As King David became more frail, hospice was called to make his final days more comfortable -- okay, so it was a beautiful young woman who was called to give hospice care :) Meanwhile, Adonijah, David's son, "decided to make himself king in place of his aged father. So he provided himself..."(1 Kings 1:5). He schemed to get what he wanted. He did not ask God if it was what He wanted, but instead, took David's army captain and a priest into his confidence, attempting to portray that God approved of what he was doing. But God put Nathan the prophet on the job of making things right.
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? If you want to save your own life and the life of your son Solomon, follow my advice. 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?’ And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said.”
So Bathsheba went into the king’s bedroom. (He was very old now, and Abishag was taking care of him.) Bathsheba bowed down before the king. “What can I do for you?” he asked her. 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.’ But instead, Adonijah has made himself king, and my lord the king does not even know about it. 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. And now, my lord the king, all Israel is waiting for you to announce who will become king after you. If you do not act, my son Solomon and I will be treated as criminals as soon as my lord the king has died.”
While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived. 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. Nathan asked, “My lord the king, have you decided that Adonijah will be the next king and that he will sit on your throne? 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!’ But he did not invite me or Zadok the priest or Benaiah or your servant Solomon. Has my lord the king really done this without letting any of his officials know who should be the next king?” (1 Kings 1:11-27)When David realized what was happening, he immediately appointed Solomon to be king, and promptly set him on the throne while Adonijah was still partying! When this became known to Adonijah and his conspirators, everyone abandoned Adonijah. They didn't want to be caught by Solomon to have been in confidence with Adonijah. Adonijah himself ran to "the sacred tent and caught hold of the horns of the altar," a gesture which called out for mercy.
And here is Solomon's first act as king, an act that demonstrates his trust in God to make things right:
Word soon reached Solomon that Adonijah had seized the horns of the altar and that he was pleading, "Let Solomon swear today that he will not kill me!" Solomon replied, "If he proves himself to be loyal, he will not be harmed. But if he does not, he will die. So King Solomon summoned Adonijah, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and bowed low before the king, and Solomon dismissed him, saying, "Go on home." (1 Kings 1:51-53)Solomon did not make any attempt to retaliate against Adonijah, he simply showed mercy and trust. He trusted the very God who put him on the throne to protect him from Andonijah. Sadly, that is not the end of the story -- Adonijah once again tries to manipulate his way to the throne, and Solomon finally gives him his due. (1 Kings 2:13-25)
Sometimes it's so easy for us to try to bring "God's will" to pass -- as if He needs the assistance of mere mortals! Abraham and Sarah tried to hasten God's plan along, and it brought great strife between his sons and their descendants that has lasted for thousands of years. Moses' justifiable anger at the faithlessness of Israel was not handled properly, and he had to forfeit entrance to Canaan.
I'm learning once again (yes, unfortunately I have YET to graduate from this course...) that God can really handle things on His own, that He can be trusted to do what is best for me. The pitiful part is that when I do forfeit control and then He proves Himself, I am greatly surprised!! I am so thankful for His patience in dealing with me, and that He doesn't get tired of repeating Himself.
