“And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.”
This verse is part of the narrative surrounding the transition of power from King David to his son Solomon. Adonijah, another son of David, attempted to seize the throne for himself, going against the will of David and God’s plan. Let’s explore this verse in context and uncover some key insights:
Background:At this point in David’s life, he was aging, and his reign as king was coming to an end. Adonijah, being the eldest living son of David, saw an opportunity to take the throne. However, it was God’s plan for Solomon, David’s chosen successor, to become the next king of Israel.
Conferencing with Joab and Abiathar:In his attempt to gain support, Adonijah conferred with two influential figures: Joab, the commander of David’s army, and Abiathar, the priest. Joab was a loyal and skilled general, but he had a history of acting independently and making questionable decisions. Abiathar was a high priest who had been loyal to David, but he had supported Adonijah’s older brother, Absalom, in his rebellion against David earlier. Adonijah sought their endorsement for his claim to the throne.
Following and helping Adonijah:The verse mentions that Joab and Abiathar, along with others, followed Adonijah and provided assistance to him in his bid for the throne. This action was against God’s plan, as He had designated Solomon to succeed David. The support of influential figures like Joab and Abiathar could have given Adonijah’s rebellion a greater chance of success.
God’s Sovereignty:Despite the efforts of Adonijah and his supporters, God had already determined that Solomon would be the next king. Adonijah’s attempt to usurp the throne ultimately failed, and Solomon ascended to the throne as God had ordained.
Lessons we can learn from 1 Kings 1:7:
- God’s plans are sovereign: This verse reminds us that God’s plans will always prevail, regardless of the efforts of individuals who try to go against His will. Adonijah’s rebellion serves as a reminder that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted.
- The danger of seeking human approval over God’s will: Joab and Abiathar’s decision to support Adonijah reveals the danger of prioritizing human approval and personal ambitions over obedience to God. It is essential for us to seek God’s guidance and align our actions with His will, even if it means going against popular opinion or personal desires.
- The consequences of rebellion: Adonijah’s rebellion had serious consequences. In subsequent chapters of 1 Kings, Solomon deals with those who supported Adonijah’s bid for the throne. This serves as a reminder that rebellion against God’s appointed leaders or His plans can lead to negative consequences.
In conclusion, 1 Kings 1:7 illustrates the initial stages of Adonijah’s attempt to seize the throne and highlights the importance of aligning ourselves with God’s will. It also reminds us of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His plans.
