SCRIPTURE: 1 KINGS 1
INTRODUCTION:
Although the author of 1 Kings was unknown, it recorded the history of Jewish kings from Solomon to Zedekiah. The main events of 1 Kings were David’s death, Solomon’s reign, the division of the kingdom and Elijah’s ministry. After Solomon’s death, Israel was divided into Northern Kingdom called Israel and Southern Kingdom called Judah. The Southern Kingdom went into captivity by the Babylonians while the Northern Kingdom was taken by the Assyrians.
ADONIJAH SETS HIMSELF UP AS KING (vs. 1-27)
When David was old and advanced in years, a beautiful virgin named Abishag was brought in to take care of him. Now Adonijah whose mother was Haggith wanted to become the king. With the support of Joab, Abiathar, the priest, he got chariots and horses and sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened calves at the Stone of Zoheleth. He also invited all his brothers, the king’s sons of all royal officials of Judah but he did not invite Nathan, the prophet or Benaiah, the special guard or his brother Solomon.
Then Nathan advised Bathsheba to notify David about what Adonijah was doing. So Bathsheba went to see the king and informed him that Adonijah had become king without his knowledge. But the king promised her that Solomon shall be king after him to sit on his throne. While she was speaking, Nathan came in to confirm what Bathsheba said.
DAVID MAKES SOLOMON KING (vs. 28-53)
Upon hearing what Adonijah did, king David called in Zadok, the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah to set Solomon on his mule and take him down to Gihon and appointed him king over Israel. Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and shout: “Long Live King Solomon”. All the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing greatly so that the ground shook with the sound.
When Adonijah and all the guests heard the trumpet, Jonathan, son of Abiathar came to inform them that Solomon had been anointed as king at Gihon and he had taken his seat on the royal throne. Then all Adonijah’s guests rose in alarm and dispersed. Now Adonijah was afraid of Solomon. He clung to the horns of the altar until Solomon assured him that not a hair of his head will fall to the ground if he shows himself as a worthy man. Otherwise, he will die. (v. 52) So king Solomon sent men to bring him down from the altar. Adonijah bowed to king Solomon and Solomon sent him home.
THOUGHTS:
When king David was old in age, he knew it was time to give up the scepter. Wise leaders know when to step down for the next generation to succeed him.
Adonijah fled to the altar for safety. Today, people also use religion for personal profit and refuge.
Joab and Abiathar were confidential advisers of king David but they fell into the wicked plot of Adonijah. However, there were 3 loyal servants of David – Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah who informed David and were able to stop Adonijah from becoming the king of Israel.
David was used by God to lead the nation but there were problems in their family relationships. He was a God fearing leader but he failed as a parent. Do not let your service to God in a leadership position take up so much of your time as to neglect your responsibilities at home as a parent. Always set limits for your children and discipline them while they are young so that they will grow into self-disciplined adults.
After his plans for treason were exposed, Adonijah ran in panic to the altar to seek mercy and forgiveness. He thought that he would be safe and be protected by clutching the horns of the sacred altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle court. Don’t wait until you have made a mess of your life before you run to God. Seek God’s guidance before you act.