But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or his brother Solomon. but he did not inviteThis phrase sets the stage for understanding the political maneuvering and exclusionary tactics employed by Adonijah. The Hebrew root for "invite" is קָרָא (qara), which means to call or summon. In the context of ancient Israel, invitations to significant events like a coronation were not merely social gestures but were laden with political implications. By not inviting certain key figures, Adonijah was making a deliberate statement about who he considered allies and who he viewed as threats to his claim to the throne. Nathan the prophet
Nathan was a prominent prophet during the reign of King David, known for his role in confronting David over his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). The Hebrew name נָתָן (Nathan) means "He has given," reflecting his role as a divine messenger. Nathan's absence from Adonijah's gathering is significant because it indicates a rejection of divine counsel and prophetic authority. In the biblical narrative, prophets were often the mouthpieces of God, and excluding Nathan suggests Adonijah's disregard for God's will in the succession of the throne. Benaiah
Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was one of David's mighty warriors and a loyal supporter. His name, בְּנָיָהוּ (Benaiah), means "Yahweh has built." Benaiah's exclusion from Adonijah's circle highlights the latter's attempt to consolidate power by sidelining those loyal to David and, by extension, Solomon. Historically, Benaiah's loyalty and military prowess made him a formidable figure, and his absence from the gathering underscores the illegitimacy of Adonijah's claim. the mighty men
The "mighty men" refers to David's elite warriors, known in Hebrew as הַגִּבֹּרִים (ha-gibborim). These were seasoned fighters who had proven their loyalty and valor in battle. Their exclusion from Adonijah's feast is a strategic move to prevent any opposition from those who had been instrumental in securing David's reign. This act of exclusion reveals Adonijah's awareness of the potential threat they posed to his ambitions. or his brother Solomon
Solomon, whose Hebrew name שְׁלֹמֹה (Shlomo) means "peaceful," was David's chosen successor, as indicated in earlier scriptures (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). By not inviting Solomon, Adonijah was directly challenging the divinely ordained succession plan. This exclusion is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the ensuing conflict over the throne. Solomon's absence from the gathering is not just a familial slight but a political maneuver to undermine his legitimacy as the future king. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe son of King David who attempted to declare himself king without his father's approval. 2. Nathan the ProphetA trusted prophet of God who played a significant role in advising King David and later in supporting Solomon's claim to the throne. 3. BenaiahA loyal warrior and leader of David's mighty men, known for his bravery and loyalty to David and Solomon. 4. David's Mighty MenA group of elite warriors who were fiercely loyal to King David and played a crucial role in his military successes. 5. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, chosen by God and David to succeed David as king. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod chooses leaders according to His divine plan, not human ambition. Adonijah's exclusion of key figures like Nathan and Solomon shows a disregard for God's will. The Importance of Godly CounselNathan's absence from Adonijah's gathering highlights the importance of seeking and including godly counsel in decision-making. Loyalty and IntegrityBenaiah and the mighty men's loyalty to David and Solomon exemplifies the importance of integrity and faithfulness in supporting God's chosen leaders. The Consequences of Self-PromotionAdonijah's attempt to seize the throne without divine approval serves as a warning against self-promotion and pride. Trust in God's TimingSolomon's eventual rise to the throne demonstrates the importance of trusting in God's timing and plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Adonijah's exclusion of key figures like Nathan and Solomon reflect his understanding of God's will for leadership? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply godly counsel in our own decision-making processes? 3. How does the loyalty of Benaiah and the mighty men inspire us to support and uphold godly leadership in our communities? 4. What lessons can we learn from Adonijah's failed attempt to seize power about the dangers of self-promotion and pride? 5. How can we cultivate trust in God's timing and plan, especially when faced with uncertainty or opposition? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David by Samuel, highlighting God's choice in leadership, similar to Solomon's divine selection. 2 Samuel 12Nathan's role in confronting David about his sin, showing his position as a trusted advisor and prophet. 1 Kings 2The eventual establishment of Solomon as king, fulfilling God's promise and David's intention. Proverbs 3:5-6Trusting in God's plan, as Solomon was chosen by God despite Adonijah's self-promotion. Psalm 37:23-24The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, reflecting God's sovereignty in leadership transitions. People Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's StoneTopics Benaiah, Benai'ah, Brother, Didn't, Guard, Invite, Mighty, Nathan, Ones, Prophet, Solomon, Special, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:10 5330 guard 1 Kings 1:5-10 5355 invitations
5817 conspiracies 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:9-10 4618 calf Library David Appointing Solomon
'Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29. And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30. Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31. Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Adonijah
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. It is notorious that the sons of devout men sometimes prove a curse to their parents, and bring dishonour on the cause of God. When Eve rejoiced over her first-born, she little suspected that passions were sleeping within him which would impel him to slay his own brother; and the experience of the first mother has been repeated, though in different forms, in all lands and in all ages. Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau. …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether Prayer Should be Vocal?
Objection 1: It would seem that prayer ought not to be vocal. As stated above [3025](A[4]), prayer is addressed chiefly to God. Now God knows the language of the heart. Therefore it is useless to employ vocal prayer. Objection 2: Further, prayer should lift man's mind to God, as stated above (A[1], ad 2). But words, like other sensible objects, prevent man from ascending to God by contemplation. Therefore we should not use words in our prayers. Objection 3: Further, prayer should be offered to God …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Reign of David.
2 Sam.; 1 Chron. Chs. 11-29; 1 K 1:1-2:11. His Reign over Judah. The reign of David is divided into two parts. The first part was over Judah, with the capitol at Hebron, and lasted seven and one-half years. During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the North. It is probable that both of these kings were regarded as vassals of the Philistines and paid tribute. On account of rival leaders, there was constant warfare between these two rival kings. The kingdom of Judah, however, …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
Sections. 1. Connection between the doctrine of Justification and that of Regeneration. The knowledge of this doctrine very necessary for two reasons. 2. For the purpose of facilitating the exposition of it, the terms are explained. 1. What it is to be justified in the sight of God. 2. To be justified by works. 3. To be justified by faith. Definition. 3. Various meanings of the term Justification. 1. To give praise to God and truth. 2. To make a vain display of righteousness. 3. To impute righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 1:10 NIV1 Kings 1:10 NLT1 Kings 1:10 ESV1 Kings 1:10 NASB1 Kings 1:10 KJV
1 Kings 1:10 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
