Topical Bible: Wicked Children: Adonijah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, is a prominent biblical figure known for his attempt to usurp the throne of Israel. His account is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Adonijah's actions and character provide a cautionary tale about ambition, rebellion, and the consequences of defying God's chosen leadership.

Background and Family

Adonijah was born to David and Haggith, one of David's wives. As the fourth son, he was preceded by Amnon, Absalom, and Chileab (also known as Daniel), though Chileab is not mentioned in the context of succession, possibly due to an early death or other reasons. After the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah became the eldest surviving son, which may have fueled his ambition to claim the throne.

Ambition and Rebellion

Adonijah's ambition is evident in 1 Kings 1, where he declares himself king while his father David is still alive. The Bible describes Adonijah as a handsome man, and he was born after Absalom (1 Kings 1:6). His self-exaltation is reminiscent of Absalom's earlier rebellion, suggesting a pattern of familial discord and ambition.

Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne was marked by strategic alliances and public displays of power. He conferred with Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest, securing their support (1 Kings 1:7). He also prepared chariots, horsemen, and fifty men to run ahead of him, mimicking the royal processions of a king (1 Kings 1:5).

Divine Intervention and Solomon's Anointing

Despite Adonijah's efforts, his plans were thwarted by divine intervention and the actions of key figures loyal to David. The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, informed David of Adonijah's actions, prompting the aging king to take decisive action. David reaffirmed his oath that Solomon, his son with Bathsheba, would succeed him as king (1 Kings 1:28-30).

David instructed Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada to anoint Solomon as king at Gihon. The public anointing and the sound of the trumpet signified God's choice and David's endorsement of Solomon as the rightful heir (1 Kings 1:38-39). The people rejoiced, and the city resounded with celebration, signaling the divine favor upon Solomon's kingship.

Adonijah's Downfall

Upon hearing of Solomon's anointing, Adonijah's supporters dispersed in fear, and Adonijah himself sought refuge by taking hold of the horns of the altar, a traditional act seeking mercy (1 Kings 1:50). Solomon initially spared Adonijah, conditional upon his future conduct (1 Kings 1:52-53).

However, Adonijah's ambition resurfaced when he requested to marry Abishag the Shunammite, David's former attendant. This request was perceived as a political maneuver to strengthen his claim to the throne, as marrying a king's widow or concubine was a recognized assertion of kingship (1 Kings 2:13-22). Solomon, recognizing the threat, ordered Adonijah's execution, thus ending his rebellion (1 Kings 2:23-25).

Lessons and Themes

Adonijah's account highlights themes of ambition, the consequences of defying divine will, and the importance of recognizing God's chosen leadership. His actions serve as a warning against self-exaltation and the pursuit of power through unrighteous means. The narrative underscores the sovereignty of God in establishing rulers and the futility of human schemes against divine purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 1:5,6
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Adonijah
... the future well-being of children depends largely ... had been so terribly punished,
Adonijah boldly committed. ... history, "The expectation of the wicked shall perish ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds.
... trials from his children, such as Absalom, Amnon, and Adonijah,"trials from ... quarrels,
no losses, no crosses, no disappointments, no wicked children, no bad ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiv 2 sam 23 4-5.htm

The History of David
... slay, how much more ye that be so wicked to slay ... he bought and nourished and grew
with his children, eating of ... Howbeit that Adonijah his son took on him to be ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... so much observed, but a spot in scarlet attracts every one's eye; so a sin in the
wicked is not ... David spoiled Adonijah. ... (3) Provide for your children what is ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Antichrist.
... well settled themselves at their table with Adonijah, 1 Kings, 1 ... dainties are too
good even for his children to have ... the ground, so now must this wicked one come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... that followeth from the words is this; namely, That when the devil and wicked men
have ... shewed to the king of Babylon that he was with the three children in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... no pleasure in the death of the wicked; that His ... and the spiritual history of God's
children in this ... to and yet demanding righteousness from Adonijah (I Kings 1 ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... sons; Job lost all his ten children in one day ... his friend Zophar, speaking of the
wicked, says, "His ... different spirit from his brother Adonijah's, who "exalted ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Now the world shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked; yea,
they shall cleave to, and countenance the people of ... For the children of Ammon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... We read of Adonijah, that his father never denied him in ... might yet remain among the
children of Israel ... fleshly lusts, heartlessness to good, wicked desires, low ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm