And he has sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the other sons of the king, as well as Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon. He has sacrificedThe act of sacrificing in ancient Israel was deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition as a means of worship and atonement. The Hebrew word for sacrifice, "זָבַח" (zabach), implies a ritualistic offering to God. In this context, the sacrifice is not directed towards God but is a political maneuver by Adonijah to assert his claim to the throne. This highlights the misuse of religious practices for personal gain, a theme that resonates with the need for discernment in leadership. oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance
The mention of "oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep" signifies a grand and lavish event. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such abundance was a display of wealth and power. The Hebrew word for abundance, "רָב" (rav), suggests an overwhelming quantity, indicating Adonijah's attempt to impress and win the loyalty of the people and key figures. This reflects the human tendency to rely on material wealth and external displays of power rather than seeking divine guidance. and has invited all the sons of the king
The invitation to "all the sons of the king" underscores Adonijah's strategic move to consolidate support from the royal family. The Hebrew term for "invited," "קָרָא" (qara), implies a formal summoning, indicating the seriousness of the occasion. This act of inclusion, however, is selective and politically motivated, revealing the complexities of familial relationships and the potential for division when personal ambition overrides unity. Abiathar the priest
Abiathar, a descendant of Eli, was a significant religious figure, and his support would lend legitimacy to Adonijah's claim. The Hebrew name "אֶבְיָתָר" (Evyatar) means "father of abundance," which is ironic given the scarcity of true spiritual insight in his decision to support Adonijah. This highlights the danger of religious leaders aligning with political agendas that are contrary to God's will. and Joab the commander of the army
Joab, a seasoned military leader, was a powerful ally. His Hebrew name "יוֹאָב" (Yoav) means "Yahweh is father," yet his actions often contradicted this divine association. Joab's support for Adonijah reflects the potential for military power to be wielded for personal ambition rather than divine purpose, a cautionary tale about the misuse of authority. but he has not invited your servant Solomon
The exclusion of Solomon, whose Hebrew name "שְׁלֹמֹה" (Shlomo) means "peace," is telling. Solomon's absence from the gathering signifies Adonijah's awareness of Solomon's divine appointment as king, as promised by God to David. This deliberate omission underscores the tension between human ambition and divine ordination, reminding believers of the importance of aligning with God's plans rather than pursuing self-serving agendas. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe son of King David who attempts to declare himself king without his father's blessing. 2. King DavidThe reigning king of Israel, who is unaware of Adonijah's actions at this point. 3. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, whom God has chosen to succeed David as king. 4. Abiathar the PriestA priest who supports Adonijah's claim to the throne. 5. JoabThe commander of David's army, who also supports Adonijah. 6. The SacrificeAdonijah's act of sacrificing cattle, calves, and sheep as part of his self-coronation ceremony. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansDespite Adonijah's efforts, God's plan for Solomon to be king prevails. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty over our lives. The Importance of Seeking God's WillAdonijah acted without seeking God's will, leading to his downfall. We should always seek God's guidance in our decisions. The Role of Spiritual DiscernmentNathan the prophet and Bathsheba discern the situation and act wisely to ensure God's will is done. We should cultivate spiritual discernment to navigate life's challenges. The Consequences of AmbitionAdonijah's ambition leads to division and conflict. Ambition should be tempered with humility and submission to God's will. The Significance of Divine ChoiceSolomon's eventual kingship underscores the importance of divine choice over human preference. We should value God's choices in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Adonijah's attempt to become king reflect human ambition, and what can we learn about the dangers of acting outside of God's will? 2. In what ways does the account of Adonijah and Solomon illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions? 3. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in our own lives when faced with uncertainty or opposition? 4. What role does spiritual discernment play in the actions of Nathan and Bathsheba, and how can we develop this discernment in our own spiritual journey? 5. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to David through Solomon encourage us to trust in God's promises today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David as king, highlighting God's choice over human ambition. 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage will continue to rule, which is fulfilled through Solomon. 1 Kings 2The eventual establishment of Solomon as king, showing God's sovereignty and fulfillment of His promises. 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 Abiathar, Abi'athar, Abundance, Army, Beasts, Calleth, Calves, Captain, Cattle, Commander, Death, Fat, Fatling, Fatlings, Fatted, Fattened, Hasn't, Host, Invited, Joab, Jo'ab, King's, Numbers, Ox, Oxen, Priest, Sacrificed, Sacrificeth, Servant, Sheep, Slain, Solomon, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:17-35 5581 throne 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 1:19 NIV1 Kings 1:19 NLT1 Kings 1:19 ESV1 Kings 1:19 NASB1 Kings 1:19 KJV
1 Kings 1:19 Commentaries
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