1 Kings 1 -- David Installs Solomon As His Co-Regent

David's kingship was almost over.  His first through fourth sons were all dead.  "Adonijah was his oldest living son and he felt that he deserved the throne.  After all, his father was a sick man and would soon die ... Adonijah underestimated the stamina and wisdom of the old warrior and ultimately paid for his pride with his life."

Adonijah planned to announce that he'd assumed kingship, and he garnered support from Joab, the army commander, and Abiathar, the high priest, despite the fact that David had already announced that Solomon would become the next king.

The prophet Nathan heard about the coronation party and also discovered that David's closest advisers and Solomon had not been informed or invited.  He enlisted Bathsheba to talk to David and get him to reaffirm the promise regarding Solomon, which she did.  Nathan then entered the room and also informed David about the unofficial coronation party.

Seeing what appeared to be a repeat of Absalom's rebellion forming, David instructed his loyalists to take Solomon to the spring at Gihon and publicly anoint him.  This would set up a co-regency where Solomon would immediately begin to rule as king with his father instead of having to wait for David to die.  The public was thrilled and began a noisy celebration which soon echoed to the building where Adonijah was scheming.  Knowing they were all in trouble, the guests piled out and went home, and adonijah fled to the tent in Jerusalem that was serving as the tabernacle, where he took hold of the horns of the altar -- a symbolic move meant to ensure asylum that would at least delay judgment.  Solomon showed mercy by allowing Adonijah to return home under house arrest, where he could be carefully watched.

Father, Your will cannot be thwarted.  You are God and You win every time.  Help me never to go against Your sovereign will.  Help my sons to honor You and bow to that will as well.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford