Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Adonijah

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Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, is a prominent biblical figure known for his attempt to usurp the throne of Israel, an act that marks him as a wicked citizen in the biblical narrative. His account is primarily found in the opening chapters of 1 Kings.

Adonijah was born to David and Haggith, and he is described as a handsome and ambitious man. As David grew old and frail, Adonijah sought to establish himself as king, despite the fact that David had promised the throne to Solomon, his son with Bathsheba. Adonijah's actions are seen as rebellious and self-serving, as he attempted to seize power without divine sanction or his father's blessing.

In 1 Kings 1:5-7 , it is recorded: "At that time 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. His father had never rebuked him by asking, 'Why do you behave this way?' He was also very handsome, born next after Absalom. Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him."

Adonijah's self-exaltation and his gathering of supporters, including Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar, the priest, demonstrate his disregard for God's chosen plan for Israel's leadership. His actions parallel those of his brother Absalom, who also attempted to usurp David's throne, highlighting a pattern of rebellion within David's family.

Despite his efforts, Adonijah's bid for the throne was thwarted by the swift actions of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. They informed King David of Adonijah's conspiracy, prompting David to publicly declare Solomon as his successor. In 1 Kings 1:32-35 , David commands: "Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada for me.' So they came before the king. 'Take my servants with you,' said the king. 'Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the trumpet and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ Then you shall go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place, for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah.'"

Adonijah's response to Solomon's anointing was one of fear and submission. He sought refuge at the altar, pleading for mercy. Solomon initially spared Adonijah's life, contingent upon his good behavior. However, Adonijah's later request to marry Abishag, David's former concubine, was perceived as another attempt to claim the throne, leading to his execution by Solomon's order (1 Kings 2:13-25).

Adonijah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and rebellion against God's ordained leadership. His actions are a stark reminder of the consequences of seeking power through unrighteous means, and his fate underscores the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will.

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1 Kings 1:5-7
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
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Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... The House Of God; And That, Upon Adonijah's Attempt To ... As Also What He Did For The
Punishment Of The Wicked. ... Nation Of The Jews And Made Them Citizens Of Those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Was this only the temper of wicked men then? ... "Now therefore ye are no more strangers
and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm