Wednesday, November 4, 2015

I Kings 1: Adonijah Vs. Solomon

Turning from the books of Samuel to those of Kings reveals that we are nearing the end of David's life.  He is now old and cold, and a beautiful young woman named Abishag is brought in to keep him warm.  As David clings to life, a battle for succession to his throne ensues between his sons Adonijah and Solomon.

Adonijah strikes first, seeking to lay claim to the throne as the oldest surviving son of David (Amnon and Absalom having previously died.)  Like Absalom, Adonijah is handsome, beloved, and ambitious.  He invites a delegation of leaders from his father's administration, along with this brothers, to a sacrifice with kingly overtones.

However, Adonijah does not invite everyone.  Left off the guest list are Nathan, Zadok the priest, Benaiah along with many warriors, and Solomon.  Nathan urges Bathsheba to seize this moment and approach the king, pleading the case for Solomon to be made king instead of Adonijah.  Because Bathsheba and Nathan have the king's ear, he is persuaded that Solomon should indeed be the next king.

With David's blessing, the news of Solomon's kingship is announced in the streets of Jerusalem with trumpets and shouting and a loud parade (vs. 40).  As Adonijah and his guests become aware of the uproar, they are dismayed to hear that David has pre-empted Adonijah's bid for the throne by choosing Solomon as his successor.  Rather than contest his father's will and plunge the kingdom into a bloody civil war between the two princes and their forces, Adonijah cedes his claim to the throne.  He instead goes to the altar and grabs hold of its horns, asking for peace and mercy from his brother Solomon and recognizing him as the rightful king (vs. 50-51).  Solomon agrees that Adonijah may live - if he conducts himself righteously.

It is decided, therefore, that the kingdom will pass to Solomon after the death of David.

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