I was reading I Kings this morning. I got to thinking about Solomon’s order to execute Adonijah (what made him do it).
So this Adonijah (older brother of Solomon), ask permission to give him Abishag (one of David’s concubine, who slept with him to provide body heat during his old age) as a wife.
Well, it’s not exactly Adonijah, the later asked permission through Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba.
The request seems innocuous, but realize it was full of subterfuge!
There’s indignation at Solomon’s response when he spoke to his mother Bathsheba (hasn’t realize the weight of the request?) about the request. Solomon rightly saw Adonijah’s desire to marry Abishag as part of his brother’s ongoing attempt to take over the kingdom.
In the olden days of royal harems (made a research), it is one’s right to the throne if you take possession of king’s concubines (I remember Absalom’s coup, also David’s son). And since Abishag (peculiar name ha-ha) was considered part of David’s harem, her marriage to Adonijah would have strengthened the usurper’s claim to the throne.
Going back, the tension between Adonijah and Solomon had been longstanding. Adonijah was older than Solomon and therefore, under normal circumstances (obviously),in line before Solomon for the throne. But God promised that Solomon would be king (written in II Samuel). Adonijah had already attempted to set himself up as king while David was still alive; when David was informed of the scheme, he quickly made Solomon’s kingship official.
Crystal clear, Adonijah was not yet done in his attempts to become king. His plan to acquire Abishag as a wife was seen for what it was—a threat to Solomon’s rule. Adonijah’s plan cost him his life, and the sibling rivalry came to an abrupt end. The execution of Adonijah was considered part of the establishment of Solomon’s kingdom.
Conclusions: First, it is clear that a struggle for power can cause people to turn to deceit, violence, and lawlessness. Second, God is the one who ultimately appoints rulers, not people. Third, there are consequences for sin. In Adonijah’s case, his ongoing attempt to become king led to his early and abrupt death. We are called to submit to God’s will and to live contentedly where God has placed us here.
Love Love,
3M
Eden Uy 