‏ 1 Kings 1

Introduction

After God spared David from the destroying angel, David’s life continued. However, escaping danger or illness only delays the end—everyone must eventually face death. In this chapter, we see David as an old man, weak and close to death. Once strong and active, he now suffers the effects of age and past hardships. This reminds us not to take our strength for granted, since age and sickness can quickly change our abilities. Young people should use their energy to serve God before old age makes it difficult. When we lose our strength, it is comforting to remember that we used it well.

v. 1: David was now very old. His body had lost its natural warmth, and no amount of clothing could keep him warm . He had once been strong and full of energy, but now he was stuck in bed and felt the results of his former sins and the hard life he had lived. This verse shows how human strength fades, and that all people, even kings, must face the weakness of old age.

v. 2-4: David’s doctors tried to help him with physical remedies. They covered him with clothes, but nothing worked. Finally, they suggested bringing in Abishag, a young woman, to care for him and keep him warm (1 Kings 1:2-4 ^a). This practice was common in those days, but now we understand marriage differently, as taught by Jesus (Matthew 19:5 ^b) and Paul (1 Corinthians 7:1 ^c). Later, it’s clear that Abishag was considered David’s wife, since it was a serious offense when Adonijah wanted to marry her after David died (1 Kings 2:22 ^d).

– –

Adonijah's Ambition

David faced many troubles with his children. His first son, Amnon, and his third son, Absalom, had caused him great sorrow. Now, his fourth son, Adonijah, appears in the story. Adonijah was handsome and, after Absalom, the next oldest son. Sadly, David’s kindness toward Adonijah made Adonijah proud instead of grateful.

v. 5: Adonijah decided to make himself king without waiting for David’s death. He acted proudly and said, I will be king . He gathered chariots, horsemen, and fifty men to run before him, trying to look powerful and important.

v. 6: David had never corrected Adonijah or questioned his actions. Because his father never said, Why have you done so?, Adonijah grew up spoiled and undisciplined. Both father and son made mistakes—David for not correcting him, and Adonijah for not accepting guidance. When parents do not discipline their children, they may lose their children’s respect and honor.

v. 7: Adonijah sought support from important people—Joab, the army commander, and Abiathar, the high priest. It is surprising that these wise and experienced men joined Adonijah’s plan, since they knew Solomon was chosen by God and David to be king (1 Chronicles 22:9; 23:1 ^e). Sometimes, even good people make bad decisions when left to their own desires.

v. 8: Not everyone supported Adonijah. Zadok the priest, Benaiah, Nathan the prophet, and others remained loyal to David and Solomon . People known for doing what is right are not easily persuaded to join in wrongdoing.

v. 9: Adonijah held a great feast near Jerusalem at En-rogel. He invited the king’s sons and officials, hoping to win their loyalty. But he did not invite Solomon, possibly because he looked down on him or knew Solomon would not support his takeover (1 Kings 1:9-10 ^f). This shows that people who only seek their own interests may leave out those who stand for what is right.

v. 10: Adonijah tried to make his plan look religious, possibly offering sacrifices, just as Absalom had done earlier (2 Samuel 15:7 ^g). Sometimes, people use religion to cover up wrong actions, but God sees the heart. We should be careful not to use religious activities to hide selfish or sinful motives (Romans 16:18 ^h).

David Makes Solomon King

This section explains how Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba worked together to make sure Solomon became king, as David had promised. Adonijah was trying to make himself king without David’s knowledge, but God’s plan was for Solomon to reign. Bathsheba and Nathan acted quickly and wisely to remind David of his oath and to protect Solomon’s legacy.

v. 11: Nathan went to Bathsheba and told her about Adonijah’s plan to make himself king. Nathan advised Bathsheba to go to David and remind him of his promise that Solomon would be king. Nathan said he would come in while she was talking to David and support her words (1 Kings 1:11-14 ⁱ). This was important because Adonijah’s actions not only threatened Solomon’s right to the throne, but also the lives of both Bathsheba and Solomon.

– – –

v. 15-16: Bathsheba did what Nathan advised. She went to David, who was weak and in bed, and showed him respect by bowing before him. She kindly reminded him of his promise and oath that Solomon would succeed him (1 Kings 1:15-16 ^j).

–

v. 17-19: Bathsheba explained to David that Adonijah had made himself king without David’s knowledge. She pointed out that Adonijah had invited many important people, but not Solomon. This showed that Adonijah saw Solomon as his rival and wanted to keep him away from power (1 Kings 1:17-19 ^k).

– –

v. 20-21: Bathsheba told David that all Israel was waiting for him to decide who would be king next. She warned that if David did not act, she and Solomon would be in danger once David died (1 Kings 1:20-21 ^l). Usurpers like Adonijah would likely treat their rivals harshly if they gained power.

–

v. 22-27: Nathan entered and supported Bathsheba’s words. He asked David if he had told Adonijah to be king, since Nathan and others had not been told about it. Nathan’s words made it clear that Adonijah’s actions were not approved by David. This encouraged David to take action and keep his promise to Solomon (1 Kings 1:22-27 ^m).

– – – – –

v. 28-30: David called Bathsheba back and firmly repeated his oath that Solomon would rule after him. He promised to make Solomon king that very day, showing that he had not forgotten his word and that he trusted God’s faithfulness (1 Kings 1:28-30 ⁿ).

– –

v. 31: Bathsheba gratefully accepted David’s promise. She showed respect to the king and wished him a long life, even though his decision delayed her own son’s rise to the throne. She put the good of the nation and David’s honor above her own interests .

Solomon Declared Successor

This section tells how David took quick and wise action to make sure Solomon became king, stopping Adonijah’s plan before it could cause trouble. David wanted to protect Solomon’s right to the throne and keep peace in Israel by ending any arguments about who should rule next.

v. 32-35: David gave clear orders for Solomon to be publicly proclaimed as king. He chose Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, men he trusted and who had stayed loyal to him, to carry out this important task. Solomon was to ride the king’s own mule to show everyone he was the chosen successor. Zadok and Nathan were to anoint Solomon with oil, as a sign that God had chosen him. Then the people were to shout, Let king Solomon live, and bring him to sit on the throne as king. David wanted this done right away so there would be no confusion or fighting after his death (1 Kings 1:32-35 ^o).

– – –

v. 36-37: Benaiah, speaking for the others, gladly supported David’s decision. He prayed that God would be with Solomon as He had been with David, and that Solomon’s kingdom would be even greater. This shows that true leaders want those who come after them to succeed and be blessed (1 Kings 1:36-37 ^p).

–

v. 38-40: The orders were carried out immediately. Solomon was brought on the king’s mule to Gihon. Zadok anointed him with sacred oil from the tabernacle, and the people blew trumpets and shouted with joy, God save king Solomon. The people rejoiced with music and loud celebration, showing that they accepted Solomon as king. This public support made it clear that Solomon was not forced upon them, but was welcomed by the people. It also reminds us that God’s chosen leaders are anointed and supported by both God and His people (1 Kings 1:38-40 ^q).

– –

Solomon Proclaimed

In this section, we see the dramatic contrast between Adonijah's feast and Solomon’s proclamation as king. While Adonijah and his supporters were celebrating, the news of Solomon’s anointing caused their plans to fall apart. This teaches us that God’s plans cannot be stopped, and those who oppose Him will ultimately face defeat.

v. 41: Adonijah and his guests had just finished their feast when they heard the sound of a trumpet. This noise signaled Solomon’s anointing as king. Joab, an experienced general, immediately became alarmed, suspecting an uprising in the city. However, Adonijah, still confident, assumed the news was good. This shows how those who rebel against God often deceive themselves into thinking their plans will succeed (1 Kings 1:41; Job 15:21 ^r).

v. 42-43: A messenger, Jonathan, arrived to deliver the news. Although he was known as a good and trustworthy man, the message he brought was not what Adonijah hoped for. Jonathan told them that Solomon had been made king, meaning Adonijah’s attempts to take the throne were over (1 Kings 1:42-43 ^s).

–

v. 44-46: Jonathan reported the details of Solomon’s anointing. Solomon had been escorted with great ceremony, anointed by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, and was now sitting on the throne as king. Adonijah’s plan to seize the throne had failed because Solomon was proclaimed king first (1 Kings 1:44-46 ^t).

– –

v. 47-48: The people and David’s servants celebrated Solomon’s kingship with joy. They blessed King David for his wisdom in appointing Solomon as his successor. David, lying on his bed, thanked God for allowing him to see this day and for ensuring the peace and stability of the kingdom. This shows how good leaders seek the welfare of their people and rejoice in God’s plan being fulfilled (1 Kings 1:47-48 ^u).

–

v. 49: Adonijah’s supporters were filled with fear when they heard the news. Realizing their rebellion had failed, they quickly left the feast and scattered to avoid punishment. Their confidence turned to terror, proving that those who challenge God’s will cannot stand .

v. 50: Adonijah, fearing for his life, fled to the altar and clung to its horns. The altar was considered a place of refuge, symbolizing a plea for mercy. Adonijah’s actions show how rebellion against God’s chosen leaders leads to fear and desperation (1 Kings 1:50; Exodus 21:14 ^v).

v. 51: Adonijah sent a message to Solomon, humbly asking for his life to be spared. He recognized Solomon as king and called himself Solomon’s servant. This was a drastic change from his earlier arrogance and ambition .

v. 52-53: Solomon responded with mercy. He told Adonijah that he would live as long as he proved himself loyal. However, if Adonijah showed signs of rebellion again, he would be punished. Adonijah was brought before Solomon, and after expressing submission, he was sent home. Solomon’s mercy reflects the wisdom and fairness of a good ruler. He gave Adonijah a chance to repent and live peacefully under his reign, but he also set clear boundaries to protect the kingdom’s stability (1 Kings 1:52-53 ^w).