Adonijah, whose name means "My Lord is Yahweh," was the fourth son of King David, born to Haggith (2 Samuel 3:4). He is a significant figure in the narrative of the transition of power from David to Solomon, as recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Samuel.

Background and Ambitions

Adonijah was born during David's reign in Hebron and grew up in the royal court. As David's eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah considered himself the rightful heir to the throne. The Bible describes him as a handsome man, and he was favored by his father, King David, who had never rebuked him (1 Kings 1:6).

Attempt to Seize the Throne

As David's health declined, Adonijah sought to establish himself as king. He conspired with key figures, including Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest, to proclaim himself king (1 Kings 1:5-7). Adonijah held a sacrificial feast at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel, inviting all his brothers, except Solomon, and other royal officials to support his claim (1 Kings 1:9-10).

Intervention of Nathan and Bathsheba

The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, intervened to thwart Adonijah's plans. Nathan advised Bathsheba to remind David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king. Bathsheba approached David, and Nathan confirmed her words, prompting David to take immediate action to secure Solomon's succession (1 Kings 1:11-27).

Solomon's Anointing

In response, David ordered Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada to anoint Solomon as king over Israel. Solomon was placed on David's mule and brought to Gihon, where he was anointed with oil, and the people rejoiced, acknowledging Solomon as their king (1 Kings 1:32-40).

Adonijah's Submission

Upon hearing the news of Solomon's anointing, Adonijah's supporters dispersed in fear. Adonijah himself sought refuge by taking hold of the horns of the altar, a traditional act seeking mercy (1 Kings 1:50-51). Solomon, demonstrating clemency, spared Adonijah's life on the condition of his good behavior (1 Kings 1:52-53).

Final Attempt and Death

Despite his initial submission, Adonijah later attempted to undermine Solomon's rule by requesting to marry Abishag the Shunammite, David's former concubine. This request was perceived as a political maneuver to claim the throne, as marrying a king's concubine was a claim to his authority (1 Kings 2:13-22). Solomon, recognizing the threat, ordered Adonijah's execution, carried out by Benaiah (1 Kings 2:23-25).

Legacy

Adonijah's account serves as a cautionary tale about ambition and the consequences of attempting to subvert God's chosen plan. His life and actions are a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to divine authority, as exemplified by the peaceful transition of power to Solomon, who was chosen by God to build the temple and lead Israel.

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... CHAPTER 14. That David Made Great Preparations For The House Of God; And That, Upon
Adonijah's Attempt To Gain The Kingdom, He Appointed Solomon To Reign. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... this incident. David's eldest surviving son, Adonijah, had claimed the
succession, and gathered his partisans to a feast. Nathan ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

Adonijah
... ADONIJAH. BY REV. ... Chiliah, or Daniel, died we know not how, and then Adonijah, the
fourth son, the eldest of those surviving, followed in Absalom's footsteps. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

How Solomon, when He had Received the Kingdom Took Off His
... 2. But Adonijah, who, while his father was living, attempted to gain possession
of the government, came to the king's mother Bathsheba, and saluted her with ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how solomon when.htm

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... The glories of David's reign, his brother Adonijah's pretensions to the crown, the
smouldering hostility of Saul's old partisans, made his position difficult ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a young mans wise choice.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 14. That David Made Great Preparations For The House Of God; And That, Upon
Adonijah's Attempt To Gain The Kingdom, He Appointed Solomon To Reign. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice"
(2:Sam.15:4). That was a very different spirit from his brother Adonijah's, who " ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Amnon's incest, Absalom's murder and proud rebellion,"Adonijah's scheming ambition:
truly these were grievous wounds for the man after God's own heart to ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Adonijah's (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Adonijah's (3 Occurrences). 1 Kings 1:49 And all Adonijah's
guests were afraid, and rose up and went every man his way. (DBY NIV). ...
/a/adonijah's.htm - 7k

Nathan (42 Occurrences)
... When Adonijah, who was probably the eldest son living, gave a banquet to some of
his father's state officials, Nathan, who was one of those that had not been ...
/n/nathan.htm - 29k

Adoni'jah (26 Occurrences)
Adoni'jah. Adonijah, Adoni'jah. Adonijah's . ... 2 Samuel 3:4 and the fourth, Adonijah
the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; (See RSV ...
/a/adoni'jah.htm - 13k

Adonikam (1 Occurrence)

/a/adonikam.htm - 7k

Supported (43 Occurrences)
... (WBS YLT). 1 Kings 2:28 And news of this came to Joab; for Joab had been one of
Adonijah's supporters, though he had not been on Absalom's side. ...
/s/supported.htm - 19k

Supporters (12 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 2:28 And news of this came to Joab; for Joab had been one of
Adonijah's supporters, though he had not been on Absalom's side. ...
/s/supporters.htm - 10k

Absalom's (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 2:28 And news of this came to Joab; for Joab had been one of Adonijah's
supporters, though he had not been on Absalom's side. ...
/a/absalom's.htm - 12k

Enrogel (4 Occurrences)
... It was at this fountain that Jonathan and Ahimaaz lay hid after the flight of David
(2 Samuel 17:17); and here also Adonijah held the feast when he aspired to ...
/e/enrogel.htm - 15k

En-rogel (4 Occurrences)
... It was at this fountain that Jonathan and Ahimaaz lay hid after the flight of David
(2 Samuel 17:17); and here also Adonijah held the feast when he aspired to ...
/e/en-rogel.htm - 15k

Joab (128 Occurrences)
... 1-13; 19:13). When David was dying Joab espoused the cause of Adonijah
in preference to that of Solomon. He was afterwards slain ...
/j/joab.htm - 53k

Who was Adonijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the true issue between Adonijah and Solomon over Abishag? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of David and Nathan? | GotQuestions.org

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