Solomon’s actions in establishing the kingdom
Verse 12 acts as a sort of turning point, ‘So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David’. The acts that we read about in 13-46 describe how ‘his rule was firmly established.’ We read about how Solomon dealt, firstly, with two men that David had not mentioned and then with two that he had. A little lesson here then is that we need to draw principles from what we learn and apply them. Solomon applied what David had taught him even where he had not mentioned the individuals concerned. So learn
Verse 12 acts as a sort of turning point, ‘So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David’. The acts that we read about in 13-46 describe how ‘his rule was firmly established.’ We read about how Solomon dealt, firstly, with two men that David had not mentioned and then with two that he had. A little lesson here then is that we need to draw principles from what we learn and apply them. Solomon applied what David had taught him even where he had not mentioned the individuals concerned. So learn
1. How to deal with rebellious pretenders like Adonijah
In verses 13-25, which are full of detail about the careful way that people spoke to each other and treated each other in the court, we read how Adonijah ‘went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother.’ In verse 15 he says to her ‘As you know, … the kingdom was mine. All Israel looked to me as their king. But things changed, and the kingdom has gone to my brother; for it has come to him from the LORD.'
He then requests that she ask Solomon to give him ‘Abishag the Shunammite’ as his wife. She was the woman who had been so close to David in his final days, of course. Bathsheba agrees to speak to Solomon but her son is very negative. Eager as he is to please his mother and show her all due respect, this is a bridge too far. 22 '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!'
In light of what had been happening so recently, Solomon felt this request could only be considered in a negative light. If Adonijah had Abishag, he might then make another move on the throne. You may feel this is harsh. Perhaps he just took a fancy to Abishag. If so, he acted very foolishly. Bathsheba comes over here as naïve. As ruthless as he may seem, Solomon is the model for us – ‘May God deal with me, be it ever so severely’, he says (23) ‘if Adonijah does not pay with his life for this request!’
24, 25 'And now, as surely as the LORD lives - he who has established me securely on the throne of my father David and has founded a dynasty for me as he promised (this is the issue – not any petty vengeance) - Adonijah shall be put to death today! So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.'
It is all very nice to suppose that we can just let people believe and do what they like but beliefs and actions have consequences. We must recognise that.
In verses 13-25, which are full of detail about the careful way that people spoke to each other and treated each other in the court, we read how Adonijah ‘went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother.’ In verse 15 he says to her ‘As you know, … the kingdom was mine. All Israel looked to me as their king. But things changed, and the kingdom has gone to my brother; for it has come to him from the LORD.'
He then requests that she ask Solomon to give him ‘Abishag the Shunammite’ as his wife. She was the woman who had been so close to David in his final days, of course. Bathsheba agrees to speak to Solomon but her son is very negative. Eager as he is to please his mother and show her all due respect, this is a bridge too far. 22 '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!'
In light of what had been happening so recently, Solomon felt this request could only be considered in a negative light. If Adonijah had Abishag, he might then make another move on the throne. You may feel this is harsh. Perhaps he just took a fancy to Abishag. If so, he acted very foolishly. Bathsheba comes over here as naïve. As ruthless as he may seem, Solomon is the model for us – ‘May God deal with me, be it ever so severely’, he says (23) ‘if Adonijah does not pay with his life for this request!’
24, 25 'And now, as surely as the LORD lives - he who has established me securely on the throne of my father David and has founded a dynasty for me as he promised (this is the issue – not any petty vengeance) - Adonijah shall be put to death today! So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.'
It is all very nice to suppose that we can just let people believe and do what they like but beliefs and actions have consequences. We must recognise that.
2. How to deal with unfaithful schemers like Abiathar
This incident alerted Solomon to the fact that there was still an undercurrent of rebellion in his
kingdom and so he deals next with Abiathar the priest. This is a priest not a would-be king and one who had been very loyal to David in the past. So Solomon says to him 'Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and shared all my father’s hardships.'
This was a fulfilment of the prophecy spoken to Samuel and Eli so long before.
Such ruthlessness in establishing the kingdom does not mean that we take a one-size fits all approach. We must deal firmly, fairly and with resolution but also with wisdom and care. [Pic - Anathoth]
This incident alerted Solomon to the fact that there was still an undercurrent of rebellion in his
kingdom and so he deals next with Abiathar the priest. This is a priest not a would-be king and one who had been very loyal to David in the past. So Solomon says to him 'Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and shared all my father’s hardships.'This was a fulfilment of the prophecy spoken to Samuel and Eli so long before.
Such ruthlessness in establishing the kingdom does not mean that we take a one-size fits all approach. We must deal firmly, fairly and with resolution but also with wisdom and care. [Pic - Anathoth]
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