1 Kings 1:5
At that time Adonijah, David's son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, "I will be king!" And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 1:5?

2. How does Adonijah's self-exaltation in 1 Kings 1:5 warn against pride?

3. What leadership qualities did Adonijah lack according to 1 Kings 1:5?

4. How does Adonijah's actions connect to Proverbs 16:18 about pride?

5. How can we ensure our ambitions align with God's will, unlike Adonijah's?

6. What steps can we take to avoid self-promotion seen in 1 Kings 1:5?

7. Why did Adonijah exalt himself as king in 1 Kings 1:5?

8. How does Adonijah's ambition in 1 Kings 1:5 reflect human nature?

9. What does 1 Kings 1:5 teach about God's sovereignty over human plans?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 1?

11. Why is there scant historical or archaeological evidence supporting Adonijah’s self-declaration as king (1 Kings 1:5–10)?

12. Is the sudden political shift to support Solomon, described in 1 Kings 1:11–14, historically plausible without records of major resistance or conflict?

13. What are the key events and lessons from Solomon's life?

14. How do we reconcile the swift punishments in 1 Kings 2:22–25 and 2:29–34 with David’s emphasis on justice elsewhere, and is there historical evidence supporting these executions?
Discussion Questions
1. What motivations might have driven Adonijah to declare himself king, and how can we guard against similar motivations in our own lives?

2. How does Adonijah's account compare to Absalom's earlier attempt to seize the throne, and what lessons can we learn from these parallel accounts?

3. In what ways does the account of Adonijah challenge us to consider the source of our ambitions and the importance of seeking God's will?

4. How can we apply the lessons of divine appointment and timing in our personal and professional lives today?

5. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to rely on external appearances or displays of power. How can you shift your focus to rely more on God's strength and guidance?1. How does the frailty of King David at the beginning of this chapter reflect the vulnerability of human power?

2. What traits in Adonijah's character led him to prematurely claim the throne?

3. How do Adonijah's actions demonstrate the consequences of ambition without wisdom or righteousness?

4. Compare the roles of the different priests - Abiathar and Zadok - in this chapter. What does this tell us about religious authority and political power?

5. Discuss Nathan's role as a prophet and his courage to confront King David. How can we apply this to standing up for truth in today's society?

6. Bathsheba had a critical role in securing Solomon's ascension. Discuss her character and her influence as a woman in this historical context.

7. Analyze King David's response to Bathsheba and Nathan's appeal. What does this reveal about David's leadership and his respect for his promise?

8. How does Solomon's anointing contrast with Adonijah's feast? What does this tell us about the difference between human and divine appointments?

9. The account mentions that Solomon was led on David's mule. What might this symbolize?

10. What does the overwhelming joy of the people at Solomon's anointment signify about their perception of Solomon's rule?

11. Discuss the importance of mercy in leadership, as demonstrated by Solomon's decision to spare Adonijah. How can this principle be applied in modern-day leadership?

12. How does the narrative reflect the theme of divine providence over human ambition?

13. Reflect on how God's promise to David was fulfilled despite Adonijah's attempts to usurp the throne.

14. How does the concept of rightful succession in 1 Kings 1 resonate in today's political systems?

15. What are some lessons modern leaders can learn from Solomon's ascension to the throne?

16. How do the actions of Nathan and Bathsheba serve as examples of effective intercession?

17. How does Solomon's response to Adonijah's fear reflect wisdom and understanding?

18. What does the reaction of Adonijah's guests reveal about loyalty in times of crisis?

19. What lessons on conflict resolution can be drawn from this chapter?

20. In today's context, how can one discern between rightful ambition and the pursuit of power for its own sake, as exhibited by Adonijah?

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