Adonijah
“My lord is Yahweh”
Summary
The fourth son of David who attempted to seize the throne near the end of his father's life, but was thwarted when Solomon was proclaimed king; later executed for renewed scheming.
☩Family and Character
Adonijah was the fourth son of David, born to Haggith during David's reign at Hebron. After the deaths of Amnon, Chileab, and Absalom, he became the eldest surviving son and presumptive heir. He was described as very handsome, and like Absalom before him, he was spoiled by his father who "had not displeased him at any time." This indulgent upbringing contributed to his presumptuous character.
☩Attempt to Seize the Throne
When David was old and feeble, Adonijah declared himself king, gathering chariots, horsemen, and fifty men to run before him in royal style. He won the support of Joab, the commander of David's army, and Abiathar the priest, though Zadok, Benaiah, Nathan the prophet, and David's mighty men opposed him. Adonijah held a sacrificial feast at En-rogel, inviting all his brothers except Solomon and the royal officials who supported the legitimate succession.
☩Solomon's Coronation
Nathan and Bathsheba alerted the aging David to Adonijah's conspiracy. David immediately commanded that Solomon be anointed king at Gihon. The sound of the celebration reached Adonijah's party, causing terror among his guests, who fled immediately. Adonijah himself fled to the altar for sanctuary. Solomon spared him on condition that he prove himself worthy, warning that any further treachery would mean death.
☩Death
After David's death, Adonijah requested through Bathsheba that Abishag, David's young nurse, be given to him as wife. Solomon recognized this as a covert claim to the throne, since in Eastern custom, possession of a king's concubine implied a claim to his kingdom. Solomon ordered Adonijah's immediate execution by Benaiah, viewing this request as evidence of continued treasonous ambition.
☩Other Persons Named Adonijah
A Levite named Adonijah was sent by King Jehoshaphat with the princes to teach the law throughout Judah. Additionally, a chief Israelite named Adonijah (probably the same as Adonikam) joined in the religious covenant under Nehemiah.
Related Verses28 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Adonijah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Adonijah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Adonijah," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).