(His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, "Why do you act this way?" Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?”This phrase highlights King David's failure to discipline his son Adonijah. In the biblical context, parental discipline is emphasized as a crucial aspect of raising children ( Proverbs 13:24, 22:6). David's lack of correction may have contributed to Adonijah's sense of entitlement and ambition, as seen in his attempt to seize the throne. This failure to discipline is reminiscent of David's earlier parenting issues with Absalom, suggesting a pattern of indulgence or neglect. The absence of discipline can lead to rebellion, as seen in the broader narrative of David's family. Adonijah was also very handsome,
The mention of Adonijah's appearance is significant in biblical narratives, where physical attractiveness often correlates with favor or leadership potential (1 Samuel 9:2, 16:12). However, it can also be a source of pride and downfall, as seen with Absalom (2 Samuel 14:25-26). The emphasis on Adonijah's handsomeness may indicate his charismatic appeal and the potential for influence, yet it also serves as a warning that external appearances do not equate to inner righteousness or divine favor. born next after Absalom.
This phrase situates Adonijah within the family hierarchy, highlighting his position as the next eldest surviving son after Absalom's death. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, primogeniture often determined succession, but divine choice could override this custom, as seen with Solomon (1 Kings 1:17, 1 Chronicles 28:5). Adonijah's birth order may have fueled his ambition for the throne, believing it was his right. The reference to Absalom also recalls the previous rebellion against David, suggesting a recurring theme of familial strife and the consequences of David's earlier failures as a father and king. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, father of Adonijah, who failed to discipline his son. 2. AdonijahSon of David, who sought to become king without his father's approval. 3. AbsalomAnother son of David, known for his rebellion against his father, mentioned here to highlight Adonijah's position in the family. 4. JerusalemThe city where these events unfold, the political and spiritual center of Israel. 5. The Royal CourtThe setting where the dynamics of power, succession, and family relationships play out. Teaching Points The Importance of Parental DisciplineDavid's failure to discipline Adonijah serves as a cautionary tale about the necessity of setting boundaries and correcting children. Parents are called to guide their children in righteousness, as neglect can lead to destructive behavior. The Consequences of FavoritismThe mention of Adonijah's handsomeness and his position after Absalom suggests a potential favoritism that can lead to entitlement. Parents should strive to treat their children with equal love and fairness to prevent jealousy and rivalry. The Dangers of Ambition Without AccountabilityAdonijah's ambition to become king without seeking his father's blessing reflects a lack of accountability. Ambition should be tempered with humility and respect for authority. The Role of Godly LeadershipDavid's failure to address Adonijah's behavior underscores the need for leaders to be proactive in addressing issues within their sphere of influence. Godly leadership involves making difficult decisions for the greater good. Learning from Past MistakesThe reference to Absalom serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from past mistakes. Reflecting on previous failures can help prevent similar issues in the future. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's failure to discipline Adonijah compare to Eli's failure with his sons, and what can we learn from these examples about parental responsibility? 2. In what ways can favoritism among siblings lead to conflict, and how can parents work to prevent this in their families? 3. How does Adonijah's ambition reflect a lack of accountability, and what steps can we take to ensure our ambitions align with God's will? 4. What qualities are essential for godly leadership, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our own lives? 5. How can reflecting on past mistakes help us make better decisions in the future, both personally and in our leadership roles? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 13:24This verse speaks to the importance of discipline in child-rearing, highlighting the consequences of David's failure to correct Adonijah. 2 Samuel 15-18The account of Absalom's rebellion provides context for understanding the family dynamics and the potential for conflict in David's household. 1 Samuel 2:22-25Eli's failure to discipline his sons serves as a parallel to David's situation, illustrating the broader biblical theme of parental responsibility. 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 Absalom, Ab'salom, Asking, Bare, Behave, Bore, Born, Comely, Crossed, Displeased, Doest, Form, Good-looking, Goodly, Grieved, Handsome, Hast, Saying, Thus, Wherefore, YoungerDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:6 4040 beauty
5666 children, needs
5934 restraint
8786 opposition, to sin and evil 1 Kings 1:5-6 8232 discipline, family 1 Kings 1:5-10 5355 invitations
5817 conspiracies 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 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 1:6 NIV1 Kings 1:6 NLT1 Kings 1:6 ESV1 Kings 1:6 NASB1 Kings 1:6 KJV
1 Kings 1:6 Commentaries
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