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David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin

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Guzik - David was about 70 at this time. He seems even older than his years; but for David, it wasn’t just the years – it was the mileage. He seemed to live the lives of four or five men in his lifetime. (ED: I THINK THAT IS AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT AS I AM 79 AND ALTHOUGH I GET COLD EASILY, I EXERCISE REGULARLY, SWIMMING 5 DAYS EACH WEEK). Matthew Henry Concise - Verses 1-4. We have David sinking under infirmities. He was chastised for his recent sins, and felt the effects of his former toils and hardships. Rod Mattoon (Treasures From the Scriptures) - Stress can sponge the life out of a person. In David's case, much of his stress came from his sin and disobedience to the Lord. The same thing can happen to us if we live a carnal life. Sin creates stress. Psalm 107:17—Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Proverbs 13:15—Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard. Romans 2:9—Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; God wants us to have His rest and peace in our life. This rest comes from being broken by the Lord and yielded to Him. In Montana, cowboys break a wild horse by putting a saddle on the horse and leaving it on for a month. The horse gets use to the saddle. The cowboy is patient with this horse and speaks in a gentle tone to the steed. The next step is the placing of the bit in the mouth. After two months, the cowboy mounts the horse. The principals of this story are found in Matthew 11:28-30. (Mattoon's Treasures – Treasures from 1 Kings.) Gary Inrig has some interesting insights on David - David is the most dominant figure in 1 and 2 Kings. Although he was alive only in 1 Kings 1–2, his shadow lies over both books, where he is mentioned by name ninety-five times • God’s covenant with David, recorded in 2 Samuel 7, which promised David a lasting dynasty, was the enduring basis of the nation’s hope (1 Kgs. 2:33, 45; 5:5; 8:15, 19, 24–26; 9:5; 11:12–13, 32–38; 15:4; 2 Kgs. 8:19; 19:34; 20:6; 21:7) • David and his obedience to the Lord is the standard by which the succeeding kings of Judah are measured • David was the father of more than nineteen sons (see 1 Chr. 3:1–10). By the time we reach 1 Kings 1:1, the three oldest sons (Amnon, Chileab, and Absalom) have died, and Adonijah is the oldest surviving son. David’s family relations have long been chaotic. (See Holman Old Testament Commentary - 1 & 2 Kings) Here are a few takeaways - Human Frailty: Even the strongest leaders will eventually face physical weakness, emphasizing the temporality of human life. The Need for Succession Planning: Leadership transitions must be guided by wisdom and foresight to ensure stability. God’s Sovereignty in Leadership: As David’s era ends, God’s plan for the next leader becomes the focal point, reminding readers that God orchestrates leadership according to His will. A Reminder of Mortality: David’s condition serves as a reflection on human mortality and the importance of preparing for what comes after. Symbol of Spiritual Decline: David’s physical decline might also serve as a parallel for the challenges Israel faces when leaders grow distant from God’s guidance. You know you are getting older when... Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work. The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your bifocals. You finally reach the top of the ladder and it is leaning against the wrong wall. You look forward to a dull evening. You sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going. Your knees buckle and your belt won't. You sink your teeth into a steak and they stay there. Ah, the adventures of getting old! As we open the curtain on the book of 1 Kings, we find David in the Winter Years of Life. The shadows of the grave are getting closer. David is getting older. Notice verse one. (Mattoon's Treasures – Treasures from 1 Kings) 1 Kings 1:2 So his servants said to him, "Let them seek a young virgin for my lord the king, and let her attend the king and become his nurse; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm." BGT 1 Kings 1:2 καὶ εἶπον οἱ παῖδες αὐτοῦ ζητησάτωσαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν τῷ βασιλεῖ παρθένον νεάνιδα καὶ παραστήσεται τῷ βασιλεῖ καὶ ἔσται αὐτὸν θάλπουσα καὶ κοιμηθήσεται μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ καὶ θερμανθήσεται ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν ὁ βασιλεύς LXE 1 Kings 1:2 And his servants said, Let them seek for the king a young virgin, and she shall wait on the king, and cherish him, and lie with him, and my lord the king shall be warmed. KJV 1 Kings 1:2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat. NET 1 Kings 1:2 His servants advised him, "A young virgin must be found for our master, the king, to take care of the king's needs and serve as his nurse. She can also sleep with you and keep our master, the king, warm." CSB 1 Kings 1:2 So his servants said to him: "Let us search for a young virgin for my lord the king. She is to attend the king and be his caregiver. She is to lie by your side so that my lord the king will get warm." ESV 1 Kings 1:2 Therefore his servants said to him, "Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm." NIV 1 Kings 1:2 So his servants said to him, "Let us look for a young virgin to attend the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm." NLT 1 Kings 1:2 So his advisers told him, "Let us find a young virgin to wait on you and look after you, my lord. She will lie in your arms and keep you warm." young virgin: De 10:8 1Sa 16:21,22 2Ch 29:11 nurse: Heb. be a cherisher unto him lie: Ge 16:5 De 13:6 2Sa 12:3 Mic 7:5 keep warm: Ec 4:11 DAVID'S UNIQUE WAY OF STAYING WARM! So - For this reason. Therefore. Term of conclusion. What is the conclusion and why did they reach this unusual conclusion? His servants said to him, "Let them seek a young virgin for my lord the king, and let her attend the king and become his nurse ("caregiver"; Lxx - thalpo = tenderly care for, keep warm); and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm - This young virgin was not just David's heating blanket, but was to attend and nurse David. Ancient historians record that this was kind of therapy was practiced into the Middle Ages.

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Guzik has an very interesting observation - It was proper because David almost certainly made this young woman his concubine. While it was unwise for David to take more than one wife, it was not at that time illegal or specifically prohibited by God. Later, Adonijah would condemn himself to death by asking for Abishag as a wife. His request would only be so outrageous if Abishag had belonged to David as a concubine (but see Gotquestions commentary below). THOUGHT - Over time, Israel's kings (like David and Solomon) took many concubines, often as part of political alliances, which was later criticized by prophets as a deviation from God's ideal for marriage. Famous Biblical Examples included Hagar, Abraham’s concubine and the mother of Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-16+), Rizpah, A concubine of Saul who fiercely protected her sons (2 Samuel 21:10–11+), Abishag. though she was more of a caretaker to King David, her status was likened to that of a concubine (1 Kings 1:3–4). The Bible reflects cultural practices of its time but also highlights the challenges and conflicts that arose from these arrangements, such as jealousy and strife between wives and concubines (e.g., Sarah and Hagar in Genesis 21:1-34+). Concubinage in ancient Israel reflected the social and economic realities of a patriarchal society but as alluded to above often led to family conflicts and moral challenges. And even in the case of David's concubine Abishag, Adonijah's desire to have her after David's death, ultimately led to Adonijah's death (that's family conflict to the max!) While concubinage was culturally accepted, it was never God's ideal for marriage, which is always to be one man and one woman in a covenant relationship for one life (Genesis 2:24+). QUESTION - Who was Abishag in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Abishag was a Shunammite woman whose account can be found in 1 Kings 1 and 2. She was connected to King David in a very interesting manner. As David advanced in years, his health declined. Eventually, whether through declining faculties or an illness, he was unable to keep warm, even when fully clothed. It seems this ailment was a particular problem during the night, so David’s servants devised a plan to keep him warm. They presented their idea to David: “Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm” (1 Kings 1:2). King David agreed, and, in searching for an exceptionally beautiful woman, they found Abishag. Abishag, who was a “very beautiful” virgin (1 Kings 1:4), was brought to live at the palace. There she saw to King David’s needs and warmed him with her body at night. The Bible states there was no sexual relationship between the two of them; it was a matter of a caregiver attending her charge (1 Kings 1:4), although it was assumed that Abishag would become a de facto member of David’s harem—a concubine or secondary wife. Abishag’s story continues after David’s death. David’s son Solomon had been chosen to take the throne, but another of David’s sons, Adonijah, styled himself as king instead (1 Kings 1:5). He was older than Solomon and had plenty of followers, so Adonijah posed a real threat to Solomon’s succession. Even as Adonijah was celebrating his coronation as king, David had Solomon anointed king at Bathsheba’s and Nathan’s request. Hearing the news of his brother’s installation as king, Adonijah was afraid and appealed to Solomon that he be allowed to live in spite of his designs on the throne. Solomon granted him mercy (1 Kings 1:5–53). Unfortunately, Adonijah did not stop scheming for long, and he had his eye on Abishag. When David passed away and Solomon began his rule, Adonijah approached Bathsheba and requested that she go before King Solomon and ask him to give him Abishag as a wife (1 Kings 2:13–17). She relayed the request, but Solomon saw through Adonijah’s plot. To marry a former king’s wife was to lay claim to the throne, and, since Abishag was considered one of David’s concubines (even though they had never been intimate), Adonijah’s request to marry her was full of intrigue. In short, Adonijah was renewing his bid for Solomon’s throne. This was the last straw, and Solomon ordered that Adonijah be executed immediately (verses 19–25). QUESTION - Why did David need Abishag to keep him warm when he had wives? ANSWER - Many ancient customs are strange to modern readers of the Bible, especially those of us who have never lived in cultures embracing polygamy or absolute monarchy. The incident of Abishag sleeping—chastely—in David’s bed is definitely a puzzling story. We’ll start with the Scripture passage in which Abishag is brought to David: “When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him. So his attendants said to him, ‘Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm.’ Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. The woman was very beautiful; she took care of the king and waited on him, but the king had no sexual relations with her” (1 Kings 1:1–4). Even with extra blankets, the elderly King David could not generate enough body heat on his own to maintain a healthy temperature. A lifetime that had included being a fugitive, living in caves, being exposed to the elements, and fighting hard-fought battles had finally taken its toll on his aging body (see 1 Samuel 20:1; 22:1; 2 Samuel 21:17). David’s condition, called hypothermia, is not unusual in older people: toward the end of his long life, former President Ronald Reagan requested that his favorite electric blanket be returned from the ranch he had sold. Of course, no technology in ancient Israel would provide a continual source of warmth through the cool Judean nights. Only a human body had the capacity to do that. David had at least four wives whose names we know—Ahinoam, Abigail (2 Samuel 2:2), Eglah (2 Samuel 3:5), and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:27)—and possibly others such as Absalom’s mother Maakah. This doesn’t count the concubines he had (2 Samuel 5:13). The natural question is, with plenty of female intimates to keep David warm, why did his attendants seek out a beautiful virgin stranger for the job? The following are several issues regarding Abishag’s “job description”: 1. Why a woman? A boy or young man would not have been considered for the job, in order to prevent even the appearance of David having a homosexual relationship (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). 2. Why a young virgin? This quality ensured that whoever was chosen for the job wouldn’t be taken away from a jealous fiancé or husband, nor would she be a widow familiar with the sexual practices of the marriage bed. We don’t know what hopes and dreams Abishag had for her own life, but in the ancient world where uncertainty and struggle were lifelong challenges for most people, the honor of being brought into the king’s household would mean a lifetime of well-being and security for her and her family (1 Kings 4:27). 3. Why beautiful? Human nature never changes. Then as now, people prized physical beauty (Genesis 29:17; Deuteronomy 21:11; 1 Samuel 9:2; 2 Samuel 14:25; Esther 2:2–4). Kings had the privilege and power to surround themselves with beauty, and David’s servants likely thought to win his favor by bringing a beautiful woman into his palace. 4. Why not a queen or wife? A queen could not be ordered by mere servants to stay and keep the king warm through the night; she was above following the commands of those of lesser rank. To presume to direct the queen would be an affront to her royal dignity, and it would also reflect badly on the king. 5. Why not a concubine? Though concubines had a lesser status than wives, they, too, possessed a certain rank and dignity. Absalom demonstrated this fact when, as part of his attempted coup, he slept with his father’s concubines (2 Samuel 16:21–22). Moreover, the personal dynamics within harems were infamous for the jealousy and infighting they engendered. To select one wife or concubine over another would be a mark of favoritism that would likely incite resentment and squabbling in the household. Abishag was neither a wife nor a concubine (ED: CONTRA GUZIK'S COMMENT ABOVE. CLEARLY THIS POINT IS DEBATABLE AND PERHAPS A MATTER OF SEMANTICS!), but her position in the king’s household gave her such high prestige that David’s son Adonijah asked to marry her after the king’s death, but Solomon recognized this as an attempt by Adonijah to make himself king, and he had his brother executed (1 Kings 2:21–25). Nowhere does the Bible approve of David’s state of affairs—just the opposite! God had warned Israel through Moses that any future king “must not take many wives” (Deuteronomy 17:17). Scripture does not say that Abishag’s presence in David’s bed was a good thing, nor does it present David as a good father. His many children by multiple mothers were a cause of great trouble for him and the whole kingdom (2 Samuel 13; 2 Samuel 15; 1 Kings 12:23–25). His own son and successor, Solomon, ignoring God’s clear warning, took his father’s excesses to a shocking extreme with 700 wives and 300 concubines who led him astray and turned his heart after other gods (1 Kings 11:2–4). The kingdom itself was divided and lost by Solomon’s son shortly after his coronation, barely one generation after the glory of King David (1 Kings 12). 1 Kings 1:4 The girl was very beautiful; and she became the king's nurse and served him, but the king did not cohabit with her. did not cohabit with her knew her not: Mt 1:25 Related Passage: Matthew 1:25+ but kept her a virgin (LITERALLY - DID NOT KNOW [ginosko] HER) until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. BEAUTIFUL GIRL PLATONIC The girl was very beautiful; and she became the king's nurse and served him, but the king did not cohabit with her - NET = " but the king was not intimate with her." Literally this reads “did not know her” where the verb yada (Lxx - ginosko - know experientially, intimately) meaning “to know” is used as a euphemism for sexual relations. In Ge 4:1+ "the man had relations (yada) with his wife Eve and she conceived." It is interesting that the first time "very beautiful" was used in the life of David was in description of Bathsheba with whom he did unfortunately cohabit! (2Sa 11:2, 3-5+). Why David did not cohabit is not necessarily a reflection of his purity but his fragility as an elderly man! 1 Kings 1:5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, "I will be king." So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen with fifty men to run before him. Adonijah: 2Sa 3:4 1Ch 3:2 exalted: 1Ki 1:11 2:24 Ex 9:17 Pr 16:18 Pr 18:12 Lu 14:11 Lk 18:14 I will: De 17:15 Jdg 9:2 1Ch 22:5-11 28:5 29:1 he: De 17:16 2Sa 15:1 Isa 2:7 Related Passages: 1 Chronicles 3:1-4 Now these were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second was Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelitess; 2 the third was Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith; 3 the fifth was Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth was Ithream, by his wife Eglah. 4 Six were born to him in Hebron, and there he reigned seven years and six months. And in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor. Psalm 75:6-7 For not from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the desert comes exaltation; 7 But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another. James 4:6,10 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”....Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. Deuteronomy 17:15+ (GOD CHOOSES THE KING) you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses, one from among your countrymen you shall set as king over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman. ADONIJAH MAKES A BAD UPWARD MOVE Other titles - "An Upward Move that Will Lead Downward," "Adonijah’s Ambition" "The Self-Proclaimed King" "A Royal Parade of Pride" "Adonijah Exalts Self" "Pride Before the Fall" "A Kingdom Claimed, Not Given" "Man’s Ambition Contra God’s Will" "The Destructive Path of Self-Exaltation" "Fifty Men and a False King" "Adonijah’s False Coronation" "The Reckless Pursuit of Power" Now - This is used, especially in conversation, to draw attention to a particular statement or point in a narrative. Now Adonijah sought to fill the political vacuum created by David's demise. Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, "I will be king" (literally "will reign") - And he followed through on his desire (1Ki 1:11). It is always a dangerous thing to exalt self, for as Jesus repeated "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled" (Lk 14:11+, Lk 18:14+) Haggith was the fifth wife of David and the mother of his fourth son, Adonijah who was born in Hebron David's capital at the time (2Sa 3:4-5+, 2Ch 3:2). Adonijah was David's oldest living son (2Sa 3:2-4; 2Sa 13:28, 2Sa 18:14) and so in theory was next in line to the throne, but as discussed below that was not God's will or David's desire. Adonijah was David's fourth son (2Sa 3:4) and, after the deaths of Amnon, Absalom, and presumably Chileab (child with Abigail), would have expected to be next in line for the throne. However, Adonijah knew that David was determined to make Solomon king and that Solomon was God's choice to rule (1Ki 2:15) and thus he tried to seize the throne. Sin is a perversion of God's will and this was willful sin because Adonijah knew God's will! Furthermore, the wages of sin are death, a price Adonijah would soon pay for his sin! Do not be deceived. God is not mocked and if we sow to the flesh we are guaranteed to reap corruption (Gal 6:7-8+). Adonijah felt "entitled" and that he should succeed his father, even though both David and God Himself had chosen Solomon, the son of David's favorite wife, Bathsheba, as the next king (1Ch 22:9,10; 1Ki 1:13). Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. The events in this section are an apt illustration of the teaching by James 3:13-18+ Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. So - For this reason. What reason? What was his concluding action? He prepared for himself chariots and horsemen with fifty men to run before him - This should "ring a bell" if you have been reading about David's life. Absalom had manifested this same rebellious spirit when he "provided for himself a chariot and horses and fifty men as runners before him." (2Sa 15:1+) This parallel between Absalom and Adonijah is played out in that both sought to be king against the will of God and both lost their lives. Wiseman on prepared for himself chariots and horsemen - “In effect this was a personal military force designed to anticipate Solomon’s claim by a coup d’etat. (Out) runners were part of a close royal bodyguard.” IVP Background Commentary - It was common practice for persons of high political status to display their authority by riding in a chariot, accompanied by an entourage of runners Matthew Henry Concise - Verses 5-10. Indulgent parents are often chastised with disobedient children, who are anxious to possess their estates. No worldly wisdom, nor experience, nor sacredness of character, can insure the continuance in any former course of those who remain under the power of self-love. But we may well wonder by what arts Joab and Abiathar could be drawn aside. Haggith was one of David’s wives during his time in Hebron, where several of his children were born. According to 2Sa 3:4; 1 Ki 1:5,11; 2:13; 1Ch 3:2 she was the fifth wife of David and the mother of his fourth son, Adonijah. The latter was born in Hebron while David's capital was there (2Sa 3:4,5). Adonijah’s status as one of David’s older sons gave him a claim to the throne, especially after the deaths of Amnon (David's firstborn) and Absalom (his third son). Haggith is mentioned primarily in genealogical contexts, where her identity is tied to her son Adonijah. She is named five times in the Bible, always in connection with Adonijah. Adonijah’s attempt to usurp the throne (1 Kings 1) may have reflected the influence of his mother, Haggith, although the Bible does not explicitly state her involvement. As a queen mother, Haggith may have hoped for greater prominence through her son’s ascension but this is supposition. Haggith’s legacy is tied to her son Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne. Adonijah’s ambition and ultimate failure (1 Kings 1:5-53; 2:13-25) marked a significant turning point in Israel’s history, leading to Solomon’s solidification as David’s chosen successor. Adonijah exalts himself and toots his own horn saying, "I will be king!" As the shadow of death approaches David's bed, his home problems still plague him as another son seeks to take the throne. Adonijah follows the same path as Absalom. He is less deceitful than his brother. Adonijah is motivated by pride. He is handsome and has a very high opinion of himself. His will is unchecked and rarely curbed (vs.6). He is a spoiled and undisciplined man. Amnon, the firstborn son is dead. Absalom's command killed him. Chileab is believed to have died at an early age. Absalom was killed by Joab. Adonijah is next in line for the throne and assumes he will be king. This is why he exalts himself and toots his own horn. Adonijah has forgotten the God factor. He is not God's man and part of God's will and plan for the nation of Israel. Rod Mattoon - The Folly of Exalting Yourself or Tooting Your Own Horn When you toot your own horn and lift up yourself, you will eventually fall down and your glory will fade. When Ptolemy, outstanding astronomer and mathematician of the second century, decided to build the Pharos, he chose Sostratus to design the mammoth lighthouse which became later one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Ptolemy insisted that the lighthouse should bear his inscription as a personal memorial; however, Sostratus didn't think the king should get all the credit. He therefore put the title of Ptolemy on the front of the lighthouse in a thick plaster which would be eye catching at first, but later would be worn away by the elements of the weather. Secretly Sostratus cut his own name in the granite under the plaster. For decades the sea dashed against the plaster inscription and gradually eroded it. Though it lasted the lifetime of Ptolemy, it finally was obliterated, leaving the name "Sostratus" boldly and clearly exposed in the granite. Worldly fame often disappears before the relentless waves of time. The Bible warns us about strutting our feathers like a peacock. Luke 14:11—For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Proverbs 17:19—He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. Proverbs 16:18—Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. God's advice for us.... 1 Corinthians 10:12—Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Proverbs 30:32—If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. (Mattoon's Treasures – Treasures from 1 Kings.) Josephus, Antiq. 7.14.4 - 4. Now the fourth son of David was a beautiful young man, and tall; born to him of Haggith his wife. He was named Adonijah, and was in his disposition like to Absalom; and exalted himself, as hoping to be King; and told his friends that he ought to take the government upon him. He also prepared many chariots, and horses, and fifty men to run before him. When his father saw this, he did not reprove him, nor restrain him from his purpose: nor did he go so far as to ask wherefore he did so? Now Adonijah had for his assistants Joab, the captain of the army; and Abiathar the High Priest. And the only persons that opposed him were Zadok the High Priest, and the Prophet Nathan, and Benaiah, who was Captain of the guards, and Shimei, David’s friend: with all the other most mighty men. Now Adonijah had prepared a supper, out of the city, near the fountain that was in the King’s paradise, and had invited all his brethren except Solomon; and had taken with him Joab, the Captain of the army, and Abiathar, and the rulers of the tribe of Judah; but had not invited to this feast neither Zadok the High Priest, nor Nathan the Prophet, nor Benaiah, the Captain of the guards, nor any of those of the contrary party. This matter was told by Nathan the Prophet to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother; that Adonijah was King; and that David knew nothing of it: and he advised her to save her self, and her son Solomon; and to go by her self to David, and say to him, that “He had indeed sworn that Solomon should reign after him; but that, in the mean time, Adonijah had already taken the Kingdom.” He said, that he, the Prophet himself, would come after her, and, when she had spoken thus to the King, would confirm what she had said. Accordingly Bathsheba agreed with Nathan, and went in to the King, and worshipped him, and when she had desired leave to speak with him, she told him all things in the manner that Nathan had suggested to her; and related what a supper Adonijah had made, and who they were whom he had invited; Abiathar the High Priest, and Joab the General, and David’s sons, excepting Solomon, and his intimate friends. She also said, that “All the people had their eyes upon him, to know whom he would choose for their King.” She desired him also to consider, how, after his departure, Adonijah, if he were King, would slay her, and her son Solomon. QUESTION - Who was Adonijah in the Bible? ANSWER - Adonijah was the fourth son of King David. Adonijah’s mother was Haggith, one of David’s wives. Adonijah is best known for his failed attempts to usurp the throne of Israel after his father’s death. Adonijah was “a very handsome man” (1 Kings 1:6) with a flair for showmanship (1Ki 1:5), but he was also badly behaved. Scripture indicates that the reason for Adonijah’s misbehavior was that King David had neglected his discipline: “His father had never rebuked him by asking, ‘Why do you behave as you do?’” (1Ki 1:6). When David was old and on his deathbed, Adonijah—like his brother Absalom before him (2 Samuel 15)—gathered an army and put himself forward as king, regardless of the fact that David’s chosen successor was Solomon. Some influential men supported Adonijah’s move, including Joab, the captain of the army; and Abiathar the priest. But others opposed Adonijah’s plans, including Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and David’s wife Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:8). Adonijah assembled his followers and offered a great number of sacrifices as part of his coronation ceremony (1 Kings 1:9). Nathan heard of Adonijah’s activity, and he approached Solomon’s mother and David’s wife, Bathsheba, encouraging her to go before the aged, ailing king and apprise him of the situation (1Ki 1:11–13). King David responded by ordering that Solomon be taken immediately to Gihon to be anointed by Nathan and Zadok as king. After Solomon was anointed, all the people rejoiced with trumpets, music, and shouts of praise so loud that “the ground shook with the sound” (1Ki 1:40). As Adonijah’s crowd was finishing their feast, they heard the trumpets sounding in Gihon, and Adonijah asked what was the meaning of the noise. A priest named Jonathan gave Adonijah the news of Solomon’s anointing (1Ki 1:41-48). Adonijah’s supporters quickly dispersed, and, fearing for his life, Adonijah fled to the temple and appealed for clemency by taking hold of the horns of the altar (1Ki 1:49-50) . Solomon allowed Adonijah to come before him peaceably and promised him safety, as long as he was found worthy; however, Solomon warned, “If evil is found in him, he will die” (1Ki 1:52). Adonijah was then allowed to return home. In spite of receiving mercy, Adonijah did not stop scheming. After King David’s death, he approached Bathsheba and implored her to ask Solomon to give him the hand of David’s former nurse, Abishag, in marriage (1Ki 2:13-17). This request showed that Adonijah still had designs on the throne, and Solomon was enraged. He ordered Adonijah to be executed, and the sentence was carried out that same day (1Ki 2:23-25). Solomon also dealt with Adonijah’s allies, removing Abiathar from the priesthood and executing Joab. GotQuestions.org Getting What We Want Adonijah . . . put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” 1 Kings 1:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Kings 1:5, 32–37 Aaron Burr anxiously awaited the result of the tie-breaking vote from the US House of Representatives. Deadlocked with Thomas Jefferson in the 1800 race for the presidency, Burr had reason to believe that the House would declare him the winner. However, he lost, and bitterness gnawed at his soul. Nurturing grievances against Alexander Hamilton for not supporting his candidacy, Burr killed Hamilton in a gun duel less than four years later. Outraged by the killing, his country turned its back on him, and Burr died a dour old man. Political power plays are a tragic part of history. When King David was nearing death, his son Adonijah recruited David’s commander and a leading priest to make him king (1 Kings 1:5–8). But David had chosen Solomon as king (v. 17). With the help of the prophet Nathan, the rebellion was put down (vv. 11–53). Despite his reprieve, Adonijah plotted a second time to steal the throne, and Solomon had him executed (2:13–25). How human of us to want what’s not rightfully ours! No matter how hard we pursue power, prestige, or possessions, it’s never quite enough. We always want something more. How unlike Jesus, who “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross”! (Philippians 2:8). What do your desires and goals tell you about your heart? What do you need to give to God today? Dear God, please help me fill the role You’ve given me and not to covet more. Help me trust You in everything. Power Struggle The Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses. —Daniel 5:21 Today's Scripture: 1 Kings 1:15-31 The president of a company in Michigan had suffered a minor stroke, and he was not spending much time at the office. He didn’t know that one of his sons, with the help of two vice presidents, was scheming to take over the firm. He learned of their plot just in time, though, and was able to retain control. In some parts of the world, power struggles result in assassinations, bloody coups, or civil wars. We see power struggles in politics all the time. They also occur in neighborhoods, families, and even in churches. Adonijah made a power move to grab the throne of Israel (1 Ki. 1:5-10). But God had other plans. Bathsheba (David’s wife) and Nathan the prophet were able to stop the takeover (vv.11-31), and God’s appointed leader, Solomon, soon became king (vv.38-40; 2:12). The Most High still rules over kingdoms of men, He gives the control to whomever He will; All people must bow to His sovereign plan, And know that His purposes He will fulfill. —Hess The most powerful position on earth is kneeling before the Lord of the universe. 1 Kings 1:6 His father had never crossed him at any time by asking, "Why have you done so?" And he was also a very handsome man, and he was born after Absalom. BGT 1 Kings 1:6 καὶ οὐκ ἀπεκώλυσεν αὐτὸν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ οὐδέποτε λέγων διὰ τί σὺ ἐποίησας καί γε αὐτὸς ὡραῖος τῇ ὄψει σφόδρα καὶ αὐτὸν ἔτεκεν ὀπίσω Αβεσσαλωμ LXE 1 Kings 1:6 And his father never at any time checked him, saying, Why hast thou done thus? and he was also very handsome in appearance, and his mother bore him after Abessalom. KJV 1 Kings 1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom. NET 1 Kings 1:6 (Now his father had never corrected him by saying, "Why do you do such things?" He was also very handsome and had been born right after Absalom.) CSB 1 Kings 1:6 But his father had never once reprimanded him by saying, "Why do you act this way?" In addition, he was quite handsome and was born after Absalom. ESV 1 Kings 1:6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, "Why have you done thus and so?" He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom. NIV 1 Kings 1:6 (His father had never interfered with him by asking, "Why do you behave as you do?" He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.) NLT 1 Kings 1:6 Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, "Why are you doing that?" Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome. had : 1Sa 3:13 Pr 22:15 Pr 23:13,14 29:15 Heb 12:5,6 very: 1Sa 9:2 1Sa 10:23 2Sa 14:25 born after Absalom: 2Sa 3:3,4 1Ch 3:2 Related Passages: Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. Proverbs 23:13 Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. Proverbs 29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul. ANOTHER FRUIT OF FAILURE TO DISCIPLINE His father had never crossed him at any time by asking, "Why have you done so?" - NET - "his father had never corrected him by saying, "Why do you do such things?" Why this detail? It explains why he would dare seek to make himself king against his father's wishes. His father had not kept anything from him before, so why would he keep the monarchy from him now? David had essentially "inverted Pr 22:6 and had not trained up Adonijah in the way he should have gone, and now he was old and would not follow his father's will but his own! Much of what David suffered at the hands of his children was the consequence of his failure to be a good father by properly disciplining his children (Heb. 12:5-11). Note the same failures in Eli and Samuel (1 Sam. 3:13). David was a wonderful King but a poor father. THOUGHT - To be sure David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22+), but clearly not in every respect, for God is a loving Father Who disciplines His children that they might share His holiness (Heb 12:10+) and bring forth the peaceful fruit of a righteous life (Heb 12:11+). Do you as a father lovingly discipline your children?

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Guzik has an interesting insight on why Nathan said he would follow Bathsheba - Nathan knew that David was generally indulgent towards his sons and would find it hard to believe that Adonijah would do such a thing. He arranged it so the message would be presented in a convincing way. 1 Kings 1:15 So Bathsheba went in to the king in the bedroom. Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering to the king. very old: 1Ki 1:2-4 BATHSHEBA APPROACHES AGED KING DAVID So - For this reason. What reason? What is Bathsheba's conclusion and consequent conduct? Bathsheba went in to the king in the bedroom - Bathsheba takes action based on Nathan's report of Adonijah's usurping the throne. Wives could not enter the king's presence without an invitation. This was an act of faith on Bathsheba's part. Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering to the king - David was old and cold and secluded from the pubic news, but that would soon change! 1 Kings 1:16 Then Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself before the king. And the king said, "What do you wish?" BGT 1 Kings 1:16 καὶ ἔκυψεν Βηρσαβεε καὶ προσεκύνησεν τῷ βασιλεῖ καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεύς τί ἐστίν σοι LXE 1 Kings 1:16 And Bersabee bowed, and did obeisance to the king; and the king said, What is thy request? KJV 1 Kings 1:16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? NET 1 Kings 1:16 Bathsheba bowed down on the floor before the king. The king said, "What do you want?" CSB 1 Kings 1:16 Bathsheba bowed down and paid homage to the king, and he asked, "What do you want?" ESV 1 Kings 1:16 Bathsheba bowed and paid homage to the king, and the king said, "What do you desire?" NIV 1 Kings 1:16 Bathsheba bowed low and knelt before the king. "What is it you want?" the king asked. NLT 1 Kings 1:16 Bathsheba bowed down before the king."What can I do for you?" he asked her. bowed: 1Ki 1:23 1Sa 20:41 24:8 25:23 And the: 1Ki 2:20 Es 7:2 Mt 20:21,32 BATHSHEBA IS REVERENT BEFORE THE KING Then Bathsheba bowed and prostrated (shachah; Lxx - proskuneo) herself before the king - Bathsheba was his wife but still subservient to the king, even in his old age. As alluded to above, Bathsheba's actions were an act of faith, for in Esther we learn that coming into the presence of a king was not without risks (see Esther 4:11). And the king said, "What do you wish? - David acknowledges Bathsheba's presence and recognizes she has a request (she has not yet spoken). 1 Kings 1:17 She said to him, "My lord, you swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God, saying,' Surely your son Solomon shall be king after me and he shall sit on my throne.' My lord: Ge 18:12 1Pe 3:6 you swore: 1Ki 1:13,30 BATHSHEBA BEGINS HER STORY WITH PAST FACTS She said to him, "My lord, you swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God, saying,' Surely your son Solomon shall be king after me and he shall sit on my throne - We have no record of David's oath to Bathsheba that Solomon should succeed him, but likely took place after Absalom's rebellion and death. 1 Kings 1:18 "Now, behold, Adonijah is king; and now, my lord the king, you do not know it. Adonijah: 1Ki 1:5,24 2Sa 15:10 you do not know it: 1Ki 1:11,24,27 Ac 3:17 BATHSHEBA INTERJECTS THE INTRIGUE OF ADONIJAH Now, behold, (hinneh; Lxx - idou) Adonijah is king; and now, my lord the king, you do not know it - This news would surely cause King David's old heart to beat a little faster! Behold (02009) hinneh is an interjection meaning behold, look, now; if. "It is used often and expresses strong feelings, surprise, hope, expectation, certainty, thus giving vividness depending on its surrounding context."

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Guzik - The last place we saw Nathan was in 2 Samuel 12:1-15, where he rebuked his friend David over the scandal with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. Yet now, at the end of his days, David received Nathan; the sense is that he remained a trusted friend. David did not treat Nathan as an enemy when he confronted him with a painful truth.

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Guzik - Amen! May the LORD God of my lord the king say so too: Benaiah understood an important principle – that unless the LORD God said “Amen!” to the selection of Solomon, he would not stand. Benaiah sensed that this was the LORD’s will, and offered the prayer that God would in fact say so too. G Campbell

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Guzik - This pious wish of Benaiah had an interesting fulfillment. On a human level, Solomon’s reign was indeed greater than David’s. But on a spiritual, eternal level, it was not. 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David's mule, and brought him to Gihon. Zadok: 1Ki 1:8,26 the Cherethites: 1Sa 30:14 2Sa 8:18 15:18 20:20-23 1Ch 18:17 Zep 2:5 king David's: 1Ki 1:33 LOYALISTS OBEY DAVID'S DIRECTIVE So - For this reason. Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David's mule, and brought him to Gihon - Gihon is just to the East of Mt Zion and En-rogel (site of Adonijah's celebration) was south of the city. This would make for a strange mix in the whole area of rival celebrations. Guzik on mule - Apparently, this was the Old Testament equivalent to a presidential motorcade. The mule was something special in ancient Israel. “Since Hebraic law forbade crossbreeding (Leviticus 19:19), mules had to be imported and were therefore very expensive. So while the common people rode donkeys, the mule was reserved for royalty.” (Dilday) “No subject could use any thing that belonged to the prince, without forfeiting his life. As David offered Solomon to ride on his own mule, this was full evidence that he had appointed him his successor.” (Clarke) Patterson and Austel “Gihon, the site of the anointing, was just outside the city in the Kidron Valley, on the east bank of Ophel. It was at this time Jerusalem’s major source of water and was therefore a natural gathering place of the populace”. Cherethites, and the Pelethites - Exactly who the Kerethites and Pelethites were is not known, and commentators are equally divided in their opinions about them. Some say they were people who probably lived with the Philistines, or a bit south of them and so adopted Philistine names: “We made an invasion upon the south (Negev, NIV) of the Cherethites” (1 Samuel 30:14). They may have come from Crete. 2Sa 8:18 indicates that David used them as his personal bodyguards. But many scholars don’t believe that David would have employed foreign soldiers to guard him, so they say these may have been Israelites who lived for some time among the Philistines and so adopted foreign names. Whatever the case, in the Book of Ezekiel the LORD pronounced judgment upon them (Ezekiel 25:16), as He did in the Book of Zephaniah (Zephaniah 2:5), both of which seem to indicate that the Kerethites and Pelethites were Philistine soldiers. (Borrow Freeman's Manners & Customs of the Bible, page 230) Cherethites - 10v - 1Sa 30:14; 2Sa 8:18; 2Sa 15:18; 2Sa 20:7; 2Sa 20:23; 1Ki. 1:38; 1Ki. 1:44; 1Ch 18:17; Ezek. 25:16; Zeph. 2:5 Pelethites - 7v - 2 Sam. 8:18; 2 Sam. 15:18; 2 Sam. 20:7; 2 Sam. 20:23; 1 Ki. 1:38; 1 Ki. 1:44; 1 Chr. 18:17

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Guzik - Solomon gave Adonijah a limited reprieve. This went against all custom in the ancient world. It was common, even expected, that when a new king assumed the throne, he would execute every potential rival. Solomon not only let a potential rival live, but one who openly tried to subvert his reign. This was a large measure of grace and mercy on the part of Solomon, and a good start to his reign. At the same time, Solomon wanted Adonijah to know that if he should show the slightest inclination towards rebellion, he would be killed instantly. Mercy would be withdrawn and justice would be delivered quickly. 1 Kings 1:53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and prostrated himself before King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, "Go to your house." BGT 1 Kings 1:53 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Σαλωμων καὶ κατήνεγκεν αὐτὸν ἀπάνωθεν τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου καὶ εἰσῆλθεν καὶ προσεκύνησεν τῷ βασιλεῖ Σαλωμων καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Σαλωμων δεῦρο εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου LXE 1 Kings 1:53 And king Solomon sent, and they brought him away from the altar; and he went in and did obeisance to king Solomon: and Solomon said to him, Go to thy house. KJV 1 Kings 1:53 So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house. NET 1 Kings 1:53 King Solomon sent men to bring him down from the altar. He came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon told him, "Go home." CSB 1 Kings 1:53 So King Solomon sent for him, and they took him down from the altar. He came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, "Go to your home." ESV 1 Kings 1:53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, "Go to your house." NIV 1 Kings 1:53 Then King Solomon sent men, and they brought him down from the altar. And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said, "Go to your home." NLT 1 Kings 1:53 So King Solomon summoned Adonijah, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and bowed respectfully before King Solomon, who dismissed him, saying, "Go on home." prostrated himself: 1Ki 1:16,31 2Sa 1:2 Go to: 1Ki 2:36 2Sa 14:24,28 Pr 24:21 ADONIJAH HUMBLES HIMSELF BEFORE SOLOMON So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and prostrated himself before King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, "Go to your house - His body was prostrate before Solomon, but subsequent events would prove his heart was not yielded to him as his king. In any event Solomon accepts his acknowledgement as his king and demonstrates mercy by allowing him to return to his own home. In so doing Solomon was expressing a degree of trust in Adonijah. He was in effect giving Adonijah a "good conduct reprieve."