ADONIJAH THE USURPER Vs. SOLOMON THE CHOSEN

1 Kings 1:37

The two books of Kings tell us God’s dealing with the spiritual condition of vacillating ones. These books portray the deeds of people of Israel, especially its kings, priests, and prophets. They show us spiritual faithfulness and purity they maintained toward God as also their repeated failures. The books stand as a record of God’s blessings on the obedient and reward He extends toward them, and these books also stand as a record for the judgment of the disobedient.

Here is a good case of an usurper. We read his story in 1kings 1st chapter.
David’s first four sons were, Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, and Adonijah. He also had a son through Bathsheba, and that was Solomon.

2nd Samuel chapter 13:28, 29 and chapter 18:24 show the violent deaths Amnon and Absalom suffered. Chileab, must have died in childhood.

Now, here is the one, Adonijah, the son of David, usurping the throne of David. He began his plotting with the gain of allies; (1) Joab, who David was unable to control, (2) Abiathar the Priest. Adonijah’s next scheme was to host feast for his supporters.

Vs. 5 reads “…I will be king; and prepared him chariots and horsemen to run before him.”
David did not know the plotting and the scheming Adonijah was going ahead with. With the help of Abiathar the priest he usurped the kingship. He slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle, called all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the kings servants and hosted feast. And he started reigning.
Nevertheless, Bathsheba went in unto the king David, did obeisance and told him, about that his throne was usurped by Adonijah. Bathsheba reminded him of his swearing that his son, Solomon, through her, would become the king. While she was yet talking to her husband, David the king, Nathan the prophet came in. Nathan questioned the king if he had at any time said that Adonijah would become king. He explained to the king how Adonijah, usurped the kingship without sending an invitation to Nathan, the prophet or Zadok, the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoida, and Solomon.

David rises up then, and says, “Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day". Bathsheba thanked the king. King David called Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoida, and in their presence caused Solomon, his son, to sit upon his mule and ride to “Gihon”.

Later Zadok, the priest and Nathan the priest anointed Solomon. And, Benaiah the son of Jehoida answered the king, and said, Amen; the LORD God of my lord the king say so too. As the LORD hath been with my Lord the king, even so be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.
Thus became Solomon the official king over Israel. The news that Solomon became the king brought an end to the illegal regime of Adonijah. Adonijah sought mercy from Solomon by laying “hold on the horns of the altar". (This was done during the erstwhile days, as a sign of seeking refuge). King Solomon showed mercy and sent him to have a retired life. He acknowledged that Adonijah was his brother, and that it was his first offence. Solomon not only spared his life, but gave him possessions. He thus established his throne by mercy.

Let us examine ourselves if we are in such situation today. If we are not chosen by God, we might have to seek the refuge later and seek mercy of those who are chosen by God. Let us remember that the coveted positions are for those, who are chosen by God; not for those who try to usurp. God will cause the usurpers to end in seeking refuge and will send them to retired life. Only those chosen by God will attain the coveted positions and do the will of God.
Adonijah, had a greater right to the throne than Solomon, yet he was not the one chosen by God. He also attempted to usurp the throne in an unruly and wrong way, which resulted in his dethronement.

Worship places do need persons of integrity to serve God and lead others in right direction.
Thanks are to our God, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ.

Leslie M. John

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