I Kings 1
Dear RTB’ers,
King David is getting old; who will succeed him? There is no mention in II Samuel of David swearing to Bathsheba that Solomon would be his successor, as Nathan says to Bathsheba in I Kings 1:13 (repeated by Bathsheba in I Kings 1:17 and confirmed by David in I Kings 1:30). So there must have been a clear understanding within the leadership that Solomon would become king. This expectation is further amplified by Adonijah’s invitation to all of David’s sons to join in his coronation, with Solomon excluded. Accordingly, David follows through with Bathsheba’s request and has Solomon anointed as king (vv. 30, ff.).
There remains, then, Adonijah’s attempt to take over the throne. As David’s oldest surviving son (see II Samuel 3:2-4; we assume that Chileab has also died) Adonijah saw himself as the rightful heir. By excluding Solomon from his coronation, he is effectively admitting that he is rebelling against King David’s wishes, but he continues anyhow. Did he not learn anything from Absalom’s ill-fated attempt to usurp David? Why not go directly to the king instead of forming his own plans? Thankfully, in contrast to Absalom’s rebellion, Adonijah’s supporters flee and his rebellion is short-lived. More on Adonijah tomorrow…!
Blessings.