From David to Solomon (1 Kings1)

David’s son, Adonijah, exalted himself as king and had the assistance of Abiathar the priest and Joab, son of Zeruiah/commander of the army (1 Kings 1:5, 7). He made sacrifices and threw a feast at the king’s table with the king’s sons, Joab and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:25).

Adonijah did not include David, Solomon nor David's faithful servants, Benaiah, Zadok or Nathan (1 Kings 1:8).

• Benaiah, son of Jehoiada was in the army
• Zadok was a priest and
• Nathan a prophet

Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, made David aware of this and asked David about the promise he made to Bathsheba concerning Solomon being the next king. David appointed Solomon king and David's men, Benaiah, Zadok and Nathan anointed Solomon king in Gihon (1 Kings 1:29-39). Solomon took his place on David's throne and Benaiah proclaimed a blessing over him stating “may the Lord make Solomon's throne greater than the throne of David”.

Hearing this Adonijah's guests left him; he was alone and terrified so he fled to the altar where Solomon called him. Solomon promised if Adonijah would be a worthy man and show no wickedness he would endure no harm and told Adonijah to return to his house (1 Kings 1:52-53).

1 Kings 1 sets the tone of the book of Kings, we immediately see God's sovereignty ~ God chose Solomon to be the next king after David and promised it through David's promise to Bathsheba.  It was fulfilled when David appointed him and his men anointed Solomon King of Israel. No evil planned by men can stop God's plan. We also see God’s mercy foreshadowed in Solomon’s actions when he sent his brother away safely, giving him another chance if he would not be wicked.

A Question to Ponder…Solomon and Bathsheba must have felt like everything was out of control when Adonijah was the self-appointed king.  What situations cause you to feel like everything is out of control or do you trust in a sovereign God who has your best interest in mind?