Why did Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan support Solomon instead of Adonijah in 1 Kings 1:8? Setting the Stage—1 Kings 1:5-8 “But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei, and David’s mighty men were not with Adonijah.” God Had Already Named the Next King • 2 Samuel 7:12-13—God promised David “I will raise up your offspring after you… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” • 1 Chronicles 22:9-10—David openly declared, “Behold, a son will be born to you… his name shall be Solomon, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.” • 1 Chronicles 28:5-7—David repeated God’s word: “Solomon your son shall build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him.” Why Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan Stood with Solomon 1. Loyalty to God’s explicit revelation – They knew God had chosen Solomon, not Adonijah. – Supporting Solomon was obedience to God’s spoken word through David and earlier prophecy. 2. Faithfulness to King David’s expressed will – 1 Kings 1:13-14,17—Bathsheba and Nathan both remind David of his promise: “Surely Solomon your son shall reign after me.” – Zadok and Benaiah, as priest and military commander, were duty-bound to uphold the king’s last directive. 3. Discernment of Adonijah’s self-exalting spirit – 1 Kings 1:5—“Adonijah son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.’” – The trio recognized rebellion when they saw it. Self-promotion opposed the divine order. 4. Protection of covenant worship – Zadok, descended from Eleazar, guarded the true priestly line in contrast to Abiathar, who sided with Adonijah. – Solomon’s reign would secure the temple project (1 Chron 28:10-12), a priority for Zadok and Nathan. 5. Commitment to national stability – Benaiah commanded the Cherethites and Pelethites (1 Kings 1:38). Backing the rightful heir prevented civil war and preserved Israel’s unity. Profiles in Brief • Zadok—high priest devoted to the purity of worship (Ezekiel 44:15 links his line with faithfulness). • Benaiah—valiant chief of David’s bodyguard (2 Samuel 23:20-23); his oath-keeping character made him a pillar of security. • Nathan—prophet who confronted David over sin (2 Samuel 12); his integrity compelled him to uphold God’s revealed plan. Key Takeaways for Believers Today • Honor God’s Word even when cultural or political tides run the other way. • Stand with leaders God appoints rather than those who promote themselves. • Faithfulness often requires courage to oppose popular but wrong movements. Their allegiance to Solomon was ultimately allegiance to the Lord, whose promise had set Solomon on the throne long before Adonijah threw his party. |
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