Solomon Anointed King. I Kings 1

 

I kings 1. Solomon Anointed King                                                                                                                                                                                      

David is now an old man who needs nursing care. His son Adonijah takes advantage of him in this condition, He attempts to put himself on the throne and make himself king. Adonijah was David’s fourth son, born to him in Hebron. His mother was Haggith, one of David’s wives. Adonijah was a very proud young man with a high regard for himself. He was conceited.

David never had a reputation of disciplining his family. He had a disorganized family life; organized chaos ran in David’s palace.

Joab, who had been loyal to David gives his allegiance to Adonijah. David is old, and in a short time he will be gone. Joab wants to be on the winning side.

Adonijah’s intention was to announce at the banquet that he was king. He knew that Nathan would be on Bathsheba’s side. Nathan was the one who guided David during that awful period of David’s great sin. David had made a promise to Bathsheba that their second son, Solomon, would be the next king.

When Nathan heard of Adonijah’s plan, he said to Bathsheba, “We had better alert David to what is taking place. You tell David what is happening, and I will enforce your words.”  Both Nathan and Bathsheba wanted to know if David had chosen Adonijah to reign after him. David, knew nothing about it. 

The donkey or mule is what Kings rode upon in those days. David tells Nathan to bring out his own royal mule and put Solomon upon it. Solomon is to be the next king and David put his seal of approval upon Solomon.

Adonijah’s supporters were afraid and got out of there in a hurry. They knew they would be recognized as traitors. Adonijah, fearing for his own life ran to the tabernacle and caught hold of the horns of the altar for sanctuary.

Solomon was fair to Adonijah and told him if he stays a loyal subject nothing will happen to him. Adonijah submitted himself to the new king and he was dismissed in peace.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.