What happens in this passage after David dies and is buried?

After David dies and is buried in the city that bears his name, the story shifts to Solomon. David’s forty years of ruling are summed up, showing God’s plan carried on through his life. Solomon now sits on his father’s throne, and his rule is described as firmly established. Right after this, the peace is tested. Adonijah, who had tried before to become king, visits Bathsheba quietly and begins to work on a new plan through a personal request.

Why is it important that David reigned forty years in Hebron and Jerusalem?

The mention of forty years, with seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem, shows that David’s rule was long and settled. First he ruled only over Judah in Hebron, then over all Israel from Jerusalem. This reminder at his death marks the end of one era and the start of another. It also shows that Solomon is not taking an empty throne; he inherits a kingdom that God has shaped and held together over many years through David’s leadership.

Who is Adonijah in this passage, and why does he come to Bathsheba?

Adonijah is one of David’s sons, born to Haggith, and had earlier tried to make himself king. In this passage he comes quietly to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. She is cautious and asks if he comes in peace, because she knows his past ambition. He says he comes peacefully and then tells her he has something to ask. He wants her to use her place as the king’s mother to carry a request for him, since he believes Solomon will not refuse her.

What is the meaning of Adonijah’s request for Abishag the Shunammite?

Adonijah asks Bathsheba to speak to Solomon so he can marry Abishag, the young woman who had served David when he was old. On the surface it sounds like a simple marriage request. But in that culture, taking a former king’s concubine or attendant could be seen as a claim to the throne. Even though Adonijah says the kingdom has gone to Solomon by the Lord, this request hints that his desire for power is not fully gone, which helps explain why Solomon later treats it as a threat.

Why does Adonijah say, “The kingdom was mine,” yet also say it was Solomon’s from the Lord?

Adonijah tells Bathsheba that the kingdom was his and that all Israel had set their faces on him, meaning he felt like the rightful heir as the older son and thought people supported him. Then he admits the kingdom has turned and is now Solomon’s from the Lord. This shows his disappointment and how he wants Bathsheba’s pity, but also that he now recognizes God’s choice of Solomon. Even so, by bringing this up before his request, he reveals that his heart is still tied to the lost throne.

Why does Bathsheba ask Adonijah if he comes peaceably?

Bathsheba’s first question, “Comest thou peaceably?” shows she is wary. She knows Adonijah had tried to take the crown before and that her own actions helped secure the throne for Solomon instead. In such a setting, visits from former rivals could be dangerous. By asking if he comes in peace, she is checking his intentions and protecting herself and her son. His answer, “Peaceably,” tries to calm her fears and open the door for his request, which he presents as harmless.

Who is Abishag the Shunammite mentioned in Adonijah’s request?

Abishag is the young woman from Shunem who had attended David in his final days, caring for him and lying in his bosom to keep him warm, though he did not sleep with her. In this passage she is still known as “the Shunammite,” and her place in the royal household is clear because Adonijah needs the king’s permission to marry her. Her connection to David makes her more than just another woman; joining himself to her would link Adonijah symbolically to the old king’s house.

Why does Bathsheba agree to speak to Solomon for Adonijah?

Bathsheba answers, “Well; I will speak for thee unto the king,” because she sees the request, on the surface, as small and personal. She likely feels some pity for Adonijah, who has lost the throne and speaks of his disappointment. She also trusts that Solomon listens to her and may assume that if anything is out of line, Solomon will see it. The passage shows her acting as a go-between in the royal family, not yet aware of how serious Solomon will judge Adonijah’s plan to be.

What does this passage teach about God’s control over the throne of Israel?

This passage hints strongly that the throne is not just a family prize but is guided by God. Adonijah admits that the kingdom is now Solomon’s from the Lord, even though he once tried to take it for himself. David’s long reign and Solomon’s firmly set throne show that human plans and power plays do not finally decide who rules. God’s promise to keep a man on the throne from David’s line is at work, and even the plots and disappointments of people end up serving that larger plan.

1Kgs.2.10

1 Kings 2:10

KJV

So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

David’s Reign and Death

So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

¶ And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.

And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the Lord.

And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.

And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.

And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.

¶ Bath-sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.

Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.

And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.

And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

Then king Solomon sware by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.

Now therefore, as the Lord liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.

And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.

¶ And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.

So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord; that he might fulfil the word of the Lord, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

Cross References

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