But me your servant he did not invite, nor Zadok the priest, nor Benaiah son of Jehoiada, nor your servant Solomon. But he did not invite me—me, your servant—This phrase is spoken by Nathan the prophet, who is addressing Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. The emphasis on "me, your servant" highlights Nathan's loyalty and service to King David. In the Hebrew context, the word for "servant" (עֶבֶד, 'eved) often denotes a position of humility and dedication. Nathan's exclusion from Adonijah's feast is significant, as it underscores the illegitimacy of Adonijah's claim to the throne. Historically, prophets like Nathan held crucial roles as God's messengers, and their exclusion from royal events was a serious oversight, indicating a departure from divine guidance. nor Zadok the priest
Zadok was a prominent priest during King David's reign, and his exclusion from Adonijah's gathering is telling. The Hebrew root for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) signifies one who serves in a sacred capacity, mediating between God and the people. Zadok's loyalty to David and Solomon is well-documented, and his absence from Adonijah's circle further delegitimizes Adonijah's actions. Archaeological findings, such as priestly vestments and temple artifacts, provide insight into the high regard and authority priests like Zadok held in ancient Israel. nor Benaiah son of Jehoiada
Benaiah was a valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard. The mention of "son of Jehoiada" connects Benaiah to a lineage of faithful service. In Hebrew, "Benaiah" (בְּנָיָהוּ, Benayah) means "Yahweh has built," reflecting his divinely ordained strength and leadership. Benaiah's exclusion from Adonijah's plot highlights the latter's lack of support from David's most trusted military leaders. Historically, Benaiah's loyalty and military prowess were instrumental in securing Solomon's throne, as recorded in subsequent chapters. nor your servant Solomon
Solomon, the chosen successor of King David, is notably absent from Adonijah's feast. The term "servant" here (עֶבֶד, 'eved) again emphasizes humility and rightful service, contrasting with Adonijah's self-exaltation. Solomon's exclusion is pivotal, as it underscores the tension between divine appointment and human ambition. Scripturally, Solomon's wisdom and eventual kingship are central themes in the narrative of Israel's monarchy. His absence from Adonijah's gathering foreshadows the divine intervention that would ultimately establish his reign, fulfilling God's promise to David. Persons / Places / Events 1. Nathan the ProphetA key figure in the court of King David, Nathan is known for his role as a prophet and advisor. In this verse, he is speaking to Bathsheba about the conspiracy to make Adonijah king. 2. Zadok the PriestA loyal priest during King David's reign, Zadok is a significant religious leader who supports Solomon's claim to the throne. 3. Benaiah son of JehoiadaA valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard, Benaiah is a loyal supporter of Solomon. 4. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the chosen successor to King David, though not yet officially king at this point in the account. 5. AdonijahThe son of David who attempts to usurp the throne by declaring himself king without David's approval. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod chooses leaders according to His divine plan, as seen in the selection of Solomon over Adonijah. Trust in God's sovereignty even when human plans seem to prevail. The Importance of Godly CounselNathan, Zadok, and Benaiah represent godly counsel and loyalty. Seek wise and godly advisors in your life to help discern God's will. Faithfulness to God's PromisesDespite Adonijah's attempt to seize power, God's promise to David about Solomon's kingship stands firm. Trust in God's promises, knowing they will be fulfilled in His timing. The Role of Humility and ServiceNathan refers to himself as "your servant," demonstrating humility. Embrace a servant's heart in your walk with God and in your relationships with others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nathan's role as a prophet and advisor reflect the importance of seeking godly counsel in our own decision-making processes? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the leadership transitions in our own lives or communities? 3. How can the loyalty of Zadok and Benaiah inspire us to remain faithful to God's chosen leaders and His plans? 4. What are some promises of God that you are holding onto, and how does the account of Solomon's anointing encourage you to trust in their fulfillment? 5. How can we cultivate a servant's heart like Nathan, even when we are in positions of influence or authority? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David as king by Samuel, which parallels the divine selection of Solomon as David's successor. 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage would continue to rule, which is fulfilled through Solomon. 1 Chronicles 29The public anointing of Solomon as king, affirming his God-ordained role. 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 Benaiah, Benai'ah, Hasn't, Invite, Invited, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Priest, Servant, Solomon, ZadokDictionary 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 1:26 NIV1 Kings 1:26 NLT1 Kings 1:26 ESV1 Kings 1:26 NASB1 Kings 1:26 KJV
1 Kings 1:26 Commentaries
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