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. Adonijah's account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings.

Family and Early Life

Adonijah was born during David's reign in Hebron, making him one of David's older sons. His mother, Haggith, was one of David's wives, and Adonijah was likely raised in the royal court, witnessing the complexities of palace life and the responsibilities of kingship. As the eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah might have considered himself the natural heir to the throne.

Ambition and Attempted Usurpation

Adonijah's ambition to become king is a central theme in his biblical narrative. As David grew old and frail, Adonijah sought to establish himself as the next ruler of Israel. 1 Kings 1:5 states, "At that time Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king.' So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him." This self-exaltation and preparation for kingship indicate his determination to secure the throne.

Adonijah's actions were not sanctioned by David, and he did not consult the prophet Nathan or other key figures loyal to David. Instead, he held a feast at the Stone of Zoheleth, inviting all his brothers, except Solomon, and key officials like Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest, to support his claim.

Intervention and Solomon's Anointing

The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, intervened to thwart Adonijah's plans. They approached David, reminding him of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king. In response, David ordered that Solomon be anointed king immediately. 1 Kings 1:39-40 describes the event: "Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people proclaimed, 'Long live King Solomon!' And all the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth split apart from the sound."

Adonijah's Submission and Later Life

Upon hearing of Solomon's anointing, Adonijah feared for his life and sought refuge by taking hold of the horns of the altar, a place of asylum. Solomon initially spared him, provided he proved himself worthy. 1 Kings 1:52 records Solomon's words: "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."

However, Adonijah's ambitions resurfaced when he requested 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 king's widow or concubine could be seen as a claim to his authority. Solomon, recognizing the threat, ordered Adonijah's execution, as recorded in 1 Kings 2:24-25 : "Now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me and set me on the throne of my father David and who has made me a house as He promised—Adonijah shall be put to death today! So King Solomon sent out Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died."

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 highlight the complexities of royal succession in ancient Israel and underscore the fulfillment of God's promises through the anointing of Solomon as king.2 Samuel 3:4
And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 1:5,6
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 3:2
The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:
Nave's Topical Index

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... 4. Now the fourth son of David was a beautiful young man, and tall, born to him
of Haggith his wife. He was named Adonijah, and was in his disposition like to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

Adonijah
... from his father we may assume that Adonijah inherited a ... as Absalom inherited from
the union of David with Bathsheba ... his savoury food, just as his son, Esau, who ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... 4. About this time David was become the father of six sons ... king of Geshur; the fourth
he named Adonijah, by his ... the general of the host of Saul's son, who, by ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the death of Saul"The struggle between Ish-bosheth and David"David sole king ...
the XXIInd (Bubastite) dynasty"Sheshonq I. as king and his son Auputi as ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who was Jedidiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Benaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was the Shulammite woman? | GotQuestions.org

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