1 Kings 1:1-37
Q.1. What was wrong with the way in which Adonijah tried to make himself king over Israel? (1 Kgs.1:1-14)
King David was old and needed special attention to be kept warm. However, he was still the king, and still held in high esteem. Amnon had been murdered by Absalom for the rape of Absalom’s sister, Tamar. Absalom himself had subsequently died in a coup. The second born, Chileab had possibly died. He did not appear in the summary list of David’s sons (c.f. 2 Sam.3:2-5). Adonijah, and some of the key advisers, probably believed that he was the next in line, and heir to the throne. Adonijah showed a complete disrespect for his father and his younger half-brother, Solomon. The writer commented – 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 (1 Kgs.1:5). He copied Absalom, his half-brother, in doing this (c.f. 2 Sam.15:1). He divided the loyalties of the principal leaders of the land. This would contribute to his own downfall (1 Kgs.1:7 c.f. 1 Kgs.1:8).
Q.2. Why was it crucial for the prophet Nathan and also Bathsheba to consult King David about this challenge to his authority? – (1 Kgs.1:11-27)
Adonijah’s ascent to the throne was a poorly kept secret (1 Kgs.1:9-10). Nathan the prophet went to Queen Bathsheba in alarm, since Adonijah’s plans had not been sanctioned by the king. Nathan knew that if Adonijah became the king, Bathsheba’s and Solomon’s lives would be in jeopardy (1 Kgs.1:11-12, 21). Nathan also knew very clearly that Adonijah was spiritually unsuited to rule, and that his plan disregarded God’s will for His people. Nathan consulted with Bathsheba on a plan to present before the aged king (1 Kgs.1:13-14). Bathsheba reminded David of his oath to Solomon that he would succeed him to the throne. She informed David that Adonijah was claiming the throne (1 Kgs.1:15-21). Nathan the prophet then confirmed Bathsheba’s news. He also told the king that he himself, plus Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the general had been by-passed by Adonijah as well (1 Kgs.1:22-27).
Q.3. How close to God was David in his old age? What was his heart’s desire for Solomon? – (1 Kgs.1:28-37)
Though David was old, he was still very much in tune with God. He still had praise for God as his life-long Redeemer, and he still remembered his promise to Bathsheba. After the son of Bathsheba had died, Nathan had confirmed that Solomon was God’s choice to succeed David, by naming him – Jedidiah, beloved of the Lord (c.f. 2 Sam. 12:24-25 c.f. 1 Chron.22:9). David called in Bathsheba, and he confirmed to her- 29 … As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, 30 surely as I vowed to you by the Lord the God of Israel, saying, ‘Your son Solomon shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place’; I will indeed do so this day (1 Kgs.1:29-30). He called for Zadok the priest, and Benaiah, to join Nathan in placing Solomon on David’s own mule. He commanded the men – 34 Let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there as king over Israel, and blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 Then you shall come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne and be king in my place; for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah (1 Kgs.1:34-35). He was clear about God’s, and his own desires – As the Lord has been with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David! (1 Kgs.1:37).