"My lord the king," said Nathan, "did you say, 'Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne'? “My lord the king,” said Nathan,Nathan the prophet addresses King David with respect, acknowledging his authority and position. Nathan is a key figure in David's court, known for his role in confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba ( 2 Samuel 12:1-14). His approach here is diplomatic, reflecting the courtly protocol of addressing a reigning monarch. Nathan's involvement underscores the importance of prophetic voices in guiding Israel's leadership, as seen throughout the Old Testament. “did you say,
Nathan's question is strategic, designed to clarify David's intentions regarding the succession. This reflects the importance of clear communication in leadership transitions, especially in a monarchy where ambiguity can lead to conflict. The question also implies that Nathan is aware of the political maneuvering by Adonijah and seeks to confirm the king's official stance. ‘Adonijah will reign after me,
Adonijah, David's fourth son, is attempting to claim the throne without David's explicit endorsement. This phrase highlights the tension and potential for division within the royal family. Adonijah's actions parallel those of Absalom, another of David's sons who previously attempted to usurp the throne (2 Samuel 15). The issue of succession is critical, as it affects the stability of the kingdom and the fulfillment of God's promises to David's lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16). and he will sit on my throne’?
The throne symbolizes legitimate authority and the continuation of David's dynasty. Nathan's inquiry points to the need for divine guidance in choosing a successor, as seen in the anointing of David himself (1 Samuel 16:1-13). The throne of David is also significant in biblical prophecy, as it is linked to the messianic promise that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, will ultimately reign (Isaiah 9:7, Luke 1:32-33). Nathan's question thus not only addresses immediate political concerns but also touches on the broader theological implications of God's covenant with David. Persons / Places / Events 1. NathanA prophet during the reign of King David, known for his role in confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba and for supporting Solomon's claim to the throne. 2. King DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his heart for God, his military conquests, and his complex personal life. At this point, he is elderly and his succession is in question. 3. AdonijahThe fourth son of King David, who attempts to declare himself king without David's approval, leading to a conflict over the rightful heir to the throne. 4. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, whom God has chosen to succeed David as king, though his position is not yet secure at this point in the account. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where these events are taking place, and the center of political and religious life for the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod is in control of leadership transitions, and His plans will prevail despite human attempts to alter them. The Role of ProphetsProphets like Nathan play a crucial role in guiding and correcting leaders according to God's will. The Importance of Seeking God's WillBefore making significant decisions, it is vital to seek God's guidance and confirmation, as seen in Nathan's inquiry to David. The Dangers of PresumptionAdonijah's presumption in declaring himself king without God's or David's endorsement serves as a warning against acting on ambition without divine approval. Faithfulness in UncertaintyIn times of uncertainty, like the succession crisis, faithfulness to God's promises and commands is essential. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nathan's approach to King David demonstrate the importance of seeking clarity and truth in leadership decisions? 2. In what ways does the account of Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne illustrate the dangers of acting on ambition without seeking God's will? 3. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in leadership to our own lives, especially in times of transition or uncertainty? 4. What role do spiritual mentors or prophets play in our lives today, and how can we discern their guidance as being from God? 5. How does the promise of David's lineage being established forever connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of this promise? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage will continue and that his throne will be established forever, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 1 Chronicles 22David's preparations for Solomon to build the temple, indicating God's choice of Solomon as his successor. Proverbs 3:5-6Trusting in the Lord's plan and not leaning on one's own understanding, relevant to the unfolding of God's will in the succession of Solomon. 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, Declared, Hast, Kingdom, Nathan, O, Reign, Seat, Seated, Sit, ThroneDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:17-35 5581 throne 1 Kings 1:24-25 5119 Solomon, life of
5866 gluttony 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 1:24 NIV1 Kings 1:24 NLT1 Kings 1:24 ESV1 Kings 1:24 NASB1 Kings 1:24 KJV
1 Kings 1:24 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
