“And Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.”
This verse is part of the narrative about the events that took place toward the end of King David’s life. David was old and feeble, and his son Adonijah had started to assert his claim to the throne of Israel. However, David had already promised the throne to his son Solomon. In this specific verse, we see that Adonijah organized a gathering to proclaim himself as king without David’s approval. He invited many influential people to join him, including Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, and Solomon’s brother (possibly referring to Shimea, Shobab, or Nathan, who were David’s sons mentioned earlier in 1 Chronicles 3:5-9). However, it is noted that he did not invite Solomon himself.
God’s Chosen Successor:God had already chosen Solomon to succeed David as king (1 Chronicles 28:5), and David had made it known to Solomon (1 Kings 1:28-30). Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne without David’s authorization was a direct challenge to God’s chosen plan. It emphasizes the importance of following God’s direction and honoring His appointments.
Unrighteous Ambition:Adonijah’s actions reveal his ambition and desire for power. He was willing to disregard God’s choice and act independently. This highlights the danger of pursuing personal ambitions that are contrary to God’s will. It serves as a reminder for us to align our desires and goals with God’s purposes.
Nathan’s Loyalty:Nathan the prophet, who had previously confronted David about his sins (2 Samuel 12), was not invited to Adonijah’s gathering. This suggests that Adonijah was aware that Nathan would oppose his claim to the throne. Nathan’s absence demonstrates his loyalty to God’s appointed successor and his commitment to God’s kingdom rather than personal allegiances.
The Mighty Men:The mention of “the mighty men” in this verse refers to David’s trusted warriors who were renowned for their loyalty and bravery. The fact that Adonijah did not invite them indicates that he might have been concerned about their support for Solomon. Their absence may symbolize the potential resistance Adonijah would face if he tried to seize the throne by force.
Overall, 1 Kings 1:10 portrays the tension and political intrigue surrounding the transition of power from David to Solomon. It highlights the importance of following God’s will, the dangers of unrighteous ambition, and the loyalty of those who align themselves with God’s appointed leaders.
