# Overview 1 Kings Chapter 1 sets the stage for the transition of power from #KingDavid to his son #Solomon. The chapter begins with an elderly and frail David, unable to keep warm, prompting his servants to seek a young virgin, #Abishag the Shunammite, to care for him. Meanwhile, David's son #Adonijah, who is ambitious and handsome, makes a bid for the throne, asserting himself as king without David's consent. He gains the support of key figures like #Joab, the commander of the army, and #Abiathar the priest. However, notable leaders such as #Nathan the prophet, #Benaiah, and #Zadok the priest remain loyal to David and do not support Adonijah's claim. The narrative highlights the political intrigue and divine intervention in the succession process. #Nathan and #Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, approach David to remind him of his promise to make Solomon king. In response, David decisively acts by instructing Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to anoint Solomon as king, riding on David's own mule as a sign of legitimacy. The chapter concludes with Solomon being anointed as king, and Adonijah's supporters dispersing in fear. This chapter underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David, ensuring that his lineage would continue through Solomon, and sets the foundation for Solomon's reign and the building of the #Temple. ## Theological Insights 1 Kings 1 sets the stage for the transition of leadership in #Israel from King #David to his son #Solomon. The chapter highlights the divine sovereignty and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, particularly regarding the Davidic covenant established in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]], where God promised David that his throne would be established forever. The chapter begins with #David in his old age, illustrating both the frailty of human leaders and the necessity of God's guidance in leadership transitions. The attempt by #Adonijah, David's son, to usurp the throne without David's consent or divine approval, underscores the theme of human ambition versus divine will. Adonijah's actions contrast with God's plan, which ultimately favors #Solomon as the chosen king. #Nathan the prophet and #Bathsheba play pivotal roles in ensuring that Solomon is anointed as king, highlighting the importance of prophetic guidance and the fulfillment of God's promises. Nathan's intervention is significant because it reflects the prophetic office's role in guiding the nation of Israel according to God's will and upholding divine justice. The chapter also emphasizes the faithfulness of God to His word. Solomon's anointing as king, as orchestrated by David and supported by Nathan and Bathsheba, aligns with God's covenant with David. This points to God's unwavering commitment to His promises and the continuity of His redemptive plan through the Davidic line, which ultimately leads to the coming of the #Messiah, as foreseen in the lineage outlined in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]. In summary, 1 Kings 1 is a testament to God's sovereign control over the affairs of His people, the importance of aligning with His divine will, and the assurance that His promises, particularly concerning the Davidic line, are steadfast and reliable. ## Thematic Connections ### Transition of Power and Divine Sovereignty 1 Kings 1 is centered around the transition of power from #KingDavid to #Solomon, highlighting themes of divine sovereignty and human agency in the establishment of leadership. The chapter echoes earlier transitions, such as the passing of leadership from #Moses to #Joshua in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 31]] and from #Saul to #David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]]. This transition underscores the biblical pattern that while humans may plot and plan, true authority comes from God, who directs the affairs of nations according to His will. ### Prophetic Fulfillment and the Davidic Covenant The chapter reflects the fulfillment of the #DavidicCovenant, where God promises David that his offspring will sit on the throne and establish an eternal kingdom (as seen in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]]). The anointing of Solomon as king fulfills this divine promise, tying into the broader biblical narrative of God’s faithfulness to His covenants and His people, which can also be seen in God’s covenant with #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]]. ### Intrigue and Human Ambition The plot by #Adonijah to seize the throne demonstrates human ambition and intrigue, a recurring theme in Scripture. Similar narratives include #Absalom’s rebellion against David in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 15]] and the rivalry between #Jacob and #Esau for their father’s blessing in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 27]]. These stories reveal the tension between human desires and divine purposes, illustrating how God’s plans ultimately prevail despite human scheming. ### The Role of Prophets and Advisors The involvement of #Nathan the prophet and #Bathsheba in ensuring Solomon’s succession highlights the role of prophets and advisors in guiding and influencing the course of events according to God’s will. This can be compared to the influence of #Samuel in the anointing of David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]] and the counsel of #Jethro to #Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 18]]. Such narratives emphasize the importance of godly counsel and prophetic insight in leadership transitions and decision-making. ### Faithfulness and Loyalty The loyalty of #Benaiah, #Zadok, and #Nathan to David and Solomon exemplifies themes of faithfulness and loyalty. This mirrors the allegiance of #Jonathan to #David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 20]] and the faithfulness of #Ruth to #Naomi in [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 1]]. These connections highlight the biblical value placed on steadfast loyalty and the support of God’s chosen leaders. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### David's Promise of a Successor In 1 Kings Chapter 1, the fulfillment of God's covenant with #David concerning his dynasty is set into motion. The chapter details the struggle for succession between #Adonijah and #Solomon. The promise of a successor from David’s own lineage is part of the prophecy given to David in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]], where God promises that David's throne will be established forever. The anointing of Solomon as king fulfills this divine promise, underscoring God's sovereignty in establishing the royal lineage through which the #Messiah would eventually come. ### The Establishment of the Davidic Line The events of 1 Kings Chapter 1 also connect to the broader theme of the Davidic covenant, which is foundational to Israel's understanding of kingship and God's promises. Solomon's anointing as king by #Nathan the prophet and #Zadok the priest highlights the divine approval and prophetic endorsement of God’s chosen ruler, aligning with the prophetic tradition that a descendant of David will always sit on the throne, as later reaffirmed by prophets like [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 33]]. ### The Role of Prophets and Priests In this chapter, the involvement of Nathan and Zadok in Solomon's anointing signifies the prophetic and priestly affirmation of God's will. Throughout Israel's history, prophets and priests play crucial roles in guiding the people according to God's purposes. Their actions in 1 Kings 1 foreshadow the prophetic fulfillment of the coming #Messiah, who would be both a king and a priest, as alluded to in passages like [[Psalm/Psalm 110]] and further explicated in the New Testament in the book of [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7|Hebrews 7]]. ### Solomon as a Type of Christ Solomon, whose name means "peace," prefigures the coming of the Prince of Peace, [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. The peaceful transition of power, despite Adonijah's attempt to usurp the throne, reflects the divine orchestration of events leading to the fulfillment of God's promises. Solomon's eventual reign of peace and wisdom is a foreshadowing of Christ's eternal reign, as prophesied in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9|Isaiah 9:6-7]], where the government will be upon His shoulders and His peace will have no end. ### The Divine Guidance in Leadership The chapter implicitly highlights God's guidance in leadership transitions, reinforcing the belief in divine providence over human affairs. The narrative of Solomon’s anointing as king is a testament to God's intervention and fulfillment of His promises, ensuring that the lineage leading to the Messiah remains intact. This theme resonates with the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness, as seen throughout scripture, including the promise of a coming Savior in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 22|Genesis 22:18]]. ## Verses - **1 Kings 1:1** - "King #David was now very old, and no matter how many blankets covered him, he could not keep warm." - **1 Kings 1:2** - "So his advisers told him, ‘Let us find a young virgin to wait on you and look after you, my lord. She will lie in your arms and keep you warm.’" - **1 Kings 1:3** - "So they searched throughout the land of Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag from #Shunem and brought her to the king." - **1 Kings 1:4** - "The girl was very beautiful, and she looked after the king and took care of him. But the king had no sexual relations with her." - **1 Kings 1:5** - "About that time #Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, ‘I will make myself king.’ So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him." - **1 Kings 1:6** - "Now his father, King #David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, ‘Why are you doing that?’ Adonijah had been born next after #Absalom, and he was very handsome." - **1 Kings 1:7** - "Adonijah took Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest into his confidence, and they agreed to help him become king." - **1 Kings 1:8** - "But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s personal bodyguard refused to support Adonijah." - **1 Kings 1:9** - "Adonijah went to the Stone of Zoheleth near the spring of En-rogel, where he sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves. He invited all his brothers—the other sons of King #David—and all the royal officials of Judah." - **1 Kings 1:10** - "But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the king’s bodyguard or his brother Solomon." - **1 Kings 1:11** - "Then Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and asked her, ‘Haven’t you heard that Haggith’s son #Adonijah has made himself king, and our lord #David doesn’t even know about it?’" - **1 Kings 1:12** - "If you want to save your own life and the life of your son Solomon, follow my advice." - **1 Kings 1:13** - "Go at once to King #David and say to him, ‘My lord the king, didn’t you make a vow and say to me, “Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne”? Why then has #Adonijah become king?’" - **1 Kings 1:14** - "And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said." - **1 Kings 1:15** - "So Bathsheba went into the king’s bedroom. (He was very old now, and Abishag was taking care of him.)" - **1 Kings 1:16** - "Bathsheba bowed down before the king. ‘What can I do for you?’ he asked her." - **1 Kings 1:17** - "She replied, ‘My lord, you made a vow before the Lord your God when you said to me, “Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne.”" - **1 Kings 1:18** - "But instead, #Adonijah has made himself king, and my lord the king does not even know about it." - **1 Kings 1:19** - "He has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king’s sons to attend the celebration. He also invited Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon." - **1 Kings 1:20** - "And now, my lord the king, all Israel is waiting for you to announce who will become king after you." - **1 Kings 1:21** - "If you do not act, my son #Solomon and I will be treated as criminals as soon as my lord the king has died." - **1 Kings 1:22** - "While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived." - **1 Kings 1:23** - "The king’s officials told him, ‘Nathan the prophet is here to see you.’ Nathan went in and bowed before the king with his face to the ground." - **1 Kings 1:24** - "Nathan asked, ‘My lord the king, have you decided that #Adonijah will be the next king and that he will sit on your throne?’" - **1 Kings 1:25** - "Today he has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king’s sons to attend the celebration. He also invited the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. They are feasting and drinking with him and shouting, “Long live King Adonijah!”" - **1 Kings 1:26** - "But he did not invite me or Zadok the priest or Benaiah or your servant #Solomon." - **1 Kings 1:27** - "Has my lord the king really done this without letting any of his officials know who should be the next king?" - **1 Kings 1:28** - "King #David responded, ‘Call Bathsheba!’ So she came back in and stood before the king." - **1 Kings 1:29** - "And the king repeated his vow: ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who has rescued me from every danger," - **1 Kings 1:30** - "Your son #Solomon will be the next king and will sit on my throne this very day, just as I vowed to you before the Lord, the God of Israel.’" - **1 Kings 1:31** - "Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground before the king and exclaimed, ‘May my lord King #David live forever!’" - **1 Kings 1:32** - "Then King #David ordered, ‘Call Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.’ When they came into the king’s presence," - **1 Kings 1:33** - "the king said to them, ‘Take Solomon and my officials down to Gihon Spring. Solomon is to ride on my own mule.’" - **1 Kings 1:34** - "There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. Blow the ram’s horn and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’" - **1 Kings 1:35** - "Then escort him back here, and he will sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king, for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah." - **1 Kings 1:36** - "‘Amen!’ Benaiah son of Jehoiada replied. ‘May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, decree that it happen.’" - **1 Kings 1:37** - "And may the Lord be with #Solomon as he has been with you, my lord the king, and may he make Solomon’s reign even greater than yours!’" - **1 Kings 1:38** - "So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the king’s bodyguard took Solomon down to Gihon Spring, with Solomon riding on King #David’s own mule." - **1 Kings 1:39** - "There Zadok the priest took the flask of olive oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon with the oil. Then they sounded the ram’s horn and all the people shouted, ‘Long live King #Solomon!’" - **1 Kings 1:40** - "And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound." - **1 Kings 1:41** - "Adonijah and his guests heard the celebrating and shouting just as they were finishing their banquet. When Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn, he asked, ‘What’s going on? Why is the city in such an uproar?’" - **1 Kings 1:42** - "And while he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. ‘Come in,’ Adonijah said to him, ‘for you are a good man. You must have good news.’" - **1 Kings 1:43** - "‘Not at all!’ Jonathan replied. ‘Our lord King #David has just declared Solomon king!’" - **1 Kings 1:44** - "The king sent him down to Gihon Spring with Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, protected by the king’s bodyguard. They had him ride on the king’s own mule," - **1 Kings 1:45** - "and Zadok and Nathan have anointed him at Gihon Spring as the new king. They have just returned, and the whole city is celebrating and rejoicing. That’s what all the noise is about." - **1 Kings 1:46** - "What’s more, #Solomon is now sitting on the royal throne as king." - **1 Kings 1:47** - "And all the royal officials have gone to King #David and congratulated him, saying, ‘May your God make Solomon’s fame even greater than your own, and may Solomon’s reign be even greater than yours!’ Then the king bowed his head in worship as he lay in his bed," - **1 Kings 1:48** - "and he said, ‘Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who today has chosen a successor to sit on my throne while I am still alive to see it.’" - **1 Kings 1:49** - "Then all of Adonijah’s guests jumped up in panic from the banquet table and quickly scattered." - **1 Kings 1:50** - "Adonijah was afraid of #Solomon, so he rushed to the sacred tent and grabbed on to the horns of the altar." - **1 Kings 1:51** - "Word soon reached Solomon that Adonijah had seized the horns of the altar in fear and that he was pleading, ‘Let King Solomon swear today that he will not kill me!’" - **1 Kings 1:52** - "Solomon replied, ‘If he proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die.’" - **1 Kings 1:53** - "So King #Solomon summoned Adonijah, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and bowed respectfully before King #Solomon, who dismissed him, saying, ‘Go on home.’" ### Cross-References by Chapter - **David** - [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]], [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]] - **Solomon** - [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 12]], [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 1]] - **Adonijah** - [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 2]] - **Nathan the Prophet** - [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 12]]