Topical Bible: Children: Wicked: Adonijah

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Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of his attempt to usurp the throne of Israel. His account is primarily found in the first chapters of 1 Kings, where his actions and character are depicted as a cautionary tale of ambition and rebellion against divine order.

Background and Family Lineage

Adonijah was born to David and Haggith, one of David's wives. As the son of a king, Adonijah was raised in the royal household, surrounded by the privileges and responsibilities that came with his lineage. Despite his noble birth, Adonijah's life is marked by a significant moral and spiritual failing, as he sought to elevate himself above God's chosen plan for the succession of the throne.

Ambition and Rebellion

Adonijah's ambition is first revealed in 1 Kings 1:5, where it is written, "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." This self-exaltation is a direct challenge to the divine will, as God had already chosen Solomon, another son of David, to succeed him as king.

Adonijah's actions were not only a rebellion against his father David's wishes but also against God's sovereign plan. His attempt to seize the throne was characterized by a lack of respect for the established order and a disregard for the prophetic word given to David concerning Solomon.

The Role of Joab and Abiathar

Adonijah's conspiracy was supported by key figures in David's administration, including Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest. Their support lent credibility to Adonijah's claim and demonstrated the extent of his influence. However, their involvement also highlights the broader theme of division and disloyalty within the kingdom, as they chose to align themselves with Adonijah rather than remain faithful to David and God's chosen successor.

Intervention of Nathan and Bathsheba

The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, played crucial roles in thwarting Adonijah's plans. Nathan, aware of the divine promise to Solomon, approached Bathsheba to inform King David of Adonijah's actions. Their intervention is recorded in 1 Kings 1:11-27, where they remind David of his oath to Solomon and urge him to act swiftly to secure the throne for his chosen heir.

Adonijah's Downfall

Upon learning of Solomon's anointing as king, Adonijah's supporters quickly abandoned him, and he sought refuge at the altar, fearing for his life. Solomon, demonstrating mercy, initially spared Adonijah, provided he showed himself to be a worthy man (1 Kings 1:52). However, Adonijah's subsequent request to marry Abishag, David's former concubine, was perceived as another attempt to claim the throne, leading to his execution by Solomon's order (1 Kings 2:13-25).

Lessons from Adonijah's Life

Adonijah's account serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of submitting to God's will. His life illustrates the consequences of rebellion and the futility of opposing divine authority. Adonijah's actions not only threatened the stability of the kingdom but also brought about his own downfall, highlighting the biblical principle that pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18).

In studying Adonijah, we are reminded of the importance of humility, obedience, and the recognition of God's sovereignty in all aspects of life. His narrative is a sobering example of how personal ambition, when not aligned with God's purposes, can lead to ruin and loss.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 1:5
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

Library

Adonijah
... that the future well-being of children depends largely ... of history, "The expectation
of the wicked shall perish.". ... It was thus that Adonijah's scheme was defeated ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds.
... trials from his children, such as Absalom, Amnon, and Adonijah,"trials from ... quarrels,
no losses, no crosses, no disappointments, no wicked children, no bad ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiv 2 sam 23 4-5.htm

The History of David
... slay, how much more ye that be so wicked to slay ... he bought and nourished and grew
with his children, eating of ... Howbeit that Adonijah his son took on him to be ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... observed, but a spot in scarlet attracts every one's eye; so a sin in the wicked
is not ... (2) If you would have your children honour you ... David spoiled Adonijah. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Antichrist.
... well settled themselves at their table with Adonijah, 1 Kings, 1 ... dainties are too
good even for his children to have ... the ground, so now must this wicked one come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... no pleasure in the death of the wicked; that His ... and the spiritual history of God's
children in this ... to and yet demanding righteousness from Adonijah (I Kings 1 ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... that followeth from the words is this; namely, That when the devil and wicked men
have ... shewed to the king of Babylon that he was with the three children in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... sons; Job lost all his ten children in one day ... his friend Zophar, speaking of the
wicked, says, "His ... different spirit from his brother Adonijah's, who "exalted ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Now the world shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked; yea,
they shall cleave to, and countenance the people of ... For the children of Ammon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... We read of Adonijah, that his father never denied him in ... might yet remain among the
children of Israel ... fleshly lusts, heartlessness to good, wicked desires, low ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm