And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king. AdonijahAdonijah, whose name means "my Lord is Yahweh," was the fourth son of King David. His actions in this passage reflect a common theme in the Old Testament: the struggle for power and the consequences of human ambition. Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne without David's blessing or God's anointing highlights the importance of divine authority and the dangers of self-exaltation. Historically, the succession of kings was a critical issue in ancient Israel, and Adonijah's actions set the stage for the eventual rise of Solomon, David's chosen successor. sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle
The act of sacrificing animals was a significant religious and cultural practice in ancient Israel. It was a way to seek favor, celebrate, or mark important events. Adonijah's sacrifices were likely intended to legitimize his claim to the throne and gain the support of influential leaders. The choice of sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle indicates a lavish display, suggesting that Adonijah was attempting to impress and win over the people and key figures in the kingdom. This act of sacrifice without divine instruction contrasts with the biblical principle that true worship and offerings should be directed by God. by the stone of Zoheleth
The stone of Zoheleth, also known as the "serpent stone," was a notable landmark near En Rogel, a spring located just outside Jerusalem. This location was significant because it was a public place where people gathered, making it an ideal spot for Adonijah to declare his intentions and rally support. The choice of this location underscores the public nature of Adonijah's claim and his desire to be seen as the legitimate heir to the throne. The stone's name, "Zoheleth," meaning "crawling" or "serpent," may symbolically hint at the deceit and ambition underlying Adonijah's actions. which is beside En Rogel
En Rogel was a well-known spring in the Kidron Valley, near Jerusalem. Its proximity to the city made it a strategic location for gatherings and announcements. The mention of En Rogel situates the event in a real geographical context, emphasizing the historical and tangible nature of the biblical narrative. This detail also highlights the importance of water sources in ancient times, as they were central to community life and gatherings. He invited all his brothers, the king’s sons
Adonijah's invitation to all his brothers, the king's sons, was a calculated political move. By including them, he sought to unify the royal family under his leadership and prevent any opposition from within. This action reflects the complex dynamics of royal families in ancient Israel, where sibling rivalry and competition for the throne were common. The mention of "the king's sons" underscores the legitimacy Adonijah sought to project, as he was aligning himself with the royal lineage. and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king
By inviting "all the men of Judah who were servants of the king," Adonijah aimed to secure the support of key political and military leaders. Judah was the tribe from which David hailed, and its support was crucial for any claim to the throne. This phrase highlights the political maneuvering and alliances that were essential for maintaining power in ancient Israel. It also underscores the theme of loyalty and service to the king, which Adonijah was attempting to redirect towards himself. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe fourth son of King David, who attempted to declare himself king without David's approval. His actions set the stage for a significant conflict over the succession of the throne. 2. Stone of ZohelethA notable landmark near En-rogel, where Adonijah held his sacrificial feast. The name "Zoheleth" means "serpent" or "crawling thing" in Hebrew, possibly indicating a place of significance or a natural feature. 3. En-rogelA location near Jerusalem, traditionally identified as a spring or well. It was a strategic site for gathering people, as seen in Adonijah's attempt to rally support for his kingship. 4. Sheep, Oxen, and Fattened CalvesThe animals sacrificed by Adonijah, symbolizing a significant and lavish offering intended to gain favor and support from those he invited. 5. Royal Officials and BrothersThe attendees of Adonijah's feast, including his brothers and the men of Judah who were royal officials. Their presence indicates the political maneuvering and alliances being formed. Teaching Points The Dangers of Self-ExaltationAdonijah's actions remind us of the dangers of self-promotion and ambition without seeking God's will. True leadership is appointed by God, not seized by human effort. The Importance of Seeking God's GuidanceBefore making significant decisions, we should seek God's guidance and approval, rather than relying solely on our understanding or desires. The Role of Sacrifice and WorshipWhile Adonijah's sacrifices were meant to gain favor, they lacked genuine worship and submission to God. Our offerings to God should come from a heart of obedience and reverence. The Influence of Peer Pressure and AlliancesThe presence of royal officials and brothers at Adonijah's feast highlights the influence of peer pressure and political alliances. We must be cautious about the company we keep and the alliances we form. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne about the importance of waiting for God's timing in our own lives? 2. How does the location of Adonijah's feast at the stone of Zoheleth and En-rogel contribute to the account, and what significance might these places hold? 3. In what ways do the sacrifices made by Adonijah differ from those made by David or Solomon, and what does this teach us about the nature of true worship? 4. How can we apply the lessons from Adonijah's account to our understanding of leadership and authority in the church today? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced peer pressure or the temptation to form alliances for personal gain. How can the account of Adonijah guide you in making God-honoring decisions in similar situations? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David as king by Samuel, highlighting the divine choice of leadership, contrasting with Adonijah's self-appointment. 2 Samuel 15Absalom's rebellion against David, which parallels Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne, showing a recurring theme of familial conflict and ambition. 1 Kings 2The eventual establishment of Solomon as king, fulfilling God's promise to David and demonstrating the divine order in leadership succession. 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 Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Beasts, Beside, Brethren, Brothers, Calleth, Calves, Cattle, Death, En, Enrogel, En-rogel, En-ro'gel, Fat, Fatlings, Fatted, Fattened, Invited, Judah, Killed, King's, Officials, Oxen, Rogel, Royal, Sacrificed, Sacrificeth, Serpent's, Servants, Sheep, Slew, Sons, Stone, ZohelethDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:9 4684 sheep 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 1:9 NIV1 Kings 1:9 NLT1 Kings 1:9 ESV1 Kings 1:9 NASB1 Kings 1:9 KJV
1 Kings 1:9 Commentaries
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