Topical Encyclopedia Adonijah, whose name means "My Lord is Yahweh," was the fourth son of King David, born to him by Haggith. He is a significant figure in the narrative of the transition of power from David to Solomon, as recorded in the Old Testament books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings.Family and Early Life Adonijah was born in Hebron during David's reign over Judah, before he became king over all Israel. As the son of Haggith, one of David's wives, Adonijah was a member of the royal family and grew up in the court of King David. He was the younger brother of Amnon, Absalom, and Chileab (also known as Daniel), and the older brother of Solomon. Ambition for the Throne Adonijah's ambition to become king is a central theme in his account. Following the deaths of his older brothers Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah considered himself the rightful heir to the throne. As David grew old and frail, Adonijah sought to establish himself as king. The Bible records, "Now Adonijah, the son of Haggith, exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king.' So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him" (1 Kings 1:5). Adonijah's self-exaltation was not sanctioned by David, and he did not consult with key figures such as Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, or Benaiah son of Jehoiada. Instead, he conspired with Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest, to support his claim to the throne. Intervention and Solomon's Anointing Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne was thwarted by the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. They informed King David of Adonijah's actions, reminding him of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king. In response, David ordered that Solomon be anointed king immediately. "So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon mount King David’s mule, and they took him to Gihon" (1 Kings 1:38). Solomon was anointed by Zadok the priest, and the people rejoiced, acknowledging Solomon as their king. Adonijah's Submission and Subsequent Execution Upon hearing of Solomon's anointing, Adonijah feared for his life and sought refuge by taking hold of the horns of the altar. Solomon initially spared Adonijah, saying, "If he is found to be a worthy man, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die" (1 Kings 1:52). Adonijah was allowed to return home, but his ambitions did not end there. Later, Adonijah approached Bathsheba with a request to marry Abishag the Shunammite, who had served David in his old age. This request was perceived as another attempt to claim the throne, as marrying a former king's concubine could be seen as a claim to kingship. Solomon interpreted this as a threat to his reign and ordered Adonijah's execution. "So King Solomon gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died" (1 Kings 2:25). Legacy Adonijah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the importance of divine appointment in leadership. His life and actions are a reminder of the complexities of royal succession in ancient Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises through the Davidic line, ultimately leading to the establishment of Solomon's reign. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 2:13-25And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Come you peaceably? And he said, Peaceably. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Adonijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the true issue between Adonijah and Solomon over Abishag? | GotQuestions.org Who was Zadok in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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