But now, behold, Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord the king, did not know it. But now, behold,This phrase indicates a sense of urgency and immediacy. The word "behold" is often used in Scripture to draw attention to something significant or surprising. In the context of 1 Kings 1, the urgency is due to the political and dynastic implications of Adonijah's actions. The transition of power in ancient Israel was a critical moment, often fraught with tension and potential conflict. Adonijah has become king,
Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, sought to establish himself as king despite not being the chosen successor. This act of self-exaltation mirrors the actions of Absalom, another of David's sons, who also attempted to usurp the throne. Adonijah's actions were contrary to God's plan, as Solomon was the divinely appointed successor (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). This highlights the recurring biblical theme of human ambition conflicting with divine will. and you, my lord the king,
The phrase "my lord the king" is a respectful address to King David, acknowledging his authority and position. It reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society, where the king was seen as God's anointed leader. This address also underscores the loyalty and respect Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet have for David, as they seek to inform him of the situation. do not know it.
This indicates that King David, due to his advanced age and declining health, was unaware of Adonijah's actions. It suggests a lapse in communication and control within the royal court. The phrase also highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness in leadership. In a broader biblical context, it serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and the dangers of complacency. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe son of King David who attempts to usurp the throne without his father's knowledge or blessing. His actions set the stage for a significant conflict over the succession of the throne of Israel. 2. King DavidThe aging and ailing king of Israel, unaware of Adonijah's actions. His leadership and decisions are central to the unfolding events. 3. BathshebaThe mother of Solomon, who informs David of Adonijah's actions. Her role is crucial in ensuring Solomon's rightful succession to the throne. 4. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, whom God has chosen to succeed David as king. His eventual anointing as king fulfills God's promise and plan. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where these events unfold. It is the political and spiritual center of the nation. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipDespite human attempts to control outcomes, God's sovereign plan prevails. Adonijah's self-exaltation contrasts with God's choice of Solomon, reminding us to seek God's will in leadership and decision-making. The Importance of Communication and CounselBathsheba's approach to David highlights the importance of clear communication and seeking wise counsel. In our lives, we should prioritize open dialogue and seek godly advice in critical situations. The Consequences of AmbitionAdonijah's ambition leads to conflict and ultimately his downfall. This serves as a warning against unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power without God's blessing. Faithfulness to God's PromisesThe account underscores the faithfulness of God to His promises. Just as God ensured Solomon's ascension, we can trust in His promises for our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Adonijah's attempt to become king reflect the dangers of acting outside of God's will? Can you think of a time when you or someone you know acted without seeking God's guidance? 2. In what ways does Bathsheba's role in this passage demonstrate the importance of wise counsel and communication? How can you apply this principle in your own life? 3. How does the promise of God to David in 2 Samuel 7 relate to the events in 1 Kings 1:18? What does this teach us about God's faithfulness? 4. Consider the contrast between Adonijah and Solomon. What lessons can we learn about humility and ambition from their accounts? 5. Reflect on a situation where you had to trust in God's plan despite uncertainty. How does this passage encourage you to continue trusting in God's sovereignty? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage would continue to rule Israel. This promise underpins the legitimacy of Solomon's claim to the throne. 1 Kings 2The subsequent events where Solomon is established as king, fulfilling God's promise and David's intentions. Proverbs 3:5-6The importance of trusting in God's plan and not leaning on one's own understanding, as seen in the contrast between Adonijah's self-promotion and Solomon's God-ordained kingship. People Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's StoneTopics Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Although, Behold, Hast, Lord's, O, Reigned, Reigneth, ReignsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:17-35 5581 throne Library David Appointing Solomon
'Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29. And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30. 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. 31. Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Adonijah
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. It is notorious that the sons of devout men sometimes prove a curse to their parents, and bring dishonour on the cause of God. When Eve rejoiced over her first-born, she little suspected that passions were sleeping within him which would impel him to slay his own brother; and the experience of the first mother has been repeated, though in different forms, in all lands and in all ages. Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau. …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether Prayer Should be Vocal?
Objection 1: It would seem that prayer ought not to be vocal. As stated above [3025](A[4]), prayer is addressed chiefly to God. Now God knows the language of the heart. Therefore it is useless to employ vocal prayer. Objection 2: Further, prayer should lift man's mind to God, as stated above (A[1], ad 2). But words, like other sensible objects, prevent man from ascending to God by contemplation. Therefore we should not use words in our prayers. Objection 3: Further, prayer should be offered to God …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Reign of David.
2 Sam.; 1 Chron. Chs. 11-29; 1 K 1:1-2:11. His Reign over Judah. The reign of David is divided into two parts. The first part was over Judah, with the capitol at Hebron, and lasted seven and one-half years. During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the North. It is probable that both of these kings were regarded as vassals of the Philistines and paid tribute. On account of rival leaders, there was constant warfare between these two rival kings. The kingdom of Judah, however, …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
Sections. 1. Connection between the doctrine of Justification and that of Regeneration. The knowledge of this doctrine very necessary for two reasons. 2. For the purpose of facilitating the exposition of it, the terms are explained. 1. What it is to be justified in the sight of God. 2. To be justified by works. 3. To be justified by faith. Definition. 3. Various meanings of the term Justification. 1. To give praise to God and truth. 2. To make a vain display of righteousness. 3. To impute righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 1:18 NIV1 Kings 1:18 NLT1 Kings 1:18 ESV1 Kings 1:18 NASB1 Kings 1:18 KJV
1 Kings 1:18 Commentaries
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