Chapter 148. 1 Kings 1. 1 Chronicles 22, 23. Adonijah.
DAVID was now an old man, and he knew that he must soon die. Several years before he had wished to build a house for God, but God had said, “Thou shalt not build Me an house,” but of Solomon He said, “He shall build Me an house, and I will establish his throne forever.” From that time David thought much about this temple, and began to collect stones, wood, iron, and precious metals, all ready for it. He also had skilled workmen ready for the time when they should be needed.
When David saw that his end was near, he sent for his son, Solomon, and told him that God had said that he, from among all David’s sons, was to be made king over Israel. Upon him would fall the work of building a temple unto the Lord. David encouraged Solomon, and told him God would be with him, to give him wisdom and understanding; that He would prosper him, and give him rest on every side. Much good advice and warning did David give Solomon about setting his heart upon being obedient to God, and seeking His law. David also presented Solomon to the people, “Of all my sons,” said he “(for the Lord hath given me many sons) He hath chosen Solomon, my son, to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel, and He said unto me, Solomon, thy son, he shall build My house and My courts: for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father.” (1 Chron. 28:5, 65And of all my sons, (for the Lord hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. 6And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. (1 Chronicles 28:5‑6).)
Then David gave Solomon very explicit directions, and the pattern for the temple that it might be built according to God’s mind.
We would think that after knowing David’s desire, and God’s will, that Solomon should become king, there would be no question raised among the people about it. But one of David’s sons, Adonijah, a brother of Absalom, was ambitious to succeed his father. So knowing that his father would soon die, he prepared horses and chariots, and had fifty men run before him. He was a handsome man, and David could not bear to hurt his feelings, so, although he knew this, he did not command Adonijah to stop it. He had had the same weakness with Absalom, and should have learned firmness from this son’s rebellion.
Adonijah made up his mind he would be king. To this end he conferred with Joab and Abiathar, the priest who helped Adonijah, and took part with him. But Zadok, Benaiah, Nathan, and David’s mighty men did not go with him.
David knew nothing of this conspiracy until Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, by the prophet Nathan’s advice, went to the king and told him, and asked if her son Solomon was not the right king after David, because God had chosen him. While Bathsheba was still talking with the king, Nathan came and said the same things. David commanded Nathan and Zadok the priest to take Solomon and put him on David’s own mule, and bring him to Gihon and there to anoint him king. This was done and all the people blew with trumpets and shouted, “God save king Solomon.”
Adonijah during this time was feasting with his friends of whom were Joab and Abiathar. He had brought cattle big and small to feast upon, and had invited all his brothers except Solomon. Neither had he asked Nathan, Benaiah nor Zadok.
While they were still eating and drinking, Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, and the cries of rejoicing, and inquired the cause of all this noise. Jonathan, the son of Abiathar, at that moment came in and told them David had made Solomon king. Then the conspirators were afraid, they knew they had done wrong, and were frightened, as wicked people are when their crimes are found out. They all ran away to their own homes. Adonijah was so frightened that he ran and caught hold of the horns of the altar, until Solomon should promise not to kill him. Solomon sent for him and told him that if he would show himself a worthy man, he should not die. There Adonijah bowed before the king, and was told to go to his house.
Thus we see that God’s counsels must stand in spite of all that rebellious man may try to do to the contrary. As He had decreed that Solomon should reign, so has He also decreed that Jesus shall reign, and that every knee shall bow to Him. The Lord Jesus is rejected now; men do not want Him any more now than when they cried, “Away with Him, crucify Him.” But in that great day when He shall come in His glory and all His holy angels with Him, only “those who love His appearing,” because they knew Him while on earth as their Saviour and Lord, shall enjoy His presence. For those who have not wanted Him, it will be a fearful time of reckoning. “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matt. 25:4141Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (Matthew 25:41).)
ML 01/09/1916