1 Reis 2
G. Campbell Morgan · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 2
Morgan - “With Solomon began, in some senses, the most splendid period in Israel’s history. The splendor, however, was largely mental and material. The spiritual is noticeably absent.” 1 Kings 2:13 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, "Do you come peacefully?" And he said, "Peacefully." Adonijah: 1Ki 1:5-10,50-53 Come: 1Sa 16:4,5 2Ki 9:18-22 1Ch 12:17,18 Lu 10:5,6 A PEACEFUL VISIT WITH A HIDDEN AGENDA Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, "Do you come peacefully?" And he said, "Peacefully. Adonijah is deceiving Bathsheba for he still harbored hidden motives of usurping Solomon. Solomon saw through Adonijah's request to marry Abishag (part of David's harem and thus an inheritor, 1Ki 1:3-4) as a scheme to gain the throne, and so ordered him put to death. David O'Brien - Today's Handbook for Solving Bible Difficulties - Page 265 - If David already had two wives, why was he so insistent on having Saul’s daughter, Michal, returned to him (2 Samuel 3:12–16)? What was so awful about Adonijah asking for Abishag as his wife? Why did Solomon have him killed because of it (1 Kings 2:13–25)? These two seemingly unrelated questions have the same answer. In both cases, marriage to the right woman would have cemented their claims to the throne. Although David had been anointed king by Samuel, he still had to deal with the political problem of claiming the throne. Even after Saul’s death, some people believed the throne still belonged to Saul and ought to go to one of his sons or grandsons. By reclaiming Michal, David established himself as one of Saul’s heirs. Solomon’s response to Adonijah’s request for Abishag is triggered by the knowledge that his brother is trying to link himself with the former regime by marriage, just as his father had done in his marriage to Saul’s daughter Michal. When Solomon chastised his mother for even making the request, he said, “You might as well request the kingdom for him—after all he is my older brother—yes, for him and for Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah” (1 Kings 2:22). Solomon saw through the plot of his opponents. We may surmise that Adonijah enjoyed some support within David’s own household (1 Kings 1:9–10), and his younger brother knew that his father’s concubine was all that Adonijah needed to bring to a full boil the simmering opposition to his reign. Adonijah, as Solomon’s older brother, also had a claim to the throne that many, Solomon among them, would have considered valid. He took advantage of what may have been Bathsheba’s political naivete by asking her to use her influence with Solomon to acquire Abishag as his wife. Abishag was the young girl given to David as a concubine in his advanced old age, and would have added additional legitimacy to Adonijah’s burning ambition to be king. This is the same idea that generated the shameful behavior of Absalom when, after he had taken Jerusalem, he erected a tent on the city wall and there entertained David’s concubines who had been left behind to look after the house (2 Samuel 16:20–22). We can also explain the falling out between Ish-bosheth and Abner over Rizpah, Saul’s concubine, in the same way. These are unpleasant episodes in the life of Israel, made more unpleasant when we consider the feelings of the women involved. Michal was torn from a husband who obviously loved her deeply (2 Samuel 3:15–16). Abishag’s function with David, whatever it was, gave no thought for her as a person and when David died she became a pawn in a deadly game of power politics. Rizpah and the unnamed concubines were used as symbols, and nothing more. 1 Kings 2:14 Then he said, "I have something to say to you." And she said, "Speak." 2Sa 14:12 Lu 7:40 Then he said, "I have something to say to you." And she said, "Speak. 1 Kings 2:15 So he said, "You know that the kingdom was mine and that all Israel expected me to be king; however, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother's, for it was his from the LORD. You know that the kingdom was mine: 1Ki 1:5,25 2Sa 15:6,13 16:18 for it was his from the LORD: 2Sa 7:12 12:24 1Ch 22:9,10 28:5-7 Pr 21:30 Jer 27:5-8 Da 2:22 ADONIJAH'S WORDS REFLECT HIS HIDDEN RESENTMENT So he said, "You know that the kingdom was mine and that all Israel expected me to be king - Adonijah is still fooling himself with the delusion that "all Israel expected" him to be king. He is proving himself not to be a man of worthy character (1Ki 1:52). However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother's, for it was his from the LORD - His acknowledgment of God's sovereignty should have put an end to Adonijah's foolishness, for indirectly he recognizes that his desire for the kingdom is directly against God's will. When a person is deceived by their fleshly greed and ambition, they fail to recognize that they are truly deceived. Though Adonijah may have been the expected heir by birth order, God’s plan for Solomon prevailed, demonstrating that divine purpose surpasses human traditions and expectations. 1 Kings 2:16 "Now I am making one request of you; do not refuse me." And she said to him, "Speak." deny me not: Heb. turn not away my face, Ps 132:10 Pr 30:7 ADONIJAH'S DANGEROUS REQUEST TO THE QUEEN MOTHER Now I am making one request of you; do not refuse me." And she said to him, "Speak." - Adonijah's one request (with a presumptuous "Do not refuse me"), would prove to be his last request! 1 Kings 2:17 Then he said, "Please speak to Solomon the king, for he will not refuse you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite as a wife." Abishag: 1Ki 1:2-4 2Sa 3:7 12:8 ADONIJAH'S POWER PLAY IN THE PALACE Then he said, "Please speak to Solomon the king, for he will not refuse you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite as a wife Adonijah knew she had access to King Solomon. Adonijah sought to manipulate Bathsheba by using her as a friendly mediator. He knew the association of Abishag the Shunammite with David carried symbolic significance in regard to claim to royal throne. Not all requests are as small and simple as they appear. Surely Adonijah knew this was a dangerous request but he thought he could fool Solomon. Sadly, Adonijah's fleshly ambition caused him to make a fatal request! O, the folly of fleshly ambition! Abishag, the Shunammite, was the girl who ministered to David in his old age (1Ki 1:1-4). Solomon's reaction to his mother's request shows that Adonijah was still making an attempt to gain the throne. This time, however, his method was subtle. By claiming David's concubine, with whom David had experienced no sexual union (1:4), Adonijah was in effect demonstrating his right to all that his father David possessed, including the throne. This request was a gratuitous insult from Adonijah to his younger brother Solomon, in effect assuming the role of "brother" to his own father. Abishag was David's last "wife" before he died, and had no children, so Adonijah would thus be arrogating that role to himself. Even if this were not a part of his thinking, such a relationship would clearly be an incestuous violation of the divine law (Leviticus 18:6-8,29), subject to capital punishment. 1 Kings 2:18 Bathsheba said, "Very well; I will speak to the king for you." Well: Pr 14:15 Related Passage: Proverbs 14:15 The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps. QUEEN MOTHER AGREES TO INTERCEDE Bathsheba said, "Very well; I will speak to the king for you - Bathsheba lacked wisdom and naively agreed to Adonijah's dangerous request. 1 Kings 2:19 So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king arose to meet her, bowed before her, and sat on his throne; then he had a throne set for the king's mother, and she sat on his right. rose up: Ex 20:12 Lev 19:3,32 she sat: Ps 45:9 110:1 Mt 25:33 SOLOMON HONORS THE QUEEN MOTHER So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king arose to meet her, bowed before her, and sat on his throne; then he had a throne set for the king's mother, and she sat on his right - Solomon showed honor to Bathsheba as David's wife. And of course a throne set to the right of the king would confer influence and authority. 1 Kings 2:20 Then she said, "I am making one small request of you; do not refuse me." And the king said to her, "Ask, my mother, for I will not refuse you." I am making one small request of you: Mt 20:20, 21 Joh 2:3,4 Ask: Mt 7:7-11 18:19 10:35,36 11:24 Lu 11:9, Lk 11:10 Joh 14:13,14 15:16 MAKING A NOT SO INNOCENT REQUEST! Then she said, "I am making one small request of you; do not refuse me." And the king said to her, "Ask, my mother, for I will not refuse you - His "one small request" seemed innocent enough on the surface, but hid Adonijah's true motives from Bathsheba. 1 Kings 2:21 So she said, "Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as a wife." Let Abishag: 2Sa 16:21,22 BATHSHEBA DOES NOT SEE ADONIJAH'S RUSE So she said, "Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as a wife - One could call this verse "The Politics of Power," but Adonijah would soon learn it would be better titled "The Cost of Ambition!" 1 Kings 2:22 King Solomon answered and said to his mother, "And why are you asking Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him also the kingdom--for he is my older brother--even for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah!" Why are you asking Abishag : Mt 20:22 Mk 10:38 Jas 4:3 Ask for him also the kingdom: 1Ki 1:5-7,11,24,25 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 16:21-22 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. ASKING FOR ABISHAG TANTAMOUNT TO ASKING FOR THE KINGDOM King Solomon answered and said to his mother, "And why are you asking Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him also the kingdom--for he is my older brother--even for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah - Solomon was wise even in his early reign for he recognized this as Adonijah's "back door" attempt to reclaim the crown of David if he had David's concubine. (See Absalom's move above after usurping David.) QUESTION - Who was Abiathar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Along with Zadok, Abiathar served as one of the chief priests during David’s reign as king. Abiathar’s name means “father of excellence” or “father of abundance” in Hebrew. Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, who served as a priest at Nob (1 Samuel 21:1; Mark 2:26) until he and the other priests were murdered by King Saul (1 Samuel 21:1–19). Being the only son of Ahimelech to escape the massacre at Nob, Abiathar fled to David and was promised protection by the future king (1 Samuel 21:20–23). Because Abiathar served David and acted as priest for all of David’s men in hiding, he was made high priest along with Zadok once David began his reign as king (1 Chronicles 15:11). This was a natural role for him to take on, as he had kept the ephod and administered the Urim and Thummin when David sought direction from the Lord (1 Samuel 23:6; 30:7). When Absalom rebelled against his father and attempted to usurp the throne, Abiathar remained loyal to David. Abiathar was among those who fled the capital city with David (2 Samuel 15:24). Zadok and the Levites carried the ark of the covenant, “and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city” (2 Samuel 15:24). Although David admired the loyalty and faithfulness of the priests, he ordered them to return to the city with the ark. This proved helpful because they were then able to send word to David about Absalom’s plans (2 Samuel 15:27–29; 17:15–16). David was restored to his throne and Abiathar to his priestly office. Things changed as David’s son Solomon took the throne. Abiathar was not loyal to the new king. Adonijah, another one of David’s sons, put himself forward as king with the help of Joab (one of David’s nephews) and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:5, 7). Once the threat from Adonijah was neutralized, King Solomon dealt with the conspirators. One of Solomon’s actions was to remove Abiathar from the priestly office. This fulfilled the Lord’s word of judgment over Eli and his descendants, which impacted Abiathar since he was related to Eli (1 Samuel 3:12–14; 1 Kings 2:27). It was only because of the priest’s loyal service to David that Solomon did not kill him. Solomon told Abiathar, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and shared all my father’s hardships” (1 Kings 2:26). Zadok replaced Abiathar as priest under Solomon (1 Kings 2:35). Abiathar lived most of his life in faithful service to the Lord, but he did not finish well. Instead of siding with the rightful king of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 1:17), Abiathar assisted one of David’s rebellious sons who desired to rule. He allowed earthly matters to become his focus, which cost him the priestly office. Like Abiathar, we can easily get caught up in worldly schemes and lose sight of God’s plan. Rather than seeking our own way or chasing what seems politically expedient, we should seek to faithfully follow God. Then, when our time on earth is done, we can state with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7, NLT). Abiathar - 22v - 1 Sam. 22:20; 1 Sam. 22:21; 1 Sam. 22:22; 1 Sam. 23:6; 1 Sam. 23:9; 1 Sam. 30:7; 2 Sam. 8:17; 2 Sam. 15:24; 2 Sam. 15:27; 2 Sam. 15:29; 2 Sam. 15:35; 2 Sam. 15:36; 2 Sam. 17:15; 2 Sam. 19:11; 2 Sam. 20:25; 1 Ki. 1:7; 1 Ki. 1:19; 1 Ki. 1:25; 1 Ki. 1:42; 1 Ki. 2:22; 1 Ki. 2:26; 1 Ki. 2:27; 1 Ki. 2:35; 1 Ki. 4:4; 1 Chr. 15:11; 1 Chr. 18:16; 1 Chr. 24:6; 1 Chr. 27:34; Mk. 2:26 Abiathar's Background: The name Abiathar comes from the Hebrew אֶבְיָתָר (Evyatar), and its meaning is often interpreted as: "Father of abundance" "My father is great" "My father excels" The name reflects a connection to divine provision and greatness, which aligns with Abiathar’s role as a priest and his association with God’s service. Son of Ahimelech: Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, who served as the high priest in Nob during King Saul's reign (1 Samuel 22:20). Sole Survivor of a Massacre: When King Saul ordered the slaughter of the priests at Nob for aiding David, Abiathar was the only priest to escape (1 Samuel 22:21). He fled to David and informed him of the tragedy. Abiathar’s Role in David’s Reign: Priest for David: Abiathar became a loyal priest to David and served him throughout his years as a fugitive and later as king. He carried the ephod, a sacred priestly garment used for seeking God's will (1 Samuel 23:6-12). Shared Priesthood: During David's reign, Abiathar served as a priest alongside Zadok (2 Samuel 8:17). Both were integral in religious duties and advising the king. Abiathar's Fall from Favor: Allegiance to Adonijah: Toward the end of David’s life, Abiathar sided with Adonijah, David’s son, who sought to claim the throne instead of Solomon (1 Kings 1:7). This choice put Abiathar in opposition to David’s will, as Solomon was the chosen successor. Removed from Priesthood: When Solomon became king, he deposed Abiathar from the priesthood as a result of his support for Adonijah. This fulfilled a prophecy that the priesthood would be taken from Eli's lineage (1 Kings 2:26-27; 1 Samuel 2:30-35). Significance of Abiathar: Symbol of Loyalty and Mistakes: Abiathar was a faithful servant to David during his reign but made a critical error by aligning with Adonijah. His life highlights both loyalty to God's anointed and the consequences of poor judgment. Fulfillment of Prophecy: His removal from the priesthood marks the end of Eli’s priestly line, as foretold in 1 Samuel 2:27-36. Human Complexity: Abiathar’s life demonstrates the complexities of faithfulness, politics, and divine justice in biblical history. QUESTION - What was the true issue between Adonijah and Solomon over Abishag? ANSWER - In King David’s old age, he developed circulatory problems, and a beautiful young woman named Abishag was brought to the king to attend him and “keep him warm.” Abishag slept in the king’s bed to provide body heat, though she and David were never sexually intimate (1 Kings 1:1–4). After David’s death, his son Solomon became king. Shortly afterward, another of David’s sons, Adonijah, who had at one time tried to take over the kingdom, hatched another plot to wrest control from King Solomon. Adonijah’s first step was to ask Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, to secure Solomon’s permission to give him Abishag as a wife. Adonijah’s request seems innocuous enough, but it was full of subterfuge. Solomon’s initial response was one of indignation. He said to 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” (1 Kings 2:22). Solomon rightly saw Adonijah’s desire to marry Abishag as part of his brother’s ongoing attempt to take over the kingdom of Israel. In those days of royal harems, taking possession of a king’s concubines was a declaration of one’s right to the throne. This had been one of Absalom’s methods when he led a coup against David (2 Samuel 16:22). Since Abishag was considered part of David’s harem, her marriage to Adonijah would have strengthened the usurper’s claim to the throne. In judgment for Adonijah’s request, Solomon said, “God do so to me and more also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life!” (1 Kings 2:23). He quickly sent Benaiah, one of their father’s mighty men, to execute Adonijah. The tension between Adonijah and Solomon had been longstanding. Adonijah was older than Solomon and therefore, under normal circumstances, in line before Solomon for the throne. But God promised that Solomon would be king. Adonijah had already attempted to set himself up as king while David was still alive; when David was notified of the plot, he quickly made Solomon’s kingship official (1 Kings 1:38–40). Adonijah’s followers had fled, leaving him in a situation where he could have been killed for his rebellion. King Solomon mercifully granted Adonijah his life on the condition that he pay homage to the king and give up his claim to the throne (1 Kings 1:52–53). Yet Adonijah was clearly not done in his attempts to become king. His plan to acquire Abishag as a wife was seen for what it was—a threat to Solomon’s rule. Adonijah’s plan cost him his life, and the sibling rivalry came to an abrupt end. The execution of Adonijah was considered part of the establishment of Solomon’s kingdom (1 Kings 2:19–25). An interesting theory put forward by some scholars is that Abishag appears later in the Song of Solomon—that she is, in fact, the Shulamite of that book (Song of Solomon 6:13). There is no solid biblical evidence for the link between the two other than a similarity between the words Shulamite and Shunammite (1 Kings 1:3). Many lessons can be learned from this account. First, it is clear that a struggle for power can cause people to turn to deceit, violence, and lawlessness. Second, God is the one who ultimately appoints rulers, not people. Third, there are consequences for sin. In Adonijah’s case, his ongoing attempt to become king led to his early and abrupt death. We are called to submit to God’s will and to live contentedly where God has placed us in life. 1 Kings 2:23 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, "May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life. God: 1Ki 20:10 Ru 1:17 1Sa 14:44 2Sa 3:9,35 19:13 2Ki 6:31 spoken: Ps 64:8 140:9 Pr 18:6,7 Ec 10:12 Lu 19:22 SOLOMON'S OATH OF JUSTICE AND JUDGMENT Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, "May God do so to me and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life - This was Adonijah's final (and fatal) mistep, reflecting the consequences of his fleshly ambition. In this case Adonijah's ambition was not aligned with God’s will and led to his downfall. By swearing by the LORD, Solomon acknowledges that justice and authority ultimately come from God. We have already seen, that the whole harem of an eastern monarch was a part of the regal succession (See note on 2 Sa 16:23); and it was treason for a subject to claim any wife or virgin who had once formed a part of it. Solomon evidently considered the request of Adonijah in this light; and was convinced that he was still aiming to seize the crown, to which he considered this as one step. But it is very doubtful, how far the plea either of policy or state necessity can justify Solomon in thus embruing his hands in his brother's blood, whatever might have been his treasonable intentions or conduct. 1 Kings 2:24 "Now therefore, as the LORD lives, who has established me and set me on the throne of David my father and who has made me a house as He promised, surely Adonijah shall be put to death today." as the Lord: 1Ki 1:29 set me: 1Ki 3:6,7 10:9 1Ch 29:23 2Ch 1:8,9 made me: Ex 1:21 1Sa 25:28 2Sa 7:11-13,27 1Ch 17:10,17,23 Ps 127:1 as he promised: 1Ch 22:10 put: 1Ki 1:52 Ec 8:11-13 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 7:11-13+ (YAHWEH PROMISES DAVID) even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you. 12 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant (SOLOMON) after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. THE COST OF ADONIJAH'S REBELLION Now therefore, as the LORD lives, Who has established me and set me on the throne of David my father and who has made me a house as He promised, surely Adonijah shall be put to death today Solomon begins with as the LORD lives, a solemn oath commonly used in the OT. Such an oath underscores the speaker's commitment to what they are saying and invokes God's eternal nature and authority as the foundation of their words. Solomon’s words affirmed that God alone establishes and sustains leadership and that his reign is the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to David. Solomon demonstrated that leadership sometimes requires difficult but necessary decisions to ensure the stability of a kingdom. 1 Kings 2:25 So King Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him so that he died. he fell: 1Ki 2:31,34,46 Jdg 8:20,21 1Sa 15:33 2Sa 1:15 4:12 Related Passages: 1 Chronicles 11:22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, mighty in deeds, struck down the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion inside a pit on a snowy day. 2 Samuel 23:20-22 Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day. 21 He killed an Egyptian, an impressive man. Now the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but he went down to him with a club and snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 22 These things Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did, and had a name as well as the three mighty men. SOLOMONS SENTENCES ADONIJAH TO DIE So King Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him so that he died. QUESTION - Who was Benaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Several men in the Bible bear the name Benaiah, but one stands out from the rest. Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was one of David’s “mighty men”—his toughest military troop. The Bible describes Benaiah as a fearless warrior noted for his heroic exploits. This Benaiah is the brilliant fighter who famously “went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion” (1 Chronicles 11:22). Benaiah was from the southern Judean city of Kabzeel. Before David became king, Benaiah was making a name for himself through numerous daring military achievements: “He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors” (2 Samuel 23:20–22). When David fled from King Saul, he placed Benaiah in command of “the thirty” (1 Chronicles 27:6), a select group of warriors second only to “the three” of highest rank and bravery. Later, when Joab was made commander-in-chief, Benaiah was appointed to a high place in David’s armed forces as commander of the Cherethites and Pelethites, an elite mercenary company in David’s bodyguard from Crete and Philistia (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:23; 23:23; 1 Chronicles 18:17). Benaiah’s loyalty to King David earned him the rank of third army commander, with 24,000 men in his division. This troop served as part of the army rotation system established by King David (1 Chronicles 27:1–6). Benaiah remained devoted to David during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 20:23; 15:18) and also when Adonijah attempted to take control of David’s throne (1 Kings 1:8). Benaiah was instrumental in safeguarding the passing of the royal succession to Solomon after David’s death and thus gained the honor of assisting in Solomon’s coronation at Gihon (1 Kings 1:32–40). As Solomon’s supreme army commander and chief bodyguard, Benaiah was responsible for executing those who opposed the new king, including Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei (1 Kings 2:25, 34, 46). Benaiah, a popular Hebrew name, means “the Lord has built.” Other men named Benaiah in the Bible include a warrior from the town of Pirathon, who was also one of David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:30; 1 Chronicles 11:31). This Benaiah was commander of 24,000 troops as well, in the eleventh division of King David’s army (1 Chronicles 27:14). 1 Chronicles 4:36 mentions a Benaiah as a descendant of Simeon and leader of his tribe. This Benaiah participated in the conquest of Gedor during Hezekiah’s reign. Another Benaiah was one of the musicians and priests who blew the trumpet as the ark of God was brought into Jerusalem by King David (1 Chronicles 15:24). Later, he was appointed to minister in music regularly before the ark of the covenant (1 Chronicles 16:6). At least eight other Benaiahs appear briefly in the Old Testament (1 Chronicles 27:34; 2 Chronicles 20:14; 31:13; Ezra 10:25, 30, 35, 43; 11:1, 13). But none of these distinguish themselves like David’s elite warrior, the Benaiah who single-handedly executed Moab’s top soldiers, jumped into a pit in a snowstorm to wrestle and kill a lion, and outmaneuvered an Egyptian giant, slaying him with his own spear. Benaiah the son of Jehoiada - 20X - 2 Sam. 8:18; 2 Sam. 20:23; 2 Sam. 23:20; 2 Sam. 23:22; 1 Ki. 1:8; 1 Ki. 1:26; 1 Ki. 1:32; 1 Ki. 1:36; 1 Ki. 1:38; 1 Ki. 1:44; 1 Ki. 2:25; 1 Ki. 2:29; 1 Ki. 2:34; 1 Ki. 2:35; 1 Ki. 2:46; 1 Ki. 4:4; 1 Chr. 11:22; 1 Chr. 11:24; 1 Chr. 18:17; 1 Chr. 27:5 1 Kings 2:26 Then to Abiathar the priest the king said, "Go to Anathoth to your own field, for you deserve to die; but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and because you were afflicted in everything with which my father was afflicted." Abiathar: 1Ki 2:35 1:7,25 Anathoth: Jos 21:18 Isa 10:30 Jer 1:1 death: Heb. a man of death, 1Sa 26:16 2Sa 12:5 *marg: carried: 1Sa 22:20-23 23:6-9 2Sa 15:24,29 1Ch 15:11,12 you were afflicted: 2Sa 15:24-29 Mt 10:42 Lu 22:28 Ga 3:4 ABIATHAR MERCIFULLY SPARED BUT BANISHED TO ANATHOTH Then to Abiathar the priest the king said, "Go to Anathoth to your own field, for you deserve to die; but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and because you were afflicted in everything with which my father was afflicted Abiathar, a priest of the line of Eli, was banished to his hometown Anathoth (Josh. 21:18; Jer. 1:1) for his part in Adonijah's attempt to gain the throne. He was spared execution because he remained faithful to David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam. 15:24ff.). The doom foretold on the house of Eli was thus fulfilled 1 Sam. 2:30-35+. Therefore the LORD God of Israel declares, ‘I did indeed say that your house (ELI) and the house of your father should walk before Me forever’; but now the LORD declares, ‘Far be it from Me–for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed. 31 ‘Behold, the days are coming when I will break your strength and the strength of your father’s house so that there will not be an old man in your house. 32 ‘You will see the distress of My dwelling, in spite of all the good that I do for Israel; and an old man will not be in your house forever. 33 ‘Yet I will not cut off every man of yours from My altar so that your eyes will fail from weeping and your soul grieve, and all the increase of your house will die in the prime of life. 34 ‘This will be the sign to you which will come concerning your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas: on the same day both of them will die. 35 ‘But I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and in My soul; and I will build him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed always. ANATHOTH - A town which lay between Michmash and Jerusalem (Isa 10:30), in the territory of Benjamin, assigned to the Levites (Josh 21:18). It was the native place of Abiathar (1 Ki 2:26), and of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 1:1; 11:21 ff, etc.). Here lay the field which, under remarkable circumstances, the prophet purchased (Jer 32:7 ff). Two of David's distinguished soldiers, Abiezer (2 Sam 23:27) and Jehu (1 Ch 12:3), also hailed from Anathoth. It was again occupied by the Benjamites after the return from the Exile (Neh 11:32, etc.). It is identified with `Anata, two and a quarter miles Northeast of Jerusalem, a small village of some fifteen houses with remains of ancient walls. There are quarries in the neighborhood from which stones are still carried to Jerusalem. It commands a spacious outlook over the uplands to the North, and especially to the Southeast, over the Jordan valley toward the Dead Sea and the mountains of Moab. There is nothing to shelter it from the withering power of the winds from the eastern deserts (Jer 4:11; 18:17, etc.). ANATHOTH - 16V - Jos. 21:18; 1 Ki. 2:26; 1 Chr. 6:60; 1 Chr. 7:8; Ezr. 2:23; Neh. 7:27; Neh. 10:19; Neh. 11:32; Isa. 10:30; Jer. 1:1; Jer. 11:21; Jer. 11:23; Jer. 29:27; Jer. 32:7; Jer. 32:8; Jer. 32:9 1 Kings 2:27 So Solomon dismissed Abiathar from being priest to the LORD, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD, which He had spoken concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh. So Solomon: This was for having taken part with Adonijah; but by it a remarkable prophecy was fulfilled. God had told Eli, (1 Sa 2:30-36) that the priesthood should depart from his house; Abiathar was the last of the priests of Ithamar, of which family was Eli the high priest. Zadok, who succeeded, was of the family of Eleazar; and by this change the priesthood reverted to its ancient channel. that he: 1Sa 2:30-36 3:12-14 Mt 26:56 Joh 12:38 19:24,28,36,37 Shiloh: Jos 18:1 Ps 78:60 Jer 7:12-14 ABIATHAR'S DISMISSAL: FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY AGAINST ELI So Solomon dismissed Abiathar from being priest to the LORD, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD, which He had spoken concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh This prophecy (1 Samuel 2:31-35) had been given over a century earlier. Abiathar was the last of the family of Eli to serve in the priesthood. 1 Kings 2:28 Now the news came to Joab, for Joab had followed Adonijah, although he had not followed Absalom. And Joab fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. Joab had: 1Ki 1:7 De 32:35 2Sa 18:2,14,15 caught: 1Ki 1:50 Ex 27:2 HORNS OF THE ALTAR NO SAFETY FOR JOAB Now the news came to Joab, for Joab had followed Adonijah, although he had not followed Absalom. And Joab fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar - Joab knew Adonijah's execution bode ill for his neck, so he headed for what he thought would be safe shelter, beneath the horns of the altar. The altar was a sacred place, and holding onto its horns symbolized an appeal for divine mercy or protection. However, Joab’s actions were not rooted in genuine repentance but in an attempt to escape justice. Recall that David charged Solomon to take the life of Joab (2Ki 2:5, 6) because Joab had killed Abner (2 Sa 3:27ff.) and Amasa (2 Sam. 20:8ff.) (not to mention spearing his son Absalom). These murders were beyond the safety of the "horns of the altar" In Ex. 21:12-14+ we read "He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. 13“But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee. 14“If, however, a man acts presumptuously toward his neighbor, so as to kill him craftily (EXACTLY WHAT JOAB DID), you are to take him even from My altar, that he may die." While the altar was a place of mercy, it was not meant to shield those guilty of premeditated murder or rebellion. Joab’s attempt to misuse the altar shows his desperation and lack of true contrition. THOUGHT - joab’s attempt to avoid accountability by fleeing to the altar demonstrates that human efforts cannot thwart divine or rightful justice. The narrative reinforces that no place, even a sacred one, can shield someone from the justice of God. True protection lies in walking in righteousness. HORNS OF THE ALTAR [ISBE] - (qare-noth ha-mizbeach): 1. The Brazen Altar: These projections at the four corners of the altar of burnt offering were of one piece with the altar, and were made of acacia wood overlaid with brass (Ex 27:2, "bronze"). In Ezekiel's altar-specifications their position is described as being on a level with the altar hearth (Ezek 43:15). Fugitives seeking asylum might cling to the horns of the altar, as did Adonijah (1Ki 1:50), which is one proof among many that worshippers had at all times access to the neighborhood of the altar. On certain occasions, as at the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Ex 29:12), and a sin offering for one of the people of the land (Lev 4:30), the horns were touched with sacrificial blood. 2. The Golden Altar: The altar of incense, standing in the outer chamber of the sanctuary, had also four horns, which were covered with gold (Ex 37:25). These were touched with blood in the case of a sin offering for a high priest, or for the whole congregation, if they had sinned unwittingly (Lev 4:7,18). QUESTION - What was the significance of the horns of the altar? ANSWER - In speaking of judgment, God says, “The horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground” (Amos 3:14). What were these horns of the altar? Why were they important? The “horns” were horn-like projections at the four corners of the altar of burnt offering. God’s instructions for the altar’s construction specified “horns”: “Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece” (Exodus 27:2). During Amos’s day, the Israelites had apostatized and had erected altars to false gods. 1 Kings 12:26-30 speaks of two such pagan altars set up in Israel, one in Dan and one in Bethel. These altars had been constructed with horns at the corners, akin to the altar in Jerusalem. When God says that the horns of the altar would fall off, He is assuring Israel that He would judge their idolatry. Indeed, God says earlier in the same verse, “On the day I punish Israel for her sins, I will destroy the altars of Bethel.” The horns of the altar in Jerusalem had provided a refuge for fugitives. Those who caught hold of the horns of the altar were granted asylum (1 Kings 1:50-53). This use of the horns sheds additional light on God’s statement in Amos 3:14. Some scholars believe that God’s promise that the horns of the altar would fall to the ground meant that there would be no place of asylum, no place to escape the coming judgment. Amos 3:15 indicates that the judgment would have deeply felt effects: “‘I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed and the mansions will be demolished,’ declares the Lord.” No amount of material prosperity would be able to save the wicked. God’s judgment would destroy both the places of spiritual and material significance. Yet the people of Israel would not be completely destroyed. Amos 3:12 says, “As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who dwell in Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed.” A remnant would survive. In their lowly state, they would be left only “the corner of a couch,” living in a state of poverty. God’s desire in this prophecy was twofold. First, He longed for Israel to repent and turn from following other gods. Second, since these predictions did come true, they attest to God’s supernatural ability to foretell the future. The destruction of the horns of the altar represents the downfall of idolatry and the removal of all safe havens. When God’s people refuse to heed His Word, He brings a just and curative discipline upon them.GotQuestions.org C H
1 Reis 2
Morgan - And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.—1 Kings 2.46. Solomon's first action was characterized by the best side of his nature. In dealing with Adonijah, clemency and dignified authority were alike manifest. The charge which David gave him was one which revealed his understanding of the secrets of true success, in so far as he called him to absolute loyalty to God. That art of this charge which had to do with fart and Shimei has been severely criticized. Much of this criticism is surely unwarranted. David knew these men by experience, and appreciated their danger to the State. He had kept his covenant with them and spared their lives. Moreover, it is to be carefully noted that in each case he left the matter of how to deal with them in the hands of Solomon, being assured of his wisdom. His words concerning the death of each were prophetic rather than vindictive. Events soon proved the accuracy of his forecast. Adonijah's request for Abishag, interpreted in the light of Eastern customs, was a movement toward rebellion. Joab and Abiathar were implicated in this movement. Solomon acted In the highest interests of the kingdom as, with clemency and yet with strict justice, he dealt with these treacherous impulses. Adonijah and Joab were slain, and Abiathar was de-posed from the priesthood. To Shimei an opportunity of life was granted on certain well-defined conditions. He broke his parole, and paid the penalty.. The words with which the story ends vindicate the action of the new king. There are times when, in the interest of the establishment of a true order, the sternest measures are the most kind. (Borrow Life applications from every chapter of the Bible)