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. At that timeThis phrase sets the historical context, indicating a specific period in Israel's history. It was a time of transition, as King David was aging and his reign was nearing its end. The phrase suggests urgency and a pivotal moment, highlighting the importance of the events that follow. In the Hebrew context, this phrase underscores the immediacy and significance of Adonijah's actions during a critical juncture in the kingdom's history. Adonijah, the son of Haggith
Adonijah's identity is crucial. As the son of Haggith, one of David's wives, he was a legitimate contender for the throne. His name, meaning "My Lord is Yahweh," ironically contrasts with his actions, which demonstrate a reliance on self rather than God. Historically, Adonijah was the fourth son of David, and with the deaths of his older brothers Amnon and Absalom, he saw an opportunity to claim the throne. exalted himself
This phrase reveals Adonijah's pride and ambition. The Hebrew root "nasa" implies lifting oneself up, often inappropriately. In a biblical context, self-exaltation is frequently condemned, as it reflects a heart that is not submitted to God's will. Adonijah's self-exaltation is a direct challenge to the divine order, as God had chosen Solomon to succeed David. saying, 'I will be king!'
Adonijah's declaration is bold and presumptuous. The phrase "I will be king" indicates a self-appointed authority, bypassing God's anointed choice. This reflects a common biblical theme where human ambition conflicts with divine sovereignty. Adonijah's words echo the rebellious spirit of Absalom, his brother, who also sought the throne through similar means. So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him
This preparation signifies Adonijah's attempt to establish legitimacy and power. Chariots and cavalry were symbols of military strength and royal authority in ancient Israel. The fifty men running ahead were likely intended to announce his claim to kingship, creating a public spectacle to gain support. Historically, such displays were common for asserting dominance and rallying followers. This action underscores the seriousness of Adonijah's challenge to the rightful succession, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict over the throne. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe fourth son of King David, known for his ambition to become king. His actions in this verse set the stage for a significant conflict over the succession of the throne of Israel. 2. HaggithOne of King David's wives and the mother of Adonijah. Her mention highlights the familial connections and potential rivalries within David's household. 3. Chariots and CavalrySymbols of military power and authority. Adonijah's preparation of these indicates his intent to assert his claim to the throne through force and display of strength. 4. Fifty MenThese men running ahead of Adonijah symbolize his attempt to establish a royal presence and legitimacy, mimicking the practices of established kings. 5. JerusalemWhile not mentioned directly in this verse, the events unfold in the context of the capital city, where the political and spiritual heart of Israel resides. Teaching Points The Dangers of Self-ExaltationAdonijah's self-promotion serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of pride and ambition. Believers are reminded to seek God's will rather than their own advancement. The Importance of Divine AppointmentThe account underscores the importance of waiting for God's timing and appointment, as opposed to seizing power through human means. Family Dynamics and LeadershipThe account highlights the complexities of family relationships and leadership, encouraging believers to seek wisdom and guidance in managing familial and leadership roles. The Role of External AppearancesAdonijah's use of chariots and men to project power reminds us that true leadership and authority come from God, not from outward appearances or displays of strength. Bible Study 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? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 15The account of Absalom, another son of David, who similarly sought to usurp the throne, provides a parallel to Adonijah's actions and highlights recurring themes of ambition and rebellion within David's family. 1 Kings 2The subsequent events where Solomon is established as king, showing the fulfillment of God's promise to David and the divine intervention in the succession. Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the dangers of pride and self-exaltation, which is exemplified in Adonijah's actions. 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, Ahead, Carriages, Chariot, Chariots, Exalted, Fifty, Forward, Got, Haggith, Horsemen, Horses, Lifting, Prepared, Prepareth, Pride, Provided, Ready, Reign, Run, Runners, Running, Saying, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5 5119 Solomon, life of
5178 running
5786 ambition, negative
5925 rashness
8302 love, abuse of 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 1:5 NIV1 Kings 1:5 NLT1 Kings 1:5 ESV1 Kings 1:5 NASB1 Kings 1:5 KJV
1 Kings 1:5 Commentaries
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