Topical Encyclopedia
Adonijah, whose name means "My Lord is Yahweh," was the fourth son of King David, born to Haggith (
2 Samuel 3:4). He is a significant figure in the narrative of the transition of power from David to Solomon, as recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Samuel.
Background and AmbitionsAdonijah was born during David's reign in Hebron and grew up in the royal court. As David's eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah considered himself the rightful heir to the throne. The Bible describes him as a handsome man, and he was favored by his father, King David, who had never rebuked him (
1 Kings 1:6).
Attempt to Seize the ThroneAs David's health declined, Adonijah sought to establish himself as king. He conspired with key figures, including Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest, to proclaim himself king (
1 Kings 1:5-7). Adonijah held a sacrificial feast at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel, inviting all his brothers, except Solomon, and other royal officials to support his claim (
1 Kings 1:9-10).
Intervention of Nathan and BathshebaThe prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, intervened to thwart Adonijah's plans. Nathan advised Bathsheba to remind David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king. Bathsheba approached David, and Nathan confirmed her words, prompting David to take immediate action to secure Solomon's succession (
1 Kings 1:11-27).
Solomon's AnointingIn response, David ordered Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada to anoint Solomon as king over Israel. Solomon was placed on David's mule and brought to Gihon, where he was anointed with oil, and the people rejoiced, acknowledging Solomon as their king (
1 Kings 1:32-40).
Adonijah's SubmissionUpon hearing the news of Solomon's anointing, Adonijah's supporters dispersed in fear. Adonijah himself sought refuge by taking hold of the horns of the altar, a traditional act seeking mercy (
1 Kings 1:50-51). Solomon, demonstrating clemency, spared Adonijah's life on the condition of his good behavior (
1 Kings 1:52-53).
Final Attempt and DeathDespite his initial submission, Adonijah later attempted to undermine Solomon's rule by requesting to marry Abishag the Shunammite, David's former concubine. This request was perceived as a political maneuver to claim the throne, as marrying a king's concubine was a claim to his authority (
1 Kings 2:13-22). Solomon, recognizing the threat, ordered Adonijah's execution, carried out by Benaiah (
1 Kings 2:23-25).
LegacyAdonijah's account serves as a cautionary tale about ambition and the consequences of attempting to subvert God's chosen plan. His life and actions are a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to divine authority, as exemplified by the peaceful transition of power to Solomon, who was chosen by God to build the temple and lead Israel.
Library
That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That...
... CHAPTER 14. That David Made Great Preparations For The House Of God; And That, Upon
Adonijah's Attempt To Gain The Kingdom, He Appointed Solomon To Reign....
David Appointing Solomon
... this incident. David's eldest surviving son,Adonijah, had claimed the
succession, and gathered his partisans to a feast. Nathan...
Adonijah
...ADONIJAH. BY REV.... Chiliah, or Daniel, died we know not how, and thenAdonijah, the
fourth son, the eldest of those surviving, followed in Absalom's footsteps....
How Solomon, when He had Received the Kingdom Took Off His
... 2. ButAdonijah, who, while his father was living, attempted to gain possession
of the government, came to the king's mother Bathsheba, and saluted her with...
A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... The glories of David's reign, his brotherAdonijah's pretensions to the crown, the
smouldering hostility of Saul's old partisans, made his position difficult...
The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 14. That David Made Great Preparations For The House Of God; And That, Upon
Adonijah's Attempt To Gain The Kingdom, He Appointed Solomon To Reign....
Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice"
(2:Sam.15:4). That was a very different spirit from his brotherAdonijah's, who "...
Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Amnon's incest, Absalom's murder and proud rebellion,"Adonijah's scheming ambition:
truly these were grievous wounds for the man after God's own heart to...
Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Adonijah's (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Adonijah's (3 Occurrences). 1 Kings 1:49 And all
Adonijah's guests were afraid, and rose up and went every man his way. (DBY NIV).
...Nathan (42 Occurrences)
... WhenAdonijah, who was probably the eldest son living, gave a banquet to some of
his father's state officials, Nathan, who was one of those that had not been...
Adoni'jah (26 Occurrences)
Adoni'jah.Adonijah, Adoni'jah.Adonijah's .... 2 Samuel 3:4 and the fourth,Adonijah
the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; (See RSV...
Adonikam (1 Occurrence)
Supported (43 Occurrences)
... (WBS YLT). 1 Kings 2:28 And news of this came to Joab; for Joab had been one of
Adonijah's supporters, though he had not been on Absalom's side....
Supporters (12 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 2:28 And news of this came to Joab; for Joab had been one of
Adonijah's supporters, though he had not been on Absalom's side....
Absalom's (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 2:28 And news of this came to Joab; for Joab had been one ofAdonijah's
supporters, though he had not been on Absalom's side....
Enrogel (4 Occurrences)
... It was at this fountain that Jonathan and Ahimaaz lay hid after the flight of David
(2 Samuel 17:17); and here alsoAdonijah held the feast when he aspired to...
En-rogel (4 Occurrences)
... It was at this fountain that Jonathan and Ahimaaz lay hid after the flight of David
(2 Samuel 17:17); and here alsoAdonijah held the feast when he aspired to...
Joab (128 Occurrences)
... 1-13; 19:13). When David was dying Joab espoused the cause ofAdonijah
in preference to that of Solomon. He was afterwards slain...
Resources
Who was Adonijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the true issue between Adonijah and Solomon over Abishag? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of David and Nathan? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
