SERIES L --- THE NATION DIVIDES --- LESSON 01

SOLOMON CROWNED

SOLOMON BECOMES KING

From 1 Kings 1

The years passed and David became an old man. He was so old that he had to stay in bed. The king’s helpers piled several covers on him to keep him warm, but still he was cold. [Let’s find a young woman who can take care of the king and help him keep warm,] the king’s helpers said. After they searched the land, they found a very beautiful young woman named Abishag, who lived at Shunam and brought her to the palace to care for the king. While this was going on, Adonijah, David’s oldest living son and the son of David’s wife Haggith, made plans to have himself crowned king. He got a chariot and horsemen, as well as fifty men to run before the chariot. Then he talked with Joab, David’s army commander and Abiathar the priest and they both decided to help him become king. Adonijah was a spoiled son, for King David had never disciplined him. Although he was very handsome, like his full brother, Prince Absalom, he had never had the advantage of his father’s correction, for David had never offered as much as a scolding. Many important leaders of the nation did not support Adonijah as king, including such people as the priests Zadok and Benaiah, the prophet Nathan, Shimei, Rei, the mighty men who were loyal to King David, and David’s son Solomon. But David’s other sons supported Adonijah. Adonijah arranged for his own coronation ceremony at En-rogel. He called together his loyal supporters for the ceremony; Joab, Abiathar the priest, many of the royal leaders of Judah and his brothers, except Solomon. He did not invite Nathan, Benaiah or David’s mighty men of war. Then at En-rogel, at a place called The Serpent’s Stone, Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen and fattened cattle. When Nathan the prophet learned what had happened, he went to see Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. [Have you heard that Adonijah has made himself king, yet David doesn’t know about it?] he asked. [Now here is a way to save your life and the life of your son Solomon. Hurry to King David and remind him of his promise to make Solomon king. Then ask him why Adonijah has become king. While you are there, I will come to see the king and assure him that these things you say are true.] Bathsheba hurried to see King David, as Nathan had advised her to do. She bowed before the king to honour him. [What is your desire?] the king asked. [Do you remember your vow to me that my son Solomon would be the next king?] Bathsheba asked David. [Now Adonijah has made himself king without even letting you know about it. And he has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle and sheep to celebrate his coronation. Your other sons are there with Joab and Abiathar, but Solomon was not invited. Now my lord, all Israel is watching to see whom you choose as the next king. If you do not choose Solomon, then he and I will surely be executed as soon as you die.] As Bathsheba was talking with the king, his assistants told him that Nathan the prophet was waiting to see him. Bathsheba stepped outside the room as Nathan came in and bowed before the king. [Have you given permission for Adonijah to crown himself king today?] Nathan asked. [He has invited the important people of the land to a great celebration and has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle and sheep in large numbers. Your army commanders are there, as well as Abiathar the priest. At this very moment they are feasting and drinking and shouting ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ He did not invite me, Zadok the priest, Benaiah or Solomon. Have you given your permission for this and yet have not told us about it?] King David thought for a moment then commanded, [Bring Bathsheba back into the room.] Bathsheba returned quickly and stood before the king. [I vow again that your son Solomon will be the next king,] David said to Bathsheba, [just as I vowed to you before Adonai earlier.] Bathsheba went down on her knees and placed her face to the ground, showing great respect for David. [May you live forever!] she said in gratitude. [Now call Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah’s son of Jehoiada,] David commanded. As soon as they came before the king, David commanded them, [Take my bodyguard with Solomon to Gihon Spring. Let Solomon ride on my own mule. Zadok and Nathan will anoint Solomon there as the new king. When the anointing is done, blow the trumpets and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ Then bring Solomon back here where he will sit upon my throne, for I have appointed him the next king over Israel.] [Amen! Let it be done!] said Benaiah. [May Adonai put His blessing on this. May He be with your son Solomon as He has been with you, and may He make Solomon’s reign even greater than the reign of David.] Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah and David’s bodyguard took Solomon who was riding on King David’s personal mule, to Gihon Spring. Zadok the priest took a horn filled with sacred oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon with it. When the trumpet sounded, the people who had gathered to watch shouted, [Long live King Solomon!] The people followed Solomon back to the palace, playing flutes and making such a commotion that it seemed that the earth would split. Adonijah and his friends were finishing their feast when they heard all the noise. When Joab heard the trumpet sound, he asked, [What’s happening? Why all the noise in the city?] At that very moment Abiathar’s son Jonathan ran in. [Come,] Adonijah said to him. [Since you are a good man, you must bring good news.] [It is not good news for you,] replied Jonathan. [King David has appointed Solomon as king and sent him to Gihon Spring with Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah and the king’s bodyguard. He also gave him his personal mule to ride. Zadok and Nathan anointed him king and when he returned to sit on David’s throne, the whole city broke out in loud celebration. Solomon now sits on King David’s throne and the people come before him to shout their praises and to wish him a greater reign than his father had. The people are bringing their praise to King David, who lies in bed and he accepts it. King David has said, [‘Praise YHVH for placing the next king upon my throne so that I can see him.’] Suddenly terror swept through the people at Adonijah’s feast. They all jumped up and ran to their homes, afraid that they would be executed as traitors. Afraid for his life, Adonijah ran to the tabernacle and grabbed the horns of the altar. Before long word reached Solomon that Adonijah was afraid of him and was holding onto the horns of the altar where he would be safe from harm. [I will not let go until Solomon swears that he will not kill me with the sword,] Adonijah said. Solomon answered, [If Adonijah does what is right, he will live. If he does not, he will die.] King Solomon had Adonijah brought before him. Adonijah bowed before him and Solomon quickly ordered him to go home.

COMMENTARY

THE KING’S MULE

The Israelites prized the mule for its unique traits. A cross between a male donkey and a female horse, the mule combined the best qualities of each. Sturdy and surefooted, it endured hard work with the patience of a donkey; strong and swift, it was as useful as a chariot horse. Interestingly, Jewish Law prohibited the Israelites from raising mules since they were a cross between two breeds. But David admired them enough to import the best from countries that specialized in breeding. Mules were especially good as pack animals in the rough hills of Palestine. In addition, they could withstand the heat and dry conditions that often plagued the land. David’s warriors held the animals in such high regard that they preferred to enter battle on mules rather than on horses. Even during the wealthy reign of Solomon, foreign rulers considered their animals of enough value to include them as tribute with gifts of gold and other luxuries. Riding a mule was evidence of wealth and high position. Nobility thought of them as the finest mounts; every prince travelled with his own animal. To ride the king’s mule was little different from sitting on his throne or wearing his crown. David’s own mule was one of the most personal and impressive symbols of his kingship.