Topical Bible: Birthright: Set Aside: Adonijah

◄ Birthright: Set Aside: Adonijah ►

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of the birthright holds significant importance, particularly in the context of inheritance and leadership within a family. The birthright traditionally belonged to the firstborn son, granting him a double portion of the inheritance and the leadership role within the family. However, there are instances in Scripture where the birthright is set aside, and one such case is that of Adonijah, the son of King David.

Adonijah was the fourth son of King David, born to Haggith (2 Samuel 3:4). As the eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah naturally assumed he would inherit the throne of Israel. However, his assumption was not in alignment with God's plan, as revealed through the prophet Nathan and David's wife Bathsheba, who advocated for Solomon, David's son with Bathsheba, to be the next king.

The account of Adonijah's attempt to claim the throne is detailed in 1 Kings 1. Adonijah, without David's knowledge, declared himself king, supported by key figures such as Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest. "Now Adonijah son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king.' So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him" (1 Kings 1:5). This self-exaltation and premature claim to kingship demonstrate Adonijah's disregard for the divine will and the established order of succession as determined by God.

Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba intervened by informing King David of Adonijah's actions. They reminded David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king. David, recognizing the urgency and the need to uphold God's choice, acted swiftly to anoint Solomon as king. "Then King David said, 'Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada for me.' So they came into the king’s presence. 'Take my servants with you,' said the king. 'Set my son Solomon on my own mule, and take him down to Gihon. There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, "Long live King Solomon!"'" (1 Kings 1:32-34).

Adonijah's reaction to Solomon's anointing was one of fear and submission. He sought refuge by taking hold of the horns of the altar, a place of sanctuary, pleading for his life. Solomon, demonstrating mercy, spared Adonijah's life on the condition of his future loyalty (1 Kings 1:50-53).

The setting aside of Adonijah's birthright underscores the biblical theme that God's purposes and choices transcend human customs and expectations. The narrative illustrates that divine election and the fulfillment of God's promises take precedence over traditional rights of succession. Solomon's ascension to the throne, despite not being the firstborn, highlights the sovereignty of God in establishing leaders according to His will and purpose.

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1 Kings 2:15
And he said, You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: however, the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's: for it was his from the LORD.
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Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... must needs have his brother's pottage and sell his birthright: he never ... 4. In the
last place, I will set down some particular ... Resolve at once to lay it aside. ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm