Topical Bible: Fratricide: Solomon

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Fratricide, the act of killing one's brother, is a grievous sin that is addressed in various narratives throughout the Bible. One of the most notable instances involving fratricide in the context of Solomon is the execution of his brother Adonijah. This event is recorded in the First Book of Kings and provides insight into the complex dynamics of royal succession and divine justice in ancient Israel.

Background and Context

Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, was chosen by God to succeed David as king of Israel. This divine selection is affirmed in 1 Chronicles 28:5-6, where David recounts God's promise: "And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel." Despite this clear designation, the path to Solomon's kingship was fraught with familial tension and political intrigue.

Adonijah's Ambition

Adonijah, Solomon's older half-brother, was the fourth son of David and had aspirations to the throne. In 1 Kings 1:5, it is recorded, "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." Adonijah's self-exaltation and attempt to usurp the throne were in direct opposition to God's will and David's intentions.

Solomon's Ascension

With the support of key figures such as Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon was anointed king while David was still alive (1 Kings 1:39). This swift action thwarted Adonijah's plans, and Solomon's reign was established. Initially, Solomon showed clemency towards Adonijah, instructing him to go to his house in peace (1 Kings 1:53).

The Request and Execution

The tension between Solomon and Adonijah resurfaced when Adonijah made a politically charged request to marry Abishag the Shunammite, who had been King David's attendant. This request was brought to Solomon by Bathsheba, as recorded in 1 Kings 2:21-22: "So she said, 'Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.' King Solomon answered his mother, 'Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? You might as well request the kingdom for him—after all, he is my older brother.'"

Solomon perceived Adonijah's request as a renewed attempt to claim the throne, as marrying a former king's concubine could be seen as a claim to kingship. In response, Solomon ordered Adonijah's execution, as recorded in 1 Kings 2:24-25: "And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who has 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 the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died."

Theological Implications

The fratricide of Adonijah by Solomon is a complex event that underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, justice, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Solomon's actions, while harsh, were seen as necessary to secure the divinely ordained kingship and to prevent further rebellion. This narrative highlights the severe consequences of opposing God's chosen leader and the lengths to which God will go to fulfill His covenant promises.

Conclusion

The account of Solomon and Adonijah serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive nature of ambition and the importance of aligning oneself with God's will. It also illustrates the difficult decisions faced by leaders in maintaining order and justice within the framework of divine providence.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 2:23-25
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On Pentecost.
... eight [4210] (so some of our predecessors have interpreted this passage of Solomon). ...
that is, punishment being exacted from him for his fratricide, and Lamech ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xli on pentecost.htm

Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... Because of this peace Solomon, [961] the man of peace, was born there, and ... this world,
which the devil, that accuser of his brethren, that fratricide who is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm

Letter cxxv. To Rusticus.
... Construct also hives for bees, for to these the proverbs of Solomon send you, [3452 ...
could not have two kings at once, was inaugurated by an act of fratricide. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxv to rusticus.htm

On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
... of Abel," (Hebrews 12:24,) which cried unto God for vengeance against the fratricide. ...
We prove the First, (1.) Because David and Solomon, and the reign of each ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 14 on the offices.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... 25. A third answer, confirmed by passages from Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Solomon. ... care
in righteousness and integrity, when they conspired to commit fratricide. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Acts xii. 18, 19
... (Genesis 9:20.) Esau through greediness abandoned his birthright, and was set upon
fratricide. ... and to pathos), ie unless, as Solomon does in the last clause of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii acts xii 18.htm

Treatise vii. On the Mortality.
... And yet God, foreseeing the fratricide conceived in his mind, anticipated its
condemnation ... And moreover, also, the Holy Spirit teaches by Solomon, that they who ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise vii on the mortality.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... What shall I say of Solomon, whom he includes in the list of husbands, and ... Fratricide
and digamy were abolished by the same punishment"that of the deluge. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm