Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” (v.5)
The opening chapter of 1 Kings presents us with a kingdom in transitional crisis. King David was old and feeble, yet as he neared death he was remarkably unconcerned about the future of his kingdom. Seizing the moment, David's son Adonijah took matters into his own hands and declared himself the new king.
While the kingdom teetered on the edge of disaster, Nathan informed Bathsheba of the situation and devised a plan to rouse David from his indifference. Informing David of the breaking news and reminding him of his promise to Solomon, Nathan and Bathsheba called David to action. The weak and silent David depicted in the first half of the chapter now issued multiple commands (vv. 28-37). As a result, Solomon was anointed king. The city rejoiced, and Adonijah and his cohort submitted to Solomon's reign and disaster was averted.
From one perspective, the fate of the kingdom hinged on Nathan and God seemed out of sight. But as we often find in Scripture, when God is not out in the open, He is often working behind the scenes. God had promised that He would establish David's kingdom forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13). In 1 Kings 1, Nathan acted, but the broader context of Scripture tells us that God was at work fulfilling His promises.
We need to remember that God rules over the kingdoms of earth. He raises up leaders and brings them down, whether in politics or in the church. Sometimes it's necessary to replace an ineffective leader, but we must pursue that option only after careful thought and earnest prayer for God's direction. We should never become part of a move that serves the ambition of some power-hungry person instead of honoring the Lord who rules over all. –D C Egner
The Truth: “The Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.” (Daniel 5:21)
