Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, is a significant figure in the narrative of the transition of power from David to Solomon. His account is primarily found in the opening chapters of 1 Kings. Adonijah's request, which ultimately leads to his downfall, is a pivotal moment in the early reign of Solomon.

Background

Adonijah was born to David and Haggith and was considered a handsome and ambitious young man. As David's eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah believed he had a legitimate claim to the throne. His ambition is evident in 1 Kings 1:5, where it is written, "Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king.' So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him."

Despite his self-proclamation, Adonijah's claim was not sanctioned by David, who had promised the throne to Solomon, the son of Bathsheba. This promise was in line with God's covenantal plan, as Solomon was chosen to build the temple and continue the Davidic line.

Adonijah's Attempt to Seize the Throne

Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne was marked by a strategic gathering at En Rogel, where he invited key figures, including Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest. However, he notably excluded Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, Solomon, and other loyalists to David. This exclusion highlighted the division within the kingdom and the lack of divine endorsement for Adonijah's kingship.

Nathan and Bathsheba informed David of Adonijah's actions, prompting David to publicly declare Solomon as his successor. Solomon was anointed king at Gihon, effectively thwarting Adonijah's plans.

Adonijah's Request to Solomon

After Solomon's ascension to the throne, Adonijah approached Bathsheba with a request. In 1 Kings 2:13-18, Adonijah asked Bathsheba to intercede on his behalf to Solomon, requesting Abishag the Shunammite as his wife. Abishag had served as a caregiver to David in his old age, and marrying her could be seen as a claim to David's legacy and, by extension, the throne.

Bathsheba presented Adonijah's request to Solomon, who perceived it as a threat to his reign. Solomon's response is recorded in 1 Kings 2:22, "And King Solomon answered his mother, 'Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? You might as well request the kingdom for him—after all, he is my older brother—yes, for him and for Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah!'"

The Outcome

Solomon's reaction to Adonijah's request was swift and decisive. Recognizing the potential danger of Adonijah's ambitions, Solomon ordered his execution. Benaiah, one of Solomon's loyal commanders, carried out the order, as detailed in 1 Kings 2:25: "So King Solomon sent the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died."

Adonijah's request and subsequent execution underscore the importance of divine will and the fulfillment of God's promises in the establishment of Solomon's reign. It also highlights the political intrigue and familial tensions that characterized the early monarchy in Israel. Solomon's wisdom and discernment in handling the situation affirmed his legitimacy as king and set the stage for his prosperous rule.