Day 176 – 1 Kings 1:1-53
Scripture Review
1 Kings 1:1-53
"Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat."
(1 Kings 1:1)
David is described as "old and stricken in years." Stricken in years means advanced in age and affected by the physical weakness that often comes with it. David was about seventy years old. The servants covered him with clothing, but he "gat" or received "no heat." His body could no longer produce enough warmth.
"Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat."
(1 Kings 1:2)
David's servants recommend finding a young woman who could attend him and help keep him warm. To "cherish" him means to care for, tend, comfort, and provide warmth. To lie in his "bosom" means to remain closely beside him.
"So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king."
(1 Kings 1:3)
A "fair damsel" means a beautiful young woman. They find Abishag, a Shunammite. She came from Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar in northern Israel.
"And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not."
(1 Kings 1:4)
Abishag was very beautiful, but her primary role was service. She "cherished" David and "ministered" to him. Ministered means attended, served, and cared for. The verse explicitly says, "the king knew her not." In this context, to know her means to have a physical relationship with her. The Bible makes clear that this relationship was not sexual. The detail also emphasizes the completeness of David's physical decline. The man whose uncontrolled desire had once led him into terrible sin with Bathsheba is now unable or unwilling to take Abishag as a wife. David is still king, but his physical condition makes it appear to ambitious men that his reign is already ending.
"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."
(1 Kings 1:5)
Adonijah is identified as the son of Haggith, one of David's wives. With Amnon and Absalom dead, Adonijah appears to have been the oldest surviving son actively seeking the throne. But the key phrase is "exalted himself." He lifted himself into a place God had not appointed him to occupy. He says, "I will be king." He does not ask what God has declared. He does not seek David's lawful appointment. His authority begins with his own desire. He then prepares chariots, horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. This display closely resembles Absalom's earlier attempt to create a public image of royalty. The runners would announce importance and attract attention wherever he went.
"And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom."
(1 Kings 1:6)
This verse exposes one of the roots of Adonijah's character. David had never "displeased him" by asking, "Why hast thou done so?" He had not made Adonijah uncomfortable by challenging his behavior. He was also "a very goodly man." Goodly means handsome, impressive, and attractive in appearance. Absalom had also been admired for his beauty. Once again, outward appearance was joined with inward pride.
The phrase "his mother bare him after Absalom" means he was born after Absalom. He came next in the order of David's sons through the different mothers. He followed Absalom not only in birth order, but also in self exaltation, royal display, and rebellion.
"And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him."
(1 Kings 1:7)
Adonijah "conferred" with Joab and Abiathar, meaning he consulted, discussed plans, and formed an agreement with them. Joab had been David's military commander for many years. Abiathar had served as priest and had suffered alongside David during earlier dangers. Both men had long histories with David. Yet faithful service in the past did not guarantee faithfulness at the end.
"But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah."
(1 Kings 1:8)
Not everyone follows Adonijah. Adonijah has Joab and Abiathar, but he does not have everyone whose support truly matters. The phrase "were not with Adonijah" is important. Sometimes faithfulness begins by refusing to stand with what is wrong.
"And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:"
(1 Kings 1:9)
Adonijah arranges a large feast near the stone of Zoheleth by Enrogel. The location and the feast gives his political rebellion a sort of religious appearance. Sacrifice, food, royal sons, and government officials attempt to make it look official. Adonijah invites the king's sons and the servants of Judah. He is carefully gathering the people whose presence could make his kingship appear accepted.
"But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not."
(1 Kings 1:10)
The guest list exposes Adonijah's true intention. Nathan, Benaiah, the mighty men, and Solomon are excluded. Adonijah does not invite those who know God's purpose and would oppose his claim. This was not an innocent family celebration. He deliberately left out the people whose presence would challenge him.
"Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?"
(1 Kings 1:11)
Nathan speaks to Bathsheba because she is Solomon's mother and is directly affected by Adonijah's attempt. Nathan says Adonijah "doth reign," even though Adonijah has not been lawfully appointed. He is acting like a king, and his supporters are treating him like one. David does not know what is happening. His physical weakness and isolation have allowed a crisis to grow outside his chamber.
"Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon."
(1 Kings 1:12)
Nathan offers Bathsheba "counsel." Bathsheba and Solomon may lose their lives. In ancient royal successions, a new king could remove rival claimants and their families to secure his throne. If Adonijah became firmly established, Solomon would be viewed as a threat.
"Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?"
(1 Kings 1:13)
Nathan instructs Bathsheba to remind David of his oath. David had sworn that Solomon would reign after him. Although the earlier oath is not recorded in 2 Samuel, this passage clearly assumes it was known to David, Bathsheba, Nathan, and the court. Nathan's plan is not to manipulate David into a new decision. It is to awaken him to fulfill a promise already made.
"Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words."
(1 Kings 1:14)
Nathan plans to enter while Bathsheba is still speaking. This is wise because David will hear the same facts from two independent voices. Bathsheba's concern could be dismissed as the ambition of a mother, but Nathan's testimony will confirm that the danger is real.
"And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king."
(1 Kings 1:15)
Bathsheba enters David's chamber. The Bible reminds us that the king was very old and Abishag is caring for his physical needs.
"And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?"
(1 Kings 1:16)
Bathsheba bows and gives respect. Although she is David's wife and Solomon's mother, she approaches him as the king. David asks, "What wouldest thou?" This means, "What do you desire?" or "What is your request?" David may be physically weak, but his mind is able to hear and respond. Bathsheba now has the opportunity to place the entire crisis before him. Kind of reminds me of the moment Esther had.
"And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne."
(1 Kings 1:17)
Bathsheba begins with David's oath. She quotes the promise clearly, Solomon would reign and sit upon David's throne. Bathsheba grounds her appeal in David's own word and in the name of the LORD.
"And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:"
(1 Kings 1:18)
Bathsheba tells David directly that Adonijah is acting as king. She also says David does not know it. That is a painful statement for a reigning king. Events affecting the future of the kingdom are happening without his awareness.
"And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called."
(1 Kings 1:19)
Bathsheba describes the feast and names Adonijah's important supporters. She calls Solomon "thy servant." She does not present him as an aggressive rival. He is David's servant and son, waiting for the promise rather than taking the throne by force.
"And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him."
(1 Kings 1:20)
Bathsheba reminds David that the nation is waiting for his decision. The people need clarity. Without a clear succession, rivalry and bloodshed may follow.
"Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders."
(1 Kings 1:21)
Bathsheba says that after David's death, she and Solomon will be counted "offenders." They will be treated as criminals, rebels, or threats against Adonijah's throne.
"And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in."
(1 Kings 1:22)
While Bathsheba is still speaking, a second witness appears. Nathan's arrival shows preparation and cooperation. God's servants are working together to protect the promise and the kingdom.
"And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground."
(1 Kings 1:23)
Nathan is formally announced and enters with deep respect. He bows with his face to the ground. Nathan had once rebuked David boldly, but boldness in truth did not make him disrespectful toward the king's office.
"And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?"
(1 Kings 1:24)
Nathan frames his question carefully. He does not begin by accusing David of neglect. He asks whether Adonijah's coronation was ordered by the king. This gives David the opportunity to clarify. If David had authorized Adonijah, Nathan would need to understand why. If he had not, then the feast was rebellion.
"For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah."
(1 Kings 1:25)
The guests are eating, drinking, and saying, "God save king Adonijah." This expression means, "May the king live," or "Long live King Adonijah." They are not merely discussing succession. They are already treating him as king.
"But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called."
(1 Kings 1:26)
Nathan emphasizes those excluded from the gathering. He refers to himself as David's servant, and he also calls Solomon David's servant.
"Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?"
(1 Kings 1:27)
Nathan asks whether David authorized this without informing his trusted servants. The question places responsibility before David. If Adonijah is acting independently, David must stop him. If David has changed his succession plan, he must explain it. Nathan is respectfully forcing the issue into the open.
"Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king."
(1 Kings 1:28)
He calls Bathsheba back into his presence. She had stepped aside when Nathan entered, according to normal court practice. Now she returns to hear David's formal answer.
"And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,"
(1 Kings 1:29)
David swears by the living LORD. He describes God as the One who "redeemed my soul out of all distress." At the end of his life, David still remembers that God carried him through Saul, the Philistines, Absalom, Sheba, and countless other dangers. The God who preserved him will also preserve the promise.
"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."
(1 Kings 1:30)
David reaffirms his oath in unmistakable words. Solomon will reign and sit on the throne "in my stead." "Even so will I certainly do this day," means he will not postpone the matter. Delay created the opening Adonijah exploited. Immediate action will close it.
"Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever."
(1 Kings 1:31)
Bathsheba bows again and does "reverence," meaning she honors and shows deep respect. Her words, "Let my lord king David live for ever," were a customary expression of loyalty to the king. She was not claiming David would never physically die. She is grateful that David has acted to fulfill his oath and protect Solomon's succession.
"And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king."
(1 Kings 1:32)
David summons three key men. The succession will be carried out by men who remained faithful. This shows me when a crisis reveals who can be trusted, responsibility should be placed into faithful hands.
"The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:"
(1 Kings 1:33)
David commands Solomon to ride on the king's own mule. This was a public symbol of royal authorization. A man riding the king's personal animal did so with the king's approval. Solomon is not taking the mule secretly; David is placing him upon it.
"And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon."
(1 Kings 1:34)
Solomon is to be "anointed" king. Symbolizing God had chosen and set him apart for office. The priest and prophet publicly agree in recognizing Solomon.
"Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah."
(1 Kings 1:35)
David commands that Solomon be seated on the throne immediately. He has "appointed" him ruler over Israel and Judah. He will begin reigning while David is still alive. This removes uncertainty. There will not be an empty throne between David and Solomon.
"And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too."
(1 Kings 1:36)
Benaiah responds, "Amen." But Benaiah adds that the LORD must confirm the king's appointment. Human authority matters, but divine approval matters more. He is not just loyal to David's preference. He wants David's command to agree with the purpose of God.
"As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David."
(1 Kings 1:37)
Benaiah prays that the LORD will be with Solomon as He was with David. He even prays that Solomon's throne will be greater than David's.
"So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon."
(1 Kings 1:38)
David's command is obeyed immediately. The presence of Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal guard shows that Solomon's anointing is supported spiritually, militarily, and officially. He rides David's mule to Gihon in full public view.
"And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon."
(1 Kings 1:39)
Solomon's anointing oil comes from the place of worship, pointing to God's appointment. The trumpet sounds, and the people proclaim Solomon king. The public response is immediate. Solomon does not have to pay people to repeat his title. The people receive the proclamation with joy.
"And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them."
(1 Kings 1:40)
The people follow Solomon with music and great rejoicing. They "piped with pipes," meaning they played flutes or similar instruments. His brings widespread public rejoicing.
"And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?"
(1 Kings 1:41)
Adonijah's guests hear the sound just as their feast is ending. The timing is almost dramatic. Their false celebration reaches its conclusion as the true king's celebration begins. Joab recognizes the sound of a trumpet and asks why the city is in an "uproar."
"And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings."
(1 Kings 1:42)
Jonathan arrives while Joab is still speaking. Adonijah assumes Jonathan brings "good tidings," He calls him a valiant man because Jonathan had previously served as a brave and dependable messenger.
"And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king."
(1 Kings 1:43)
Jonathan begins with "Verily," meaning truly or certainly. His message immediately destroys Adonijah's claim, David has made Solomon king.
"And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:"
(1 Kings 1:44)
Jonathan lists the people who accompanied Solomon. Every name carries weight. Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal guard demonstrate that Solomon's coronation is not an empty rumor. Adonijah had important supporters, but Solomon possessed the lawful symbols and faithful officers connected with David's throne.
"And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard."
(1 Kings 1:45)
Jonathan explains the sound. Adonijah's guests had heard the noise but did not understand it. Now the meaning is clear, their rival has not merely been nominated, he has been publicly anointed.
"And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom."
(1 Kings 1:46)
Solomon is already sitting upon the throne. He was seated in the actual place of rule. Divine appointment establishes real authority.
"And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed."
(1 Kings 1:47)
David bows upon the bed. Though physically unable to stand in strength, he worships and humbles himself before God. This is one of David's finest final acts. He does not resent the prayer that Solomon's throne be greater. He bows in gratitude.
"And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it."
(1 Kings 1:48)
David blesses the LORD for allowing him to see Solomon seated on the throne. The events are not because of David's cleverness. He says God "hath given" one to sit upon the throne. David had endured years in which the future of his house seemed uncertain. He had witnessed sin, death, rebellion, and family sorrow. Yet before his death, God allowed him to see the promise continuing.
"And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way."
(1 Kings 1:49)
The guest had gathered confidently around food, sacrifices, royal sons, Joab, and Abiathar. But once Solomon is established, their unity disappears. They were united by expectation of advantage rather than conviction. When the plan failed, every man protected himself.
"And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar."
(1 Kings 1:50)
Adonijah is now afraid. The man who declared, "I will be king," seeks refuge at the altar. The "horns of the altar" were projections from its corners. Taking hold of them was an appeal for mercy and protection at a sacred place. He had used sacrifice to support his ambition. Now he uses the altar to seek protection from the consequences. His fear is understandable, but Scripture does not yet show genuine repentance. He probably fears Solomon's sword more clearly than he confesses his own rebellion.
"And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me to day that he will not slay his servant with the sword."
(1 Kings 1:51)
Adonijah now calls Solomon king and refers to himself as Solomon's servant. He wants Solomon to swear that he will not be killed.
"And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die."
(1 Kings 1:52)
Solomon responds with measured mercy. If Adonijah shows himself a "worthy man," meaning loyal, honorable, and trustworthy, he will be spared completely. The phrase "not an hair of him fall to the earth" means no harm will come to him. But if wickedness is found in him, he will die. Mercy is offered with a clear expectation of future faithfulness.
"So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house."
(1 Kings 1:53)
Adonijah is brought down from the altar and bows before Solomon. Then Solomon sends him home. He gives him life, but not a position in the new government. The chapter ends with mercy and order. The false feast has dissolved, the rightful king sits upon the throne, and Adonijah is sent away under warning.