“Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.”
Context:The book of 1 Kings is part of the historical books in the Old Testament. It primarily focuses on the reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah after the death of King David. In 1 Kings 1, we find an account of the events that occurred during the final days of King David’s life and the struggle for succession to the throne.
Adonijah’s Ambition:Adonijah was one of David’s sons. He attempted to seize the throne while David was still alive, thus asserting himself as the next king. Adonijah’s actions were contrary to the established order of succession, as David had previously announced Solomon as his chosen successor (1 Kings 1:30).
Exalting Himself:The verse states that Adonijah “exalted himself.” This indicates that he took it upon himself to declare his own kingship without any official appointment or confirmation. Instead of waiting for God’s chosen time and process, Adonijah acted out of his own ambition and pride.
Preparations:Adonijah made various preparations to solidify his claim to the throne. He gathered chariots, horsemen, and a group of fifty men to run before him. These actions were symbolic of royalty and power, as kings in that era would often have such an entourage to display their authority.
Lessons for us:
- Pride and Self-exaltation:Adonijah’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. Instead of submitting to God’s appointed order, he sought to elevate himself through his own efforts and desires. This reminds us of the importance of humility and recognizing that true exaltation comes from God alone.
- God’s Sovereign Will:Adonijah’s failed attempt to become king highlights the fact that God’s will cannot be thwarted. Despite Adonijah’s efforts, God had already chosen Solomon as the next king. It reminds us that God’s plans and purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of the schemes and ambitions of individuals.
- Trusting God’s Timing:Adonijah’s impatience led him to act prematurely. He failed to trust in God’s timing and chose to take matters into his own hands. In our own lives, it is essential to patiently wait for God’s timing, trusting that He knows what is best for us.
- Seek God’s Will:Rather than pursuing our own ambitions, it is crucial to seek God’s will and align our desires with His plans. Adonijah’s actions were self-centered, whereas we are called to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33).
Overall, 1 Kings 1:5 teaches us valuable lessons about pride, patience, trust in God’s timing, and the importance of seeking God’s will in our lives.
