Topical Bible: Falsehood of Adonijah

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Introduction

Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, is a significant figure in the narrative of the transition of power from David to Solomon. His actions, particularly his attempt to usurp the throne, are marked by falsehood and ambition, which ultimately lead to his downfall. The account of Adonijah's falsehood is primarily found in the opening chapters of 1 Kings.

Background

Adonijah was born to David and Haggith and was the elder brother of Solomon. As David's health declined, the question of succession became pressing. Adonijah, being the eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, assumed he was the rightful heir to the throne. His presumption, however, was not in line with God's plan, as David had promised the throne to Solomon, the son of Bathsheba.

Adonijah's Ambition and Deception

Adonijah's ambition is first evident in 1 Kings 1:5-7 : "Now 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. His father had never rebuked him by asking, 'Why do you behave as you do?' He was also very handsome, born next after Absalom. Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him."

Adonijah's self-exaltation and preparation of a royal entourage were acts of deception, as he sought to establish himself as king without David's endorsement. His alliance with key figures like Joab and Abiathar further illustrates his cunning, as he sought to legitimize his claim through influential supporters.

The False Coronation

Adonijah's falsehood culminated in a premature coronation ceremony. He held a feast at the Stone of Zoheleth, inviting all his brothers, except Solomon, and key officials, excluding Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, and the mighty men loyal to David (1 Kings 1:9-10). This selective invitation was a strategic move to consolidate power and present a facade of legitimacy.

Nathan and Bathsheba's Intervention

The falsehood of Adonijah was exposed through the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. Nathan, aware of Adonijah's actions, approached Bathsheba to inform David of the situation. In 1 Kings 1:11-14 , Nathan said to Bathsheba, "Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become king, and our lord David does not know it? Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon."

Bathsheba and Nathan's appeal to David resulted in the king reaffirming his oath that Solomon would succeed him. David's decisive action thwarted Adonijah's plans, as he ordered Solomon to be anointed king immediately.

Adonijah's Submission and Subsequent Deception

Upon hearing of Solomon's anointing, Adonijah's supporters dispersed, and he sought refuge at the altar, fearing retribution. Solomon, demonstrating mercy, spared Adonijah's life on the condition of his good behavior (1 Kings 1:50-53).

However, Adonijah's deceitful nature resurfaced when he requested to marry Abishag, David's former concubine. This request, interpreted as another attempt to claim the throne, led to his execution by Solomon's order (1 Kings 2:13-25).

Conclusion

The falsehood of Adonijah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and deceit. His account highlights the importance of divine will and the consequences of attempting to subvert God's plans. Through the narrative of Adonijah, the biblical text underscores the legitimacy of Solomon's reign and the fulfillment of God's promise to David.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 2:23
Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
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Library

Texts Explained; Eighthly, John xvii. 3 and the Like. Our Lord's ...
... Him; and if according to what is said to David concerning Adonijah and Absalom ... nor
with reference to Him, are such passages, but to the overthrow of falsehood. ...
/.../chapter xxiv texts explained eighthly john.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Only think how much falsehood and deceit there is in the world ... Amnon's incest, Absalom's
murder and proud rebellion,"Adonijah's scheming ambition: truly these ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Antichrist.
... that under color and pretence of verity draws men from truth to falsehood. ... By that
they have well settled themselves at their table with Adonijah, 1 Kings, 1 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... 15:4). That was a very different spirit from his brother Adonijah's, who "exalted ...
He began habits of falsehood and dishonesty in little things, and they grew ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... of Antichrist, is that spirit of error, that wicked, that mystery of iniquity, that
under colour and pretence of verity, draweth men from truth to falsehood. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm