And hee conferred with Ioab the sonne of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the Priest: and they following Adoniiah, helped him. 1 Kings 1:7 (KJV)
This verse belongs to the narrative that records the uneasy transition of power from King David to his son Solomon. At this stage David was old and his reign was drawing to a close. Adonijah, the eldest surviving son, perceived an opening to claim the throne for himself, even though God had already appointed Solomon as David’s successor.
In pursuit of support, Adonijah conferred with two highly influential men: Joab, the commander of David’s army, and Abiathar, the high priest. Joab was a seasoned and capable general, yet his record showed a tendency to act on his own initiative and make questionable decisions. Abiathar, a priest who had remained faithful to David through earlier crises, also held considerable sway among the people and the court. Their endorsement would have lent considerable legitimacy to Adonijah’s claim.
The verse records that Joab and Abiathar, together with others, followed Adonijah and assisted him in his bid for the throne. Their backing represented a direct challenge to the divine plan that designated Solomon as the next king. Although their influence could have increased the chances of success for Adonijah’s rebellion, God’s sovereign purpose was already established.
God’s sovereignty is underscored by the outcome: despite the machinations of Adonijah and his supporters, Solomon ultimately ascended the throne as God had ordained. The failure of Adonijah’s attempt demonstrates that human schemes cannot overturn divine determination.
From this passage we can draw several lessons. First, God’s plans are supreme and will prevail over any human effort that seeks to thwart them. Second, the episode warns against placing trust in human approval or personal ambition rather than seeking God’s guidance; both Joab and Abiathar chose the former, exposing themselves to later judgment. Third, the narrative shows that rebellion against God‑appointed authority carries serious consequences, as later chapters reveal Solomon’s response toward those who aided Adonijah.
In conclusion, 1 Kings 1:7 highlights the early stage of Adonijah’s ill‑fated attempt to seize the throne, the role of influential supporters, and the unshakable sovereignty of God. It calls believers to align themselves with God’s will, to respect divinely appointed leadership, and to trust that God’s purposes will ultimately be fulfilled.
