So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. So he conferredThe phrase "So he conferred" indicates a deliberate and strategic action. The Hebrew root for "conferred" is "ya'ats," which means to counsel or deliberate. This suggests a calculated move, emphasizing the importance of seeking counsel in leadership decisions. Historically, this reflects the political maneuvering common in ancient monarchies, where alliances were crucial for securing power. with Joab son of Zeruiah
Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military leader under King David. His name in Hebrew, "Yo'av," means "Yahweh is father," which is ironic given his often ruthless actions. Joab's involvement signifies a significant military backing for Adonijah, as Joab was a seasoned warrior and commander. His support would have been seen as a substantial endorsement, reflecting the complex loyalties within David's kingdom. and with Abiathar the priest
Abiathar was a priest during King David's reign, and his name means "father of abundance" or "my father excels." His support for Adonijah is significant because it represents a religious endorsement, which would have been crucial for legitimizing Adonijah's claim to the throne. Abiathar's involvement highlights the intertwining of religious authority and political power in ancient Israel. who supported Adonijah
The phrase "who supported Adonijah" indicates a clear alignment and allegiance. Adonijah, whose name means "my Lord is Yahweh," was one of David's sons who sought to become king. The support from Joab and Abiathar suggests a coalition that believed in Adonijah's right or ability to rule. This reflects the often-contentious nature of royal succession in the ancient Near East, where claims to the throne were frequently contested. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe fourth son of King David, who sought to become king as David's health declined. His actions were self-motivated and not ordained by God. 2. Joab son of ZeruiahA military commander under King David, known for his loyalty to David but also for his ruthless actions. Joab's support of Adonijah indicates a political maneuver rather than a spiritual decision. 3. Abiathar the PriestA priest during King David's reign who initially supported David but later aligned with Adonijah. His support of Adonijah represents a significant religious endorsement. 4. King DavidAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, David's declining health and the lack of a clear succession plan set the stage for Adonijah's actions. 5. JerusalemThe political and spiritual center of Israel, where these events unfold, highlighting the significance of the power struggle. Teaching Points The Dangers of Self-PromotionAdonijah's attempt to seize power without divine approval serves as a warning against self-promotion and ambition that is not aligned with God's will. The Influence of AlliancesThe support of Joab and Abiathar for Adonijah highlights the impact of alliances. Believers should seek godly counsel and partnerships that honor God. The Importance of Godly LeadershipThe chaos surrounding the succession of David's throne underscores the need for leaders who are chosen by God and who lead with integrity and righteousness. Consequences of DisobedienceAligning with ungodly plans, as Joab and Abiathar did, can lead to downfall and judgment, reminding believers to remain faithful to God's commands. Bible Study Questions 1. What motivated Adonijah to seek the throne, and how can we guard against similar motivations in our own lives? 2. How do the actions of Joab and Abiathar reflect the importance of choosing the right alliances? Can you think of a time when a partnership either helped or hindered your spiritual walk? 3. In what ways does the account of Adonijah's attempt to become king illustrate the importance of waiting on God's timing and direction? 4. How does the eventual outcome for Adonijah, Joab, and Abiathar serve as a warning for us today about the consequences of acting outside of God's will? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a leadership decision. How did you ensure that your actions were aligned with God's will, and what scriptures guided you in that process? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 15The rebellion of Absalom, another of David's sons, provides a backdrop of familial and political strife, similar to Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne. 1 Kings 2The eventual downfall of Adonijah, Joab, and Abiathar, showing the consequences of acting outside God's will and the importance of divine appointment. Proverbs 3:5-6Trusting in the Lord rather than one's own understanding, contrasting Adonijah's self-reliance. 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, Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Conferred, Followed, Helped, Joab, Jo'ab, Priest, Support, Talk, Zeruiah, Zeru'iahDictionary of Bible Themes 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 1:7 NIV1 Kings 1:7 NLT1 Kings 1:7 ESV1 Kings 1:7 NASB1 Kings 1:7 KJV
1 Kings 1:7 Commentaries
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