Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, is a significant figure in the narrative of Israel's monarchy, particularly in the context of the succession to David's throne. His account is primarily found in the opening chapters of 1 Kings, where his ambition to become king is detailed.

Background and Family Lineage

Adonijah was born to David and Haggith, making him a half-brother to Solomon. As the eldest surviving son of David after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah might have considered himself the natural heir to the throne. His ambition is set against the backdrop of David's declining health and the absence of a publicly declared successor.

Adonijah's Self-Exaltation

Adonijah's ambition is first explicitly mentioned in 1 Kings 1:5: "At that time Adonijah, the son of Haggith, exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king.' So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him." This self-exaltation reflects a common theme in the biblical narrative, where individuals attempt to seize power through their own means rather than waiting for divine appointment.

Support and Opposition

Adonijah garnered support from key figures in David's administration, including Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest (1 Kings 1:7). Their allegiance suggests a significant political maneuver, as both were influential leaders. However, Adonijah's claim was not universally accepted. Notably, Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David's mighty men did not support him (1 Kings 1:8).

The Feast and the Exclusion of Solomon

In a bid to solidify his claim, Adonijah held a sacrificial feast at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel, inviting all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, but notably excluding Solomon (1 Kings 1:9-10). This exclusion indicates Adonijah's awareness of Solomon as a rival and perhaps a recognition of Solomon's favor with David and the Lord.

Nathan and Bathsheba's Intervention

The prophet Nathan, aware of the potential crisis, approached Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, to inform her of Adonijah's actions and to urge her to remind King David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him (1 Kings 1:11-13). Bathsheba's subsequent audience with David, followed by Nathan's confirmation, prompted David to take decisive action to secure Solomon's succession.

David's Response and Solomon's Anointing

In response to the threat posed by Adonijah, David ordered that Solomon be anointed king immediately. He instructed Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada to take Solomon to Gihon, where he was anointed with oil from the sacred tent, and proclaimed king (1 Kings 1:32-39). The public acclamation of Solomon as king, accompanied by the sound of the trumpet and the people's rejoicing, effectively thwarted Adonijah's ambitions.

Adonijah's Submission

Upon hearing of Solomon's anointing, Adonijah's supporters dispersed, and Adonijah himself sought refuge by taking hold of the horns of the altar, a gesture seeking mercy (1 Kings 1:50). Solomon, demonstrating clemency, spared Adonijah's life on the condition of his good behavior (1 Kings 1:52-53).

Subsequent Events

Despite his initial submission, Adonijah's ambition resurfaced when he requested to marry Abishag the Shunammite, a former attendant of King David. This request was perceived by Solomon as a renewed attempt to claim the throne, leading to Adonijah's execution (1 Kings 2:13-25).

Adonijah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-exaltation and the importance of divine appointment in leadership. His ambition, though seemingly justified by birthright, ultimately clashed with God's sovereign plan for Solomon to succeed David as king.