings 2:22). These two officers had backed Adonijah’s earlier coup. • Solomon reads the request as the tip of a larger plot: – Abiathar still holds priestly influence (1 Samuel 22:20-23 links him to David’s court). – Joab commands seasoned troops (1 Kings 2:28). • Granting Abishag would publicly legitimize Adonijah and embolden their faction. Why Swift, Severe Action Was Necessary • Proverbs 20:8 – “When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.” • 1 Kings 2:24-25 – Solomon vows by the LORD, then orders Adonijah’s execution. • His actions fulfill David’s final counsel: “Be strong… and keep the charge of the LORD your God” (1 Kings 2:2-4). The kingdom’s stability—and the coming promise of Messiah through David’s line—depend on decisive obedience. Lessons for Today • Compromise with known rebellion endangers God’s purposes. • Symbols matter; what appears “small” can signal loyalty or treason. • God’s chosen leadership must guard the trust He gives, acting in righteousness and courage. |
    |