2 Samuel 3:4

his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;

Study Bible

his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith;
Adonijah, the fourth son of David, plays a significant role later in the narrative of 1 Kings. His name means "my Lord is Yahweh," which reflects the theistic culture of Israel. Adonijah's mother, Haggith, is one of David's wives, indicating the polygamous practices of the time, which were common among kings for political alliances and progeny. Adonijah's later attempt to claim the throne (1 Kings 1) parallels the earlier rebellion of his brother Absalom, highlighting the recurring theme of familial strife within David's house, as prophesied in 2 Samuel 12:10. This foreshadows the internal conflicts that would plague David's lineage, ultimately leading to the division of the kingdom.

his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;
Shephatiah, whose name means "Yahweh has judged," is less prominent in the biblical narrative, with no significant actions recorded. His mother, Abital, is another of David's wives, further illustrating the king's numerous marriages. The mention of Shephatiah and his mother serves to document the lineage and the complexity of David's family, which is crucial for understanding the succession issues that arise later. The listing of David's sons in this passage underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding his descendants (2 Samuel 7:12-16), while also setting the stage for the eventual rise of Solomon, who is not mentioned here but becomes the central figure in the continuation of David's dynasty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Adonijah
The fourth son of King David, born to Haggith. Adonijah later attempted to claim the throne of Israel, which led to significant conflict within David's family.

2. Haggith
One of King David's wives and the mother of Adonijah. Her role is primarily noted in the context of her son's ambitions.

3. Shephatiah
The fifth son of King David, born to Abital. Little is known about Shephatiah beyond his mention in the genealogies.

4. Abital
Another of King David's wives, the mother of Shephatiah. Like Haggith, her significance is tied to her offspring.

5. King David
The second king of Israel, known for his complex family dynamics and the challenges that arose from his multiple marriages and children.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Polygamy
David's multiple marriages led to complex family dynamics and strife. This serves as a cautionary tale about the complications that arise from not adhering to God's design for marriage.

Ambition and Its Dangers
Adonijah's ambition to become king, despite not being chosen by God, led to conflict and division. This highlights the importance of seeking God's will rather than pursuing personal ambition.

The Importance of Parental Guidance
David's lack of intervention in his children's lives, particularly with Adonijah, underscores the need for active and godly parenting.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Despite human attempts to control outcomes, God's sovereign plan prevails, as seen in Solomon's eventual anointing as king.

Family Dynamics and Faithfulness
The account encourages believers to navigate family relationships with wisdom and faithfulness, seeking God's guidance in all interactions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Adonijah's ambition reflect the potential pitfalls of unchecked personal desires? What can we learn from this about aligning our ambitions with God's will?

2. In what ways do the family dynamics in David's household illustrate the consequences of not following God's design for marriage? How can this inform our understanding of biblical marriage today?

3. How does David's response (or lack thereof) to his children's actions serve as a lesson for modern-day parenting? What biblical principles can guide us in raising our children?

4. How does the account of David's sons connect with the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in leadership? What other biblical accounts reinforce this theme?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced family conflict. How can the lessons from David's family help you approach similar situations with wisdom and faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 1-2
These chapters detail Adonijah's attempt to usurp the throne and the subsequent anointing of Solomon as king, highlighting the familial strife and political intrigue within David's household.

1 Chronicles 3:1-9
This passage provides a parallel genealogy of David's sons, offering additional context and details about his family.

Deuteronomy 17:17
This verse warns against kings taking many wives, which can lead to their hearts being led astray. David's multiple marriages and the resulting family issues can be seen as a fulfillment of this warning.