Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, "Do you come in peace?" "Yes, in peace," he replied. Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon,Adonijah, David’s fourth son, had earlier exalted himself and sought the kingdom before Solomon was publicly anointed (1 Kings 1:5–53). Although Solomon had spared his life on the condition of loyalty, Adonijah’s ambition had not died. Bathsheba occupied a position of exceptional influence as Solomon’s mother and queen mother. Adonijah approached her because he hoped she would carry his request to the king and perhaps secure what he could not obtain directly. 1Ch 3:5 and these sons were born to him in Jerusalem:… and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” Bathsheba recognized that Adonijah’s former attempt to seize the throne made any private approach potentially dangerous. The question exposed the unresolved tension within David’s house after the succession. Adonijah’s presence could involve reconciliation, but it could also conceal another effort to challenge Solomon’s God-established reign. 1Sa 16:4 So Samuel did what the LORD had said and went to Bethlehem.… “Yes, in peace,” he replied. Adonijah presented himself as peaceable, yet his coming led to a request for Abishag the Shunammite, David’s final attendant. In the customs of the royal court, taking a deceased king’s concubine could be understood as asserting a claim to his throne, as Absalom had done publicly during his rebellion (2 Samuel 16:21–22). Adonijah’s peaceful words therefore concealed a renewed bid for royal authority. His actions revealed that outward submission is not the same as a heart that has truly abandoned rebellion. 2Ki 4:26 Please run out now to meet her and ask, ‘Are you all right?… Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe son of King David and Haggith, Adonijah was a contender for the throne of Israel. His actions and ambitions are central to the early chapters of 1 Kings, where he attempts to establish himself as king before Solomon is anointed. 2. Bathsheba The mother of Solomon and the widow of King David. Bathsheba plays a significant role in the transition of power to Solomon, and her interactions with Adonijah are crucial in understanding the political dynamics of the time. 3. Solomon The son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. His reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity, but also by complex family and political challenges. 4. Haggith One of David's wives and the mother of Adonijah. Her son’s ambitions and actions are a source of tension in the royal family. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel and the center of political and religious life during the reigns of David and Solomon. Teaching Points The Importance of DiscernmentBathsheba's question, "Do you come in peace?" highlights the need for discernment in relationships and interactions. In our lives, we must seek wisdom to discern the intentions of others. The Role of Family Dynamics The interactions between Adonijah, Bathsheba, and Solomon illustrate the complexities of family relationships and the impact they can have on leadership and decision-making. Seeking Peace in Conflict Adonijah's response, "Yes, in peace," reminds us of the biblical call to pursue peace, even amidst potential conflict. As believers, we are encouraged to be peacemakers in our communities. Understanding Authority and Submission The passage underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting God-ordained authority, as seen in Solomon's rightful place as king. The Consequences of Ambition Adonijah's account serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition and the importance of aligning our desires with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Bathsheba's question to Adonijah reflect the need for discernment in our own lives, and how can we cultivate this discernment through prayer and scripture?2. In what ways do the family dynamics in this passage mirror challenges we face in our own families, and how can we apply biblical principles to navigate these challenges? 3. How does the theme of seeking peace in this passage relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, and how can we be peacemakers in our daily interactions? 4. What lessons can we learn from Adonijah's ambition about the importance of aligning our goals with God's will, and how can we ensure our ambitions honor God? 5. How does the concept of authority and submission in this passage connect to other biblical teachings on leadership, and how can we apply these principles in our roles at work, church, or home? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 1Provides the background to Adonijah's initial attempt to claim the throne and the subsequent anointing of Solomon as king, setting the stage for the events in 1 Kings 2:13. 2 Samuel 15-18 The account of Absalom's rebellion against David, which parallels Adonijah's ambition and highlights the recurring theme of familial strife in David's lineage. Proverbs 1:8-9 Written by Solomon, these verses emphasize the importance of heeding parental wisdom, which can be seen in the way Solomon navigates the challenges posed by Adonijah.
People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Bathsheba, Bath-sheba, Bathshe'ba, Comest, Haggith, Peace, Peaceably, Peacefully, Solomon, Solomon's, YesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:12-25Library The Horns of the AltarWE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885 "He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father... Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge? Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them? Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed? The Whole Heart "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39 What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule. Authorship of the Pentateuch. Barzillai Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. Kings Links 1 Kings 2:13 NIV1 Kings 2:13 NLT 1 Kings 2:13 ESV 1 Kings 2:13 NASB 1 Kings 2:13 KJV 1 Kings 2:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |