1 Kings 1:19
And he has sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the other sons of the king, as well as Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon.
And he has sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep
This phrase indicates a significant and lavish offering, which was a common practice in ancient Israel to celebrate important events or to seek divine favor. Sacrifices of oxen, calves, and sheep were typical in royal and religious ceremonies, symbolizing wealth and the ability to provide abundantly. The act of sacrificing animals was deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the time, often associated with covenant-making and thanksgiving. The abundance of the sacrifice suggests an attempt to gain support and legitimacy, possibly reflecting the political maneuvering of Adonijah as he sought to establish his claim to the throne.

and has invited all the other sons of the king
Adonijah's invitation to all the other sons of King David, except Solomon, highlights the political strategy of consolidating support among potential rivals. By including David's other sons, Adonijah aimed to present a united front and gain legitimacy. This move reflects the complex dynamics of royal succession in ancient Israel, where the king's sons were often seen as potential heirs. The exclusion of Solomon is significant, as it underscores the tension and rivalry within the royal family, setting the stage for the eventual conflict over the throne.

as well as Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army
Abiathar and Joab were influential figures in King David's reign. Abiathar, a priest, had served David faithfully and was a key religious leader, while Joab, as the commander of the army, held significant military power. Their support would have been crucial for Adonijah's claim to the throne, as it would lend both religious and military legitimacy to his cause. The inclusion of these figures indicates Adonijah's strategic efforts to secure the backing of powerful allies, reflecting the importance of religious and military endorsement in ancient Near Eastern politics.

But he has not invited your servant Solomon
The exclusion of Solomon from the gathering is a deliberate and telling omission. Solomon, who had been chosen by David and promised the throne, represents the divinely sanctioned line of succession. This phrase highlights the tension and impending conflict between Adonijah and Solomon. The use of "your servant" emphasizes Solomon's loyalty to David and his rightful claim to the throne, as well as the divine favor that would later be affirmed through the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba's intervention. This exclusion sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding Solomon's kingship, as seen in 1 Chronicles 22:9-10, where Solomon is designated as the future king who would build the temple.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Adonijah
The son of King David who attempts to declare himself king without his father's blessing.

2. King David
The reigning king of Israel, who is unaware of Adonijah's actions at this point.

3. Solomon
The son of David and Bathsheba, whom God has chosen to succeed David as king.

4. Abiathar the Priest
A priest who supports Adonijah's claim to the throne.

5. Joab
The commander of David's army, who also supports Adonijah.

6. The Sacrifice
Adonijah's act of sacrificing cattle, calves, and sheep as part of his self-coronation ceremony.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans
Despite Adonijah's efforts, God's plan for Solomon to be king prevails. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty over our lives.

The Importance of Seeking God's Will
Adonijah acted without seeking God's will, leading to his downfall. We should always seek God's guidance in our decisions.

The Role of Spiritual Discernment
Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba discern the situation and act wisely to ensure God's will is done. We should cultivate spiritual discernment to navigate life's challenges.

The Consequences of Ambition
Adonijah's ambition leads to division and conflict. Ambition should be tempered with humility and submission to God's will.

The Significance of Divine Choice
Solomon's eventual kingship underscores the importance of divine choice over human preference. We should value God's choices in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Adonijah's attempt to become king reflect human ambition, and what can we learn about the dangers of acting outside of God's will?

2. In what ways does the account of Adonijah and Solomon illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

3. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in our own lives when faced with uncertainty or opposition?

4. What role does spiritual discernment play in the actions of Nathan and Bathsheba, and how can we develop this discernment in our own spiritual journey?

5. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to David through Solomon encourage us to trust in God's promises today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 16
The anointing of David as king, highlighting God's choice over human ambition.

2 Samuel 7
God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage will continue to rule, which is fulfilled through Solomon.

1 Kings 2
The eventual establishment of Solomon as king, showing God's sovereignty and fulfillment of His promises.
AdonijahA. Williamson.1 Kings 1:5-53
Ambition, DestructivePlutarch.1 Kings 1:5-53
UsurpationJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 1:5-53
When the Play is OutT. Adams.1 Kings 1:5-53
People
Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's Stone
Topics
Abiathar, Abi'athar, Abundance, Army, Beasts, Calleth, Calves, Captain, Cattle, Commander, Death, Fat, Fatling, Fatlings, Fatted, Fattened, Hasn't, Host, Invited, Joab, Jo'ab, King's, Numbers, Ox, Oxen, Priest, Sacrificed, Sacrificeth, Servant, Sheep, Slain, Solomon, Sons
Dictionary 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 Scripture

Gihon, 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

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