King Solomon answered his mother, "Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!" King Solomon answeredThe phrase "King Solomon answered" indicates Solomon's role as the reigning monarch, a position of authority and wisdom. The Hebrew root for "answered" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a thoughtful or deliberate response, suggesting Solomon's careful consideration of the request. Solomon's wisdom, a gift from God, is a central theme in his reign, and his response here reflects his discernment and understanding of the political implications of the request. Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah?
The request for "Abishag the Shunammite" is significant because Abishag was King David's concubine. In the ancient Near Eastern context, taking a king's concubine was often seen as a claim to the throne. The Hebrew name "Abishag" (אֲבִישַׁג) means "my father strays" or "my father wanders," which could symbolically reflect the instability or wandering of Adonijah's ambitions. The mention of "Shunammite" ties her to the region of Shunem, emphasizing her identity and possibly her outsider status in the royal court. You might as well request the kingdom for him
Solomon's rhetorical statement underscores the gravity of the request. The phrase "You might as well request the kingdom" reveals Solomon's perception of the political threat posed by Adonijah. In the Hebrew text, the word for "kingdom" (מַמְלָכָה, mamlakah) signifies not just the physical territory but the authority and rule over Israel, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. after all, he is my older brother
The acknowledgment of Adonijah as "my older brother" is crucial. In the ancient world, the eldest son often had a claim to the throne, which adds a layer of complexity to the political dynamics. The Hebrew term for "older" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) can also mean "great" or "important," emphasizing Adonijah's potential claim and the threat he posed to Solomon's rule. yes, for him and for Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah
By including "Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah," Solomon identifies key figures who supported Adonijah's previous attempt to seize the throne. Abiathar, a priest, and Joab, a military leader, were influential figures whose allegiance to Adonijah represented a significant challenge to Solomon's authority. The Hebrew names carry meanings that reflect their roles: "Abiathar" (אֶבְיָתָר) means "father of abundance," and "Joab" (יוֹאָב) means "Yahweh is father," both indicating their positions of influence and power within the kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel, known for his wisdom and understanding. 2. AdonijahSolomon's older half-brother who previously attempted to claim the throne before Solomon was anointed king. 3. Abishag the ShunammiteA young woman who served King David in his old age. Her request by Adonijah is seen as a political maneuver. 4. BathshebaSolomon's mother, who brings Adonijah's request to Solomon, possibly unaware of its implications. 5. Abiathar the Priest and Joab son of ZeruiahAllies of Adonijah in his earlier attempt to seize the throne, representing a threat to Solomon's reign. Teaching Points Discernment in LeadershipSolomon demonstrates discernment by recognizing the political implications of Adonijah's request. Leaders must be wise and perceptive to protect their responsibilities and the people they serve. The Importance of IntentionsAdonijah's request for Abishag is not merely personal but has political undertones. It is crucial to discern the intentions behind requests and actions, especially in leadership. Family Dynamics and God's PlanThe tension between Solomon and Adonijah reflects the complexities of family dynamics. God's plan often unfolds amidst human conflict, requiring trust and obedience to His guidance. Respect and AuthoritySolomon respects his mother by listening to her, yet he maintains his authority as king. Balancing respect for others with the responsibilities of one's role is essential. The Consequences of AmbitionAdonijah's ambition leads to his downfall. Ambition must be tempered with humility and alignment with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's response to Bathsheba's request demonstrate wisdom and discernment? How can we apply this in our decision-making processes? 2. In what ways do family dynamics influence our spiritual journey, and how can we seek God's guidance in navigating them? 3. How can we discern the true intentions behind requests or actions in our personal and professional lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Adonijah's ambition and its consequences? How can we ensure our ambitions align with God's will? 5. How does Solomon's interaction with Bathsheba reflect the balance between respect and authority? How can we apply this balance in our relationships? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 1Details Adonijah's initial attempt to become king and how Solomon was anointed instead, setting the stage for the tensions in 1 Kings 2:22. 2 Samuel 15-18Provides background on Joab's role in David's reign and his complex relationship with the royal family, highlighting his political maneuvering. Exodus 20:12The commandment to honor one's parents, which is relevant as Solomon responds to his mother's request with respect but also with discernment. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Abiathar, Abi'athar, Abishag, Ab'ishag, Addition, Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Answereth, Asking, Brother, Brother-even, Elder, Joab, Jo'ab, Kingdom, Kingdom-for, Older, Priest, Request, Requesting, Shunamite, Shunammite, Shu'nammite, Solomon, Yes, Zeruiah, Zeru'iahDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:22 5661 brothers 1 Kings 2:12-25 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 2:21-22 5672 concubines Library The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III 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 2:22 NIV1 Kings 2:22 NLT1 Kings 2:22 ESV1 Kings 2:22 NASB1 Kings 2:22 KJV
1 Kings 2:22 Commentaries
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