Topical Bible: Intercession for Adonijah

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Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, is a significant figure in the narrative of the transition of power from David to Solomon. His account is primarily found in the opening chapters of 1 Kings. Adonijah's actions and the subsequent intercession on his behalf provide insight into the dynamics of royal succession and the role of intercession in biblical narratives.

Background

Adonijah was born to David and Haggith and was considered a handsome and ambitious young man. As David aged and his health declined, Adonijah sought to establish himself as the successor to the throne of Israel. He declared himself king without David's approval, gathering support from key figures such as Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest (1 Kings 1:5-7).

The Attempted Usurpation

Adonijah's self-exaltation was a direct challenge to the divine promise that Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, would succeed David as king. Adonijah's actions were characterized by a lack of respect for God's ordained plan and a disregard for his father's authority. He held a sacrificial feast at the Stone of Zoheleth, inviting all his brothers except Solomon, and other royal officials, but notably excluding Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, and the mighty men loyal to David (1 Kings 1:9-10).

Intercession by Nathan and Bathsheba

The intercession for Adonijah is intricately linked with the actions of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. Upon learning of Adonijah's actions, Nathan approached Bathsheba, advising her to inform King David of the situation and remind him of his promise regarding Solomon's succession. Nathan's strategic intervention was crucial in alerting David to the urgency of the matter (1 Kings 1:11-14).

Bathsheba entered the king's chamber and relayed the news of Adonijah's self-coronation, emphasizing the threat it posed to Solomon's future and her own safety. Nathan followed, confirming Bathsheba's report and urging David to act decisively to affirm Solomon's kingship (1 Kings 1:15-27).

David's Response

Moved by the intercession of Nathan and Bathsheba, David reaffirmed his oath that Solomon would succeed him. He commanded that Solomon be anointed king immediately. Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada were instructed to escort Solomon to Gihon, where he was anointed and proclaimed king, effectively nullifying Adonijah's claim (1 Kings 1:28-40).

Adonijah's Plea for Mercy

Upon hearing of Solomon's anointing, Adonijah feared for his life and sought refuge by grasping the horns of the altar, a traditional act of seeking asylum and mercy. Solomon, demonstrating clemency, spared Adonijah's life on the condition of his future loyalty. Solomon declared, "If he is found worthy, 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 brought before Solomon, who sent him home in peace (1 Kings 1:50-53).

Subsequent Events

Despite Solomon's initial mercy, Adonijah later attempted to undermine Solomon's rule by requesting Abishag the Shunammite, David's former attendant, as his wife. This request was perceived as a political maneuver to strengthen his claim to the throne. Solomon, recognizing the threat, ordered Adonijah's execution, thus ending his aspirations and solidifying Solomon's reign (1 Kings 2:13-25).

Significance

The intercession for Adonijah highlights the importance of divine will, prophetic insight, and wise counsel in the governance of Israel. It underscores the role of intercession in mediating conflicts and ensuring the fulfillment of God's promises. The narrative also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ambition and the necessity of aligning one's actions with God's ordained plan.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 2:13-25
And 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

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... atonement, the cross, the blood, the sacrifice, the intercession: you will ... Amnon's
incest, Absalom's murder and proud rebellion,"Adonijah's scheming ambition ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... We read of Adonijah, that his father never denied him in anything. ... we be preserved
to glory; yea, and this resolution he pleads in his intercession: 'Father, I ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... What doth it bespeak concerning thee that Christ is always a priest in heaven, and
there ever lives to make intercession for thee (Hebrews 7:24), but this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... since men are, as I said, the rod, staff or sword in God's hand, we should apply
ourselves unto him in faith in a way of prayer, intercession, supplication and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm